Christian Devotions SPEAK UP!

  Join host Marianne Jordan as she talks with Mary Byers. Mary Byers is an award-winning communicator and freelance writer who encourages and equips others to live and work more fully. Combining personal experience with dedicated research, she presents practical, hands-on programs that help men and women tackle universal issues as individuals, spouses, parents, family members, friends, or co-workers.   Byers has been speaking professionally since 1988. A member of the National Speakers Association, she addresses audiences at a wide variety of associations, corporations, civic groups, women's groups, and social service agencies. Byers made such a favorable impression when she spoke at the 2004 National Hearts at Home Conference that she was invited to speak at all of the organization's conferences in 2005.   In her first book with Harvest House Publishers, The Mother Load: How to Meet Your Own Needs While Caring for Your Family, Byers teaches women how to take care of themselves so that they can nurture a happy, healthy family. The mother of two lively children, she offers own- to-earth suggestions, spiritual truths, and real-life advice on how to juggle family responsibilities while creating a balanced life through supportive friendships, stress-relieving laughter, regular exercise, rejuvenating solitude, and an intimate relationship with the Lord.

Join host Marianne Jordan as she attempts a double header this week. She’ll be talking with author, photographer and tutor Joanna Shumaker whose heart’s desire is to encourage women in mid life with help and hope through God’s word. Our second guest will be Brian Sandell, a twenty-two year old author and a student at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Through his writing, Brian hopes to reach his own generation and culture who so desperately needs Jesus Christ.

This week on Christian Devotions Speak UP! Cindy Sproles and Eddie Jones will pinch hit for host, Marianne Jordan. They'll interview "Blog Queen," Gina Holmes. Gina founded Novel Journey which began as a blog to walk writers through one author's journey to publication. But when Gina offered the blog to God, He had different plans. Novel Journey has quickly grown to be the place for readers and writers to come for the most up-to-date author interviews, help, skills and information on the Christian book industry. Gina and her staff work endlessly to be the pulse of current information. They won that respect by being named one of the top 100 sites for Writer's Digest.Gina's debut novel, Crossing Oceans, is scheduled for release in 2010. Join us for this informative and fun interview, with Gina Holmes.

Join Marianne Jordan for a special Memorial Day tribute. Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. Join us this Tuesday as we say "thanks" for those who "let freedom ring" across our land. Call-in Number: (347) 884-9367 | Tuesday evenings, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

This week Christian-Devotions-SPEAK-UP! comes to you live from Ridgecrest, North Carolina. The staff of Christian Devotions will be attending a week-long writers workshop as part of the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference. Tonight we'll interview the teaching faculty and students to see how God is moving through their lives through the written word. We'll be "passing the mic" so the show promises to be both entertaining and unpredictable. Join us! During the second hour... Join Marianne Jordan as she talks with Wayne Jacobsen. Wayne collaborated with author William P. Young on the best selling book, The Shack. But there's more to Wayne than The Shack. Wayne has been on a life-long journey to sort out what it means to live daily and deeply in God's presence. He has an unremitting desire to help other people who are on that journey or want to go on it, which is why he maintains Lifestream.org. Join us for this exciting two hour show!

Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored nearly 30 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences, and recently won the prestigious 2008 member of the year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) at the annual Golden Scrolls award banquet. Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al, where the two of them spend their free time riding their Harley.

Next Tuesday on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! our host Marianne Jordon will interview Leslie Nease . Leslie Nease is the host of Real Life with Leslie Nease on 106.9 The Light in Asheville, NC from 12-3pm, Monday-Friday, where she plays encouraging Christian music and discusses "real life" issues with listeners. Leslie knows what it's like to stand for your faith in an unpopular setting. During the first episode of Survivor: China, she was asked to bow before a statue in a Buddhist temple. However, Leslie refused to bow down and respectfully walked out. When confronted with her decision, she confidently stated, "I'm not religious, but I have a relationship with Jesus Christ and I'm only going to put my face on the floor for Him." She is also a professional speaker and writer and was a contestant on Survivor: China where she took a bold stand for her faith on national television in front of millions of people world-wide. The purpose of this ministry is to help equip you to: Build the courage to pursue God-given dreams that may seem impossible Strengthen the ability to exhibit integrity - even when it's not popular Live out Christian beliefs with a stronger sense of purpose and conviction Enjoy a deeper and more personal relationship with God

Next Tuesday on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! our host Marianne Jordon will interview Kathy Howard. Kathy is a Bible study author, speaker and teacher. Passionate about God’s Word, she loves to study the Bible and share what God is teaching her. Believing the Bible is both timeless and timely, Kathy urges believers to fully yield their lives to God so they can experience God’s blessing and joy. Kathy’s challenging, yet applicable teaching is full of personal illustrations and “learned by experience” stories. Join us next Tuesday as she discusses her book, Before His Throne and her faith.

Next Tuesday on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! our host Marianne Jordon will interview Emily Fitchpatrick of Hope House about the serious problem of sex trafficking - modern day slavery for young girls and women. Emily is with Hope House, a refuge for these girls who are rescued from this life. Take time out of your schedule to listen in on this interview. You'll be stunned at what is happening across our country.

Rodney Marret invites actors, screenwriters, producers, graphic novelists, graphic artists, directors, singers, songwriters, radio hosts, publishers, filmmakers, writers, novelists and anyone aspiring to be in film, television, theater, church drama, or any other form of media arts. The Gideon offers opportunities for the beginner as well as the professional and for individuals or churches wishing to expand their drama ministry. The Gideon was designed to spread the word of Jesus Christ through the media arts. LifeWay Conference Center, Ridgecrest, NC May 31-June 4, 2009

Next Tuesday, April 7, at 6 PM, join Marianne Jordan as she interviews John Riddle. John Riddle is a freelance writer and author who's byline has appeared in The Washington Post, The News Journal, The Middletown Transcript and dozens of other newspapers. He has written for over 50 magazines and trade journal and is the author of 34 books. He's the founder of the Delaware Christian Writers Conference and the I Love To Write Day! He is a frequent speaker at both Christian and secular writing conferences, and recently appeared at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

Eric Tellefsen is the Assistant Special Agent in charge of the Criminal Apprehension Team, with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Eric will talk safety with us and tell us about his personal journey with Christ.

Ann Tatlock is the author of the Christy Award-winning novel All the Way Home. She has also won the Midwest Independent Publishers Association "Book of the Year" in fiction for both All the Way Home and I'll Watch the Moon. Her novel Things We Once Held Dear received a starred review from Library Journal and Publishers Weekly calls her "one of Christian fiction's better wordsmiths, and her lovely prose reminds readers why it is a joy to savor her stories." Ann lives with her husband and daughter in Asheville, North Carolina. Visit http://www.anntatlock.com/.

Suzie Benforado has been a missionary for over 25 years, (in Romania since 1990.) She's been involved in many different exciting ministries and seen God do so many amazing things. But quite honestly, nothing compares to what has been happening for the last years.   "Before starting in this new ministry, I could have never imagined myself involved with a church planting effort. But now, I bit down the road, it seems to me that everything that I've ever done in my Christian life and as a missionary was preparing me for this time and this place. This is such an amazing feeling... knowing I am here for such a time as this."   Her journey has been marked by many amazing demonstrations of God's power-- healings, deliverances, and salvations.Join in and listen to how God is changing the world one soul at a time.

Join Marianne Jordan as she talks with popular Rick Tocquigny. If you want to talk about a jack-of-all-trades, then Rick is your man. Though, for Rick, he's mastered them all. He has his hands in the music industry, greeting cards, and in writing. Marianne Jordan will interview Rick and discuss the many facets of this amazing man and work. Lawson Falle Publishing (aka LIFE Publishing) has been a leader in Christian greeting cards for 37 years. Today, more than 2,000 Christian bookstores in the U.S., Canada, and international markets carry the line of everyday and seasonal counter cards, boxed notes, and boxed Christmas offering. LIFE’s exclusive licenses include the United States Postal Service. President Rick Tocquigny will continue to lead this group.