Do you agree with Dr. Gary Collins about "How to Evaluate Your Vision"?!

Let me know what you think of this list?!

EVAULATING YOUR VISION

Each vision is unique, but clear, God-given visions will have these similar characteristics:

Consistent with Scripture. No vision from God will violate any biblical teaching. Every vision for an individual or organization is consistent with God's plans as recorded in God's Word.

Consistent with your spiritual gifts, values, and passion.

Worthwhile. God-given visions are worth living for, sacrificing for, committing to, and maybe even worth dying for.

Clear and concise. They are easy to understand, remember, and communicate.

Characterized by high ideals. Every good vision must include commitment to excellence, integrity, respect for people, and similar values.

Ambitious. The best visions will guide, often amaze, and move people forward toward something much better than the status quo.

Scary. God-given visions can be life-changing, pulling us out of our comfort zones, instilling awe, stretching us beyond what we may see as our limits.

Unique. Does your vision really reflect who you are? If people who know you well are surprised by your vision, you probably don't have the right vision. And if your vision is the same as everyone else's vision, something is wrong.

Compelling. Visions feel right. They excite, motivate, and generate enthusiasm. The more you reflect on the vision the more you are convinced that this is what you have to do. If your vision brings a "ho-hum" response from others, something is wrong. If it doesn't inspire you, forget it. Visions that don't inspire aren't God-given visions.

Gary Collins, Helping Others Turn Potential into Reality: Christian Coaching. (NavPress, 2001): 126. [Dr. Collins is a licensed clinical psychologist and author of more than 50 books.]

LPCCI has incredible news to share this summer!

Thank you so much to those of you who prayed us through the enormous 9-month (5-dozen reams of paper!) project to become an authorized provider of Continuing Education Units for the International Association of Continuing Education Training.

These words below were sweet to our ears in late-May: "Congratulations, your application to become an IACET Authorized Provider has been approved by the Commission."

We want to pause and thank God for this enormous blessing - that we will be able to reach nurses, social workers, counselors, therapists, teachers, ministers, etc., as they help people discover and fulfill God's plan for their lives. What a humbling honor to impact lives in this way. It is a very historic moment for our ministry to open our IACET Division with the addition of our Dean of Acadmic Affairs, Kathryn McColskey, Ph.D., and our Registrar, Susan Singleton, JD. In addition, we are thrilled to announce that our first applicant was a female Methodist Minister!

If you know of any groups who typically need CEU's related to our curriculum, please email us about how we might be able to spread the word with them.

Hope you enjoy the June '08 E-Coaching Tips below.

Join us Sept 08 in Laguna Beach, CA for our Life Purpose Facilitator Training!

May God's abundance be evident to you this summer!

Katie Brazelton
Founder, Life Purpose Coaching Centers Intl®

Check out our Character Makeover BLOG on the left Nav Bar of our homepage.

ASK US TO CONNECT YOU TO AN ONLINE CHARACTER MAKEOVER BOOK STUDY WITH ONE OF OUR COACHES!
_______________________________________
E-COACHING TIPS - JUNE O8

Ask your client or friend these leading questions and see where the conversation goes! We guarantee it will go deep and rich fast, so make sure you pray before you begin. And, remember to listen carefully.

What's right with your life?

What's wrong?

What's missing?

What are you afraid of?

Where's your leverage?
(i.e., time, money, passion, energy, ability, credentials, network, platform, spiritual giftedness, self-discipline, proven track record, support system, Hebrews 11 faith, etc.)

What's confusing?

What are you passionate about?

This Month's Coaching Focus: When to Say Yes to a Ministry

This Month's Coaching Focus:
When to Say Yes to a Ministry

Because each one of us is already over-committed, it is very important that we set healthy boundaries for ourselves in ministry. Of course, we say yes to short-term ministry obligations when there is a great need, but these tips are targeted at long-term ministry commitments. These are the types of tips a Life Purpose Coach® would use with you:

Say yes when...

1. You have done an honest appraisal of the time commitment.
2. Your skills/talents/abilities match the task.
3. You will be operating in your spiritual giftedness.
4. You know that it is the correct season of your life to serve in this capacity.
5. You have pure motives for serving in this area.
6. You have been affirmed by other mature Christians.
7. You will have a support system.
8. You have some semblance of balance in your life.
9. You believe there will be noticeable fruit of changed lives.
10. You know that the ministry's methodogy works or can be tweaked.
11. You can surrender it all to God.
12. You sense that you "can't not" do it.
13. You have prayerfully sought God's will and have a green light to proceed.

vs. Opportunity knocks and you walk through the door out of guilt, duty, or an impure motive!

BLOG with me on this topic! TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK!

God bless,
Katieb

International Association of Continuing Education Training

Please join us at LPCCI in praying continuously for our Site Visit from IACET (International Association of Continuing Education Training) on May 15, 2008. This would allow us to offer Continuing Education Units to counselors, social workers, probation officers, nurses, teachers, etc., who will often (not always, but often) be able to use the Life Purpose Coach curriculum with their clients, patients, and students. Our initial (3"!) application was accepted with minor queries, so this would be the last step we would need to take in this 6-7 month process. PLEASE STORM THE HEAVENS FOR US! This could be life-changing for so many.

If you have any experience with any type of accreditation board and have any advice for us (or just want to bless us with prayer!), I'd love to hear from you in this BLOG.

So, I'm reading this new book that I can't put down!

Was still trying to figure out why I am such a terrible BLOGGER, when my son gives me this incredible book, BLOG: Understanding the Information Reformation That's Changing Your World (Nelson Books) by a great Christian author, Hugh Hewitt, who is a New York Times Best-selling author. It's fascinating! Has anybody read it? I'd love to hear from you. If you have a ministry, I'd highly recommend it. HAPPY LEAP YEAR DAY ON FEB 29TH!
Katieb

SPECIAL NEWSLETTER: Katie is Celebrating 20 Years in Ministry!

ASK US TO EMAIL A COMPLIMENTARY COLOR COPY OF THIS 20TH ANNIVERSARY NEWSLETTER TO YOU! Write to WomensInfo@LifePurposeCoachingCenters.com today!


February 2008
Special 20th Anniversary Edition



Celebrating 20 Years
in Ministry!


Dear BLOGGER,

"Oh taste and see that the Lord, our God, is good!"
- Psalm 34:8

Welcome to this special anniversary edition of our newsletter. My heart resounds with the psalmist's words! It has been 20 years now that I have followed my own life purpose, dedicated to helping others discover their life purpose. I have learned from the giants on whose shoulders we stand, have linked arms with my contemporaries, and have mentored countless clients, students, and friends, as they too, help others discover their life purpose.

To give you a little glimpse of the some of those years, I dug up some old photos. I got a good chuckle that some of them are a few hairstyles ago -- but hope you enjoy them!

Well, that was the past, and this is now. And, because this is National Coaching Week (Feb 3-9), this newsletter will fill you in on what I am doing right now; my coaching services, on-line book studies, the facilitation of 2-day life plans in my home, Life Purpose Coach tele-training classes...and more! I'm looking forward to serving you in 2008!

This past week, my son Andy told me I needed to "lighten up" my blog. Imagine! Here's my problem...I'm not quite sure how to do it...and I need your help! Will you meet me at my blog this week...I am looking forward to chatting with you there!

Thank you for taking a few moments to celebrate the past 20 years with me. God IS good!

God bless you,
Katie Brazelton
Founder, Life Purpose Coaching Centers International®
BLOG with Katie

Rare Coaching Opps with Katie
I am really excited to let you know that I am offering (for the first time in a long time due to previous scheduling conflicts!) both group and individual coaching on a first-come, first-served basis.


Group Coaching: 5-Month Program!
(April-August '08)

Includes homework assignments for:
• Monthly tele-conference group call with me
• Monthly private call with me
• Monthly call with peer-coaching group partner
• Optional 1-day group retreat (9am-7pm. Materials provided. Hotel/food not included) in SO CA (or 2 extra private calls with me)


Private, Individual Coaching
Your choice of topic to discuss:
Life Purpose, Character Makeover, or "Getting Published."

Each month includes three, 45 minute telephone sessions with me

Email today: womensinfo@lifepurposecoachingcenters.com
for more your registration form and/or complete details!


20 YEARS IN MINISTRY: 1988-2008

1988 - Took spiritual pilgrimage to Calcutta, India
- Talked with Mother Teresa about joy and purpose
- Began writing Pathway to Purpose series

1989 - Visited Nobel Peace Laureate in Belfast, Ireland

1995 - Founded Mentors, Inc
- Was 1st woman in the world to become a Cerfied Life Plan Faciltator

1997 - Invited to work for Pastor Rick Warren on Saddleback Church Staff

2001 - Invited to become a Licensed Minister at Saddleback

2002 - Preached in Kenya on the topic of Life Purpose

2005 - Published 4 books & audio CD in Pathway series
- Founded Life Purpose Coaching Centers International®
Bestseller

2007 - Published Character Makeover. Check out audio chapters on website!

2008 - Writing 6th book, "A Plan of a Lifetime"
- Have ministry expansion plans to grow from 7 countries to 14 this year. PRAY WITH US!




Character Makeover
Group Book Study

Is your Small Group looking to "switch things up" a bit? Well, here's an idea for you. Why not join me for an 8-week Character Makeover Group Book Study via tele-chat?

And if you don't belong to a Small Group, then grab a few of your girlfriends to go on this 8-week adventure with you. Each tele-session with me is 35-minutes, and once you are off the conference call, you can continue your discussion with your Small Group.

For registration forms and /or complete details,
just email: WomensInfo@LifePurposeCoachingCenters.com
and be sure to put "Character Makeover Group Book Study" in the subject line!

And don't forget...there are some great Character Makeover tools on my website. Check them out here...
http://www.lifepurposecoachingcenters.com/NEWBOOKCharacterMakeover/tabid/264/Default.aspx




Spring/Summer Tele-Class Training Dates


Level One and Two
• NEW! April 08 - Coed Level One: Basic Life Purpose Coach®
• NEW! May 08 - Coed Level Two: Advanced Coaching and Business/Marketing

Level Three
• Repeat: March 08 - Coed Level Three: Basic Life Purpose Facilitator
• Repeat: June 08 - Coed Level Three: Basic Life Purpose Facilitator

Level Four
• NEW! July 08 - Coed Level Four: Advanced Life Purpose Facilitator

Level Five
• NEW! August 08 - Women's Level Five: Instructor Certification for Levels 1 & 2 only. By Founder invitation for a limited number.


Book Your Private, Individual, Life Plan with Katie Today!
Without a doubt, one of the favorite parts of my ministry has been facilitating women's Life Plans. To walk through such a Holy Spirit-guided process with women from all over the world has truly been a privilege since 1995.

To book your 2-day private, individual Life Plan with me in my home, or to get more details, email me at: WomensInfo@LifePurposeCoachingCenter.com


February's Group Chat with Katie!
Do you wonder what the group chat is all about? Well, it's an opportunity to gather on a tele-conference call and ask me questions about Life Purpose Coaching, about the training, about becoming a Life Plan Facilitator, or any other question you may have about LPCCI or me personally.

If you are interested in joining me on February's Group Chat, email Linda for the dates and for a tele-conference call-in number and password. Talk to you then.
Linda@LifePurposeCoachingCenters.com

Through the Years! ASK US TO EMAIL YOU THE NEWSLETTER, SO YOU CAN SEE THE PHOTOS!!!!



FREE
COUPON:
Character
Makeover
Coaching
Session with Katie
For the month of February, I would be honored to do a FREE 15-minute, individual, Character Makeover Laser Coaching Session for five (5!) women who respond with the best answer to this offer.

All you have to do is send an email to WomensInfo@LifePurposeCoachingCenters.com with "FREE Character Makeover Laser Coaching with Katie as She Celebrates 20 Years in Ministry" in the Subject Line. Then, in the body of the email, note your city/state/country, your age, your current/future ministry dream, and answer this question:

"Why do you think you should receive a free coaching session at this time?"

I pray that this character-rejuvenating experience will inspire you to live out
God's unique purpose for your life.


Offer Expires: February 29, 2008
Katie Brazelton | P.O.Box 80550 | Rancho Santa Margarita | CA | 92688

My son Andy keeps telling me to lighten up this BLOG!

Okay, then...so what am I supposed to ask to lighten it up: DID YOU SHAVE YOUR LEGS TODAY?

Well, I just can't do it!!!! Somebody jump in here and help me with a great question that women will want to answer -- before I make a fool of myself.

Andy has a fabulous BLOG -- check it out to get ideas for a more happy/joyful tone: http://www.outsideallday.com/

I'll take all the help I can get in this cyberspace world.

Thanks in advance!
Katie

Every person has a story

The longer I am on earth, the more convinced I am that every person has an incredible story to tell. Just today, I saw my friend's 3-ft scar (not kidding) where a football-size malignant tumor was removed a few days ago. My other friend was sick her entire 2007 pregnancy and had to quit work; now that the baby is one-month old, she and her husband are facing foreclosure on their CA home, because they haven't been able to sell it in this bad market. Another friend did the eulogy at her beloved grandmother's funeral a few days ago, and another watched her dad be hospitalized unexpectantly two weeks ago. One friend just revealed that she is $100k in debt by a sudden turn of the marketplace. Another is bitter and broken over a horrid argument that went downhill fast with relatives. And, most know that our dear author friend, Ken Blanchard, lost his home in our recent fires.

So...with this rendition of sorrowful situations am I trying to say that my 2008 New Year's message to you is that LIFE IS HARD? No! You are already well aware of that fact. You could curl my hair with your own stories and those of your friends, I'm sure!

My message to myself and to each one of us is to take good care of those who need encouragement and/or a helping hand in 2008. My message is BE KIND to one another. And, to do that, we must strive daily to be holy -- because Christ is holy and he calls us to be like him. My message is to remind people that God holds our story (his-story; history) in HIS HANDS!

I would love for you to BLOG a response to me of 3-4 sentences that is a PRAYER OF ENCOURAGEMENT to anyone who may be reading or for anyone with whom God plans to have you cross paths this month. What would you (hypothetically and literally) say to someone who doesn't understand that God cares deeply about his/her story? Does a favorite Scripture come to mind? (Hands down, mine has got to be Matthew 14:27 - "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.")

May God blessings be evident to you and all whose lives you touch this New Year, dear BLOGGER-FRIENDS!
Katieb

What is something unique that you have been grateful for in 2007?!

Hi there,

As we are in the month of celebrating our American Thanksgiving and 2007 comes to a screeching halt very soon, I would be blessed to hear from you about what unique thing you are grateful for today. Many could say that they are grateful for a personal relationship with Christ, good health, family, grandchildren, a good job, a reliable car, a roof over our head, friends, etc in the general category, but I'm hoping to hear something more unique and specific to your life!

My gratitude is huge this year for the growing part-time staff/consultants we have brought aboard in 2007: CEO/CMO Bill, President of our Men's Division Jeff, Executive Director Linda, Assistant Webmaster Jeremy, Trademark Attorney Mike, 501(c)3 Attorney Tim, Brand Consultant Ty, Web Designer Pat, Newsletter Editor Kathy, and Personal Assistant Julie! Combining this with our Webmaster Andy, Graphic Designer Mary, and Accountant Mike -- who joined us in 2005, I am one happy camper -- and oh, so grateful to God for each of these bright, creative, dedicated Christian workers!

I'm also very grateful that the fire season is nearly over!

What about you? I'd love to hear from you.
Katieb

Dangerous Surrender

Hi All,

I'm writing to brag about my girlfriend, Kay Warren. She has a brand new book out called Dangerous Surrender -- which is a must-read for anyone serious about following God's plan for their lives. I urge you to get it for yourself and others as a Christmas gift!

If you visit her website, www.kaywarren.com, and BLOG with her...let her know I sent you! She's excited about the impact this book can have for Christ!

Hugs -- as I head out on the road for 5 weeks to speak. Today, I head to El Salvador -- so your prayers are most welcome.
katieb

Home from Kauai and needing prayer

Hi Fellow Bloggers,

I just want to check in with you to tell you that teaching Levels 3-4-5 in Kauai was a humbling treat of a lifetime. Nearly 80 coed students from around the world gathered to become better Life Purpose Facilitators for Christ. I was privileged to be surrounded by these holy people for 11 days in a paradise-type environment. (We hope to have a photo posted soon, and our newsletter is nearly ready for October!)

Here's where the prayer comes in. Prior to, during, and since returning from the Conference, our people have been hit with fire darts that come from living in a fallen world. Here is a small sampling of what the attendees faced before, during, or after: computer server nightmares galore, complete computer crash/fried, best friend committed suicide, husband had an affair, canceled flights with overnight delays, lost luggage, upcoming hysterectomy, mother got cancer, lost job x 3 people, ill child, congestive heart failure, exhaustion of leadership/teaching team, MRI showing degenerative back disease, foot surgery twice, etc.

Likewise, one of our women found $1900 in an old dress pocket and another one was given $50,000!

So...life keeps plowing forward -- with the good and the bad. Keep us in your prayers and let me know how I can pray for you too. Yes, I'm even willing to pray for a windfall for you to use for God's glory!

Hugs,
Katieb

Any summer birthdays out there?!

We just celebrated Brazelton Weekend for Grandpa B (82), my son Andy (turning 28), and my sister-in-law, now 37 -- and I've known her since she was 5! We had all the festivities and finest dining on pizza. And, it would not have been complete without at least one screaming 3-yr-old who didn't want to cooperate with the professional photographer for 2 hours of family photos! Ah, yes, family get-togethers. I think I'm still hearing the screams 3 days later!

Carter, my grandson, hit the BIG ONE this summer -- back in late June. There must have been 100 people gathered in a local park for his birthday bash and baby dedication. Once again, there was pizza...but this time -- the boxes filled an entire picnic table. My job was to "secure the tables at 6am" -- so we would be assured of shade at noon. So, I sipped on Starbucks and had a fantastic Quiet Time out in the fresh summer air -- while I gave an evil eye to anybody who ventured too close to my staked-out and claimed TABLE TERRITORY.

And...I had a blast for my 57th birthday in June. I have absolutely no memory of what we did to celebrate (comes with the aging process, ladies!) -- but the kids say we enjoyed a lovely meal and a movie. I should ask them if I enjoyed the movie, ya?

What about you? Any bday fun going on this summer -- for the young or old in your life? For yourself? For the good, the bad, and the ugly?

Hugs,
Katie

How is summer treating you?

Are you having fun yet? Tell me what you are up to - so I can live vicariously through your grand adventures! My daughter and I did get away for a few days to Palm Springs -- and even got to spend one of those days with my son, daughter-in-law, and grandbaby in the pool. Man, that was fun. And...I've got to go watch my son compete in a few mini-triathlons and a marathon, helping Julie with the baby. Those are forever-memories. TELL ME ABOUT ONE OF YOUR FOREVER-MEMORIES. I hope life is good for you this summer 2007.
Cyberspace hugs,
Katieb

I appreciate your prayers!

Thank you for your prayers as I enter a tough season this summer of vision-casting for the ministry, which will result in the finalization of our new curriculum development. And...please let me know how I can pray for you.
Hugs,
katieb

New Book will be released by Zondervan on Dec 7, 2007!!!

Character Makeover: 40 Days with a Life Coach to Create the Best You

BY: Katie Brazelton and Shelley Leith

CHARACTER MAKEOVER

[Brief summary]

Embark on a 40-day journey with a personal life coach to develop Christlike character. A continuation of Katie Brazelton’s bestselling Pathway to Purpose for Women, this book was created for women of all ages who want a character-rejuvenating experience that will inspire them to live out God’s unique purpose for their life.

[Descriptive/catalog copy]

Bestselling author and life coach Katie Brazelton takes readers on a deeply personal, 40-day journey of developing their character. Through her earlier books, some of which have been translated into as many as ten languages, Katie has helped countless women around the world find their specific life mission. Yet, she discovered that many women experience a gap between understanding their purpose and carrying it out. They sabotage God’s best for their lives by succumbing to well-worn patterns of defeat, woundedness, insecurity, unworthiness, or self-centeredness.

To address this gap, Katie teamed up with co-author, Shelley Leith, who spearheaded the writing of the 40 Days of Purpose Campaign for Saddleback Church, in order to focus on eight character traits essential to living a purpose-filled life: humility, confidence, courage, self-control, patience, contentment, generosity, and perseverance.

Character Makeover offers eye-opening stories from eight of Brazelton’s Life Purpose Coach® students—women who “fess up” about how they have messed up in the area of character and how it slowed down the completion of their God-ordained destiny. This interactive, practical, and spirited exploration also offers daily prayers and journaling questions which will inspire and encourage women to take incremental steps toward the critical character traits that equip them to leave an impacting legacy and become the women God created them to be.

Like Katie’s other popular books, Pathway to Purpose, Praying for Purpose, and Conversations on Purpose, this book can be used in a small group setting, in a women’s ministry at a church, as well as a one-on-one study.

Character Makeover: 40 Days with a Life Coach to Create the Best You

BY: Katie Brazelton and Shelley Leith

[Back ad]

Get the kind of makeover that will transform your life!

Have you ever wanted a hairstyle makeover or a house makeover? Go beyond the externals and get the kind of do-over that will transform your entire life – get a character makeover.

Bestselling author and life coach Katie Brazelton takes you on a deeply personal, 40-day journey of developing your character. Through her earlier books, Katie has helped countless women around the world find their specific life mission. Yet, she discovered that many women experience a gap between understanding their purpose and carrying it out. They sabotage God’s best for their lives by succumbing to well-worn patterns of defeat, woundedness, insecurity, unworthiness, or self-centeredness.

To address this gap, Katie has teamed up with co-author, Shelley Leith, who spearheaded the writing of the 40 Days of Purpose Campaign for Saddleback Church, in order to focus on eight character traits essential to living a purpose-filled life: humility, confidence, courage, self-control, patience, contentment, generosity, and perseverance.

Using inspiring stories of everyday women who “fess up” about how they have messed up in the area of character, insightful coaching questions, interactive journaling, powerful prayers, and practical action steps, your life coach Katie Brazelton walks step-by-step with you to encourage you to become the best you that God intended you to be.

This book can be used in a small group setting, in a women’s ministry at a church, as well as a one-on-one study.

KATIE BRAZELTON, PhD, MDiv, MA, is the author of bestselling Pathway to Purpose for Women, along with its popular companion books: Praying for Purpose and Conversations on Purpose. She is the founder of Life Purpose Coaching Centers, International™, which trains Christian men and women internationally (online and in conferences) to become Life Purpose Coaches® and Life Plan Facilitators. For years, Katie was a licensed minister at the purpose-driven Saddleback Church. Now, she is fulfilling her God-given dream of opening 200 Life Purpose Coaching Centers around the world, and she invites you to join her on that adventure. Katie is thrilled to be a first-time grandmother, who also regularly gets to enjoy her daughter, son, and daughter-in-law who all live nearby.

SHELLEY LEITH serves on staff at Saddleback Church as the lead developer of worldwide resources. Her previous writing projects include spearheading the highly regarded 40 Days of Purpose Campaign and 40 Days of Community Campaign. Shelley is a nationally-recognized speaker at FamilyLife Canada's marriage conferences with her husband Greg. They have enjoyed raising their five teenagers in southern California.

US $12.99/UK £7.99/CAN $16.49

RELIGION / Christian Life / Women

ISBN 0-310-25653-4

Amazing Grace

I just saw Amazing Grace tonight as part of my Sabbath rest. I don't know if I cried like a baby at the end of it because of the incredible impact the movie had on me, or if because I was deeply grieving the loss of Jan Drury, one of our Australian Life Purpose Facilitators, who died of cancer this week. IT HAD TO BE BOTH.

I do know that the movie hit me like a ton of bricks -- a lot like the Mother Teresa film I mentioned a few months ago on this BLOG. I won't give away the story line, except to say, it is related to the age-old Christian hymn we sing. It is a Schindler's List type of story -- a must-see. It was riveting to watch a story of such vision for a cause.

Honestly, I think what got me the most was that the heroes of the movie (like Jan, even when she was so sick), lived a life of passion and dreams and goals. They challenged themselves beyond their own strength. And yet...the other day, as I challenged our new Instructors to "get out of their boxes and dream bigger and more passionately," I felt a strong sense that the message I was preaching was for me -- that I am afraid to dream any bigger. Then, as I read/prayed in my Quiet Time tonight in Psalm 24:7-10...I understood what God was trying to say to me: "Start dreaming bigger and more passionate dreams, so the King of Glory may come in!"

So, tonight, dear Jan, at nearly midnight -- I think of you and promise that I will start dreaming bigger and more passionate dreams, so the King of Glory may come in!" Thanks for the reminder.

Meandering Thoughts

Hi Ladies,

As I sit here with wet hair, hunger pangs, and still a little jet lagged from our Ministry launch in France, I realize that is how we all live most of our lives, ya? We are worn-out wonder women, just trying to make it through.

Yet today...I get to sit with one of my best friend's whose brother died and I get to honor my longest-standing, grammar school friend of nearly 50 years (ya, I'm old!) at an alumni celebration in her honor for a few hours this evening. In the meantime, I am desperate for your prayers -- as I have only 2 weeks to turn in a final manuscript to my publisher.

So...the conclusion of the matter for me is this: Through wet hair, hunger, tiredness, and deadlines -- it's still the relationships that win out regardless. And...yes, I will share a meal with my adult daughter after church on Sunday -- because that is what our hearts need to make it through the tough times.

How's your week going? Are you building in relationship time! My prayer is that you & I do just that -- passionately.

Hugs,
Wet Hair Katieb -- just figuring out life one day at a time

A CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR YOURSELF

A GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA:

I highly recommend that you consider renting or purchasing the Mother Teresa video that is out. Mother Teresa is played by Olivia Hussey -- and it is extremely well done.

I have to tell you that I am now completely UNDONE by it! I feel like I did in 1987 when I watched a documentary about her work that changed my life. Hang onto your hats -- God is up to something in my heart and in our ministry. I'm not sure what it is, but I feel God re-visiting my soul with his broader vision for our work. My prayer is that, if enough of us watch the video, we will all be filled with the same vision that he wants us to see clearly!

Write back if you've seen it or have any other comments about the vision he is instilling in your heart. I would love to hear how the video affected you.
Hugs,
katieb

I think the Audio portion of this BLOG has been suspended

Hi there,

Just checking in to say HI. I just tested the Audio Blog -- and it looks like this company has abandoned that feature. We'll have to move elsewhere in 2007. But...for now, I hope you had a great Thanksgiving. I still have to find me some pecan pie somewhere during the holidays. Somehow, I missed it at the two dinners I had. Oh, well. Pumpkin pie certainly ushers in the season too!

Life is good. I got to babysit my grandson the other day and loved every second of it...well, except for the last ten minutes when it was nearing nap time (his, not mine!) and nothing I did consoled him.

I just finished a speech for a church group for this Saturday, Dec 2. Please pray for me around noon. They are expecting 1,000 women at the Marriott -- so I need God to show up powerfully.
Our new Online Training for Level 3 is launching with women from the USA and one from Africa and one from Manila. That will be a great experience for me. I'm thrilled that we can increase our reach online with tele-instructors and Field Practicum Mentors.

Some quick announcements: The 100 Huntley Street television interview I did for Crossroads in Canada is live now; the newest Purpose Driven Life co-authored articles and Today's Christian Woman article will be live soon. The March Level 3 Co-ed Facilitator training in Laguna, the Advanced Level 4 training in Kauai, and especially the new REGIONAL Instructor's Level 5 trainings are causing a lot of excitment. Can't wait to see where God is leading us, as I do more and more succession training.

For those who have been asking: The "Girls' Getaway" cruise I was invited to speak on is Nov 15-19, 2007. We leave out of Mobile, Alabama -- and I think we cruise to Cozumel. More info to come, especially for small groups who want to cruise together.

Talk to you soon -- write when you get a chance,
Katie

Vote to tell me which article to write for Today's Christian Woman!

Hi All,
Got my office somewhat cleaned and equipment packed for the Laguna Beach Conference, which starts on Nov 5th. Pray for all the women attending from around the US, Canada, and Australia!

VOTE TODAY: I need help deciding which article to write -- it's due before I leave for Laguna. You can hear my description of the choices on the Audio BLOG. HELP!

BTW, apparently this free blogging service is discontinuing soon, so we may be forced off-line for a bit. Don't know when. Do you know of any other providers?

I am boldly asking for you to pray also for a Web Optimizer to donate his/her time to help position us higher up in GOOGLE/YAHOO searches and for funding for a 2007 full-time secretary.

More to clean...always more to clean!
Yikes,
Katie