"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under Heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV)

Anita here :) We thought we'd change this month's newsletter up a bit and have it come from me. And so I thought what better time to write this than on a plane home from Los Angeles where I just ran my FIRST 1/2 marathon. What an amazing accomplishment from someone who used to be 50 pounds heavier and hated the thought of running. I remember a time when running 1 mile in 12 minutes was a huge thing for me. And yet, I just ran 13.1 miles in 2:22:02 (10 min 51 sec / mile). I believe very much in Phil. 4:13..."I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me." What victory I felt when I crossed that finish line!

It's amazing to think that 2012 is only 2 months away. Time flies...that is for sure. What an amazing journey I have been on these last 9 years of working for Tammy...and 2 years prior when I started to get to know her when Trent was still gracing the Earth. I have seen the world with her as we have been to over 20 countries together...either in sharing the love & hope of Jesus as TT ministers on stage or in just simply having fun & experiencing new things like only best friends can do. And through it all, my life has become richer because of the love of Christ that is rooted deeply in her. FULL POST

My life was forever changed 10 years ago. It's soo hard to believe it's been 10 years already. I'm moved to tears at this moment thinking about days missed, yet embracing the days the Lord has given me to discover all the many new adventures surrounding my life... when I was ready for them.

I've been shaken to the core and still I stand with my fist held high proclaiming that I am unshakeable in this moment. But that's just it. Sometimes we go from moment to moment, day to day, season to season. Even in chaotic uncertain times we can be assured that our very lives are in the grip of a loving God. We can completely rest in His love and presence, but also His unending attention, commitment and faithfulness to us.

When I stood on the edge of the water 10 years ago I could hardly breathe...I was overwhelmed with grief and loss...I'll never forget crying out to God to come rescue this broken heart and scoop me up in His arms because I couldn't stand on my own. As the scriptures say it best, He was close to the broken hearted and He saved me, whose spirit had been crushed. (Psalm 34:18) I once again realized my great dependence upon God and just how very real He is.

Many of our moments, days and seasons have been shaken, but today I am a woman speaking over my life AND yours if you feel like you're being shaken at this very moment...Our hope and our refuge is firm because of Jesus! (Psalm 92:2) We are heirs of everlasting life! He is in full control when life seems out of control. FULL POST

Naima Lett Set to Appear at Moody Bible Institute and Story Chicago in September

 Los Angeles, CA- August  30, 2011— Hollywood seems an unlikely destination for a seminarian, but that is where award-winning stage and screen actress Naima Lett headed after graduating with Dallas Theological Seminary’s first Masters in Media & Communications. Between booking television and film roles and traveling the nation speaking and teaching, the Talbot School of Theology Doctorate in Ministry candidate founded Hollywood Christian™ Ministries to help artists find their God-given purpose and follow their dreams without losing their faith.

 “Traditionally, I understand the schism between Hollywood and Christianity,” explains Lett, “But this is an exciting time where many ministries are bridging the gap. We come alongside actors, writers, producers, directors, musicians, etc., and encourage one another to lead with love, follow God’s word, and boldly walk out our faith in the entertainment industry, the same as we would in other professions.”

 Lett has been inspiring audiences across the nation with her critically-acclaimed, one-woman drama, and she is excited to be invited to Chicago. She will present “Shattered Silhouettes”, her powerful and moving drama based on the stories of five women from the Bible--Eve, Jezebel, Leah, Tamar, and Mary--and how they deal with hope, tragedy, love, power, and abuse. Lett will present an excerpt at Moody Bible Institute’s President’s Chapel on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at 10 AM, and the play in entirety at Moody’s Alumni Auditorium from 7 PM – 8 PM. Q&A following. (Free Admission) FULL POST

I never take the time to share with you some of the amazing emails that come into my office, but this one just brought me to tears...literally. I sat behind my computer screen and wept. I felt such a responsibility to the Father's call on my life and to this once "little girl" that I don't even know. As believers, we are ALL in ministry whether we know it or not. The real ministry begins off the "platforms" of our lives. Much of the time it takes many years for you to see the seeds you've sown. But let me declare this over your life today in case you haven't been told lately....YOUR LIFE MATTERS! Messy or Beautiful. It MATTERS! The things you do and say MATTER! The life you live is being watched by many and our lives don't have to be perfect to be used of God. Just progress! If you're willing, He will use you and the results are powerful. I'm humbled today realizing again that even in the mess of my own life, at times, and when I just wanted to give up, God says my life matters!
Below is the e-mail...

A Fellow Traveler,
Tammy Trent

So I'm going to start this off with a little story. :) I was around 9 or 10...I'm not sure. My mother, older sister and I drove up to Phoenix, AZ because you had a concert that night. I remember you were headlined with the Newsboys. I remember being so excited for the whole concert, but specifically for you. I had my heart set on meeting you...if it was the LAST thing I was going to do that evening, I didn't care. I just wanted it to happen. FULL POST

                 

Los Angeles, CA (July 28, 2011) -   Once again gospel singer and conference founder, CeCe Winans, makes a mark in the lives of youth that will not be erased. The State of Tennessee was well represented at the recent Always Sisters Forever Brothers conference drawing over 4,000 people to the three-day event and welcoming registrants from over a dozen states. 

 "The conference was a huge success because the presence of the Lord was there.  The prayer,   

worship, teaching and preaching was life changing!  Amazing stories of what transpired in     individuals continue to come in; I am humbled and forever grateful to God for being a promise keeper.  Thanks to everyone who prayed and supported ASFB financially, equipping the next generation to WIN and trust me, they now know that they are WINNERS!,” says CeCe Winans. FULL POST

INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED GOSPEL SINGER DONNIE MCCLURKIN MERGES MAJOR EVENTS FOR FAMILY,FRIENDS & COMMUNITY

            Long Island Welcomes The 8^th Annual New York Call and Perfecting Music Conference  For Three Day Empowerment Event

          Prudential, Close The Gap/Boston Scientific, Subway Eat Fresh, Urban Ministries, Inc; The Word Network, WBLS/WLIB, Amtrak, AARP and Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery on board as Key Supporters

Forgetting is something that your will chooses to do. It's a choice YOU make in life. But choosing to forget something doesn't mean that you are denying that it ever happened or that it wasn't important. It's just simply saying that I won't look to my past to dictate my future, but I will keep moving forward and won't let "this thing" change the atmosphere of my life, BUT I WILL change the atmosphere and become all that God has created me to be.

Don't let the hurt and pain from someone else's actions take up any more room in your mind and heart. Instead, fill that space with the hope and promises from God. Remember, no man can keep you from your final destination. God will always get you there right on time. His intention is to always bring increase in your life.

Certainly learn from your past so you know how to make powerful new choices for your next season, but don't live in the past.

You see, forgetting is closely linked with forgiving because many times we say to ourselves, "I can and will forgive, but I will never forget". But honestly why are we sooo intent on remembering things that will just keep us in that place? When we keep playing over in our minds and heart the hurtful words, actions, rejection, failures and pain it just keeps us from true restoration and healing that God wants to bring fully to our lives. He longs for us to be free to live abundant lives, full of peaceful fun adventures. FULL POST

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA HARVEST CENTER WELCOMES MULTIPLE AWARD-WINNING GOSPEL SINGER DONNIE MCCLURKIN AND HIS EXCITING THREE- DAY EVENT COVERING CAREER, HEALTH AND EDUCATION

BMI Publishing, Urban Ministries, Inc. and Subway Are Just a few Named As  Conference Sponsors

Los Angeles, CA (March 8, 2011)  -  The three-time GRAMMY Award winner Donnie McClurkin is gearing up for his biggest event to date and it’s not for a concert performance.  In fact it’s not about the platinum-selling artist at all; but rather a desire to share needed information that will empower people.  McClurkin will bring his Perfecting Music Conference to Charlotte-Mecklenburgh County, North Carolina April 28-30; all events will be held at the Harvest Center at 1800 Brewton Drive.  Day one, April 28 will kick off with a free multicultural Job/Career Fair at the Holiday Inn Charlotte Center City located at 230 North College Street from 11:00am-3pm. The day will include career counseling, resume building, tips on successful interviewing, free training classes, with hiring opportunities for permanent and, temporary jobs.  Local residents can listen out for more details on WPZS Praise 109FM, the host radio station for Charlotte PMC. FULL POST

I love the story of Joshua. Scripture says in Joshua 10:12-14, He was in the midst of a great battle and he and his men were trying to finish off this army before the sun went down. He knew that this army would rise up and cause them soo many problems if he didn't. Joshua could have easily gotten discouraged and had a defeated attitude but he stepped up and a new boldness surrounded him. He said, "God I know this is totally unusual and completely out of the ordinary but I'm asking you to stop the sun for me so I can complete this task at hand. I need daylight." I can imagine God thinking at first how bold Joshua was to ask for such a thing that could disrupt everything and how extreme of a request that was of Joshua to even make. But I can just about picture God smiling and saying to the angels, "Look at this man. Wow! He believes I can do ANYTHING! Sooooo...here's the deal, if he's bold enough to ask I'm bold enough to do it for him!"

And Scripture says that's exactly what happened. The sun stood still until Joshua completely finished off that army. God interrupted the entire universe just because one man was bold enough to ask and believe. It was his faith that was big enough to go beyond ordinary faith. FULL POST

LONG BEACH WELCOMES DR. BEVERLY CRAWFORD AND THE COMPANY

DYNAMIC WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT CONFERENCE PROVIDE THREE DAYS OF  POWER, PASSION, PURPOSE & REVITALIZATION

Women Sharing Resources and Ideas to Target Specific Issues Facing Women, Families and the Community

Los Angeles, CA (February 1, 2011) – Dr. Beverly "BAM" Crawford Founder and Pastor of Bible Enrichment International Church (BEFIC) in Inglewood, CA launched The Company International in 2010 after years of nurturing a long-time dream to create an arena designed to empower women. Dr. Crawford (President/Founder of Bam Crawford's Company) has spent the past 35 years mentoring, teaching and mobilizing programs to positively effect the lives of men, women and youth worldwide. However, her burning desire to see women exercise their full potential gave birth to The Company. Crawford's vision for TCI is best explained as an integrated system of women from various occupations, organizations and backgrounds collaborating to improve and empower women. . "The Company is an overcomer's network of global women (united in passion, power and purpose) helping one another to experience new strength, new peace, new growth and being a source of healing and wholeness. We are committed to birthing visions and dreams, provide a greater awareness of support and motivation, as we partner together and further develop the maturing of our souls," say Crawford. FULL POST