EMPOWERING CHRISTIAN WOMEN

Scandalon

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:18:00 +0000

Scandalon ~ Michael Card

The seers and the prophets had foretold it long ago
That the long awaited one would make men stumble
But they were looking for a king to conquer and to kill
Who'd have ever thought He'd be so meek and humble

He will be the truth that will offend them one and all
A stone that makes men stumble
And a rock that makes them fall
Many will be broken so that He can make them whole
And many will be crushed and lose their own soul

Along the path of life there lies a stubborn Scandalon
And all who come this way must be offended
To some He is a barrier, To others He's the way
For all should know the scandal of believing

It seems today the Scandalon offends no one at all
The image we present can be stepped over
Could it be that we are like the others long ago
Will we ever learn that all who come must stumble

Sin's Devastation and God's Restoration

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:17:00 +0000

How could a committed Christian woman – and a happy, happy-go-lucky, and a happily married wife and mother – with a very public ministry - fall into the sin of adultery?

What began as an innocent friendship became an “emotional affair” and eventually led to “romantic feelings.”

Isolated from connection with her husband or anyone who could hold her accountable, Audrey pushed aside the feelings of guilt and continued to compromise.

Many things led her to the place of adultery; she was burned out, far too busy and yet bored at the same time. Her confidence in her own “immunity” was the very thing that left her completely vulnerable to the infection of sin. Her pride in having an “exceptional” marriage blinded her perception and she fell to the sin of adultery.

Read the complete article:

Sin's Devastation and God's Restoration
*excerpted from Marriage Undercover by Bob and Audrey Meisner

You can also watch these interviews to learn more:

Marriage Undercover ~ Bob & Audrey Meisner Part 1/3

Marriage Under Cover ~ Bob & Audrey Meisner Part 2/3

Marriage Undercover ~ Bob & Audrey Meisner Part 3/3

(c) Marriage Undercover & Bob & Audrey Meisner

One of the most transparent and heart-wrenching books
that I have ever read! ~ Karla Meachem

The Price BEHIND The Anointing

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:40:00 +0000

* This article was shared at SpiritLed eMagazine;

I'm sure for some of you, it is JUST the word you need. :)

by Jill Austin

Imagine that you are sitting in church one Sunday and suddenly, the room is filled with the fragrance of Jesus. As you look down the aisle, you notice some incredibly beautiful vessels of the Lord entering the sanctuary.

These vessels are full of the Shekinah glory of the Lord, and their transparent glaze wonderfully reflects the image of Jesus. You immediately know that they have been in the high glory fires of the Lord and that they have paid an incredible price for the powerful anointing they carry.

In your spirit, you see Jesus walking up and down the aisles with wedding gowns on His arms. “Do you want My anointing?” He asks. “Do you want My presence and My miracles?

“I’m calling you to be My bride,” He continues. “I want you to be like the chosen vessels of honor you see here. Do you love Me enough to come with Me?”

The Scriptures tell us, “Many are called, but few chosen” (Matt. 20:16, NKJV). I believe it is the Lord’s desire for all of us to be chosen vessels. But many believers are not pursuing the high calling and destiny the Lord has purposed for them because they are not willing to pay the price.

As clay vessels, each of us must take a journey. The steps in this journey can be painful but are necessary for us to be transformed from broken bits of clay into anointed vessels that reflect the glory of the Lord.

Step 1. The Potter’s House

When the Lord, the Master Potter, first finds you in the potter’s field, you are a broken vessel in need of salvation. He gently picks you up and carries you back to the Potter’s house. “Even though you are a shattered clay vessel and all your hopes and dreams have been destroyed,” He tells you, “I have a vision and a destiny for your life.”

He takes a rock and begins pounding your broken pieces of clay into fine dust. When you cry out in protest, He explains with great compassion, “I must take out all the rocks, thistles, thorns and foreign matter—all the debris you have picked up on the highway of life.”

Next, He carefully places the clay dust in large bins and pours in the clear living water that proceeds from the throne of God. He drenches you until you’ve absorbed this living water into every pore of your being. You begin to feel His love as never before.

Step 2. The Potter’s Wheel

The Lord then scoops up the moistened clay with His mighty hand and places you on the Potter’s wheel. You hear His promise: “I have measured you; I know your portion; I know what destiny I have for you. For even though the enemy would want to kill you, I tell you, I have a mission and a calling for your life.”

He begins to center you on the wheel. Slowly, His gentle hands go down into the very depths of who you are and begin to pull up the walls of your new vessel.

Step 3. The Potter’s Shelf

While you are on the Potter’s wheel, being shaped by the hands of the Master Potter, there is a wonderful mystery taking place within you. You are growing! It is a time of great favor and blessing.

But as you go around and around, you begin to notice other vessels sitting on the shelves around the Potter’s house. You want to be like them.

“Lord, I love the closeness and intimacy of Your hands,” you cry. “But I see all these other vessels sitting on the shelf, and I want to be a part of what they’re doing!”

Suddenly the Lord comes with His cutting wire and pulls it under you to cut you off the wheel. Then He places you on the shelf to dry.

What a change this is from being on the wheel, where you were joyfully spinning in the hands of God! At first, you don’t mind it too much, but after a month or two, you say, “Uh...you know, Lord, I’ve been sitting on the shelf for a long time, and I’m really dry. When is my ministry going to begin?”

You remind Him over and over again, “Lord, I’ve been praying to You!” But you don’t feel His presence. In desperation you cry, “God, where are You? I seem to be in a dry and lonely wilderness!”

“You’re right,” He answers. “You’ve been promoted!” Surprised, you respond, “But, Lord, I thought promotion was getting to start my ministry!”

In His love and wisdom He explains, “Promotion is the wilderness! I’ve called you here so you can learn to recognize My voice. I’m testing your heart. I’m testing your love for Me. Will you continue to seek My face, or will you turn away?

When you were on the wheel, there was great intimacy between you and the Lord. Everybody said such wonderful things about your future! But now that you’re on the shelf, everyone seems to have forgotten you.

“Does God really have a future for my life?” you begin to wonder. “Did He really speak those things to me?” You’ve learned all the worship songs by heart, read all the books, been to all the seminars—yet there’s a dying in your heart because you feel the Lord has forsaken you.

The worst part is that other people don’t understand. “Why don’t you have more faith?” they ask. They don’t understand that God has taken you into the wilderness.

You see, the greater the calling on your life, the greater the misunderstandings and persecutions of other people. This is the price behind the anointing.

“My child,” the Lord says, “as you seek My face you will find the hidden streams of living water beneath the desert floor. For it is not the reputation and approval of man you need; it is to be so deeply rooted in Me that no matter what storms of life come, you will not be moved.”

While God works out His perfect plan, your soul is wrestling and dying in the wilderness. Finally, you stop struggling and quietly pray a prayer of resignation: “Lord, I’ll stay in the wilderness my whole life if I have to. I have found You in this desert, and You are all I need.”

Step 4. The First Firing

Almost immediately, the Lord takes you out of the wilderness and places you in a large room with other dried vessels. At first you are relieved, but as fire starts to come through the floorboards and the top of the ceiling, you panic.

The Lord has moved you from the shelf to the kiln, from the wilderness to His consuming fire. You can sense the heat. You can feel the relentless blaze. Perspiring yourself, you suddenly look over at the sweaty people next to you and realize you don’t even like them!

The Lord never fires just one vessel at a time. He takes a church, a family or a group of friends and sets them on fire to expose everyone’s hearts. In the intense heat, all the impurities of the soul come to the surface. Resentment, bitterness, anger and greed are revealed.

As the fire gets hotter, the pain increases. You cry out, “Lord! Everything in my life is dying!” Relationships with family and friends become strained, you experience persecution at work, and you can’t get along with the people at church.

“God, if you love me, You’ll turn off the heat!” you complain. But the fire continues to blaze even hotter. Finally, the doors open, and the Lord removes the clay vessels and places them back on the shelves.

Now you’re actually happy to be in a hidden place. You decide to sit in the back of the church and not give prophecies or be a part of the prayer team anymore. Oh, yes, you still raise your hands and occasionally pray for people, but you’ve become lukewarm. When the Holy Spirit stirs your heart to give a word, you say, “No! If I give a word, others will judge me. No, Lord, find someone else.”

For a while, God tolerates your pulling back. Then He begins to nudge your spirit. He says: “Are you willing to settle for this, or do you want more of Me? Do you want to become My anointed bride?”

Step 5. The Glazing Room

Something deep inside you stirs—that first call, that sense of destiny you felt as a new believer. “Lord,” you cry, “I don’t want to just sit in the back pew and die. You made me to be a lover of your people and to go out and find broken vessels and bring them to the Potter’s house.

“I know it won’t be easy,” you continue. “I know I will pay an incredible price for the anointing I will carry for You. But, Lord, I want to become Your bride.”

So the Lord takes you into a huge glazing room filled with tables. Angels are moving pitchers from one table to another and placing them with cups on other tables in preparation for the high firing. The soft sound of weeping is heard as vessels that have been together all their lives are being separated.

God is sovereignly moving His different vessels to prepare them for His Great Commission. Some will be staying at home while others will be going to different cities and nations. The angels continue to carefully pour, paint and brush glazes onto each vessel before carrying them into a large kiln.

Step 6. The Second Firing

With raging intensity, the second fire starts to burn through the kiln. Quickly you move from a time of separation into a time of death. There are impurities within each clay vessel that only the fire can purge.

The Lord and His angels shut down the dampers on the kiln, cutting off the flow of oxygen and filling the kiln with carbon dioxide. Black soot along with heavy smoke and flames consumes every vessel in the kiln as it becomes a black fire, your personal Gethsemane.

Abandonment, isolation and death itself are all around you. The fire is so intense that you can’t hear or see the dear friends who have been your comforters and intercessors for so many years. Everyone you love seems to leave you as you die in this blazing inferno.

You say: “Lord, the fire! I’m dying in the midst of it! Everything I’ve built and loved my whole life is being consumed!”

Your heart breaks as your reputation and your walk with the Lord are condemned. Competition, position, jealousy and pride are driven out of your life by the purifying flames.

You feel as if you’re going to explode under the ever-increasing pressure. The Lord tenderly explains, “My child, in the midst of the black fire, a mystery takes place. Brilliant color is pushed deep into the body of the clay vessel.

“My mysteries and My revelations are revealed in the tremendous pressure of the high glory fire. This is a hidden time when the most beautiful colors are formed in the earthenware vessel. The richness and depth of color come from the darkest hours of agony and grief, just as diamonds, rubies, and emeralds come from hot fires inside the earth. In the midst of this second firing, My glory is being released into the depths of who you are.”

Step 7. The Glory Fire

At the moment when you just know you’re going to die, the Lord opens all the dampers. Carbon and black soot escape, oxygen pours in, and the fire starts to burn clean, white and fresh. The resurrection light of the Lord and His white transparent glory fire fill the kiln. Everything seems new because you are no longer looking through the haze of ego, pride or religiousness. You start to see with clarity in the Spirit.

Suddenly, in the midst of the white, transparent, glory fire, you hear the voice of the Lord and see all the angels as well as the Lord Himself. Fresh anointings and impartations are poured out, and fresh hot commissions and renewed visions are etched into the hearts of men.

The Lord begins to place His chosen mantles on various clay vessels. He takes coals of fire and places them on stammering lips to ignite prophetic giftings that were declared over these vessels when they were on the Potter’s wheel. Shaking and crying, healing and deliverance, deep repentance and intercession fill the kiln as hungry hearts cry out for more of God.

They’ve been through a time of appointing, a time of testing, a time of separation and a time of death, but in this high fire they’ll go through a time of resurrection as they start to move in the anointing with authority.

When the Lord walks through the kiln and sees Himself reflected on each vessel as in a mirror, He turns off the kiln. With great joy He announces, “Now that you reflect My glory, I can send you out to all the world.” The Master Potter has perfected His work of art.

The late Jill Austin ministered the prophetic word of the Lord at conferences and in churches around the world.

(c) This article was shared at SpiritLed eMagazine, a newsletter by Charisma Magazine; the article is also available as a pdf version.

Sign up to receive the SpiritLed eMagazine in your inbox every week.

Charisma Magazine - We are Strang Communications a multi-media communications company focused on spreading the name and fame of Jesus throughout the world through the mass media. Our company was founded in 1975 by Stephen Strang. We publish seven magazines, including Charisma & Christian Life, Ministry Today, Christian Retailing and Vida Cristiana (in Spanish). Each of our magazines have extensive websites and you are welcome to visit them and read thousands of articles by your keywords, as well as having a glimpse at their recent and past issues. There is also opportunity to subscribe on-line to any of our magazines. We are also the publishers of Charisma House Books, formerly Creation House, available in a wide variety of topics for every christian walk.

What's Your EXCUSE for NOT Reading Your Bible?

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:37:00 +0000

Your Word is...a light to my path.

~ Psalm 119:105 NKJV

'What book has most influenced your life?'

most people say the Bible...

yet fewer than 14% of us read it every day.

Here are some of our most common excuses:

(1) 'I've no time.'

Really? Many of the books in your Bible can be read in 10 to 45 minutes . By taking a chapter a day you can complete the book of Proverbs in a month and the Epistle of James in five days.

(2) 'I don't know where to begin.'

If starting in Genesis and working your way through seems overwhelming, use the SoulFood reading we provide you each day. SoulFood and will take you through the whole Bible in a year in bite sized pieces . Just get started!

(3) 'It's not exciting.'

Do you like romance? Read the book of Ruth.
Looking for adventure? Try Judges or Acts.
Enjoy poetry? Explore Song of Solomon.
From history to how-to, it's all in Scripture.

(4) 'Isn't going to church every week good enough?'

Billy Graham says, 'The Bible is the road map for life, and while your pastor can highlight the best route to take, you learn how to navigate life's twists and turns for yourself.'

(5) 'It makes me uncomfortable.'

When you don't know what God's Word actually says, it's easy to equate it with negative experiences and hypocrisy you've observed, then throw out the baby with the bathwater. No question, the Bible makes you face hard truths:

'...it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.' ~ Hebrews 4:12 NIV

It gives you a check-up from the neck up.

But you'll discover who you are, what you're called to do,

and become EMPOWERED to do it!

Soulfood Bible Readings:

1 Thessalonians 1 - 5
Matthew 22: 15 - 22
Psalm 135

Proverbs 7:21 - 23

This daily encouragement comes from 'The Word for Today' devotional.

A free quarterly printed edition is available free from UCB Australia.

Become a fan of The Word for Today on Facebook

(c) The Word for Today

I Surrender

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 03:56:00 +0000

I Surrender ~ Kim Walker

There is no love, sweeter than the love You pour on me.

There is no song, sweeter than the song You sing to me.

There is no place, that I would rather be,

Than here at Your feet, laying down everything.

All to You, I surrender,

Everything, every part of me.

All to You, I surrender,

All of my dreams, all of me.

If worship's like perfume, I'll pour mine out on You.

For there is none as deserving of my love like You.

So take my hand and draw me into You,

I want to be swept away, lost in love for You.

I surrender...

No turning back, I've made up my mind,

I'm giving all of my life this time.

Your love makes it worth it,

Your love makes it worth it all,

Your love makes it worth it all.

ALL MY HOPE IS IN YOU...

The Road to Success

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:02:00 +0000

The road to success is not straight

There is a curve called failure

A loop called confusion

Speed bumps called friends

Red lights called enemies

Caution lights called family

You will have flats called jobs, but...

if you have a spare called determination

an engine called perseverance

insurance called faith

a driver called Jesus

You will make it to a place called success.

~ Author Unknown

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Is Jesus your driver?

Explore the different ways

we put Jesus in the backseat in our lives.

I can do ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens me.

~ Philippians 4:13

God's Truth Revealed

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:46:00 +0000

God's Truth Revealed

~ Bible Study by Kathy Howard

Meet Kathy Howard, author of God's Truth Revealed, a 12 session Bible study that takes you on a journey through the Bible, exploring who God is and why He desires a relationship with you.

Kathy will guide you very carefully and purposefully through a basic understanding of life's purpose , according to the Bible and a mixture of personal stories along the way.

This is one journey that you do not want to miss!

It will change your LIFE!!!

God’s Truth Revealed follows the story of the Bible to answer questions about life and to systematically show why a person needs a relationship with God.

God’s Truth Revealed understands that faith in God is not illogical. Historical evidence and facts are used to support creation, the reliability of the Bible, and the life of Jesus. In fact, the first lesson explores the existence of God and the meaning of faith.

Personal stories included in each session emphasize that each person’s spiritual journey is unique. God’s truth is the same, but He finds each of us where we are and then draws us to where He is.

Check out the 12 Sessions:

Session 1: Where Do I Begin?

Session 2: Who Is God?

Session 3: Why Am I Here?

Session 4: What Went Wrong?

Session 5: How Did God Respond?

Session 6: How Can I Be Saved?

Session 7: How High is the Price?

Session 8: Isn't This Too Good to be True?

Session 9: Is There Hope for My Future?

Session 10: What Now?

Session 11: How Do I Get to Know God?

Session 12: How Do I Follow God?

God's Truth Revealed also includes a churchy words dictionary, a Bible reading plan for new Christians, Scripture memory tips, 2 Scripture memory plans: 1) The Basics 2) A Section a Month, as well as a list of recommended resources and a Leader's Guide.

If you are wondering where to begin, the first session of God's Truth Revealed is available as a free pdf download.

(c) Kathy Howard, author of God's Truth Revealed

You can learn more about Kathy at http://www.kathyhoward.org/

Learn more about God's Truth Revealed at http://godstruthrevealed.org/

* Special thanks to Kathy Howard and New Hope Publishers for providing me with a copy of God's Truth Revealed to review.

ALL of this information wrapped up in one single book
= POWER-packed!!!
Be sure to pick up a copy for yourself,
someone you know who is asking questions,
and a few for your church library...
~ this book is a keeper!
~ Karla Meachem

FREE Christian Audiobook Downloads of the Month

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:36:00 +0000

Just when you think christianaudio can't get any better - they do!!!

Woooohoooo christianaudio!!!!

The Cost Of Discipleship

by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, read by Paul Michael

Dietrich Bonhoeffer lived a testimony of his thoughtful and engaging writers. Focusing on the most treasured part of Christ's teaching - the Sermon on the Mount with its call to discipleship, and on the grace of God and the sacrifice which that demands. At the same time, it shares with many great Christian classics a quality of timelessness, so that it has spoken, and continues to speak powerfully, to the varied concerns of the contemporary world.

To receive The Cost of Discipleship, add the download format to your cart and enter the coupon code MAR2010 when prompted during checkout.

* This is the first of two free downloads in March and each download requires a different coupon code.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die

by John Piper, read by Robertson Dean

WHY? The most important questions anyone can ask are: Why was Jesus Christ crucified? Why did he suffer so much? What has this to do with me? Finally, who sent him to his death? The answer to the last question is that God did. Jesus was God's Son. John Piper has gathered from the New Testament fifty reasons. Not fifty causes, but fifty purposes—in answer to the most important question that each of us must face: What did God achieve for sinners like us in sending his Son to die?

To receive Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die, add the download format to your cart and enter the coupon code MAR2010B when prompted during checkout.

* This is the second of two free downloads in March and each download requires a different coupon code.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

SPECIAL NOTE:

Each FREEdownload for the month of March

MUST BE "purchased" separately, in 2 different orders,

for the coupon codes to work and for you to receive them for FREE.

Scandalon: A Memoir

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:39:00 +0000

Running From Shame
& Finding God's Scandalous Love

Running from scandal -- in her family, church and community life -- Susan moves from California to China. At first, the adventure of experiencing an exotic culture brings the escape she craves. Gradually, as the layers of mystery and reserve fall away, she gets to know her new Chinese friends on deeper levels. At the same time the self-protective layers around her own heart peel back painfully, exposing her inner brokenness.

In this vivid and transparent memoir, Susan takes us on a fascinating journey into the streets and homes of modern China. The travel memoir is interspersed with Susan's personal story of emotional and spiritual sabotage, shame, and shattered dreams. It all comes together as she opens her heart anew to God's love -- the most scandalous love of all.
About the Author:

Susan Elaine Jenkins has lived in China for eleven years, teaching the performing arts in international schools. Her first book, SCANDALON, is a provocative memoir which includes fascinating stories of people and life in the great country of China, which few of us have visited, but where God is working mightily. God has also worked mightily in Susan's life and she has an important story to share.

Interview with Susan Elaine Jenkins:

Q: First of all, tell us a bit about yourself.

Susan: I am a teacher. I was born into a family of preachers and teachers, and I always had a keen desire to teach. I began the first year out of college (Point Loma Nazarene University) and my career has taken me into the hearts and lives of many unforgettable students. Much of my time is occupied with continuing education and professional development opportunities, which opens up new areas of thinking and learning as I go.

After teaching in California private schools for 19 years, I moved to China, where I have focused on teaching performing arts in 3 different international schools. I am a seasoned foreign expatriate these days and yet, the daily adventures of living in Asia continue to surprise me.

Q: It seems that some parts of your book were passages right out of your journals through the years. Is that right? Is it hard to share these publicly, when you probably thought of yourself as the only audience at the time?

Yes, they were taken directly from my journals - especially the conversations between Dr. Travis and me. Those 3 difficult months were mind-numbing days. Writing everything that happened at the end of every confusing day helped me make more sense of it all.

Once I was in China, the conversations with Ouyang were important to me, as well, and I also kept detailed accounts. I knew I needed to have those talks recorded somewhere where I could retrieve them - they were too special to forget. The experiences I was having with my Chinese friends were very precious; China was rapidly developing and nothing would be the same again. I recently visited Tianjin and was stunned to see the progress made - the sleek commercial buildings and tall apartments that have replaced the ancient hutongs near the streets where I once lived and worked.

Yes, I assumed my journals were for my eyes only, and it has been difficult opening up these details to the public. There have been many starts and stops for me to this process and times when I wanted to forget the whole project.

Q: Was there any deciding factor that made you think you should try compiling your notes into a book and to try to get it published? What encouragement did you get along the way?

A friend from the UK convinced me to begin a blog. The idea of sharing my stories was inconceivable, at first, but as time went by, I got to know my readers. Little by little, I opened up the pages of my journals with them, interspersed with a few of the details of daily life in Asia. To my surprise, my online friends began commenting and sending me private letters filled with their own pain. I wanted to let them know that there really is healing and light ahead, that God’s promise really is authentic: He is a God who heals.

Q: Are there any character embellishments? Some people in your book seem almost larger than life!

No, the characters are written exactly as they are. Conversations are word for word, in most cases. I wanted to present the strong and good qualities of my former husband, Kyle, for example, as well as the perplexing reality of our marriage. The words of Dr. Travis (not his real name) were etched deeply into my memory, of course, as those were life-changing words of an experienced sexual predator - impossible to forget, much as I tried. And then the amazing friends I met in China were such distinctive people! I remember thinking: How can I tell the world about Mrs. Hua and her cozy dinner parties with fish swimming laps in the bathtub? How can I explain how marvelous Apple is, with her heart that simply listens to God as she finds her way around the French Riviera? I wanted to share the story of Angel's frustration at being 30 years old and single in the Chinese culture. These are incredibly real and strong people who desire the same things we do in America. They taught me so much.

Q: Why a book about China?

"Well, this particular story began to be written in the summer of 1992. My friend, David, gave me the keys to his beach house in Pebble Beach and it began pouring out, as I walked along the ocean and typed in his massive kitchen. At the end of the summer, I returned the rented computer, put all the pages into a plain cardboard box and shoved it into a closet. It wasn't until five years later, in 1997, that I realized the story was not going to rest quietly, just gathering dust. It was almost as if it had a life of its own, and refused to be forgotten...so I took the box to China with me and kept writing...for the next ten years. I wrote between classes, on long snowy northern Chinese weekends, on Chinese trains and sitting in plastic airport chairs. It seemed to evolve into a book that is really a combination of two lives: my life in California and my life in Asia; two very different worlds.

I think it seemed very natural at some point, to write of a remarkably poignant journey that met in a healing point while living in a crumbled country, broken by its own history. My life at that point seemed very much the same - broken, falling apart, and dark.

Q: You moved to China to get away from memories that were haunting you? At what point did China start feeling like "home" to you, and less like the completely foreign distraction it first was?

A great job offer came up, and yes, I was anxious to have a completely new start. Before I left for China, someone told me, "Susan, you can never get away from this. Sooner or later, you will need to face all that's happened in your life. You will need to go through the grieving process and admit that you have lost so much." He was right. I did have to face it, but that happened slowly, almost imperceptibly, over a long period of time. Being in China helped me gain perspective of what God wanted to do in me and through me.

I guess it was near the end of my first school year that I realized China had become a second home. I was walking along the hot, muggy streets with Ouyang, and I realized I was reluctant to go back to America. He said, "Do you have to go back? Why don't you just stay?" That possibility hadn't occurred to me until that point and I muttered something about it being too hot during the summer months to remain and that most of the teachers returned to their home countries for the holidays. Years later, I found I could stay for the summers and feel very much at home.

I think the idea of feeling at home in China has to do with the fact that I began feeling "at home" with God. And that, for me, involved a great spiritual healing and coming back to a point of rest within God's heart; being glad to be in His loving presence; knowing that all my sins are utterly forgiven and cast away; and, sensing His divine heart of grace. Home has literally - for me - become His own Heart.

Q. Where might we find out more about you and Scandalon?

Please my website at http://www.susanelainejenkins.com/

Special thanks to Christian Speaker Services, as well as author Susan Elaine Jenkins for her open and honest interview about Scandalon.

* A complimentary copy of Scandalon was provided in exchange to host the author's interview on Empowering Christian Women...thank you so much!!! *

Get REVIVED! Online Conference

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:51:00 +0000

Everyone needs a spiritual dose of adrenaline sometimes!!!

Come & enjoy an INCREDIBLE line up of amazing women of God, who are eager to encourage you, straight from the depth of their heart.

March 15th - 19th, 2010

Get Revived! Online Conference

Sessions Include:

What Happened to Your Leg? Mandy Young

Hear Mandy's inspiring testimony of triumph over tragedy. What happened to your leg? It's such a loaded question. She was only 8 years old when she lost my leg, but her story doesn't begin or end there. She has been a research patient at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland for 19 years. Scientists there have decided that she is the only person in the world to have her specific Genetic Mutation (Immune Deficiency). But that discovery didn't happen overnight. It took many years.

Her journey along the way to my diagnosis is the real story. It's rare, because her life is unique. Her name is Mandy, and this is her story.....

Mandy will be introduced by special guest: Candace Cameron Bure.

Faith, Fellowship & Friendships ~ Mary Snyder

Fellowship & friendships are a blast and a blessing. But these blessings can quickly turn sour if they are not built on a foundation of faith. Foundations sink deep, hold strong, and do not crumble when all around them fails. Is this your faith? Are you building your life on this solid rock of faith? Or something less?

Do you seek the approval of man (or woman)? Is your family your foundation? Are you making your friendships (specifically those good, godly built in Bible study friendships) a foundation? Is your foundation in a gifted pastor or special Bible study teacher? Or is it in your ministry or church work?

Join Mary as she takes you on a journey - and walk away revived in the amazing blessing of a life built on a solid foundation of faith.

Worship and Encouragement ~ Deidra Hughes

Deidra Hughes is a wife, mother and full-time minister who has learned first hand the importance of balance! Balance starts with our relationship with the Lord and how we handle the emotional and mental pressures we face everyday. Putting our faith and His Word in action as He works on our behalf. Are you emotionally and mentally maxed out? This will be a time of Worship and Encouragement you won't want to miss!

A Woman Made New - 4 Invitations for the Weary Woman ~ Kristen Schiffman

Tired? Weary? Burned out? Then this is the session for you! Join Kristen Schiffman as she explores the tender words of Christ in Matthew 11:28-30. Uncovering & expanding on four biblical invitations offered to the weary, this session is sure to be a breath of fresh, rejuvenating air!

Empowered By His Presence ~ Andrea Mitchell

Finding the Courage to Follow God's Calling For Our Lives: God has called you to be His mouthpiece, to share His love and gift of salvation with those around us. But what if you feel inadequate? Did God really pick YOU to do this thing? Discover how having a proper view of ourselves through God's eyes can have a positive impact on your calling - whatever it is God has asked you to do for Him.

Revive Your Gift Giving Spirit ~ Lori MacMath

We all give gifts. Let's face it ladies, in the materialistic and busy world we live in, gifts often become a "unnecessary stressor or a last minute thought." Grab a gift card and go! As women seeking a "Revived Spirit," this session will explore just how we can implement the words spoken by the apostle Paul; "and whatever you do, whether in word or deed do it ALL in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Join Lori as she explores the "art" of gift giving, offering practical and simple ways to "Revive your gift giving Spirit while at the same time, sharing His spirit, one gift at a time.

Lord, Why the Rock and a Hard Place? ~ Tiffany Stuart

Ever feel like life is hard? Have others hurt and rubbed you raw lately? If so, you're not alone. Tiffany uses five components of rock tumbling to help you see beyond the surface of life's pain and into the heart of God.

God has great purpose for your life, even when you are in between a rock and a hard place. Join me for as we look to God's Word and our object lesson for encouragement and comfort. My prayer is that you will be blessed and ready to live passionately again. Revived and renewed at heart!

A Woman on a Mission! ~ Lisa Shaw

You are a woman on a mission! The LORD has divinely purposed you! What does a woman on a mission look like? How does she live? Curious? Well, there are 7 P's that are words of life and purpose that the LORD continuously ministers to my heart over the years as a woman on a mission. The mission? Glorifying my God. Aww, what a beautiful mission of the heart! Be encouraged that these 7 P's are not always easy and often I stumble but by His grace and mercy I get up and get back in step with His Holy Spirit. At the end of this life I want to have completed my mission and I want the same for you as you too are a woman on a mission!

"Never Stop Dancing to the Song in Your Head" - Pressing On When Giving Up Sounds Easier ~ Sue Cramer

Based on a book Sue's been working on, she'll talk about what to do when life shakes you up. Disappointment, change and pain can sweep into our life at unsuspecting moments and our response is crucial.

This session will discuss the importance of our relationship with God in the midst of our storms and how He walks us through the darkest times. He's our comfort, our strength, our stability and also the One who helps us forgive when revenge seems much more appropriate.

God has great plans for us ladies, it's time to start dancing again!

Spiritual Irrigation for an Abundant Life ~ Alisa Wagner

In John 10.10 Jesus says that He came to give us abundant life! Jesus wants us to thrive, not just get by day to day. Meditation is the key to cultivating a sanctified life that can be blessed by God. Meditation is the irrigation system that will allow Living Water to flow into your life and produce great fruit in you! Join me to learn how easy it is to assimilate mediation into your everyday, normal life. Let us claim Psalm 104:34 together: "May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD."

Being an I - 6 Kind of Gal ~ Joy Trachsel

Ever felt like God was "nudging" you to do something and you suddenly found yourself scared, fearful and hoping He would ask someone else? When God asked "Whom shall I send?" Isaiah replied "Send me!" As women, how do we have the same boldness and willingness as Isaiah? How do we know when God is calling us to do His work...His Will? Let's dig deep into His Word and prepare ourselves to go where He sends us? Oh what a journey it can...and will be.

Looking for Peace in All the Wrong Places ~ Kathy Butryn

Looking for a little peace in your life? Start today by recognizing and naming the peace-stealers in your daily life. When you do, you will discover God's precious hope-filled solutions that will help you cultivate a peace-filled pace in this hurry-up world!

When Church Hurts ~ Angela Parsley

Have you ever wondered what to do when church life starts to hurt? Perhaps you just want to stop going all together or you are just feeling burned out. What do you do during these tough times? Why isn't ministry always all that you dreamed it would be? Get inspired and encouraged through this message about real life hurts and the God who comforts, restores, heals and revives us. He made us for community so let's learn how to thrive together.

Soul Spa - Personal Retreats to Pamper Your Soul ~ Marsha Harwood

My Darling Daughter, I've been calling for you, but life is so hectic you haven't been able to hear Me. I did not want to shout and add to the noise and clamor of your day, so I came to you as a soft whisper in your ear. Did you hear Me?

"Come away with Me, My darling daughter! Come away with Me. Let me fill you with indescribable JOY! Come away with Me."

That's the message of My heart to yours. That is what I whispered in your ear. I'm anxiously awaiting your arrival. I long to lavishly rejuvenate your spirit and refresh your soul. Your sister Marsha, is following My instructions and preparing for you a special online mini retreat. Whether you have 5 minutes, an hour or a whole day, I've asked her to provide you with the tips necessary for you to come and meet and retreat with Me on your own.

I'm longing for you to come to Me. I've got a lot of love to share.

Love, Your Dad ~ Almighty God

AND MUCH, MUCH MORE...

What You Can Expect for ONLY $12.95

• Live sessions, entirely online, with some of the Christian community's most popular speakers and authors.

• Free access to download and save the MP3's from all the sessions, as well as all the handouts, chat logs, and/or presentations.

• Participation in real-time question and answer sessions with all of your favorite speakers.

• LOTS of downloadable swag as well as entries to win some great prizes!

• The opportunity to make some new life-long friends and experience some fun and fellowship.

Purchase Tickets for the Get Revived! Conference

If you desire to be an inspired woman;
you need to be the one to take action!

p.s. - If you know someone who needs to be revived;

why not purchase them a ticket too?

This conference is EXTREMELY affordable.

There is no better gift to give than God's Word.

TRANSFORMING POWER!!!

The POWER Of Discouragement...

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:15:00 +0000

God decided to reduce the weapons in the devil's armoury to one.

Satan could choose which 'fiery dart' he would keep.

He chose the power of discouragement.

'If only I can persuade Christians to be thoroughly discouraged',

he reasoned, 'they will make no further effort

and I shall be enthroned in their lives.'

A telling story...

A group of frogs were in the woods, when two of them fell into a deep pit. The other frogs gathered around the pit to see what they could do to help. When they saw how deep the pit was, they agreed it was hopeless and told the two frogs in the pit to prepare themselves to die because there was no way they would be able to get out.

Unwilling to accept this fate, the two frogs jumped with all their might. Some of the frogs shouted that it was hopeless, and that they wouldn't be in that situation if they had been more careful. Other frogs shouted that they should save their energy and give up, since they were as good as dead. The two frogs continued jumping until they became weary.

Finally, one of the frogs listened to the other frogs. He was so exhausted that he lay down and died. The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could, even though he was in pain and exhausted. His fellow frogs yelled at him to accept his fate, put an end to the pain and lie down and die. The frog jumped harder and harder and finally jumped so high that he sprang out of the pit. Amazed, the other frogs celebrated his freedom and gathered around him asking, "Why did you carry on jumping when we told you it was impossible?"

The astonished frog explained to them that he was deaf, and when he saw their gestures and shouting, he thought they were cheering him on. What he had seen as encouragement inspired him to try harder and succeed against all odds.

"There is death and LIFE

in the power of the tongue".

~ proverbs 18:21

Encouraging words can lift someone up

and help them make it through the day.

Discouraging words can cause people

to give up or limp through life wounded.

There is enormous power in words.

We have a Christian duty to encourage one another. Many a time a word of praise or thanks or appreciation or cheer has kept a person on his feet. Blessed is the one who speaks such a word. ~ William Barclay

"Therefore encourage on another and build each other up,

just as in fact you are doing." ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:11

What keeps you from speaking out encouragement?

* Shared at Christian Life Coaching

Be Still...

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:47:00 +0000

Be Still ~ Kari Jobe

Wait patiently upon the Lord...

Be still, my soul...

be still.

A Day to Heal & Restore

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:36:00 +0000

Submit your prayer request to Joyce Meyer Ministries
BEFORE Wednesday, March 10th,

so that Joyce and her ministry can stand with you in prayer.

http://joycemeyer.org/dayofprayer

Want a Better Marriage? Respect Your Husband.

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:15:00 +0000

For Immediate Release

Contact: Debbie Hitchcock, Operations Director, Greater Impact Ministries

Phone: (513) 310-6019, information@greaterimpactministries.com

Want a Better Marriage?
Cincinnati, Ohio Author Makes Indiana Publisher’s Top 10 List with Controversial Approach to Marriage: Respect Your Husband

3/4/10 Cincinnati, Ohio—With 50 percent of all marriages ending in divorce, more and more couples are focusing their attentions on finding ways to ensure that their marriages don’t become just another statistic. As a result, increasing numbers of couples are turning to counseling, therapy and seminars, seeking the answer to a happy and healthy marriage.

One Cincinnati expert says an approach that is working, healing and strengthening many marriages across the Tri-State, is also one that some professionals might argue is archaic, passé’ and even male chauvinistic.

“In our society today the notion that wives should respect their husbands is viewed as ‘old-school’ and not ‘progressive’,” says Nina Roesner, Executive Director of Greater Impact Ministries. “The reality is, much like government and industry need leaders such as Presidents and CEOs, so does the societal institution of marriage, and because our course is biblically-based, we believe the leader in a marriage is the husband,” added Roesner.

But Roesner is careful to point out to that doesn’t mean husbands have the right to abuse their wives in any way. “Just the converse, we teach women how important strength, self-esteem and dignity are to a successful marriage, and how wives can play an instrumental role in helping their husbands lead with humility and love. These are the core, foundational principles taught in our courses.” This is also the premise for the #7 selling book for the Indiana based publisher, IUniverse, entitled, The Respect Dare®, written by Ms. Roesner.

Roesner argues that modern ideals of marriage have actually undermined the institution, leading to even more divorces nationwide. “The problem is everywhere we look, we’re bombarded with images and messages telling us that marriage is all about self and self-fulfillment, and as such, if your needs aren’t being met, it’s time to move on. Seldom do you hear the Biblical instruction that reads, ‘And the wife must respect her husband.’ Even women who do hear that still struggle with how to implement it in their own marriages.” Roesner says she got the idea for her book through the Daughters of Sarah™ training course she teaches, combined with the book released last year, The Love Dare®. “If you’ve seen the movie, Fireproof®, you see Kirk Cameron acting out this love dare and doing a fabulous job portraying two things: Christ dying for the church, and a husband laying down his life for his wife. I wanted to provide women with a “dare” they could take based on what we know works to enrich their marriage. The book is a combination of real life stories from the Daughters of Sarah™ course, and a devotional experience that guides the women through increasing intimacy with both their husband and God. And while some people may think the principles we’re teaching are outdated and old-fashioned, the reality is…they work. If you don’t think respect is important to men, ask them and see what they tell you.”

Roesner, through her course: “Daughters of Sarah™,” has helped many Tri-State wives. Her next course is slated for fall 2010 at Hope Church in Mason , Ohio , but there’s an on-going online Respect Dare® E-Course available now as well. To find out more about the upcoming programs, log onto http://www.greaterimpact.org/ . Her book, The Respect Dare®, is available on both Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

About The Respect Dare

The Respect Dare® teaches women how to respect their husbands. Men consistently communicate to us and their wives the difference respect makes in their lives; in their marriages and in how they view their own worth as men. Over and over again, following our workshops we hear husbands declare that their wives' faith has inspired them to become better men and fathers. The Respect Dare® provides Christian wives with real-life stories of options that increase their intimacy with their husband, help them learn to speak the language of respect, and deepens their connection with God. It is available on both Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

###

Contact information:

Nina Roesner
Executive Director
Greater Impact Ministries, Inc.

http://www.GreaterImpact.org

513-348-2083 (C)

Learn to speak the language of respect in your marriage with us: http://www.TheRespectDare.com E-Course ... a community of wives who follow Christ doing The Respect Dare together! Want to do this in your church? Contact us!

Jesus is My Anchor!

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:36:00 +0000

Everything I need to know about life...
I learned from Noah 's Ark .

One : Don't miss the boat.

Two : Remember that we are all in the same boat.

Three : Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.

Four : Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.

Five : Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.

Six : Build your future on high ground.

Seven : For safety sake, travel in pairs.

Eight : Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.

Nine : When you're stressed, float a while.

Ten : Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

Eleven: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting!

The Knots Prayer

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 19:31:00 +0000

* Shared at God's Grace Community Church

Sometimes I Cry

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 14:41:00 +0000

Sometimes I Cry ~ Jason Crabb

I look the part,

blend in with the rest of the church crowd.

I know the routine,

I could list all the Bible studies in town.

Watch Christian TV,

I know all the preachers, their cliches.

Been born again, without a doubt I know I'm saved.

But sometimes I hurt, and sometimes I cry.

Sometimes I can't get it right

no matter how hard I seem to try.

Sometimes I fall down, stumble over my own disguise.

I try to look strong as the whole world looks on,

but sometimes alone I cry.

I try to speak faith, never give the devil one inch to get in.

I do worship and praise,

let everybody know just where that I stand.

On the back of my ride is a fish

and a cross for the world to see.

I know god is good all of the time,

Yes, there's no doubt for me.

But sometimes I hurt, and sometimes I cry.

Sometimes I can't get it right

no matter how hard I seem to try.

Sometimes I fall down, stumble over my own disguise.

I try to look strong as the whole world looks on,

but sometimes alone I cry.

Sometimes I fall down, stumble over my own disguise.

I try to look strong as the whole world looks on,

but sometimes alone I cry.

I try to look strong as the whole world looks on,

but sometimes alone I cry.

EMPOWERING Quotes

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 23:00:00 +0000

"When God is silent,
you have ONLY ONE reasonable option
~ trust Him; hang in there; wait on Him.

He may be quiet,
but He HAS NOT QUIT on you."

- Charles Stanley

Heart Check

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:57:00 +0000

"Tomorrow morning," the surgeon began,
"I'll open up your heart..."

"You'll find Jesus there," the boy interrupted.

The surgeon looked up, annoyed
"I'll cut your heart open," he continued,
to see how much damage has been done..."

"but when you open up my heart, you'll
find Jesus in there," said the boy.

The surgeon looked to the parents, who
Sat quietly. "When I see how much
damage has been done, I'll sew your
heart and chest back up, and I'll plan
what to do next."

"But you'll find Jesus in my heart.
The Bible says He lives there.
The hymns all say He lives there.
You'll find Him in my heart."

The surgeon had had enough.
"I'll tell you what I'll find in your heart.
I'll find damaged muscle, low blood supply,
and weakened vessels.
And I'll find out if I can make you well."

"You'll find Jesus there too. He lives there."

The surgeon left.

The surgeon sat in his office, recording
his notes from the surgery,
"...damaged aorta, damaged pulmonary vein,

widespread muscle degeneration.
No hope for transplant, no hope for cure. Therapy:
painkillers and bed rest Prognosis:
here he paused, "death within one year."

He stopped the recorder, but there was
more to be said. "Why?" he asked aloud.
"Why did You do this? You've put
him here; You've put him in this pain;

and You've cursed him to an early death. Why?"
The Lord answered and said, "The boy,
my lamb, was not meant for your flock
for long, for he is a part of My flock,
and will forever be.
Here, in My flock, he will feel no pain,

and will be comforted as you cannot imagine.

His parents will one day join him here,
and they will know peace, and
My flock will continue to grow."

The surgeon's tears were hot, but his
anger was hotter. "You created that
boy, and You created that heart.
He'll be dead in months. Why?"

The Lord answered, "The boy, My lamb,
shall return to My flock, for He has
done his duty: I did not put My lamb
with your flock to lose him,
but to retrieve another lost lamb."
The surgeon wept...
The surgeon sat beside the boy' s bed;
the boy's parents sat across from him.
The boy awoke and whispered,
"Did you cut open my heart?"

"Yes," said the surgeon.
"What did you find?" asked the boy.

"I found Jesus there," said the surgeon.

Author Unknown

Celebrate Jesus in 2010

SUFFERING

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:50:00 +0000

For our light affliction,
which is but for a moment
worketh for us a far more exceeding
and eternal weight of glory.
~ 2 Corinthians 4:7

Suffering may endure for a season,
And we wonder when relief will come.
Is this for a time of testing
A really deep trial for some?

Day by day we endure our heartaches,
Often questioning why,
We don't seem to fully understand
And we come before God with a sigh!

"Just quiet yourself in My presence," He says,
"I have blessings for you in store,
This time with me will be precious,
Even more than ever before."

The wonderful promises in God's Holy Word
Bring comfort, encouragement and peace,
And as we nestle up close to Him.
Our Faith brings sweet release.

So let us joyfully praise the Lord,
If, through suffering we can learn,
Truths that will help to guide our way,
And His Word more clearly discern.

Elsie K. Young

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

* This poem was shared at A Different Kind of Happy, a blog that was started by Ali at the beginning of 2010 as a year long experiment of learning to live with pain and find a different kind of happiness in the midst of illness.

Drop by and visit Ali today; I know her journey will touch your heart.

AHA! - Another Totally Online One Day Event

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:45:00 +0000

AHA! is a FREE online conference presented by Leadership Network;

you must register to attend.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3rd, 2010

Noon Eastern/9 Pacific

In the tradition of THE NINES conference, Leadership Network is excited to present another totally online FREE one day event for you and your church staff. You'll hear fresh ideas from 40 new voices that will encourage you, motivate you and make you a better leader.

Registration is FREE, but required to attend.

Register your ministry team today!

40 minutes

+ 6 minutes each

_____________

4 hours of AHA!

*Optional premium registration is available for just $20 that includes speaker bios,

full speaker notes, speaker contact information and complete conference schedule.

Forgiven, Not Condemned

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:16:00 +0000

Is there some sin that you’ve done or are struggling with right now that you feel condemned for?

Join Beth Jones, from Tablet of My Heart, as she shares about God’s unconditional love and forgiveness.

Jesus doesn’t want you under that weight of condemnation and shame, but rather He wants to forgive you and to set you free.

Listen to the podcast entitled, 'Forgiven, Not Condemned'

(c) Beth Jones ~ Tablet of My Heart

EMPOWERING Quotes

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:44:00 +0000

You may not be responsible
for getting knocked down,

but you're certainly responsible
for getting back up.

~ Wally Amos

Becoming MORE THAN A Good Bible Study Girl

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:45:00 +0000

As Christians, aren't we supposed to have it all together? (wink)

Do you find yourself striving to mark off your daily spiritual to do list?

Are you tired of just going through the motions?

Time with God - check :)

I think the majority of women have struggled with feelings of 'not being good enough', or have seen spending time with God as just 'one more thing' on their daily to do list.

I absolutely loved Lysa's transparency in Becoming MORE THAN A Good Bible Study Girl.

I remember a time in my own walk with Jesus,

where I had asked the same exact questions!

If you find yourself asking these same questions and find yourself longing for 'more' in your daily relationship with God; allow Lysa to share her journey of Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl. You will be so encouraged!!!

God will take our ordinary lives and make them EXTRA-ordinary.

You too, can become MORE THAN a good Bible study girl!

Jesus really does hold ALL the answers!!!

* This book was provided to me by Zondervan to review. Thank you!!! It's a keeper!

National 40 Days for LIFE

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:15:00 +0000

Kick-off EventLive-video-streamed on the Internet!

WHAT: Video-Streamed National 40 Days for Life Kickoff

DATE: Tuesday, February 16 (TONIGHT!)

TIME: 7 PM Eastern (6 PM Central, 5 PM Mountain, 4 PM Pacific)

HOW: At start time, watch the streaming video feed at:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/40days

Hope to connect with you online Tuesday evening (TONIGHT!) for an INSPIRING and HOPE-filled event!

For LIFE,

David Bereit
National Director
(c) 40 Days for Life

*********************************************************************
PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT AN EXCITING ONLINE EVENT!
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