At the New Room Conference this year, Jon Thompson shared a powerful challenge: instead of only asking God for a YES, ask Him for His NO. A holy NO can protect, redirect, and launch us into God’s better story. I believe it—because I lived it.

On November 18, 2023, after months of prayer, preparation, and trusting the Lord through denominational conflict, our church received a firm and final NO. And do you know what we did?

We worshipped!

Because God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good. That is His nature.

As this delegate drove home from that painful and dishonoring special called conference, our families gathered to worship the Lord who had given them clear marching orders. Though slander swirled, mics were cut off, and long-trusted relationships were lost, God had been preparing them. The grief had done its work. They were ready to follow His leading. Read more about that here.

The very next morning—November 19—at the end of what should’ve been a normal Sunday school hour, parents quietly picked up their children and walked across the street to begin a brand-new congregation inside a funeral home. They carried nothing but faith, courage, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. No idols were taken and they started from a sacred scratch.

And the miracles began.

They gathered for the first business meeting on that Monday evening – November 20 – voted on a name, consecrated a leadership team, and called to offer me a position as the first hire. New families arrived weekly—no signage, no screens, no fancy systems—just hungry hearts. Panera became our office, Wesleyan discipleship became our shared language, and Jesus remained our uber-focus. Within weeks, God provided a permanent place to gather, grow, and serve.

The funeral home became a birthplace.

We rented folding chairs, sang with joy, and let the Holy Spirit lead every next step. Children wore holes in their pants playing on the floor, supplies traveled by wagon, and worship didn’t require perfection—just presence. Read about that here.

God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good. That is His nature.

Holy Communion was served outside resembling a grape slushie as we bundled for the below-freezing Georgia winter. We prayed, we sang, we gathered empty suitcases for local CASA children (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for the first local mission, we used battery-operated tapers for Christmas Eve, hung out in a barn with a ewe and a pig to retell the Luke 2 account with children at our first Holy Communion & Campfire Christmas, and finished with carols accompanied by guitar and a high schooler’s trumpet. It was 43 degrees and pouring down rain. There was work to do. We weren’t building a church—God was building a people.

On February 29, we closed on property and three buildings less than a mile away. It wasn’t smooth—there were threats, criticism, vandalism, and seasons of real physical and spiritual resistance—but God kept providing supernatural solutions. We learned, we made space for the Lord to work out His best for all, we prayed James 1:19 often, and we kept doing as much good as possible with what was in our hands.

By the end of year one, we had access to the entire property, children and youth spaces were almost completely renovated, missions expanded locally and globally, and our community discovered new ways to worship, serve, and grow together.

This week, on November 20th, we celebrate our second birthday! Looking back the first year, we dedicated ourselves to getting our legs under us with legal papers and potluck table life often. The second year, we dedicated ourselves to designing a discipleship pathway and experimenting with environments, community partnerships, and living into the COMMUNITY part of our name. This coming year we’ll dedicate ourselves to editing well and solidifying processes and systems to beat the devil and make Heaven crowded.

And through it all, one truth remains:

God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good. That is His nature.

Last Sunday, we honored the leadership team who walked through the fire with faith, unity, humility, and holy courage. I’ve never known more smart, wise, humble servants of Jesus with such integrity. I would walk over hot coals for these people and I get emotional thinking of all the Lord accomplished through their faithfulness. Each one has talked me off the ledge more times than I care to admit. The crowns they will throw at our Savior’s feet when they see Him face to face will be so heavy and so many.

As our pastor reminded us last Sunday evening, we are a global, global, global, global, very Global Methodist Church—called to share Jesus with neighbors, nations, and the next generation through Spirit-led worship, discipleship, mission, and Wesleyan community.

Because this is our hope and our assignment: “Always be prepared to give an answer… for the hope you have.” —1 Peter 3:15

And we have hope.

Oh, do we ever.

God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good. That is His nature.

“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.” Hebrews 10:35-36

Last week, I shared about God’s beautiful design for friendship. He created us to live in community—mentally, spiritually, emotionally, physically, and yes, even chemically! When we choose friends who love and pursue Jesus, their faith helps lift ours even lessening decision fatigue. Psychologists might call it mind-melding; Scripture calls it discipleship and fellowship.

Let me introduce you to a few girlfriends-in-the-Lord we all need:

An Esther is a brave intercessor—someone who prays boldly and reminds you of your God-given calling. Linda L. was mine. She stood only 5’4” but carried a 10-foot personality. After I left a church staff wounded and exhausted, she pulled me back toward God’s calling with a firm phone call and a chicken quesadilla. She spoke truth, poured healing over me, and would not let me quit loving littles to Jesus. She is with Jesus now, but she will always be an Esther. I am in ministry today because of her pushing me to get myself together and whole, trusting the One who called me to provide a place to live out His calling on me. I am forever grateful.

A Ruth is faithful, not flaky. She stands beside you through loss and reminds you that you are never alone. Kate M. is mine. She saw something in me I couldn’t yet see in myself when I moved to Georgia. She let me start a Sunday school class for 4th–6th grade girls, and that small “yes” led to my calling as a professional Christian educator. She is a Ruth.

A Deborah is a wise, courageous leader with a prophetic voice; she rallies the troops. She speaks truth and calls you higher—even when you’re uncertain. Robin G. is mine. We met because of eclipse glasses—yes, really! In exchange she said yes to serving in children’s ministry and together we’ve started things, ended things, and started things again. She leads with boldness, and we share life through a Wesleyan Band. She is a Deborah.

A Mary believes in God’s plan for your life—even when it makes no sense. She lives her faith out loud with a heart full of YES. Judy S. is mine. Through ancient holy habits and courageous surrender, she walks through every door God opens. I get to learn from her, laugh with her, pray for her, share tables with her, be led by her, and cheer her on. She is a Mary.

An Elizabeth celebrates you without competing. She encourages, listens deeply, and shares a rich history with the Lord—so you don’t have to explain every detail. Melinda M. is mine. Long before “prayer partners” were part of our faith formation system, Melinda asked me to be hers. Every Monday morning, we meet for coffee and almost two hours of prayer and share. We share the same season of life. Melinda champions women, serves faithfully, and encourages with skill.

Rebecca M. is mine, too. We also share the same season of life and her ministry is alongside her husband. They are attached at the heart and hip. I have watched her raise boys to men, love grand girls to the Lord, and she loves through food, story, and table life. She’s funny, she is walking hospitality, and loves tea. Melinda and Rebecca are Elizabeths.

An Anna radiates joy and has a ministry of presence from an overflow of years of worshipping the One and Only who has sustained her in all of life. She loves her local church, serves through faithful presence and prayer, and lifts others so they can shine. Age doesn’t slow her—she keeps saying yes to God. Janet W. is mine. She writes notes of blessing, prays boldly, serves at a food pantry, ministers in prison through Kairos, invites women to Emmaus, and makes everyone fell special in her presence. She is darling with a side of precious! Mr. Bob says she’s the most interesting person we know. She is an Anna.

These are the kinds of friends every believer needs—and the kind of friend each of us can be as the Lord sanctifies us on this side of Glory.

So… where do you land? Which friend do you long to become? If you don’t have these women in your life yet, I can tell you where you’ll find them. At your local church.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” Proverbs 31:25-26

We hear a lot about decision-making, but did you know the average adult makes about 35,000 decisions every day? Some are tiny—like which shoes to wear. Others are life-shaping—like where to live or work. But there’s one crucial decision we hardly notice: Who do I spend my time with?

As I prepared for a women’s ministry retreat at a nearby local church, I read Karen Riddell’s Friendship Matters and Melanie Shankle’s Nobody’s Cuter Than You. Shankle reminds us that childhood friendships were mostly about location, location, location. Whoever lived nearest became our people!

But research is showing that, as adults, friendship is one of the most important choices we will ever make.
Neuroscientist Dr. Moran Cerf at Northwestern University explains why: The people we spend time with actually shape how we think, feel, and even how healthy and joyful we are. Over time, our brain waves begin to sync with theirs—our minds literally wire together and fire together. Isn’t that amazing?
That’s God’s good design.

God’s good design includes a hormone called oxytocin which is the neurochemical that bonds mamas to babies and wives to their hubbies. It is this hormone that is released in our minds and throughout our bodies when we laugh, hug, make eye contact, or talk with friends. It literally causes a rush of positive emotions. 

Riddell goes on to write, “Oxytocin has a fantastic superpower: its release triggers the flow of other feel-good neurochemicals, creating a chain reaction for contentment.” God’s good design is that oxytocin’s effect is amplified by estrogen.

Men, on the other hand, have far more testosterone, which actually blocks oxytocin—so friendship feels different for them.

As women age, forming new friendships can become harder, but our need for connection doesn’t disappear and it’s still God’s good design that women discover deep connections with one another. And Scripture affirms this over and over: we were created for connection.

One of my favorite reminders comes from my friend Kate’s and my visit to Magdala in Israel in 2017—the hometown of Mary Magdalene. Excavations there revealed gathering spaces near the Sea of Galilee. Beside the excavation, there has been built a beautiful building with art with an atrium of eight pillars.
Seven pillars are carved with the names of women in the Gospels who followed and supported Jesus—Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, Mary and Martha, Salome, and others. The eighth pillar is blank meant to honor all the women—including us—whose faith leads them to follow Jesus.

Many of these women stayed near Jesus even when all seemed lost. In Mark 16, they spent the Sabbath in sorrow, but on the third day they did what women do—they kept going. They went together to buy spices to honor Jesus. I wrote Steel Magnolias in my Bible right there! They showed up for Jesus—and for each other.

So—back to our friendships.

If our minds naturally sync with the people around us, then it makes sense to choose companions who help us grow toward Christ. When we walk closely with friends who love Jesus, we’re encouraged to love Him more deeply, too. But if we link ourselves with voices pulling us away from godly values and confusing cultural causes, we will drift without realizing it.

So let’s ask:

• Who am I walking with?
• Do my closest friends share my values?
• Do they encourage me toward Jesus?
• Do they help me live into God’s goodness?

God designed our minds and hearts to reflect the people we journey with. Psychologists call it mind-melding. Scripture calls it discipleship and fellowship.

And here’s the good news: Walking with Christ-centered, wise friends actually makes life lighter.
Their faithfulness helps lift us up, strengthens us, and eases our decision fatigue.

Healthy friendships help us grow in health and holiness. That is God’s good design—and it is a beautiful gift.

“When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices (they went shopping together!) so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body.” Mark 16:1

As an LSU Political Science alum, I’ve always been fascinated by how government works. Lately, my reading about the Secret Service has introduced me to a fabulous group of people known as the Advance Team — the ones who handle the behind-the-scenes logistics for a protectee’s trips and events.

These folks make sure every detail is covered — from travel routes and venue prep to press coordination and security. They arrive before anyone else, work quietly behind the scenes, and ensure that everything goes smoothly and safely. They protect not only the person they serve, but also the purpose and reputation of the office they represent.

The more I learned about the Advance Team, the more I realized: that’s what we do in ministry with children and families! We are the Advance Team for the Kingdom — setting the stage for the Lord’s people to do good work through and in the life of the local church and the community.

Here’s what that looks like:

1. Coordinate People and Relationships

Advance Team members connect with every point of contact, gather details, and make sure everyone knows their part. In ministry, we do the same! We connect with people, discover their gifts and skills, communicate clearly, and build relationships that make ministry flow smoothly.

2. Conduct Site Visits

Advance agents walk through venues, mapping entrances, exits, restrooms, and layouts to anticipate needs. In ministry, we visit classrooms, fellowship halls, and event spaces to ensure smooth beginnings, meaningful moments, and memorable endings. Preparation shows love!

3. Assess Team and Volunteer Needs

Sometimes an event only needs two people; other times it takes a full crew. Ministry is the same way — we prayerfully plan the right people for the right roles so that the mission can move forward effectively and joyfully.

4. Identify Challenges and Pivots

Advance Teams look for potential problems and design solutions before they happen. In ministry, we anticipate obstacles, stay flexible, pivot purposefully, and trust the Spirit’s leading to adapt when plans shift.

5. Develop a Comprehensive Checklist

Advance Teams use detailed checklists to remember everything — little is left to chance. In ministry, a shared document or checklist from year to year keeps us organized and builds on what God has already done. It’s how we grow from good to great!

Do you see yourself in any of these roles? I sure do!

So how will you prepare for the next ministry event or opportunity? Let’s serve like an Advance Team — prayerful, prepared, and passionate to make room for God’s glory!

“Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.” Psalm 85:13

We met at a softball game in May 1982 — Graham Hall (ladies’ dorm) vs. Kirby Smith (guys’ dorm) on the edge of the LSU campus in Baton Rouge. His suitemates were friends of mine, and he’d transferred from ABAC in Tifton, Georgia, after his dad’s job moved the family to Metairie at the beginning of the semester.

He asked me out for the very next night. We had steak and salad at Western Sizzlin’, then walked and talked around the LSU lakes. We’ve been together ever since.

He was tall, handsome, with deep brown eyes and serious dance moves. He loved his parents, took school seriously, and had a rock-solid work ethic. His parents and grandparents modeled faithfulness and joy — and that gave me hope for the kind of future we could build together. I was determined to leave behind some unhealthy family traits and start something good. And did I mention? He’s still so handsome. Be still my heart!

We married on the LSU campus at the Baptist Student Union in July 1983 — the same summer as the World’s Fair in New Orleans — making us 42 years married this past summer.

Our first home was a tiny Tiger Town apartment just off campus. I bought a dining table and chairs for $50, and he had a 9-inch black-and-white TV we carried from room to room if something “great” was on. The living room “set” was two plastic lawn chairs and shelves built from blue Pepsi crates I brought home from my job at A&P. I worked nights there and weekends too, before graduating and moving into the Investment and Legal Department at Capital Bank — a clearinghouse for small banks across Louisiana.

Bob’s first job after earning his Forestry degree was with a mall cleaning company on the night shift until a full-time position opened at Auto Shack. From there, he went on to a service writer at the Chevrolet dealership, Genuine Parts (NAPA), Advance Auto Parts, and now, after decades in the auto industry, he’s retiring from Jasper Engines & Transmissions out of Jasper, Indiana at the end of this month.

This faithful, kind man has led our family to church, to historic landmarks, and to beautiful neighborhoods we’ve called home across many transfers. He’s loved golf, auto racing, and a good beach trip for as long as I’ve known him. We’ve shared the Walk to Emmaus community, enjoyed fancy restaurants and company trips across the country, and learned to manage our finances God’s way — thanks to a “wrong book” that arrived from a book club while we were snowed in up north. (Financial Peace, first edition!) That little mistake changed our financial lives forever.

I realized early on that the best gifts I could give Mr. Bob were a joyful, peaceful home — and a good credit score. Done and done!

Christine came along in 1987, and Ben in 1989. Every dog he ever rescued now lives in “dog heaven” after enjoying life at the Reilly Bed & Breakfast. We’ve lived in three states and six homes. Mr. Bob and our now adult kids are minimalists; I am not. That’s why we have a basement — everything has a story! Our rule is: nothing new comes in unless something goes out.

When we lived in New England, Bob traveled for work, and we often joined him for holidays and as soon as summer break started — crashing his hotel (kids could stay and eat free in those days) to explore Boston, Niagara Falls, Cape Cod, Memphis, Bangor, Saratoga, the White Mountains, and New York City.

Since he ate out for work on the road, I always cooked when he was home. Growing up in south Louisiana came in handy! If we went out, it was a special, “get-dressed-up” occasion — because, as he put it, he wanted our daughter to know what it looked like to be treated well and not be swayed by a boy in a truck and a drive-thru, and our son to know how to eat in public like a gentleman.

When our kids were both under five, one of Bob’s coworkers signed us up to be Secret Shoney’s Shoppers. We visited the same Shoney’s restaurant each week — rating hospitality, food, and service — and got reimbursed monthly for our meals. For almost two years, our littles learned a ton of manners to sit, eat, and talk politely in public before we moved north.

Mr. Bob is a really good dad. Our adult kids call him more than me — and honestly, I love that. Seeing him as a grandfather? He’s never been more hot in my eyes. Four little people call him Pops.

We’ve always said you shouldn’t just retire from something — you should retire to something. So, come mid-November, he’ll start a new chapter as a parts delivery driver for our local O’Reilly Auto Parts, just five minutes from home — the perfect “retirement job.” He’ll deliver to many of the same customers he’s served for decades. But first: a few weeks of sleeping in, no alarms, and catching up on long-postponed projects.

His work ethic is unmatched, and I can already see him making new friends and soaking up time with the grands. I’m looking forward to coming home to dinner ready and taking in a walk through the neighborhood right after to catch up on our day.

Our life has never been flashy, but it’s been full of faith, laughter, and teamwork. We’ve raised two adults who love the Lord, love each other, and still love spending time with us. We’ve been debt-free since 1990, and he’s called me every night he’s ever been on the road. Every single night. His last nights on the road will probably be this week.

He does the laundry on Sundays (my workday) and makes sure I get to sing “Calling Baton Rouge” at the top of my lungs in Death Valley at least once a year. It’s not his thing — but he grins that it’s mine.

I’m so proud of Mr. Bob — of the man he is, the faith he lives, and the life we’ve built together. I couldn’t walk through the doors God has opened for me without his steady love and trust.

When I started in church weekend ministry, I aimed to not be away from home any more than two nights a week, which has made me a committed planner. Saturdays are sacred for us — our one shared day off for decades. My Sabbath is Friday; his is Sunday. That rhythm may not change, but the pressure of sales quotas and hotel life will soon be gone.

Come October 31st, my faithful, hard-working, handsome husband will finally hang up his road bag — and step into a new season of joy, margin, and answered prayers of family living nearby. Thank you, Lord, for Mr. Bob, this good man of mine.

“A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him” Matthew 12:35a

“Faith Files” are like a mental filing cabinet filled with everything we’ve learned, experienced, and reflected on about our faith. Each “file” grows over time as we live, study, and reflect on what God’s people teach and share.

I first heard about building Faith Files nearly 30 years ago while reading A Woman After God’s Own Heart by Elizabeth George—back when I was on “trophy wife duty” with Mr. Bob on Coronado Beach in California.

As a self-proclaimed organization nerd, I love the idea of intentionally diving deep into specific topics as a plan for personal faith formation. Now, if we want to get all nerdy, there’s actually a term for this—schema formation. A schema is just a fancy word for the mental structure that helps us organize and store information about a subject. Our faith “schemas” grow and shift over a lifetime of study, reflection, and experience.

In the philosophy of mind and cognitive science, a mental file is a system our brain uses to store and organize information about specific objects, people, or concepts. When we encounter something, a file is “opened” for it, and as we gain more information or experience, that file is updated. 

Okay, enough of the nerdy stuff.

Here’s why I bring this up: there are three Faith Files that are especially important for our children—particularly as they transition into student ministry. These are the foundation pieces of the Christian life, learned through church teaching, lived out in daily practice, and shared by believers of all ages.

The 10 Commandments

How do Christians live in the world set apart by God, for God?
This God-given list begins with how we love God (no other gods, no idols, honor the Sabbath) and ends with how we love one another (honor, truth, faithfulness, respect). At a recent New Room Conference, I heard a preacher say, “God chose ‘Do not covet’ to close the list because if we don’t covet, we won’t worship idols, lie, steal, or dishonor.” That hit home. Keeping the Sabbath reminded the Hebrews they were no longer slaves; reminds us that we are no longer slaves to sin.

The Lord’s Prayer

How do Christians communicate with God, for God?
This prayer teaches us to speak with confidence to our holy, providing, forgiving King. It reminds us that God’s kingdom reigns both on earth and in heaven. It’s truly our family prayer.

The Apostles’ Creed

What do Christians believe—together, everywhere, and throughout time?
This is the backbone of our shared faith. No hemming or hawing, no confusion—just the solid truths that unite Christians across generations and continents.

These three Faith Files are the foundation stones we’ll keep building on all our lives. Learn them often. Teach them often. Talk about them often. Memorize them. Reflect on them. Let them shape you as you practice the historic, holy habits of following Jesus. What’s good for kids is good for everybody!

Some of my other Faith Files? The 23rd Psalm (Sheep. Shepherds. Tables. Shadows. Memorized.). And the stories of incredible women of Scripture—Deborah, Ruth, Esther, the Shunamite woman, Mary and Martha, and Anna. The Christmas Story.

So… what are in your Faith Files?
If you’re not sure, ask yourself:

What story, truth, or teaching from Scripture could I talk about for ten minutes without any notes?

Start there. That’s one of your Faith Files. Now, how will you build on it?

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

No matter the temperature, when the calendar turns to October—it’s fall, y’all! The season of pumpkins, apples, chai, and college football is in full swing here in the South.

Last fall marked our first autumn as a church with both a name and a home. To celebrate, we hosted a family fun event called Pumpkin Palooza (you can read about that here!). We learned a lot—especially about how powerful personal invitations and social media can be. When we asked guests, “How did you hear about it?” the answer was almost always, “Facebook!” That came from our congregation sharing and commenting on posts the day before the event. It worked, so we did it again!

Other wins we repeated this year included the chili potluck, prizes that weren’t candy, and a short message to bridge the games and entertainment. We even started 30 minutes earlier to catch the sunset just right. Though it rained, we easily pivoted to Plan B and brought it inside to the Worship Center and the Social Hall.

One discovery from last year: while our musical guest was incredible, most community families left once the games stopped. So we prayed and asked, “What could we offer this time that people would stay for—and maybe even join in?”

Enter country line dancing! And just like that, The Round Up was born.

We found a fantastic local line dance instructor through Facebook who promised clean lyrics, simple moves, and fun for all ages. She delivered! In our conversations, she mentioned there are more and more line dances being designed for Christian music, so of course, she taught and closed out with, you guessed it: Church Clap.

The youngest dancer was four, the oldest was 87, and everyone—from dads to grandmas—hit the dance floor. Laughter filled the air as our multigenerational church family quarter-turned, clapped, and kicked up their heels together. We planned for 30 minutes of dancing; we went 45 and could’ve kept going!

Before the dancing started and while chili dinner was served in hundreds of styrofoam coffee cups with hundreds of spoons, the fun continued:

• The CONNECT Team started conversations with fresh-popped popcorn.
• The Children’s Team set up baby pumpkin decorating with jumbo black sharpies.
• Youth gals painted faces with cacti and stars, while youth guys supervised the western inflatables—an epic 7-in-1 stagecoach & bank bounce house and a dual axe-throwing challenge.
• Senior saints ran the ring toss, and Young Adults helped littles pan for gold nuggets in a kiddie pool of sand from last year’s nativity luminaries.

It was pure joy—families together, generations laughing, everyone moving and mingling.

The first line dance I ever learned was the Hokey Pokey: “You put your right hand in, you put your right hand out…” You remember! Our God invites us to do the same—to put our whole selves in. Through Jesus, He made a way for us, broken and selfish as we are, to be made right with Him. We won’t find satisfaction putting just a “right foot in” or a “left hand in.” He wants all of us.

And that’s what it’s all about.

“…a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” Ecclesiastes 3:4

I love little books. They’re straight to the point, easy to carry, and packed with power because there’s no room for fluff. At the New Room Conference in Montgomery, I grabbed a stack of Field Guides for Daily Prayer and handed them out to parents and grandparents the very next Sunday. By 11 a.m. they were gone, and I’ve already ordered more!

I want to be a prayer warrior. But truthfully, my vocabulary is limited, and I get easily distracted. This Jesus-gal needs tools to help her pray.

This little 32-page guide, written and curated by Winfield Bevins and published by Seedbed, has become one of my favorites. It fits in the palm of my hand and offers anchors for prayer: daily prayers, morning and evening prayers, curated prayers, and even a 30-day Psalter. Winfield also created another little book gem I’ve used several times for intergenerational family small group study—Grow at Home: A Beginner’s Guide to Family Discipleship.

Other prayer tools that have marked me through the years and guided me include:

• A Diary of Private Prayer by John Baillie (updated by Susanna Wright): a collection of personal prayers by famed theologian Dr. John Baillie organized in 31 morning and evening prayers with special Sunday prayers. A beautiful blend of praise and confession using the language of scripture on the right side of each page. I’ve added my own handwritten prayers on the left side of the pages with prayer lists and scripture breath prayers I’ve used daily for the last ten years. A couple of years ago I came across a 1960 copy of Dr. Baillie’s original manuscript which sits bedside for evening prayers. He passed in 1960.
• The Power of a Praying Wife (1997) and The Power of a Praying Parent (1995) by Stormie Omartian: a collection of scripture prayers at the end of each of the 30 chapters with language for specific coverings for the most important people in my life. I have original copies so marked up they hardly hold together.
• Hymnals: Nearly every hymnal has rich prayers tucked in the back—beautiful for both personal and corporate prayer. I have several from different denominations.
• Praying for Your Husband/Child from Head to Toe by Sharon Jaynes: Scripture-based prayers that cover every part of the body—mind, eyes, ears, mouth, heart, knees, feet, and more. I discovered these treasures last year at the Billy Graham Museum. Wedding shower gifts include the husband one; baby shower gifts include the baby one.

Some days it’s especially hard to find the right words. Like the last several weeks—like when I need help living out James 1:19, being “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” These guides help me stay steady and focused, like navigational beacons to keep my eyes on Jesus throughout the day.

And I’m grateful. Because even when I may not have the words, the Lord hears the prayers, and groans, of His children. Lots of groans lately. He equips us to grow closer to Him and strengthens our trust muscles with every whispered prayer.

What prayer tools are you using?

In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling. Exodus 15:13

The New Room Conference, hosted by Seedbed, is an annual gathering of Christians hungry for spiritual awakening. Named after the first Methodist meeting house founded by John and Charles Wesley in Bristol, England, the conference blends worship, prayer, discipleship, and stories from the field (global church) to stir renewal and ignite an awakening through the ancient holy habits of faith.

This year was my second time attending, and I came with great expectations—to pray deeply, sit in Scripture, share table life with friends from Macland Community Church, sing from my soul, and let the Holy Spirit rekindle my fire. And the Holy Spirit did not disappoint!

Here are five takeaways that marked me:

1. “Darkness sticks to everything.” ~ J.D. Walt
   Evil has no fear of God. Yet I will not shrink back but walk boldly into every room, knowing Christ’s light is already there.
2. “God is good all the time. All the time God is good—FOR THAT IS HIS NATURE. Wow!” ~ David Watson & Tara Beth Leach
   A fresh twist on a familiar phrase. Yes, we’ve starting this in kids’ Sunday school!
3. “I believe Jesus is right about everything.” ~ Andrew Forrest
   Peace comes when we live God’s way. Loving first—even those who hate us—means moving forward, terrified but with open arms. What other option do I have?
4. “Ask for God’s ‘No.’” ~ Jon Thompson
   God’s “no” is often His best gift, learning contentment and rebuking coveting. Trusting His limits is trusting His love. God saying, “Yes!” is not normal.
5. “I wait on tables.” ~ James Aladiran (confirmed by the Spirit in me)
   Like Acts 6, my role is to serve with excellence so my pastors can not neglect the Word of God. Humility is leadership.

Along the way, I met amazing disciple-makers—from Louisiana to Mississippi to Georgia—sharing stories, ideas, and encouragement. Out of those connections, the fabulous Allison Vandenbergh and I began to design a two-day gathering in March 2026 in Albany to explore the “Ruts, Roots, and Rhythms” of ministry with children and families. Stay tuned!

The Spirit is moving. My heart is full. And my fire is stoked.

“So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.” Acts 6:7

I first learned about LifeWise Academy two years ago on Dr. Michael Easley’s Ask Dr. E podcast in August 2023 when founder Joel Penton was a guest. I was immediately interested and conversations started! Several members of our church leadership team also heard the episode, and now—by God’s grace—we’re on the ground floor of bringing LifeWise to our county and throughout our state, Georgia.

LifeWise Academy was inspired by a program launched in 2012 in Van Wert, Ohio, where an incredible 95% of local elementary students participated in Bible education during the school day. Joel Penton took that model and designed a replicable, scalable system that equips communities with “plug-and-play” tools to launch and sustain effective Bible education programs.

Yes, you read that right – during the school day, not after school!

How is that even possible? Back in 1952, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Zorach v. Clauson that Bible education during the public school day is constitutional and legal in all 50 states—as long as three conditions are met:

1. The program is held off school property.
2. The program is privately funded (no government funds).
3. Parents give permission for their child to participate in the program.

This has been legally available for over 70 years, but most local churches have never even heard of it. I’d never heard of it! LifeWise wants to change that by offering a clear, replicable model for elementary, middle, and high school students nationwide—including right here in our community. Right now there are more than 1,000 LifeWise Academies in the United States and growth is exponential.

The biggest obstacle? Simply a lack of awareness.

That’s why we’ve scheduled two 30-minute interest meetings before Wednesday night family programming this fall to start spreading the word.

LifeWise recently hired Paige Dees as State Director here in Georgia. She leads a LifeWise Academy program herself, partnering with the Atlanta Public Schools, and is an incredible resource. I’ve also connected with leaders in Bartow County (partnering with multiple churches), along with other children’s ministry leaders in Ohio. Right now:

• 13 school districts in Georgia have Steering Committees (including ours!)
• 85 districts have signed petitions
• 9 Georgia schools are confirmed with fall 2025 enrollment already at 568 students

That means 568 students will be engaged in Bible education every week during their school day in the state of Georgia. Amazing!

Since its first two programs launched in 2019, LifeWise has grown to more than 1,000 schools nationwide in 2025. Their “secret sauce”? Staying gospel-centered and pursuing excellence in every detail—because they know they represent the King.

Not only does LifeWise have a top-notch curriculum focused on Bible literacy, but they also have a proven plan to help churches launch successfully. Intentional. Clear. Doable. Ten incredible steps to launch.

Just imagine: 50 million public school students across the nation learning God’s Word during their school day.

Churches, family ministry leaders, children’s pastors—we can do this together!

• Do you have parents in your community who work Sundays (medical, law enforcement, hospitality, retail)? → Get started here.
• Do you have a school nearby, within walking distance? → Get started here.
• Does your church not currently have children? You can still partner in countless ways! → Get started here.
• Do you have a church bus that sits idle during the week? → Get started here.
• Do you want to be part of a national movement of gospel impact? → Get started here.

Want to talk about it? Go here or reach out to me directly at dedereilly@comcast.net.

Say “YES!” and get started here. We’ve been given an open door to fulfill the Great Commission. Why not? Now’s the time!

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17