Turning Her On and Keeping Her Heart is on its last rung! If I can but get a half day to devote to the book, it will be completed. It is so near completion that it hurts – really hurts! My eyes feel like glass is in them, and I am worn to a frazzle! But, God was so good to me during my fasting and prayer time. His inspiration was phenomenal. I am excited about the message for our men about loving their wives.

Do you women understand what complicated creatures we are? I’m sure there is something I omitted. It would take two volumes of the W section in an encyclopedia to tell our men how to love us. Fascinating, divinely unique, and always in hot pursuit by our men. They love us. What’s not to love? We’re just going to tell them how better to do it. Like Christ loves His bride. That is the formula. If we could get all our men to understand that, life would be bliss!

But then, we’d have some honing up of our skills in the loving-the-hubby department to do. Best keep your copy of Keeping His Pants On Until He Gets Home out. By February, you’ll be donning your copy of its sequel. And it is going to be a barn-burner! Our men will have had a year to benefit from its secrets, and now, it will be their turn to “turn you on and win your heart forever”!

God is good. Thank you, Lord. It’s almost over! It’s being “doctored” by the Doc Hensley as we speak. So, you’ll be able to preorder very soon!

Thanks for all your prayers. Tomorrow morning I put the finishing touches on it. The interruptions from Friday night until now have waylaid its completion, but “he” will be on his way by tomorrow night! Can’t wait till you catch the first glimpse!

Sweeter than sweet was the sound in my ear. I was observing a 70-year-old lady be immersed into the brotherhood of Jesus Christ. While the congregation was waiting for her to get prepared for baptism, we sang the familiar chorus “We fall down, We lay our crowns, At the feet of Jesus … We cry holy, holy, holy, holy,” …

Sitting to my left was our Associate Minister’s youngest son, Blake, a kindergartner. His precious voice resonated the sweetest sounds in my ear. He was singing the words he was familiar with each time they rolled around – and was really chiming in on “holy, holy, holy.” A grin as big as Texas crept on my face. I hushed my singing in order to soak up this child’s angelic tones. It did take a bit longer than usual for the preparation of baptism, and I was extremely grateful for the encore of praise from Blake.

I couldn’t help but wonder how our Heavenly Father responds to hearing praise come out of a 5-year-old’s mouth! Don’t you imagine He’s like a proud father watching his child receive an academic award, score his first touchdown, hit his first homerun, shoot the final-second shot to win a basketball game? How proud our Lord must be to look down upon a child who excels in truth, in love, in spirit, in deed, in eternal salvation. It’s as though I could hear Him shout to the Saints in Heaven, “That’s my boy!” The Angels must have been giddy with delight, or lost in pleasure, as I’m sure their ears, like mine, were devoid of all other voices in the crowd.

The singing ceased, and the waters began to stir. My heart was content, watching our new sister in Christ welcomed into the Kingdom. I glanced down at this precious child and couldn’t help but think You won’t be 70 when you stir those waters, Blake. Your mom and dad are doing well by you, Little One.

God’s greatest desire is that all parents shore-up their children’s salvation. Blake was familiar with the words and tune of the song because of exposure! His foundation has been laid; it won’t be shaken. Whether seven or seventy, we all need Jesus.

Protective Personalities - The Grand Finale!

In a perfect world, Arkansas would have been a perfect trip. On the heels of one of the most controversial, historical, and telling Presidential elections, we have come to know what a less-than-perfect world we live in! May we keep God’s will foremost in our conscience as we cast our vote on November 4th during this pivotal time in the history of our nation.

Through all the personalities I came to appreciate, there was a common thread that ran through each of them – protection. Each was protecting something. Black-and-White Kim, protecting the love she has not been able to physically touch for 18 years, but seeing it stay alive in her son; Capping-Off Catharine and Alan, concerned for marriages; Savvy Savannah, protecting and shoring-up her career as a counselor by feeding on God’s Word; Kinetic Kathy, protecting the women in her church and community while allowing Christ to shine through her; Downside Dave, protecting himself; Awesome Audrey, protecting a friend; Tenacious Tarshica, protecting the teens; Captivating Curlie and Carol, protecting their quality of life; Fantastic Friends Wanda and Mona – Wanda: protecting women, Mona: protecting a friend and self; Magical Mayor, protecting his community; Adoring Andy, his wife; Really Rich Radio Personalities Dave and Keith, their listening audience; and, of course, Lovable Lydia, protecting the world!

I would be remiss, however, if I didn’t share another Protective Personality with you. It’s an encounter that leaves a hollow feeling inside. I have been disturbed and quite perplexed over this awareness for some time. Just like the personalities mentioned above can be found all over the world, this one I share is not unique to Arkansas. This characteristic abounds in today’s world. Part out of necessity; but it’s the “left-over” part that distresses me.

A soul gets weary striving to convey a message that has been laid upon their heart by God. Our culture is a difficult one to minister to. Ever-changing, finding cause to scream “fanatic” at any Christian slant, and turning a deaf ear and blind eye to a worthy message. You expect it from the world; you are dismayed when churches throw the stones. Understanding the conviction God has laid on your heart, believing in the cause, calling and setting appointments, hoping for others, driving across country, and knocking on doors to sell a “new voice” in a fallen world is taxing at best. There are many of us out there, and you must have a discerning spirit about what significance, if any, they will have for your congregation. But how you handle the “significance” vote is the difference between presenting yourself as Christ or not.

I was fortunate to meet up with some churches, like Pinnacle Hills, who welcomed you through their doors. That visit was a lure of warmth. It is one I will draw from often in order to persevere in my ministry. When a church “protects” itself from even hearing what message you are conveying on behalf of Jesus Christ, it robs itself – its congregations of many benefits, and possibly a timely and meaningful lesson. A judgmental, self-preserving, and sometimes rude manner of dealing with people who serve the same God and are on the same battlefield epitomizes the statement by Chuck Swindoll “the church is the only institution that shoots its wounded.”

I wish I could say it’s rare to run across these situations. It’s not. Isn’t that sad? People are STARVED to hear messages on intimacy in marriage – the same sort of message Keeping His Pants On Until He Gets Home bears. Why would churches leave such important issues to the world to teach their congregations? What are churches protecting their people from – God? Are they so secure with their programs that they isolate themselves from the world? Jesus is clear in His message – “… be in the world, not of the world …”
How can we minister to a world if we shut out the very message that speaks to it? Craig Gross of XXX Church (www.xxxchurch.com) faces this sort of problem every day. He is doing a fabulous work in his fight against pornography, yet churches oppose his manner in presenting the Gospel.

We live in a fallen world. Times are tough, and are going to get tougher. Until the family unit is knit back together with the threads of commitment and moral values, God will not find favor on this Nation. I would encourage churches everywhere to recognize the battle cry and not judge too severely good sound messages that are burning in the hearts of God’s people. This is yet another reason I love my husband. In his 40 years of ministry, he has carried an open-door policy. He doesn’t always have the time, nor desire, to sit down and devote even five minutes to hear a fellow warrior’s heart, but he does. There are many occasions he simply can’t use the material, but likewise, there have been those circumstances that have proven to be a rich blessing to his congregation. These sorts of Protective Personalities emanate power and shield, but shooting God’s wounded reduces the force.

#13 - The One You’ve Been Waiting For!

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you … (drum roll, please) … the one and only, the Belle of the Ball, life of the party, wonderful wife, magnificent mom, grand godmom, friend to all, beacon in the community of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and founder of The World of Gospel magazine LYDIA JOSEPH-GEORGE!!

If her name isn’t enough to snag you, her beauty will catch you spellbound. Her charm, sharp wit, and pleasing personality help to fashion her magnetism, but it is her heart that leaps out and seizes your devotion. Our initial email encounters colored her personality for me. When we spoke telephonically, I was all the more enamored with her appealing persona. But once I landed on the same soil with her, it became apparent to me why whatever world she touches surrenders its trust and favor to her.

Lydia Joseph-George, former TV and radio personality, has won the respect and affection of her world in Arkansas because she earns it. She’s a woman who devotes her life to God. Living out the Christian spirit, she speaks boldly about her Lord. Her influence as Godmother to Tarshica (the teen writer I blogged of earlier) was marked by the admiration the two exchanged. Lydia’s loyalty to friends was mirrored by those anxious to make her big night nothing short of spectacular. Her infectious spirit had infused the crowd, and love and harmony flowed freely. Those present were there to support her efforts because they knew her heart, and it is good.

She was exhausted from the myriad preparations for such an event. Being a woman of fortitude, she covered it well, but her Sweet Andy was not to be hoodwinked. He was keenly aware of her frailty that night, and her need for composure before she addressed the crowd never caught him off guard. He was her strength, her pillar, and when their eyes met, she carried on with articulate grandeur. The depth of love these two share was revealed in tender moments throughout the evening.

Lydia would freely expose her genuine desire for building up the Kingdom of God and the community of Fort Smith through the vision of The World of Gospel. http://theworldofgospel.net/ She spoke of the moment the burden was laid in her lap by God, and chronicled her path of embracing the dream. What she has accomplished is no small feat. She has truly been gifted discernment from Above and has been called to fulfill a ministry. It is little wonder God sought such remarkable character in a woman as witnessed in the life of our Lovable Lydia Joseph-George. What a legacy she will pass on for generations to come. I feel honored to have been a small part of such a great beginning.

PS: (Don’t miss the finale.)

Really Rich Radio Personalities!

I purposely take you back to the morning of the Gala Launch. (I really hate to let good things go, and I love keeping you in suspense!) The air was crisp. The morning glistened with a new delight sprinkled by God. Scheduled to air at 8:00 a.m., I arrived at Spirit 106.3 early and it was like walking into home. I was greeted with great big early-morning smiles and the smell of fresh-made coffee. The hospitality was welcoming for a homemade Southern girl careening around in the Ozarks.

I sat down with Dave Burdue and Sidekick Lee for their introduction of me to Fort Smith community. Engaged immediately! Easy conversation, enlightening discussion about family, marriage, and the deteriorating values in our home life – like missing evening meals with an intact family. I shared the temporary drudgery and endless thrills of moving into a new house with Lee while Dave was doing his magic on the air. During the commercial breaks, we all discussed my recently-released book Keeping His Pants On Until He Gets Home and how the first institution ever created by God is being compromised for our fleshly desires – power, money, sexual immorality, sports, the MEism syndrome.

I marveled at the energy these two had for their duties as they conversed with their loyal-fans family. The passion exhibited by these two sealed a sense of investment in this community. Their zeal for the Lord was exceptional, and I was comforted in the thought of the good news entrusted to them over the air waves of Arkansas.

Having been privileged to sit as guest to many warriors of the Gospel across America, I praise them for their dedication, for the drive that wells up within their souls and propels them to extol the faithful, stir the slumbering, give hope to the troubled, and promise to all of eternal salvation.

We laughed, they extended a gracious plug to my ministry, and the phone lines started ringing as we shared Pants with three fortunate people. I autographed books for their wives, gave kudos to my new friends and went about the day.

Dave and Lee prepared my heart for the Launch with – you know who – the Founder of The World of Gospel. Utmost respect for this community figure was evident as a litany of compliments and praise spilled forth. I was certain I was in for a treat, and my whetted appetite, as you have already seen, was not to be soured. These two set the stage for my fabulous day in Fort Smith. What a way to begin the majesty of the Lord. Surely you realize how blessed you are. The real richness of their hearts is perfect for radio personalities. The Spirit of Fort Smith roped in this heart, and when I return, my revisit with these two will be first on the agenda.

Adoring Andy

Click! Flash! Pulling! Tugging, lugging! Setting up, breaking down! Arranging and rearranging! Calming down, cheering on! Every woman needs one … a husband like Andy. The true hero of the night, and I’m quite confident it wasn’t the first time he had ridden in to save the day.

I loved watching Andy in action. I began to think there were triplets of him, because everywhere I turned, he was there. On the move, and moving quick. It didn’t take you long to realize that Andy was a man of vision. He saw a candid moment coming before it was set in motion. When the first edition of World of Gospel is birthed on November 1, 2008, you will be astounded. Andy’s handiwork of photography will be splattered on every page as he captures highpoint candids and staged stills with meticulous exactness. His wife – the Belle of the Ball – was good to guide us into patience with the detail Andy put into making you look good in print. Being a person of detail myself, I was delighted for the extra care he devoted to his efforts. Of course, the older I get, the more I like the detail to “making one look good”! Little did I know the true professional he was until just moments ago when I caught his site on the Internet. http://www.wtwphotography.com/

Accolades are certainly in order, however, for the amazing work Andy did in creating the logo for World of Gospel. Visit the site; you won’t believe it. http://theworldofgospel.net/ It is truly a fascinating design. He is indeed talented in fashioning many messages into one design. I have my copy of it appropriately framed and in my office. And the website – wow – it’s crisp and vivid, yet mellow and serene all at once.

Expression of detail is not what struck me as the most commendable gift this man possesses. What is incredibly laudable about Andy is his tenderness toward the gem of his life – his wife, the founder of this magazine. My eyes captured many tender moments of recognition, pride and utmost respect he holds for her. Gentle pats, embracing hugs, wiping her brow, making sure she caught her breath, getting her refreshment, adjusting her wardrobe … taking care of his wife. Now that … was photogenic. It’s as rare to capture that kind of love in motion as it is to confine it in a camera lens.

His gestures of love spilled out to paint the night for every guest there. Through his menagerie of adoration, Andy set the stage for the night. He infected each of us with a spirit of exceptional favor. Whether you’d known him for years or hours, it was a unanimous sentiment we shared in adoring Andy.

Magical Mayor

A spell came over the crowd the moment he bolted through the door. We were caught up in a magical moment with the most jovial little fellow you will ever meet. He jumped and gyrated around the tables, making his way to our beautiful hostess. When he found her, she leaned down to meet his embrace! He was a delightful ol’ chap, jumping and skipping, and chanting signature capture phrases that drew you into his presence.

The Mayor had arrived at the Ball, and the room was suddenly filled with an aura of frivolity and lighthearted folly. Laughter abounded throughout the room. Faces lit up like beacons of enchantment. A feeling of Disney, Christmas, Easter, St. Patrick’s Day, and Valentine’s encircled and intertwined in our hearts and minds, and wrapped us hostage by his good-humored nature. To turn away for a second could mean you would miss a thrilling flash of giddy amusement.

But, this flare of his personality was not what earned the respect of his community. When he paid homage to the founder of World of Gospel, the Mayor spoke as eloquently as thought she were the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. The pride and admiration he held for this special lady exuded with as much zeal as the efforts of his merriment.

Caught up in his sincerity, I fell unawares that he was calling me up to the front. He presented me, as well as our hostess, with a beautiful red rose. I was thrilled but had to come back for another laugh for the crowd saying, “So, where’s my key to the City? I plan to come back often!” It warranted a hug, but my five-two stature didn’t have to bend down as far to claim it.

Ah, to embrace life with such extraordinary joy! This man was like a Glow Worm, just lighting the path wherever he landed. I was reminded how rare qualities for elation of life are represented in people’s lives. To be viewing God’s majestic handiwork day in and day out, to experience small blessings like the laughter of a child, freedom to openly worship our Lord and Savior - these things should call us to leap with excitement and never have cause to complain, regardless of our state of health or financial status. Fort Smith’s Magical Mayor is a lesson himself about embracing the gusto of living.

Fantastic Friends – Wanda and Mona

No one’s life is complete without being seasoned with friends. You can have a great spouse who’s your best friend, and I would always recommend that. But somewhere down the road, you’re going to need the help of a friend. They’re great to have around. They’re good in a pinch, especially if spouse-friend is not readily available to assist. They go to bat for you, defend your honor, lend a hand, lighten a load, run the race with you when you’re up against the wall or the clock, and your family becomes theirs.

Wanda is such a friend to the founder of our new magazine – World of Gospel. (Do I have your curiosity piqued as to who our “mystery” founder is? Be patient. Coming up soon.) Wanda actually is responsible for connecting me with this event in the first place. Shortly after I had a booksigning in Valdosta, Georgia near Moody Air Force Base, I received a “911 plea” from Wanda. Her cousin, a military wife stationed at Moody, was the first to visit my table at Waldenbooks - www.waldenbooks.com. A breathtakingly beautiful young lady, - I recall her well - extremely intelligent, and fascinating. She called Cousin Wanda in Fort Smith, Arkansas and relayed to her, “You have to get this book called Keeping His Pants On Until He Gets Home.

Wanda contacted me with a cry for help. A convention is in the works in the near future, and I am honored to have been asked to be the keynote speaker. Through our email conversations, we landed on my being the feature speaker at the magazine launch. A sweetheart of a gal, Wanda stood in the gap for her friend, looking out for her best interests, and was her right-hand gal at the launch.

Mona, the emcee for the evening, is a beautiful lady, and one of the founder’s best friends. The story of how these two met is precious, and the perma-bond friendship is a witness to all who know them. I spoke with Mona briefly at the close of the event. Her life has taken many turns, but her sights are on Jesus and her contentment was transparent.

Good friends make special happenings even more fantastic. People measure blessings through varying means, but none of us can discount the joy of true friends. Oftentimes, they are a wrapped-up package waiting to be opened and used – not used up, but used with attitudes of gratitude for what they accomplish for each of us. They are testimonies to our children of how special relationships are supposed to be. We need to teach our children this gift – by being a good friend to someone.

Captivating Curlie and Carol

Friends and family began pouring into the Martin Luther King Community Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The support of the World of Gospel founder would be commendable. I made it a point to meet and greet people as they made their way through the doors, but at some point during the influx, there were some introductions that would not happen until the end of the affair.

Booksigning had waxed and waned, and we had begun the picture ceremony part of the night. I came back over to the table to finish up the last bit of new-found fans and to begin wrapping up my table. A gentleman made his way over and introduced himself. He quickly added, “Carol would love this book. She’s the joy of my existence. She loves me so much. That woman over there is truly remarkable. We have such a wonderful life together.”

Curlie’s countenance revealed his sincerity. His love for this lady was special, as was hers for him. Carol, a beautiful lady, was across the room chitchatting with acquaintances, lighting up everyone around her. She was dressed divinely, and the light within her soul was kept from no one she encountered. She had beamed the whole night. Earlier when I was addressing the crowd, she set my words on fire as I spoke of devotion to spouses and family. Her eyes were enchanting and her smile warm and delightful. She offered encouragement and support at a mere glance.

“I’ll get your book, but I can’t tonight,” Curlie continued. “I just wanted you to know how much I enjoyed your message. Families are taking a huge fall these days, and we need to be sending a message of hope and restoration. God bless your path, and we’ll be praying for you.” The handshake exchanged earlier quickly turned into a warm, embracing hug, and Curlie walked back to Carol’s side.

I picked up a book, penned a special message to Carol, and “Keeping His Pants On Until He Gets Home” soon made its way to Curlie’s hands. My heart was full as I watched him guide the wheelchair carefully out of the room. Carol’s crumpled-over body would leave behind hearts sweetened by her presence. She was young, a woman full of grace and charm with a heart full of abiding love. Curlie would pat her and brush her cheek with tenderness as they bid adieu to all. I immediately prayed for these two spirited souls, thanking God for expressions of love that are captivating stirrings of humbleness. This remarkable couple epitomizes the truest definition of “in sickness or in health … till death do we part.” Occasions such as these cause me to take stock of the efforts I put into love.

Tenacious Tarshica

Youth! You can’t beat it with a stick. Beauty, grace, intelligence, and a sweet spirit of service – the perfect package for the future wife of some blessed young man.

Tarshica, the goddaughter of the founder of World of Gospel, will be the columnist for teens. She spoke briefly of the responsibilities of her position. Her enthusiasm for the new adventure was all-telling, and she stirred the anticipation of everyone present to watch for her advent.

Her precious smile came in a close second behind her bubbling exuberance as she stood before me. Her beaming father stood beside her with credit card in hand. She wanted to get her own copy of Keeping His Pants On Until He Gets Home to prepare her heart and mind for the expectancy of being a bride someday. I asked if she would send me a review of the book from the angle of the “future bride’s” viewpoint, and she graciously accepted the challenge.

How refreshing to see the heart of our youth on fire for the work of the Lord. There are many young people who follow Jesus’ teaching, but few who are spotlighted for such a cause. Stories about our youth that most commonly make the news are the ones of criminal activity or trauma. Tarshica has a tenacious desire to chronicle the excellence of our young community.

Bravo to the families who strive to expose their children to goodness. Instilling qualities like commitment, work ethics, kindness and inner strength ensures a healthy, happy, and functioning adult spilling over these same qualities to the next generation. And the beat goes on and on and on.