The first weekend in October I had the privilege to take JoyShop to women in N.J. My daughter Carrie went along with me as a volunteer. (She is the one in the picture with me!) There were 50-60 women in attendence and the location was at Keswick America. We had a great weekend and I experienced great joy over being able to serve these women. Friday night was a bon-fire with smores to feast on, a highlight for me! The next morning as I was praying with the leadership team my mind kept wondering to those yummy smores which was a distraction. I wasn't sure how to get them out of my mind but God came to the rescue and said, "You should be thinking about "smore" of me instead of "smore" of chocolate. I almost started laughing. Now I find myself praying to God that I want "smore" of Him!

A few testimonies from the weekend:

"Thank you for pointing out how I need to read God's letter to me every day, same time and place. I've decided to take the 21 Day Challenge. Your message changed my view on being consistent with reading God's Word."

“Awesome message! It was something I really needed to hear. I am so excited to begin the 21 DC I can’t wait to know God more intimately. I feel that this is what has been lacking in my relationship with Him and I didn’t know how to fix it. How crazy when the answer is so simple—seek Him. Wow! How silly that I couldn’t figure that out. Thanks for sharing your message. I can’t wait to see how God is going to work in my life.”

“Today for the 1st time in almost 70 years I started to journal, making notes of what I had read and how I felt God was speaking to me. I am excited to be able to continue God willing. Pray for discipline to change my routine.”

“About 2-3 months ago I was struggling with morning devotions or any at all though I had done them for years. My closeness and purpose seemed to leave. I was told “Make me first in your life” several times. It was one of those nudging that wouldn’t go away. I am taking the challenge. I will listen now!”

“Obviously I was meant to be here this weekend to hear this message and stop making excuses that I don’t have time to spend with God. There hasn’t been a lot of joy in my life the past few years and I know the reason why. Thank you for giving me hope.”

“Thank you for being so persistent in guiding me to spend time daily with Christ. I know it was what I was missing in my life.”

“I really feel like you were speaking to me by the Holy Spirit. I feel challenged and hungry to seek God first everyday which I’m not very good at doing now … I have felt for a long time that even though I’ve been a Christian for a long time that something has been missing and I always have a feeling of unrest. I think seeking Him first is the answer.”

Praise God for ministering to these women and for their desire to know Him more intimately!

Please keep me in your prayers as I leave on Sunday for a pastor's and wives retreat. I will be doing a portion of JoyShop on Monday. I have three sessions and will have to eliminate something in my workshop. Pray that I will be able to discern which part to leave out. It's so hard for me to leave any of it out!

Ministry progress:
We have hired a local company to help us make a promotional dvd that can be sent out ahead of time to the places that have booked JoyShop. We are hoping that this investment will help drive more people to attend the event.

I still have a dream to have the workshop filmed in a 6 session format that could be used in Sunday School classes, small groups and retreat settings. Please pray for the Lord's timing on this. My timing was last year....but I am willing to wait for His best plan. He's always right!!!!

If you know anyone that attends Messiah College please spread the word to them that JoyShop is coming to their campus on November 4,11.18. I will be doing the workshop over 3 Wednesday nights. It will be at the Frey building, Room 110, from 7-9 p.m.

My husband, Paul, is still in a cast after breaking his ankle/leg while on vacation. He can not put any weight on it yet, so his lifestyle has changed dramatically. He has been using his time wisely, reading good books and watching Phillies and football:-)

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."

Stay in the Word my friend. Growing close to Christ takes effort and time. But the benefits far outweigh any small sacrifice you might make.

In Him, Anita K