Audra Jennings

Wrapped Up, Tied Up, Tangled Up I’m all wrapped up, I’m all tied up, I’m all tangled up in Jesus. I’m all wrapped up, I’m all tied up, I’m all tangled up in God. I’m all wrapped up, All tied up, All tangled up in Jesus. I’m all wrapped up, tied up, tangled up in God. Repeat, faster each time

After today, we've decided to give up on the town of Waxahachie. At the same high school craft market we did today we did so-so last year. Today we had lookers, but no buyers which was a huge disappointment after the success of our last four high school shows. The last event in Waxahachie was not good either. We were glad to be close to home though. We hate to not do something so close, but we're going to keep to traveling, I guess. It's a good thing we were near home because I don't have a thing in the suitcase and leave right after church tomorrow. Most of what I have been making lately have been replacements for the same items we've done before, so I haven't had new pictures. This week, I did make a few different.

I'm not going to lie. I haven't been looking to my 40th birthday. It seems old. It seems like a milestone without... I don't know. Things I wish I had/had done? But today was the day. I really expected to be in my annual birthday to New Year's funk. I really wasn't this year. Part of it is that I've just been too busy to be in a funk. Too exhausted from being busy. I worked. I'm using my birthday day off next week to take the week off. After getting off, my parents and I ordered a pizza and brownies. Mom actually ordered a giant cookie with "Happy Birthday" on it too. We ate at their house, and I headed home to finish some sports signs ahead of an event. Angie took me to lunch yesterday to celebrate. A group of friends had planned to meet at a restaurant in a nearby town, but a couple ended up unable to make it, so I suggested rescheduling. I don't think we'll be able to meet before Christmas after all, so ended up with a lost oppor...

  Part 1 of an interview with Bob Fife, Author of Out: One Christian’s Experience of Leaving the Gay Community Bob Fife was raised in a dysfunctional home and, despite an early conversion to Christianity, had an uneasy young life. Nothing prepared Bob for being sexually molested by an older boy he trusted — or for what happened in his heart afterward. From the confusion of his teen years, to his marriage and fatherhood, to his discovery and embrace of the flamboyant Toronto gay scene, the path Bob took became increasingly indulgent. He even abandoned his young family to follow his new lifestyle around the world. But an unexpected visit from his college-aged son over a decade later caused Bob to confront the consequences of his excesses — and find his way back to a restored relationship with the God who loves him. For those seeking to deal with their same-sex attractions, not celebrate them, Bob's fascinating story points a way to grace and redemption. Today he de...

A practical guide to pray for your community Amelia Rhodes helps readers focus their prayers on the needs of those around them A text from a friend. An urgent phone call from a family member. An announcement at church. Maybe even a share on social media or story from the news. Many needs surrounding us require prayer. Each request is valuable and worthy of time before the Father, but the sheer number of them can be overwhelming. In Pray A to Z: A Practical Guide to Pray for Your Community (Worthy Inspired/November 15, 2016/ISBN 978-1617957451/$14.99), author Amelia Rhodes helps readers topically organize their prayer requests and lay the burdens of their community at the feet of the Heavenly Father. When faced with more prayer requests than she could count, Rhodes realized how often she was failing to follow through on praying for others long-term. She longed to participate fully in lifting up those around her rather than simply offering quick, fly-by prayers as she l...

One woman’s journey from incredible pain to extraordinary faith Tanika Fitzgerald shares her story of loss to help other women learn to wait on God According to the March of Dimes, somewhere between 15-25% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. Despite the fact so many women share a common loss, they endure the grief of miscarriage alone and in silence. Many feel a sense of guilt or shame, as though what happened was somehow their fault. Others simply don’t want to burden others with their pain. No matter the reason, the dark season following the loss of a baby can shake the faith of even the most faithful believer. In Miscarried Joy: Moving Beyond Incredible Pain to Extraordinary Faith (Nyree Press/ November 15, 2016), Tanika Fitzgerald offers hope for those dealing with incredible pain of loss, providing help to conquer discouragement and discover new purpose. After losing three babies due to miscarriage in a short span of time, Fitzgerald’s faith was hanging by ...

Take your children on a fascinating journey into the ancient roots of the Christian faith as they learn about men and women who trusted Jesus and stood for him in Champ Thornton’s new book,  The Radical Book for Kids .  Along with examining some of the most exciting realities in the universe, the handbook is vibrantly illustrated and chock-full of fun facts and ideas. Deep truths are communicated to elementary and middle-school aged kids while stimulating their curiosity and sense of adventure within a gospel-centered framework. Click here for a preview of The Radical Book for Kids! {MORE ABOUT  THE RADICAL BOOK FOR KIDS } (New Growth Press, October 2016) A kid-sized explorer’s guide to faith and life The Radical Book for Kids  is a fun-filled explorer’s guide to the Bible, church history, and life for boys and girls age 8 and up. Along with examining some of the most exciting realities in the universe, the handbook is vibrantly illustrated ...