Update on Black Forest Fire: Colorado Springs

Good news! The Black Forest Fire near Colorado Springs, Colorado is nearly out!

We are now at 75% containment (and it's been burning for nearly a week). The good news: 3,615 homes saved. The bad news: 483 homes totally destroyed and 2 fatalities. 4,100 people remain evacuated from their homes.

Please pray for the fire to cease totally. For rain. For the safety and protection of firefighters. For those who have lost everything...for peace, comfort and provision to begin anew.

Thanks for your prayers!

PRAY FOR COLORADO: Wildfires Raging

 

 

Less than a year ago our city battled the largest wildfire in Colorado history.

 

Today, as numerous wildfires are raging in our state (at the Royal Gorge, LaVeta, Black Forest and other areas), we ask for prayer.  

The blaze closest to Colorado Springs is the Black Forest fire. So far it has burned more than 8,000 acres in one day and is 0% contained. That means it is burning out of control.  

Hundreds of firefighters, police, National Guard and others are helping to battle flames in the 90+ degree heat.  

Thousands have been evacuated statewide and nearly 100 homes have been lost in the Black Forest fire—only miles from my home.  

Today, the air is hazy and you can smell the smoke for miles. It smells like campfire, residual from the blaze still being battled.  

Thankfully, Colorado Springs is a community that rallies to help each other. I was at Care and Share foodbank today dropping of boxes of energy bars (for firefighters on the front lines) and the line of cars went on for BLOCKS…so many people willing to help!

 

 

Will you pray for the Colorado fires burning nearby? 

For rain to come and the high winds to die down  

For the fires to be contained and stop (they predict it will burn for days) 

For the many people who have evacuated—for comfort in their loss of homes and properties—and for food and shelter in their time of need right now.  

For the police, firefighters, National Guard, Army and other first responders to be safe and to have the energy and strength to battle this blaze.    

For people, property and pets to be safe. 

 

Lord, we need you. Come and heal our land—and the people of our city affected by the fires. We ask believing! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

Click for live updates on the Colorado wildfires from The Gazette

Photo credit (fire): Huffington Post; Photo credit (cars): Jackie Johnson

The 3 M’s of Connecting at ICRS 2013 (for Authors)

It’s almost here! The International Christian Retail Show 2013 will be held June 23-26, 2013 at America's Center Convention Complex in St. Louis, Missouri and attendees are getting ready.

From Christian book and music publishers, editors and agents to authors and media, the event promises to be packed with information, education and FUN!

Who’s exhibiting at ICRS (the largest Christian convention for book, music and gift retailers)? For a map of 2013 ICRS Exhibit Hall Floor, check out the link. 

 
For authors: Author and veteran ICRS attendee, KarenWhiting, offers these tips for authors at the conference:

1. Meet. I like to meet the sales reps of my publishers. When they meet me and we chat, they get more excited about my books and that helps book sales.

2. Media: I am not signing at ICRS this time, but I will be interviewed for radio and TV while I am there. With fewer big names coming the stations, they have more room to interview the lesser known authors.

3. Marketing: The one-sheet should include a summary of your marketing plan. What you bring to the table in marketing ideas plays a bigger role than ever.

Get ready now! It all starts in less than three weeks.

What to Do About Money? A Lesson from an Acorn

"Big oaks from little acorns grow."

 

It always amazes me when I look at an acorn how a tall tree can come from such a small seed. But nothing will happen unless it is first surrendered to the soil. Release precedes growth.

Likewise, when we surrender to God our heart and our attitude toward money, growth happens. In the black soil of faith, God grows our character and integrity tall and strong. When we ask, he provides wisdom on how to save, spend, and give from all that he has provided and given to us.

Ask God for “acorn faith” to plant seeds of hope for what God will do in your finances.

Ask him for an increase and wise management of your money so it will bear fruit—in your own life and in the lives of those in need.

Prayer
Lord, I ask for wisdom in how to use money wisely. I ask for increase, so I can not only meet my needs by be a generous giver. Show me how to spend, save and give for your glory. In Jesus' name. Amen.


Photo credit: Dave Frahm

Veggie Tales Turn 20: Celebration at ICRS 2013

 

America's favorite faith-based animated children's series, VeggieTales is turning 20 this year, and they will be celebrating with special anniversary events at the 2013 ICRS show in St. Louis.  

It all begins with a birthday bash to kick off the ICRS show and the entire CBA community is welcome. Co-Founder Michael Nawrocki, CEO Leslie Ferrell, and fan-favorite characters Bob and Larry will be on hand for a ceremonial ribbon cutting, photo and autograph opportunities with Veggie stars.  

And don’t forget the birthday cake!

It all happens Monday, June 24, 2013 – 7:45 a.m. (CST) at ICRS 2013 held at America's Center Convention Complex (Hall 4 - Main Convention Floor Entrance). 

Happy birthday to our colorful, and inspiring, vegetable friends!

ICRS 2013: Authors, Musicians and CBA Publishing

 

By Jackie Johnson

 

In a few weeks, thousands of Christian retailers, authors, musicians, agents and others will descend upon America’s Center Convention Complex in St. Louis for the 2013 International Christian Retail Show.

 

It is “the world’s largest trade show for Christian resources” and we plan to bring you all the news and happenings from the show. From author book signings to emerging voices in the New Voices Showcase, we’ll cover ICRS 2013 and let you know what to look for—and what to buy in the coming months. As an insider, you’ll know before books and CDs hit the stores and you’ll be ready! 

 

In addition to a gigantic exhibit floor with all the major Christian book publishers, small publishers, distributors, gift suppliers and more, attendees will learn about the latest trends, products and best practices for Christian bookstores or church stores. 

 

Here are just some of the Christian book publishers who will be exhibiting at the show:

 

B & H

Baker Publishing

David C Cook

Gospel Light/Regal

Group Publishing

Guideposts

Harvest House

IVP

Kregel

Lifeway

Moody Publishers

New Hope

Tyndale House

and many more!

 

ICRS is a place to connect, to network, to see what’s new and to find new resources. It all happens in St. Louis—and it’s coming soon.  

 

So stay tuned, and we will bring you all the latest updates—the news you need to know—from ICRS 2013.

From Fear to Faith: How to Overcome

 

 

Fear says, “I cannot handle this situation.”

Faith says, “God can.”

Years ago, when I was learning how to mountain bike I was afraid to go down super big hills with rocky terrain. I was afraid of falling. I wanted to go slowly down the hill—to maintain control and feel more in control. However, my friend (who was an experienced mountain biker) said, “Speed is your friend,” and urged me to go faster.  

Faster? It sounded counterintuitive. Perched at the top or a hill strewn with rocks of all sizes, I paused. I prayed and I decided to trust him.  

As I went down the hill on my bike, the speed actually helped me to glide across the rocky path in a whole new way. I was scared and excited. It was exhilarating! 

Fear comes into our lives in many ways. Perhaps your fears are holding you back from what you truly want. Or, they are keeping you in bondage—not free.  

Fear says, “I cannot handle this situation.” Faith says, “God can.”  

When you release your grasp and let go of how you think things should be, they begin to change. Surrender is a powerful thing. Giving your fears to God, and allowing him to transform them into faith—faith that He will come through for you even though you can’t see now how it’s all going to work out. 

He is your strong protector, wise helper and total healer. He is stronger than any force that tries to come against you. God whispers, “Will you trust me?” Will you believe I will take care of all your needs and calm your fears?   

It starts by remembering what God has done in the past—for you and for others. Recall how He has seen you through before, and believe that He will again. Ask the Him to help you do what you cannot. 

Remember you are not alone. The Lord is with you always and He will fight for you.