Christian Devotions SPEAK UP!

Joe Prainito’s public ministry began at the ripe age of fifteen when he auditioned and secured a bass guitar position in a band by the name of Wickeds End. Joe went on to play with other such bands as the Glenn Rowlands Band, Fish Tribe, and eventually joined Redline. Joe accepted a position at a local Hospice in Riverside, CA, which is where he is today. Joe states: “There was some opposition when I first stepped into the Hospice pastoral position because of my age, but as soon as I began to minister to the patients and families, I was always asked to return. The Lord had grace on me.” He continues to minister with Hospice today at the age of thirty-five, and believes the Lord still has great plans for his life to spread the word of God throughout the world. He resides in Southern California with his wife Dena and daughter Juliet. Discover more about him and his new book Identity at http://www.joeprainito.com.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as Scott welcomes back friend and author Stephanie Shott. Conceived as the result of a rape, Stephanie Shott wasn’t just an unexpected pregnancy … she was a woman’s worst nightmare. After being adopted by two loving parents, she found herself the victim of a decade of sexual abuse. As a young adult, she spent years wandering the wilderness of foolish choices, but since her life-changing encounter with Christ in 1987, Stephanie now takes every opportunity she has to tell of God’s rich and redeeming grace. She loves what Corrie Ten Boom once said: “There is no pit so deep that God is not deeper still.” As a guest on various television and radio shows, Stephanie is called upon to speak hope and healing to those who have suffered from sexual abuse; to remind women they are never too battered, too broken, too dirty, too unlovable, or too unforgivable for God; to call women to courageously escape the Christian bubble. She is founder of The M.O.M. Initiative – a mission centered mentoring ministry devoted to taking Titus 2 to the streets and changing the world one mom at a time. You can find out more about the The M.O.M. Initiative at www.themominitiative.com.

Conceived as the result of a rape, Stephanie Shott wasn’t just an unexpected pregnancy … she was a woman’s worst nightmare. After being adopted by two loving parents, she found herself the victim of a decade of sexual abuse. As a young adult, she spent years wandering the wilderness of foolish choices, but since her life-changing encounter with Christ in 1987, Stephanie now takes every opportunity she has to tell of God’s rich and redeeming grace.  As a guest on various television and radio shows, Stephanie is called upon to speak hope and healing to those who have suffered from sexual abuse; to remind women they are never too battered, too broken, too dirty, too unlovable, or too unforgivable for God; to call women to courageously escape the Christian bubble. She is founder of The M.O.M. Initiative – a mission centered mentoring ministry devoted to taking Titus 2 to the streets and changing the world one mom at a time. You can find out more about the The M.O.M. Initiative at www.themominitiative.com. Joe accepted a position at a local Hospice in Riverside, CA, which is where he is today. Joe states: “There was some opposition when I first stepped into the Hospice pastoral position because of my age, but as soon as I began to minister to the patients and families, I was always asked to return. The Lord had grace on me.” He continues to minister with Hospice today at the age of thirty-five, and believes the Lord still has great plans for his life to spread the word of God throughout the world. He resides in Southern California with his wife Dena and daughter Juliet. Discover more about him and his new book Identity at http://www.joeprainito.com.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Marsha Hubler, best-selling author of the Keystone Stable Series, shares her life and many ministries. As a resident of central PA in a community populated by the Amish and Mennonite folk, Marsha's accurate portrayal of their lifestyles enhances her writing and brings life to her Snyder County characters. Marsha’s latest project is for ladies of all ages. Her Amish/Mennonite romance series is entitled THE LOVES OF SNYDER COUNTY. The first book, BACHELOR'S CHOICE, was released by Trestle Press on July 2nd of 2012, with two sequels to follow, TEACHER'S PET and LOVE SONG FOR LOUELLEN. Marsha is the author of the eight-book best-selling Keystone Stables juvenile fiction series by Zonderkidz. She is the author of three other kids' books, a Bible study guide for ladies, and a homeschooling book. She has a master's degree in education, has over forty years experience in education, and is presently a homeschool consultant in central Pennsylvania. Living in a rural farm area affords Marsha and her husband the luxury of enjoying their three-acre property along with dogs, a goldfish pond, and a gazebo in the backyard. Visit her at www.marshahubler.com  or at her two blogs: www.horsefactsbymarshahubler.wordpress.com and www.marshahubler.wordpress.com.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Marsha Hubler, best-selling author of the Keystone Stable Series, shares her life and many ministries. As a resident of central PA in a community populated by the Amish and Mennonite folk, Marsha's accurate portrayal of their lifestyles enhances her writing and brings life to her Snyder County characters. Marsha’s latest project is for ladies of all ages. Her Amish/Mennonite romance series is entitled THE LOVES OF SNYDER COUNTY. The first book, BACHELOR'S CHOICE, was released by Trestle Press on July 2nd of 2012, with two sequels to follow, TEACHER'S PET and LOVE SONG FOR LOUELLEN. Marsha is the author of the eight-book best-selling Keystone Stables juvenile fiction series by Zonderkidz. She is the author of three other kids' books, a Bible study guide for ladies, and a homeschooling book. She has a master's degree in education, has over forty years experience in education, and is presently a homeschool consultant in central Pennsylvania. Living in a rural farm area affords Marsha and her husband the luxury of enjoying their three-acre property along with dogs, a goldfish pond, and a gazebo in the backyard. Visit her at www.marshahubler.com  or at her two blogs: www.horsefactsbymarshahubler.wordpress.com and www.marshahubler.wordpress.com.

Clay Crosse grew up in Memphis, Tennessee and became a Christian at the age of thirteen. He married his high school sweetheart, Renee. Initially, Clay worked as a courier for FedEx for six years. Clay released his first album, My Place Is with You, in 1994. I Surrender All was the most successful single from the album. Clay became known for other singles such as He Walked a Mile in My Shoes and Saving the World. He won the Dove Award for Best New Artist of the Year at the 25th GMA Dove Awards in 1995. Clay’s music has a pop/soulful style. Nine songs from his first four projects became No. 1 singles. During this period, He Walked a Mile in My Shoes won the 1997 CCM Adult Contemporary Song of the Year. He also collaborated with Bob Carlisle and BeBe Winans on I Will Follow Christ, which won a Dove Award for Inspirational Song of the Year. After the release of Christmas with Clay Crosse, Clay served as worship pastor for The Love of Christ (TLC) Community Church in Memphis under head pastor, the late Dana Key (of the Christian Rock group DeGarmo and Key). He now serves as worship pastor at Faith Baptist Church, Arlington TN. Clay continues to sing and lead worship at events nationwide. Clay and his wife Renee have been married since 1990 and have four children, two of which were adopted from China. Along with his singing appearances, Clay and Renee run their ministry, Holy Homes, leading marriage events nationwide, and serving as spokespeople for Holt International Adoption.

Clay Crosse grew up in Memphis, Tennessee and became a Christian at the age of thirteen. He married his high school sweetheart, Renee. Initially, Clay worked as a courier for FedEx for six years. Clay released his first album, My Place Is with You, in 1994. I Surrender All was the most successful single from the album. Clay became known for other singles such as He Walked a Mile in My Shoes and Saving the World. He won the Dove Award for Best New Artist of the Year at the 25th GMA Dove Awards in 1995. Clay’s music has a pop/soulful style. Nine songs from his first four projects became No. 1 singles. During this period, He Walked a Mile in My Shoes won the 1997 CCM Adult Contemporary Song of the Year. He also collaborated with Bob Carlisle and BeBe Winans on I Will Follow Christ, which won a Dove Award for Inspirational Song of the Year. After the release of Christmas with Clay Crosse, Clay served as worship pastor for The Love of Christ (TLC) Community Church in Memphis under head pastor, the late Dana Key (of the Christian Rock group DeGarmo and Key). He now serves as worship pastor at Faith Baptist Church, Arlington TN. Clay continues to sing and lead worship at events nationwide. Clay and his wife Renee have been married since 1990 and have four children, two of which were adopted from China. Along with his singing appearances, Clay and Renee run their ministry, Holy Homes, leading marriage events nationwide, and serving as spokespeople for Holt International Adoption.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as Scott features author Rose Johnson. Tonight’s featured guest is Rose Chandler Johnson. She’s a Southern girl from a tiny Georgia town and is the author of the devotional blog, Write Moments with God. In spite of years of disappointments and overwhelming obstacles, she has grown in her relationship with the Lord and learned how to find Him in the everyday moments of life. A devoted Christian and mother of six, she has been a French and English teacher over the last twenty years. Her book is titled, God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea: Experiencing God in the Midst of Everyday Moments.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as Scott features author Rose Johnson. Tonight’s featured guest is Rose Chandler Johnson. She’s a Southern girl from a tiny Georgia town and is the author of the devotional blog, Write Moments with God. In spite of years of disappointments and overwhelming obstacles, she has grown in her relationship with the Lord and learned how to find Him in the everyday moments of life. A devoted Christian and mother of six, she has been a French and English teacher over the last twenty years. Her book is titled, God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea: Experiencing God in the Midst of Everyday Moments.

Laine Lawson Craft has a new found passion in her life—to inspire and instruct others to be, do, and have God's best for their life and more. She has truly been called forth from the ordinary life to serve God, producing extraordinary outcomes. She founded a ministry just five short years ago, now known as WHOA Local, that has manifested and exploded into WHOAwomen Community globally. She is passionate about reaching women with the unconditional love and compassion of Christ no matter where they have been or where they are now. Laine's own life proves that God is still restoring, replenishing, and healing—producing miracles today just as He did in the Bible. Laine knows the power that happens when one woman shares her story of trials or tribulations, and then shares how she had victory, proving hope can be found. Laine shares how we know God is no respecter of persons and if He did it for her, then He will surely do it for you. Laine writes weekly through the WHOAwomen WHOA Notes. She contributes her writing every quarter as the publisher and owner of the only nationally circulated faith-based contemporary women's magazine, WHOA Magazine for Women. She travels and speaks, sharing her personal testimony of the miraculous acts of God in her own life from marriage restoration, financial breakthrough, and supernatural healing of her daughter. Laine is now hosting a national television show soon to be aired on Sundays in the Fall of 2013. The WHOA Show interviews famous believers on how faith made a difference for them including segments on cooking, fashion, music, and so much more. Laine loves to laugh and make life a party wherever she goes. She has been married to her husband Steve for over twenty-five years and loves to spend time with her two sons and daughter.

Laine Lawson Craft has a new found passion in her life—to inspire and instruct others to be, do, and have God's best for their life and more. She has truly been called forth from the ordinary life to serve God, producing extraordinary outcomes. She founded a ministry just five short years ago, now known as WHOA Local, that has manifested and exploded into WHOAwomen Community globally. She is passionate about reaching women with the unconditional love and compassion of Christ no matter where they have been or where they are now. Laine's own life proves that God is still restoring, replenishing, and healing—producing miracles today just as He did in the Bible. Laine knows the power that happens when one woman shares her story of trials or tribulations, and then shares how she had victory, proving hope can be found. Laine shares how we know God is no respecter of persons and if He did it for her, then He will surely do it for you. Laine writes weekly through the WHOAwomen WHOA Notes. She contributes her writing every quarter as the publisher and owner of the only nationally circulated faith-based contemporary women's magazine, WHOA Magazine for Women. She travels and speaks, sharing her personal testimony of the miraculous acts of God in her own life from marriage restoration, financial breakthrough, and supernatural healing of her daughter. Laine is now hosting a national television show soon to be aired on Sundays in the Fall of 2013. The WHOA Show interviews famous believers on how faith made a difference for them including segments on cooking, fashion, music, and so much more. Laine's favorite thing to do when she is not working is to be with her family. She loves to cook and entertain. . She has been married to her husband Steve for over twenty-five years and loves to spend time with her two sons and daughter.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! and discover the importance of reliance on Christ through childbearing with author and speaker Angie Tolpin. Angie lives with her husband Isaac and six children on a hobby vineyard in the Pacific Northwest. She is a home-schooling mother and, together with Isaac, runs Leaders Marriage Seminars for their company, Choose Growth. Her passions include embracing her role as wife and mother, along with inspiring and equipping mothers to leave intentional legacies. You can find her sharing what the Lord is teaching her at Leaving a Legacy http://angietolpin.com/. Her love for Christ and understanding of His Calling on her life is her main motivation for taking action towards obedience in all aspects of life. Angie is passionate about serving Him through ministering to women in all sorts of life situations, but women who are married to men involved in leadership have a special place in her heart. Her book is called Redeeming Childbirth and you can discover more about that at http://redeemingchildbirth.com/.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! and discover the importance of reliance on Christ through childbearing with author and speaker Angie Tolpin. Angie lives with her husband Isaac and six children on a hobby vineyard in the Pacific Northwest. She is a home-schooling mother and, together with Isaac, runs Leaders Marriage Seminars for their company, Choose Growth. Her passions include embracing her role as wife and mother, along with inspiring and equipping mothers to leave intentional legacies. You can find her sharing what the Lord is teaching her at Leaving a Legacy http://angietolpin.com/. Her love for Christ and understanding of His Calling on her life is her main motivation for taking action towards obedience in all aspects of life. Angie is passionate about serving Him through ministering to women in all sorts of life situations, but women who are married to men involved in leadership have a special place in her heart. Her book is called Redeeming Childbirth and you can discover more about that at http://redeemingchildbirth.com/.

  Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as Kirk Cousins outlines how he went from a small-time high school recruit to a Big Ten All-Star and now a Washington Redskin. Three-time team captain, Kirk Cousins is currently considered one of the most successful quarterbacks in Michigan State University history, holding MSU records for passing yards, touchdowns, completions, and more. In addition to his success on the gridiron, Kirk was named Academic All-Big Ten four years in a row, and he was selected as the 2011 Lowe's Senior CLASS Award winner in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision. In 2012, Kirk was drafted by the Washington Redskins, where he has continued to inspire on and off the field. The son of Don and MaryAnn Cousins, Kirk grew up in Holland, Michigan, with his siblings, Kyle and Karalyne. Game Changer is his first book and outlines a God-led life.  

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! with award-winning author and speaker Eva Marie Everson. From the time she was a little girl, Eva Marie Everson wanted to be a writer. It wasn't an easy aspiration to have; her friends told her she couldn't be a writer—girls from their town just didn't do that. They grew up to be teachers or nurses or secretaries—or wives and mothers, which is just what Eva Marie did. She went to school and became a nurse; she worked, got married, and raised children. Eva Marie Everson is an award-winning author of both fiction and nonfiction, as well as an award-winning national and international speaker. She has worked closely with Israel Ministry of Tourism to bring Christian pilgrims and journalists to The Land of the Bible. She teaches at writers conferences across the US and, in 2011, served as a adjunct professor at Taylor University in Upland, IN. Eva Marie is the president of Word Weavers International, Inc., made up of face-to-face critique chapters in the US and Canada. She is the director of Florida Christian Writers Conference, a role she shares with Mark Hancock. Eva Marie has worked with a number of publishers—and not because she is difficult to get along with. Among those she has been honored to work with are: Barbour, David C. Cook, NavPress, Baker Publishing Group, Broadman Holman, and Thomas Nelson. In 2012, B&H, along with Harbinger Media, honored Eva Marie by asking her to novelize the movie Unconditional. Eva Marie has been chosen to be a part of the Spirit of Naples Storytellers Conference, 2013. Find out more at: www.EvaMarieEversonAuthor.com.