About His Work

January is National Mentoring Month

2012-01-29T20:30:00.000-08:00

Well it's the last day of January and I just discovered that the president declared this month National Mentoring Month! But it is timely that two new Face-to-Face Bible studies release on January 31, just in time to still be part of the national recognition month.

Face-to-Face with Lois and Eunice:Nurturing Faith in Your Family

Face-to-Face with Sarah, Rachel and Hannah: Pleading with God

Both studies have questions for doing on you own, two women or M&M's to do together, and leader's guide for group study. They are 5 sessions and each session is 5 days.

These are # 6 & 7 in the Face to Face Series. To order go to http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=janet+thompson&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCQ&nav_search=1&cms=1

Inspiration for Breast Cancer Survivors

2012-01-23T09:07:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, I am a three time breast cancer survivor and praise God every morning for another day of life. I'm also always looking for ways to encourage and support other breast-cancer sisters. A friend of mine told me about Trudy, a two-time breast-cancer survivor who submitted an inspirational phrase to the American Breast Care Company who makes prothesis. If selected, Trudy's phrase would be imprinted on ABC's products for the upcoming year. What a blessing for the women and for Trudy!

Here's a little information about Trudy and the contest, and if you feel led, go to the site and vote for her phrase, or one of the other phrases in the contest. I looked around the website also to learn a little more about ABC:

Trudy is one of 6 finalists in a Breast Care contest by American Breast Care Company. Breast cancer survivors were encouraged to submit a phrase that helped them get through breast cancer and other tough times.

Votes will be taken until May 31st. The winner will go to Georgia where the company is located and her phrase will be printed on the breast form and be part of a marketing campaign for the product.

Trudy has had many many struggles in her life including breast cancer twice. And, yet she remains apositive and joyful person. After cancer she spent years as a volunteer and spokesperson for the American Cancer Society's "Reach for Recovery Program" for breast cancer patients.

Please vote for Trudy. www.tfaforms.com/230838

Trudy's quote is "Behind every door is a miracle. Be brave enough to open it"

A New Way to R.E.A.D. Your Bible

2012-01-16T11:55:00.000-08:00

I'm reading the Bible in a year, along with many of my friends and family. We're using www.YouVersion.com where you can choose different reading plans. I'm reading the Bible chronologically, something I've always wanted to do. Interesting that after reading about Noah and the Ark, you go straight to Job!

Pastor Brian Smith, Crouch Community Church, also suggested a way to respond as well as read the Bible, which I've found very helpful. First pray, then go to the day's reading and READ:

Record a Promise
Enjoy the Person (God, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit)
Admit a Practice (that offends God)
Discover a Precept (a command we are to do.

Try this with Matthew 8:16-20:
R--God is with me always (v. 20)
E--Jesus has all authority (v. 18)
A--Sin (v. 17 doubt)
D--We are to go into the world and share the Good News! (vv. 19-20)

I'd love to hear from any of you reading the Bible in a year and trying READ, or share what's working for you!
Happy New Year,
Janet

November was National Military Family Month

2012-01-06T11:31:00.000-08:00

Author Jocelyn Green is a friend and fellow author whom I admire for her passion and versatile writing skills. I dearly identify with this topic since our son has a military family.

Please enjoy this interview and the first person to share with us a family who would benefit from this book will receive a free copy from Jocelyn.

Interview with Jocelyn C. Green, author of Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives
and
Faith Deployed....Again: More Daily Encouragement for Military Wives

1. Could you share with us the inspiration behind "Faith Deployed...Again" and what readers can expect from it?

The inspiration for Faith Deployed . . . Again was the same as the inspiration for the first book I wrote for military wives, Faith Deployed. Put simply, military wives need encouragement, and the best source is God's Word.

As a former Coast Guard wife, I was so desperate for biblical encouragement that spoke directly to me. To have an opportunity to collect this type of encouragement from twenty-eight other military wives from every branch of service and have it published by Moody is an incredible gift. I never once lacked motivation to work on this project.

2. The title of your sequel is "Faith Deployed...Again." What is the significance behind the phrase "Faith Deployed," and can the phrase (and the book itself) have meaning for those who aren't military wives, as well?

I think of "faith deployed" as a faith called into action. Whether your military family experiences deployments or not, military life requires that we all deploy our faith in order to respond biblically to each trial we face. While this book was written by and for military wives, using illustrations from the military lifestyle, anyone who reads the book will come away with a deeper understanding of God's Word and how it applies to trials we face.

Military wives will be likely to get the most out of it, since it speaks directly to their unique lifestyle, but I have heard from many civilians, and men, who have also benefitted from reading it.

3. But if the troops are coming home soon from Afghanistan, do we still really need this book?

Yes, we do. Faith Deployed...Again was created to encourage military wives during all the seasons of a career, regardless of where they stand in the deployment cycle.

Military wives of all branches, all over the globe, are hungry for spiritual nourishment. That need isn't going to disappear when troops come home. In fact, only one of the book's eight sections is devoted to deployments. There are plenty of other challenges in the military lifestyle even without having a husband deployed to a combat zone.

As a Coast Guard wife, my husband never fought in a war, but I still desperately needed the hope that comes only from God's Word. The biblical concepts illustrated in this book will strengthen and encourage military wives during times of both peace and war.

4. The rates of post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury among soldiers and veterans are increasing at an alarming rate. How does this affect the spouses and children of these veterans?

The spouses and children make adjustments to how they interact with the veteran, and how they live in their own home. Emotional detachment is very common among vets with PTSD, so the wife and children often crave a connection that their husband/father simply isn't able to give at this stage. This means they feel lonely, and sometimes emotionally abandoned. They might be angry and resentful that he changed so much because of his combat experience, or they could genuinely grieve the loss of the way their family used to be.

Several of our writers in Faith Deployed...Again are married to veterans with PTSD, and share their insights in the book. I also highly recommend the Combat Trauma Healing Manual for veterans, and for the wives, When War Comes Home: Christ-centered Healing for Wives of Combat Veterans.

5. What are some practical ways that individuals can support military wives?
Quite often, if you just say "what can I do for you?" or "I'm here to help you" the wife may be overwhelmed enough to not even know what to ask for. Give her some ideas, perhaps in the form of a coupon booklet for free babysitting, homemade cookies, a coffee date, running errands, an hour or two of housework, etc.
Find out what's broken and fix it. Computer problems are a big deal, especially since so many couples rely on email or Web cams to communicate. If the car is broken down, offer to give rides.
Mow the lawn, pull weeds, other yard work- cleaning out gutters-those seasonal tasks that the deployed spouse may have typically done.
Bring a meal over so that's one less thing a stressed out spouse would have to think about.
Visiting is a great mood lifter, but ask first. And if you get a couple negative responses, don't take it personally.
Drop off a basket of favorite foods and/or a movie rental you know she's been wanting to see. (Other ideas for a military wife care package can be found here:
Pray for her!
6. Why is it critical to pay special attention to supporting the military wife?

If the military wife is supported, she will have much more ability to support her husband and her children in a way only she can. If she is too stressed out, her entire family will feel it. Her kids will suffer, she may resent her husband's service, and if she tells him as much, he will be distracted from his duties. If he is thinking about the trials for his family back home, he will have a much harder time giving undivided attention to his mission. Also, if the wife isn't getting support from appropriate sources, she will be more prone to confide in a man other than her husband who makes her feel special - which is the start of an emotional affair. When we support a military spouse, we support the entire family.

Thoughts on Applying 1 Thessalonians to Parenting By Janel Thompson

2011-12-01T16:24:00.000-08:00

My daughter-in-law, Janel Thompson, sent the family an email sharing what God revealed to her about parenting while studying the Book of 1 Thessalonians in the Bible. Read 1 Thessalonians yourself and then enjoy and reflect on what God might be telling you about your parenting or grandparenting. I would love to hear your comments. Janel writes:

I've been reading 1 Thessalonians with a different perspective. In the past, I've read it as Paul's letter to the church. I've also read it as if I were part of the church Paul was writing to and how I could apply his words to my life. But this time, I read it with the eyes of a parent writing it to our kids, and it took on a whole new meaning. I don't intend to change what Scripture says or make it say something it doesn't, but I believe the Bible is living and active and God speaks to us in different ways at different times to teach us what we need at different seasons.

I want to share this with you because it was so fresh to me: encouraging, inspiring, and humbling. Oh my, I can truly say like Paul that I have not obtained any of these things, but I have a vision into what the future as a parent can be like.

Starting in 1 Thessalonians 1, it struck me that Paul wrote this letter to the church as both a "brother in Christ" and a parent. Parents all hope to be, "brothers in Christ" with our kids, but we’ve walked ahead of them in life and are called to lead and guide them to a personal relationship and walk with God. As Christians, I believe parenthood becomes our ministry and mission for the rest of our lives. The way we guide and influence our kids changes, but our call to love, encourage, guide, and care for them never goes away. They will move away, but like Paul, we’re never without an important role in their lives.

The following verses and thoughts came to mind as I read the first 3 chapters of 1 Thessalonians. I hope that you are encouraged and inspired as I was.

The parallel between Paul’s writing and parenting started with reading the end of 1:5 and the beginning of vs. 6, "We lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord." The word imitators made me think of how kids pick up many behaviors and attitudes from their parents. I find myself doing things my mom did and I see our kids mimic ways of coping and acting that my husband and I do. It's scary that our kids imitate us! When I read this verse, I thought, God, please allow our kids to imitate only what will draw them closer to You. I know they’ll pick up many of our bad habits and attitudes, but by God's grace may we also be able to model for them ways to live that please the Lord.

As my mind turned to our kids, I went back and read vs. 4, For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you.” I thought: We need to cement in our kids’ minds that they are loved and chosen by God! We love them, but God's love is perfect; and when our kids feel let down and disappointed by us, they can know that God's love is perfect.

Paul continues talking to the church about the things they watched Paul, and the others with him, go through. Paul lived with the people of the church for a time so they saw how he dealt with struggles, which provided a model for coping with their own struggles. Again, I saw the way this parallels parenthood. We can't hide our struggles from our kids. Even though they may not know the details, they see how we react to stress. As our kids get older and mature, we should be open with them, because they’ll face "adult" decisions and struggles, and by talking to them about how we’re seeking God's direction and wisdom processing through decisions, we can equip them to not be surprised by struggles they’ll face as adults.

Chapter 2:4 says Paul and the others were "men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel." As parents, it’s empowering and humbling to think that we as a couple are approved by God and entrusted to parent our kids and guide them to Christ. In verses 7,8,11,12, Paul says they loved the church so much they enjoyed sharing their lives together. They were gentle as a mother caring for a young child and dealt with them as a father. They encouraged, comforted, and urged the people to live lives worthy of God who calls them.

Then I came to two different verses that I pray can be true about each of our kids.
"We also thank God continually because when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe" (1 Thess. 2:13). "For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy" (1 Thess. 2:19-20).

Chapter 3 talks about a time when Paul was no longer with the church, but he still cared about their wellbeing and sent Timothy to "strengthen and encourage" them in their faith (vs. 2). This is similar to when our kids are no longer home all the time with us: in sports, school, Sunday school, and youth group. Even though we aren't the only input in our kids’ lives, we still can influence who impacts them and expose them to other kids with a strong faith, so they can learn from others as well.

Paul expresses such intense feelings for the people he is writing to. "How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?" (1Thess. 3:9). This is just the kind of thing we would want to say about our adult children. My husband and I went through a class at church that talked about having a "deparenting plan". A plan as to how we will slowly help our kids become adults so they need less and less of our "parenting" and can rely more and more on their relationship with God to help them make wise decisions. This verse expresses how we will feel to see our kids as growing adults wise and walking with God.

Then I love the last verses in chapter 3 because as a mom, I never want to lose touch with our kids. I never want them to be out of touch with them. Paul had these same feelings for the church when he wrote. "Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you" (1 Thess. 3:10-11).

In closing, Paul's prayer in verse 13 is a prayer I will pray for each one of our kids, "May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones."

We are far from being perfect parents—we scream and lose our minds and screw up—but reading these verses gave me a vision for how it can be as parents of grown children, as well as prayers to pray for God's grace and guidance.

Christian Book Previews - The Team that Jesus Built by Janet Thompson

2011-11-28T13:13:00.000-08:00

Here's a great review and summary

Review:

In Janet Thompson’s The Team that Jesus Built, readers are introduced to business management, street smarts, and biblical wisdom. When it comes to women’s ministry and female leadership advice, the market is bursting with brightly lit advertisements guaranteeing answers for any and all problems. Yet, in a world overloaded with frivolous information, there are still people who dare to give advice in a godly, honest way.

Janet Thompson, founder of Saddleback Church’s Woman to Woman Mentoring Ministry, has established herself as a qualified author, with a MA in Christian Leadership and an MBA. After authoring numerous books, she now takes a serious look at female leadership and team building. Written for female leaders, Thompson’s The Team that Jesus Built delves into team development, while exposing problems and proposing solutions.

Reminding her readers that any team is always God’s possession and never theirs, Thompson reveals a formula for team development that centers on Jesus’ attitude and strategy in choosing his disciples. By studying Jesus’ interaction with his followers, Thompson teaches that a well-built team never comes from a leader caught up in self glory. Instead, a leader garners team success in displaying strong spirituality and godly motives.

Thompson reaches out to women leaders through personal experience. She shares her struggles and victories as she shows readers how to be successful, godly leaders. Although The Team that Jesus Built seems, at times, categorized and organized to the point of confusion, it’s an essential tool for any woman hoping to lead her team, whether big or small, as Jesus led his. – Angelina Burkholder, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com

Book Jacket:

Jesus built strong teams. You can too.

Get His methods, answers, and more for team-building challenges most leaders encounter:

How do you motivate people to serve selflessly?
How do you equip people to be new leaders?
How do you “let go” as a leader?

Through personal observations, step-by-step instructions, and simple how-to applications of Jesus’ leadership principles, The Team That Jesus Built equips laywomen—regardless of church location, denomination, size—to cultivate leadership skills and create teams for the glory of God.

Based on the author’s experience building a women’s ministry at Saddleback Church, under the leadership of pastor Rick Warren (The Purpose-Driven Life), Thompson provides ministry leaders with tools, direction, guidance, and encouragement to build teams that equip leaders to build teams.

Christian Book Previews - The Team that Jesus Built by Janet Thompson

Interview Today with Writer's Voices

2011-11-04T05:22:00.000-07:00

Listen live today 11/4 from 1:00-2:00 pm CT for discussion of Dear God, Why Can' I Have a Baby?
http://www.kruufm.com/node/11856 and KRUU LP 100.1FM.

If you miss today's interview it will be rebroadcast at 8:00 am CT Monday 11/7 and available for download or listening both at the kruufm.com archives and as a podcast on http://www.writersvoices.com/

Linda Young will also be interviewed on her book Hope for Familes of Children with Cancer.

If you listen, I would love to hear your comments.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

2011-10-04T19:52:00.000-07:00

This month I'll be talking allot about breast cancer awareness and sharing stories from brave breast-cancer sisters. Read the hope that Wanda has in her breast cancer journey.

Testimony of Wanda's Battle

The canvas of the sky was a clear, bright and beautiful blue.

Clouds few and Spring was covering the atmosphere.

I had gone in for a routine mammogram. I had to start at the age of 27 because my mother had breast cancer and I’ve never missed an annual appointment in twenty something years.

After chatting with the technician for a while about our weekend, I made the following statement to her near the end of my exam when she returned to the exam room: "Oh by the way, would you try to get an image of this knot right here."

What an unorthodox way of disclosing that one had found a knot or lump where one shouldn't be. I had discovered the lump earlier in the previous month.

Upon returning to the exam room, the technician told me that the image was captured. She immediately asked if I could stay so that they could perform other tests. “ Sure, I said. I have nothing else that I want to do on a beautiful day like this.” After that I made a telephone call to submit an request for immediate prayer.

Then while waiting to get worked into the schedule to complete three other tests to confirm the initial finding on the routine mammogram, I sat alone wrapped up in warmed blankets from neck to toes because I had gotten so cold, sipping hot tea and glancing through a couple of magazines.

COURAGEOUS OR COMPLETELY COO-COO (HMMM?)

As I reflect on that day, I think that it was God letting me know that He had my back.

That day was the beginning of an incredible journey as I know it.

Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, mind, and spirit and he will give you a peace that surpasses ALL understanding. The Lord will not give you more than you can handle AND he will provide you with a way of escape.

********************************************************************

On June 10, 2009, I had a successful lumpectomy. In July, I began chemotherapy treatment and by early August, my head was BALD. Soon afterward eyebrows and lashes disappeared. Six months later when the new year arrived and chemotherapy treatment was just ending, the hair had started to sprout on my head. Two months later I completed radiation in March 2010.

April 6, 2011, two years later, I'm STILL STANDING after a diagnosis of Stage IIA, ER/PR elevated, HER2+ invasive ductal carcinoma, surgery, chemo, radiation and continuing therapy ONLY by the GRACE OF MY ALMIGHTY GOD who is JEHOVAH RAPHA.

It is only God who knows that I can handle this tailor-made journey of breast cancer. Now just why he chose me - I don't know YET. What I do know is that it isn’t about me.

My continued prayer since all of this started is that no matter what, that people would see Him and not me.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, your soul and your mind

And

HE WILL SEE YOU THROUGH!

To give the gift of encouragement and hope to a breast cancer survivor go to http://www.womantowomanmentoring.com/cancersite/index.html or http://www.amazon.com/Dear-God-They-Say-Cancer/dp/1582295751/sr=8-1/qid=1161276234/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-3142787-1281655?ie=UTF8

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/News-from-Janet-Thompson---About-His-Work-Ministries.html?soid=1101955573206&aid=-l5FpN3dt-M

2011-09-29T12:14:00.000-07:00

Lots of news in the Sept/Oct newsletter

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/News-from-Janet-Thompson---About-His-Work-Ministries.html?soid=1101955573206&aid=-l5FpN3dt-M

Kathi "Easy Writer" Macias: The Team that Jesus Built

2011-07-26T09:36:00.000-07:00

Kathi "Easy Writer" Macias: The Team that Jesus Built: "Jesus built strong teams. You can too! In The Team That Jesus Built: How to Develop, Equip, and commission a Women's Ministry Team find..."

About His Work Ministries June/July Newsletter

2011-07-19T09:24:00.000-07:00

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/News-from-Janet-Thompson---About-His-Work-Ministries.html?soid=1101955573206&aid=SPvCx1Px4ac

Held: On The Journey With You

2011-06-24T12:31:00.000-07:00

For an excerpt from my book Dear God, Why Can't I Have a Baby? and also to be blessed by a new Hannah's Hope Prayer blog go to:
Held: On The Journey With You: "“Janet, you’ll never have a baby. Your ovaries look like those of a ninety-year-old woman.” Sitting on the doctor’s exam table, extending ..."

ooops

2011-06-21T19:40:00.000-07:00

I put in the wrong link. Try this one for the burn out interview
http://www.newhopedigital.com/index.php/2011/04/janet-thompson-beating-burnout/

Beating Burnout

2011-06-21T19:21:00.000-07:00

Listen to podcast interview on the importance of developing an Apprentice!

http://http//www.newhopedigital.com/index.php/2011/04/janet-thompson-beating-burnout/

Women’s Ministry: Changing Views

2011-05-12T10:44:00.000-07:00

Women’s Ministry: Changing Views

Any thoughts or comments on this article?

What’s Happening with Women’s Ministry?

2011-05-12T10:09:00.000-07:00

What’s Happening with Women’s Ministry? is a great artilce. I'm currently writing an article on the changing face of Women's Ministry and how to reach more women in today's ever changing culture. Please leave me comments about what's happening in your church.

Live Interview on Prodigals

2011-05-09T21:19:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, May 10 at 10:00 AM (EST) I'll be interviewing and giving hope and encouragement to parents struggling with wayward daughters. Tune in live and ask your questions and also have an opportunity to win a free autographed copy of my book Praying for Your Prodigal Daughter.
The interview will also be available on their website later in the day.

Tune in http://http://www.toginet.com/shows/theparentsplate

Ten Ways To Survive the Holidays When You're Infertile

2011-05-05T15:34:00.000-07:00

Adapted for Mother's Day from Laura Christenson, a Mommy-in-Waiting with her story in Dear God, Why Can't I Have a Baby? and author of The Adoption Decision.

If the mere thought of babies being handled by fawning relatives or the celebration of mothers is enough to make you burst into tears and run for cover, try the following alternatives. You’ll not only survive Mother's Day; you may even celebrate it joyfully and triumphantly.

1. Take charge. Organize a party for the childless couples and singles in your church. Have a potluck at one of your homes.

2. Just say “No.” Graciously decline invitations to child-oriented events. Send a note or gift to the hosts, letting them know how much you appreciate them.

3. Pray. If you plan to share the day with extended family or friends, pray for patience, wisdom and strength. Contact a trusted family member before your arrival and schedule a leisurely walk together during the party.

4. Send cards from Kitty. Send cards to your mom's from you both and your cat, dog, cockatoo or hamster.

5. Run away from home. Take a mini vacation with your spouse to a romantic bed and breakfast inn. Make your marriage – not your baby quest – top priority during this time. Remind each other that it doesn’t take a child to make a family; you and your spouse are a family already.

6. Learn a sport together. Go for a long bike-ride, take a walk together, go to a movie, or indulge in a sport you like to do together like tennis or golf or work in the garden.

7. Get crafty. Create handmade greeting cards, design jewelry or make flower arrangements. Give them to all the moms and grandmothers in nursing homes.

8. Serve selflessly. Focus on serving your own moms, sisters, aunts, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, mother-in-laws, and sister-in-laws.

9. Wax poetic. Compose a romantic song or poem for your spouse.

10. Write a love letter to God. Thank Him for giving you life, and for loving you more than you can comprehend. Ask Him to guide you through this difficult time. God is always there to listen, and He understands.

Adapted from page 269 in Dear God, Why Can't I Have a Baby? A Companion Guide for Couples on the Infertility Journey.

A Perfect Gift for Mommies-in-Waiting on Mother's Day

2011-05-04T15:22:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is torture for a mommy-in-waiting. Dear God, Why Can't I Have a Baby? A Companion Guide for Couples on the Infertility Journey is a gift of hope and encouragement for these women. To read my daughter Kim's journal on Mother's Day the year before she became a mommy, and also for tips to surviving any holiday while waiting on God's plan for parenthood, go to pages 140 and 269. Or "Look Inside" on Amazon.

Mommies-in-Waiting feel left out and overlooked on a day that honors those of us who are mothers. Don't ignore or minimize the pain an infertile woman is feeling. Let her know you care with a gift that is a "walk-along-beside-you," and "I-understand-because I've-been-in your-shoes" book.

The Team That Jesus Built Press Release

2011-04-20T20:57:00.000-07:00

Former Saddleback Leader Offers Practical Steps to Building a Successful Women’s Ministry

(BIRMINGHAM, Ala.)—April 19, 2011—Former Saddleback Woman to Woman Mentoring Ministry leader Janet Thompson, in her new release The Team That Jesus Built: How to Develop, Equip, and Commission a Women’s Ministry Team (ISBN 978-1-59669-300-5, $16.99), offers practical tips to women’s ministry leaders. Drawing on years of experience and lay-ministerial success, Thompson passionately encourages women’s ministry teams to continuously and systematically groom others.

“Most churches have a list of ministries that started with a bang and then fizzled—not for lack of people needing the benefits of the ministry, but often because the leader left without having an equipped team in place,” writes Thompson.

When God called her to start the mentoring ministry at Saddleback Church, she looked for resources to assist her, but found none. Instead, through years of experience she has now written her own. Using sound biblical principles, also incorporated by large international Bible studies, Thompson uses the training relationship of Jesus with the disciples as the basic outline for the book.

Chris Adams, senior lead women’s ministry specialist, LifeWay Christian Resources, recognizes the tools this book contains for effective team-building and offers positive words about the authors’ credibility.

“Janet Thompson has a heart for the Lord and a heart for raising up women who have a heart for Him,” endorses Adams. “She has given us many tools to mentor women and to grow together as women. As a leader herself, she has developed effective and multiplying teams.”

What distinguishes this book from so many others is that she takes the principles of Jesus and puts them in practical terms for women’s ministry. The book addresses getting started and organized, recruitment, informal interviews, key communication elements, conflict resolution, and a host of other topics that arise in ministry regardless of church size or denomination.

“In The Team That Jesus Built, Janet Thompson offers practical, step-by-step advice for building, remodeling, or rejuvenating a ministry team,” endorses Kathy Howard, minister of adult education at Fannin Terrace Baptist Church and author of Before His Throne, God’s Truth Revealed, and Unshakeable Faith.

About the Author
Janet Thompson, founder and director of About His Work Ministries, is an author and speaker on topics relevant to today’s Christian woman. She developed the Woman to Woman Mentoring Ministry at Saddleback Church, where she and her husband, Dave, were members. Janet served as a lay minister for 12 years, leading Saddleback’s Woman to Woman Mentoring Ministry. Passionate about mentoring others, she is also the author of the “Face-to-Face” Bible study series. A new resident to Idaho, she continues to share the blessings of mentoring by training churches around the world.

About New Hope Publishers
Representing more than 50 authors and more than 100 individual works, the mission of New Hope Publishers is to provide books that challenge readers to understand and be radically involved in the mission of God. New Hope Publishers is the general trade publishing imprint for WMU, a missions auxiliary to the Southern Baptist Convention. New Hope Publishers is a member of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA).

For more information about New Hope Publishers, visit www.newhopepublishers.com.

The Team That Jesus Built press release

2011-04-20T20:50:00.000-07:00

Marriage, Obligations, and Service

2011-04-18T14:42:00.000-07:00

Marriage, Obligations, and Service. Wondering how to balance it all. Priscilla and Aquila have the answers!

Press release for Priscilla and Aquila

2011-01-30T15:10:00.000-08:00

Gain Blessings from Serving with Your Spouse

(BIRMINGHAM, Ala.)—January 27, 2011—Priscilla and Aquila made an impact on those they served. So much so they were mentioned numerous times by the Apostle Paul in his writings as examples of servant leadership in the early church. Sadly today many couples serve apart from one another in the church—if they serve at all. By not serving together, those couples miss out on blessings that can only be received through investing in kingdom work as a couple.

Face-to-Face with Priscilla and Aquila (978-1-59669-295-4, N114132, $8.99) explores the importance of serving together and leading together within the context of both the church and everyday life.

“Priscilla and Aquila had their priorities and their house in order and their biblical story can mentor us today in how to graciously serve God and each other,” says Janet Thompson. “God blessed their business, their marriage, and their ministry—and He’ll do the same for anyone who puts the work of God first in their life and relationships.”

Face-to-Face with Priscilla and Aquila is a five-week study that can be used individually, as a couple, or as a small group. It includes content on service and leadership as well as real-life short stories and testimonies.

About the Author

Janet Thompson, founder and director of About His Work Ministries, is an author and speaker on topics relevant to today’s Christian. Janet discovered her purpose when God called her to “feed My sheep.” Janet answered that call by developing the Woman to Woman Mentoring Ministry at Saddleback Church, where she and her husband, Dave, have been members since 1987. Janet served as a lay minister for 12 years, leading Saddleback’s Woman to Woman Mentoring Ministry, and she continues to share the blessings of mentoring by training in churches around the world. Janet’s previous New Hope works include the “Face-to-Face” series.

Dave and Janet have four married children and love being Grammie and Grampa to 11 beautiful grandchildren. They make their home in Lake Forest, California.

About New Hope Publishers

Representing more than 50 authors and more than 100 individual works, the mission of New Hope Publishers is to provide books that challenge readers to understand and be radically involved in the mission of God. New Hope Publishers is the general trade publishing imprint for WMU, a missions auxiliary to the Southern Baptist Convention. New Hope Publishers is a member of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA).

For more information about Janet Thompson or New Hope Publishers, visit www.newhopepublishers.com. Copies of books may be purchased online at http://www.amazon.com/, www.christianbook.com, http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ or by calling 1-800-968-7301.

An Opportunity to Share Your Story

2010-12-12T20:49:00.000-08:00

I'm writing two new Face-to-Face Bible studies and am seeking true stories. Here is what I'm looking for:

1. If you've been a mentor, or been mentored by a family member--especially looking for stories of grandmothers and mothers, but any family relationship would be considered.

2. A time when you pleaded with God.

If you would like to know more leave a comment here and we can connect and I can give you more information.

Tips For Journaling Your Breast Cancer Journey

2010-10-09T14:21:00.002-07:00

1. Pray before you start.

2. Select a journal that reflects your personality and style.

3. Write your heart. Don't worry about grammar or sounding spiritual. Let your pen flow with thoughts and feelings.

4. Think of journaling as simply writing a letter.

5. Date your journal entries.

6. Another way to experience journaling is as a chat or conversation with God. Freely write all that's on your heart and mind.

7. If you want to write confidential things and worry someone might read your journal, come up with abbreviations and symbols only you understand.

8. Don't feel you must be positive all the time. When it hurts, talk about it. When you're sad, cry out. When you're mad, God can take it.

9. Express the good things that happen too and the days where everything does seem better.

10. Journal during doctor or treatment waiting rooms, receiving chemotherapy treatments, sitting in the car while your ride runs into the store for you, nights when you can't sleep, lying down to rest but your mind is racing, long hospital days and nights.

11. If you aren't up to journaling and the pen seems too heavy, don't worry--it shouldn't be a burden making you feel guilty or heavy. When the time is right, you will get at it again.

2010-10-09T14:21:00.001-07:00

Following Dad

2010-10-06T13:35:00.000-07:00

I met Darrell Leber in one of my many airport waiting rooms. As so often happens, I made a God connection. Darrell is Associate Director of Strategic Relationships with the Jesus Film, and he and his wife own Amen Christian Bookstore in Marysville, WA. Darrell sent me this story that I wanted to share with you:

10 years ago Missionary Don Cox was taken captive and held for ransom by rebel thugs (we would consider terrorists today). They drove him far into the country bound & blindfolded, and then forced him to hike into the Andes Mt's in the dark of night, across a river, over a log, and then a long distance up to a desolate area. Be sure to read the book, Shouts at Sunrise, to capture the details of those days and events.

Don was miraculously rescued after being held for 14 days. He and his family were swiftly sent to safety in the USA and Don hadn't been allowed to come back to the area of his capture until this year.

While in Ecuador, my son and I had the opportunity to hike high into the Andes Mountains with Missionary Don Cox to accompany him as he retraced his footsteps to see where he had been held. This was the first time Don had been allowed back into the area by the government to see this area by day. He was very excited and had the video camera going on overtime! We had a wonderful time of fellowship, devotions, and closure.

The trails were extremely steep and muddy on the return, as we had already passed over them on the way up creating a muddy slip-n-slide for the return. We were strung out in a line... sometimes slipping and sliding for a good ways. There were a few guys ahead of me, my son DJ a little ways behind me, and then Pastor Howell behind him and so forth.

I overheard a conversation between Pastor Howell and my son that drove into my heart…one of those “feel good” moments for a parent!
Pastor Howell (who is a big man) had offered to go in front of my son to catch him in case he slipped in the mud…you could slide a long way without stopping on these paths.

My son replied ‘No Thanks! I will follow my dad’s footsteps. I know that wherever he walks, that if I follow his footsteps, I will be safe. (see picture above).
What a statement!
What an impact on me to be careful of the footsteps and the walk I take as a witness to others.

If only we would follow so closely in the footsteps of our Savior… and know that if we follow him, we will be safe!!!

Check out Partner Trips where we will also deliver an ARK shelter:
http://www.jfhp.org/ Click on “get involved” then “Partner Trips”.

Woman to Woman Mentoring Interview

2010-10-05T15:30:00.000-07:00

Listen to me interview with MentorMarnie this Thursday at 1:00 PT 3:00 CT or 4:00 ET. I'll be talking about the 5 W's of STarting a Mentoring Ministry. You can call 646-727-2510 or go to http://www.leadershipattitudes.com/. You'll find a free handout at the website. Please share this opportunity with anyone you know in Women's Ministry.

Midday Connection Interview on Eat Pray Love

2010-09-10T21:34:00.000-07:00

Today, I interviewed with Anita Lustrea on the article in my last post. The interview will be in the archives after today. I'm the 2nd person interviewed, so if you want you can forward or listen to the first one. I'd love to have your comments.
http://http://www.moodyradio.org/middayconnection.aspx

PRAY LOVE EAT

2010-08-24T21:41:00.000-07:00

No I didn't get the title of this blog wrong. Read on...

Today I saw the movie Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia, based on a memoir by author, Elizabeth Gilbert. I can't help but think that Gilbert didn't have to travel across the world to find "everything." What if she had stayed home and PRAYED to God, found the LOVE of her life in Jesus, and then took a really fun EATING trip? Maybe she would have found that elusive "everything she was searching for so desperately and probably enjoyed her trip even more.

In interviews, Julia Roberts who plays Gilbert, says that she persoally became "very intrigued by and interested in" Hinduism from a picture she saw of a "guru" who had long been dead. What if she became very intrigued by and interested in God who is very much alive!

In referrring to seeing the guru's picture, Julia summarized every Christian's opportunity to tell someone the truth about Jesus: "That is the way things come into our lifes. They are not these big gate-crashing moments; it is just a little like. . . what is this about?" You may find yourself in conversations nd discussions regarding this popular movie and book, and like Julia, many will be asking: "What is this about?" Don't miss the chance to share Who you pray to and how you found unconditional love in Jesus.

Julia Roberts is a charming actress and she can make the type of search Gilbert went on look very appealing. But even though she found love, she never found the only True Love, Jesus Christ, and you don't have to search far to find Him.

And the winner is....

2010-08-18T20:52:00.001-07:00

TA DA!! The cover selected for my New Hope publication "The Team That Jesus Built." You spoke, we listened. It was a tight race between the green cover and this one. We did make the title pop more as many suggested. Hope you like it and will share with women's ministries when it comes out in June 2011. I know a few men waiting to read it too:).

Help me pick a cover!

2010-07-31T09:47:00.000-07:00

If you are on Facebook, "like" or "fan" New Hope Publishers and vote on the cover for my new book: The Team that Jesus Built
http://www.facebook.com/NewHopePublishers#!/album.php?aid=199418&id=40595120839&ref=mf
Please vote for your favorite and tell us why. Thanks -

If you're not on Facebook, you can still go look at them and then leave a comment here! I'll let you know which one wins!

2010-07-21T20:04:00.000-07:00

Very cool! I just saw that this article is actually exerpts from my book "Dear God, They Say It's Cancer." Please share with anyone you know who is one of my breast cancer-sister.

What Breast Cancer Patients Should Know About Prosthesis
www.tipsonhealthyliving.com

Hmmmm

2010-07-20T08:35:00.001-07:00

I guess I haven't had enough coffee this morning. Let's try one more time. I hope I get tweets from some of you, if I can ever get this right. I'm going to put it in the message this time too.
http://www.twitter.com/AHWministries

Tweet address

2010-07-20T08:32:00.001-07:00

Sorry that the link in the last post does not work. Let's try it again.

Follow me on Twitter

2010-07-20T08:26:00.000-07:00

I finally did it! I'm tweeting. I would love to follow you and have you follow me at AHWMinistries. I have the link here and will soon add it permanently to the blog.

Hope you're having a great summer. I'm writing away and I'll soon have more information for you about what's coming up from me next year.
Blessings, Janet

Join me for a Radio Interview.

2010-05-19T19:55:00.001-07:00

I'm doing another blog talk radio interview on Dear God, They Say It's Cancer on Thurs. 5/20. If you'd like to tune in go to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/webtv4women . If you log on early you can sign up for a free account and join us in the Chat room. And you can call in with comments or questions at: 347-215-7328. 1:00pm Eastern, 12:00pm Central, 11:00am Mountain, 10:00am Pacific time.

WebTV4Women on Blog Talk Radio www.blogtalkradio.com
The official Talk Radio Station for WebTV4Women

Interview

2010-03-15T21:51:00.000-07:00

If you would like to tune in, I am being interviewed tomorrow morning at 7:00 am PT on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hope-for-the-journey. I'll be sharing my breast cancer journey and also talking about my book Dear God, They Say It's Cancer. Please join us or tell any of your friends with breast cancer to join us.

New Face-to-Face Release February 1

2010-02-01T21:40:00.000-08:00

I am excited to announce the release of the next two Face-to-Face Bible studies available at bookstores and online starting today. They are Face-to-Face with Euodia and Syntyche: From Conflict to Community and Face to Face with Elizabeth and Mary: Generation to Generation.

Who are Euodia and Syntyche?

Don't feel embarrassed if you've never heard of these two women. I've had radio interviewers and mature Christians question me as to where these women are mentioned in the Bible. You'll find them in Philippians 4:2-3. I have wanted to do a study on Euodia and Syntyche for years because we can learn so much about how to resolve conflict biblically from the way Paul handled the disagreement between these two ministry workers. You may have thought of the Book of Philippians as the "joy" book, but you'll have a new appreciation of why Paul wrote this letter as you study the real purpose behind it. Notoriously women do not know how to deal with conflict. Learn new biblical conflict resolution skills in Face-to-Face with Euodia and Syntyche.

The focus of Face-to-Face with Elizabeth and Mary is spiritual mothering. It's the study of the beautiful relationship of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her older cousin Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist.

If you would like to order go to http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntk=author&Ntt=Janet+Thompson&action=Search&N=0&Ne=0&event=ESRCN&nav_search=1&cms=1&Go.x=20&Go.y=12

A Testimony to the Power of Prayer

2009-11-07T12:06:00.000-08:00

This is an incredible story of God answering prayer in the moment. This story was not on the front page, but Good Morning America noticed it and interviewed Angela Montez about the day she prayed to his knees a young man with a gun and the intent of robbing her. It was all caught on her office video.

This is a testimony you could play whenever you wonder: Is God really listening? I would love to hear your reaction after you watch it.

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/clerk-recounts-alleged-robbers-dramatic-change-heart/story?id=8887628

Web live interview on Praying for Your Prodigal Daughter

2009-10-28T18:52:00.000-07:00

Wanted to let you know that I will be doing a live web interview tomorrow on my book Praying for Your Prodigal Daughter. Here's the information if you want to tune in and/or call in and chat.

It starts at 12:00 PM Central Time.

Let your friends and family know they can hear me online at h......ttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/webtv4women .

If they log on early they can sign up for a free account and join us in the Chat room. And they can call in with comments or questions at: 347-215-7328.

WebTV4Women on Blog Talk Radio
Source: www.blogtalkradio.com
The official Talk Radio Station for WebTV4Women

What to Get Your Friend with Breast Cancer

2009-09-28T16:05:00.000-07:00

In my book Dear God, They Say It's Cancer: A Companion Guide for Women on the Breast Cancer Journey, I offer suggestions for how to pamper your friend with breast cancer. Of course you can giver her a copy of my book, but here are some more ideas:

Comfort and Security Gifts
· A stuffed animal, pillow, or quilt.
· A favorite food.
· A game she loves to play and play it with her.
· A movie she loved as a kid and watch it with her.
· A surprise reunion with childhood friends.
· A tea party.
· A fun hat—even if she hasn’t lost her hair, she might not feel like fixing her hair.
· A new nightgown that buttons down the front.
· An ice cream cone.
· A nightlight.

Ideas For Showering Your Breast Cancer Friend With Love
· A Spa day at a salon, which treats women with breast cancer.
· If she wears a hat or scarf, wear one too.
· Tell her how much you love her and what a great friend she is.
· Stick with her even when the treatment lingers on. Her biggest fear is that others will not endure the journey.
· Include her in as many activities as she feels up to.
· Go to a breast-cancer support group with her.
· Plan a girls’ day or night out, when she feels up to it.
· Sit and watch old movies with her—even if she falls asleep.
· Do her makeup.
· Pray for and with her.

Live Face-to-Face interview

2009-09-28T13:24:00.000-07:00

If you would like to hear me talking about mentoring and the Face-to-Face small group resources, go to: hhttp://Jennifer Kennedy Dean Live ... - http://www.blogtalkradio.com/JenniferKennedyDeanLive

I just talked to Jennifer Kennedy Dean this morning!

Hurry to Receive Your 30% Discount!

2009-09-16T17:52:00.002-07:00

New Hope Publishers is offering a 30% discount through 10/31/09 on my new Face-to-Face Bible study/small group resources.

Just go to their website and put in the promo code NHWEB and order away.

Remember there are questions for doing the studies on your own, with another person, or as a group. Each study contains a leader's guide.

5 fast-paced sessions make them perfect for your fall or winter study.

Face-to-Face with Euodia and Syntyche and Face-to-Face with Elizabeth and Mary will be released February 2010 for your spring study.

2009-09-16T17:52:00.001-07:00

Praying Scripture

2009-08-23T19:19:00.000-07:00

Many have asked me how to pray and personalize Scripture. You just choose a Scripture and insert a name or pronoun. Scripture was meant to be applied to our life, and I find the best way to pray God's will instead of my own, is to pray His Word back to Him.

So here are some examples from the Appendix in my book Praying for Your Prodigal Daughter. These will get you going and then you can start praying Scripture yourself.

1) I pray that my daughter ____________ would listen to You, Lord, and You would quickly subdue her enemies and turn Your hand against her foes! (Psalm 81:13-14).

2) Evening and morning and at noon I commit to pray and cry aloud for my daughter _________. And You, Lord, shall hear my voice. (Psalm 55:17 NKJV).

3) Lord, I know You do not change, and I pray my daughter ____________ will return to You, so You will return to her. (Malachi 3:6-7).

4) Lord, please teach my daughter ____________ to live a disciplined and successful life and help her do what is right, just, and fair. (Proverbs 3:1 NLT).

5) I pray that my daughter _____________ will know the truth and the truth will set her free. (John 8:32 NIV).

__________________

Tips for Having a Spectacular Summer

2009-07-19T15:09:00.000-07:00

Often we get so busy having "fun" in the summer months that we take a vacation from God and then wonder why we're so stressed.

Here are tips for having a spectacular God-filled summer!
1. On Sundays, visit a church in your vacation spot.
2. If a church is not available, have your own family service.
3. Pray before meals, even when you're in a restaurant.
4. If you're traveling by car, play Christian Cd's or a Christian radio station. If you have little ones, play one of their children's Cd's and sing along with them.
5. Learn Scripture verses on a long drive.
6. Keep your small group or Bible study going during the summer. You may not have perfect attendance, but God NEVER takes the summer off.
7. Pray together every morning and have a short devotional time before you set off on the day's adventure.
8. Throughout the day, stop and thank God for the beauty that surrounds you, even if you're sitting in your backyard.
9. If finances are tight, don't think you have to take the family on an expensive vacation. Check out all the "free" or minimally priced activities in your community.
10. If your children have a disadvantaged friend, offer to take the child with you when you're doing something fun.

Remember that our great God is a "year-round" God. He loves to have fun with you, but He's also a jealous God that doesn't want us putting fun before Him. If you keep that in mind all summer, you're going to have the time of your life!

Win a Free Book

2009-05-12T12:41:00.000-07:00

Christian Pulse is sponsoring a summer reading contest. To learn how you can win a free book check out their press release. Praying for Your Prodigal Daughter will be given out on June 25, 2009.

Read on for more information:
The Great Escape Summer Reading Contest 2009 Press Release

The Answer To All of LIfe's Problems

2009-04-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

I subscribe to the PrayerTeam@Presidential-Prayer-Team.org PrayerTeam@Presidential-Prayer-Team.org
and we are praying through the first 100 days of Barack Obama's presidency. I will tell you up front that I am a Republican and I did not vote for him. And as I watched some of his decisions and those made in my own state of California, I was getting discouraged until the Lord put on my heart to pray for the president and his staff.

Today's prayer assignment was one that really touched my heart, and I hope that it will yours too. There is so much bad news in the media ,but the answer to everything is found in the Bible and one of our former presidents understood that. Here is an excerpt from today's presidential prayer assignment. Read an be encouraged to read you Bible every day!

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.—Psalm 119:11
As we pause to praise You today, we remember the words of President Abraham Lincoln, who said of Your Word, “It is the best gift God has given to men. All the good Savior gave to the world was communicated through this book. But for it we could not know right from wrong. All things desirable for man’s welfare, here and hereafter, are to be found portrayed in it.”

Praying for Your Prodigal Daughter Support Group

2009-03-31T20:10:00.000-07:00

April 1 the Praying for Your Prodigal Daughter Facebook Support Group will start reading and discussing together my book Praying for Your Prodigal Daughter.

If you are a Facebook member please join us and join in the discussion. I will be posting discussion questions for Chapter One on April 1!

Join us at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=70693805644&ref=mf

Skin Care During Radiation Treatments

2009-03-23T21:04:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate to have minimal skin damage during radiation, and I have some tips that might help. If you know someone going through radiation treatment or you are experiencing it, see if these help. One person who bought six Dear God, They Say It's Cancer books because she knew so many women with breast cancer, prepared a gift bag of some of the lotions I suggested to give with the book. So here's my tips.

TIPS FOR SKIN CARE DURING RADIATION

1. Slather the radiated breast with Aloe Vera and Niniva lotion (or heavy unperfumed lotions). I took these with me to treatment and put it on right after. Also after shower, before bed...several times a day.
2. Drink lots of water.
3. Eat healthy and get lots of rest
4. Take naps if you're tired--your body is rebuilding every day
5. In the shower don't let hot water hit you breast. Keep it just warm and flow on your back and over your shoulder
6. Don't wear anything lacy or scratchy.
7. If your breast becomes irritated the doctor may give you a couple of days break or give you samples of prescription cream. I had to do that.
8. Radiation can cause a frozen shoulder. I had it happen to me. Ask your dr. about exercises to do. Be very careful not to get any cuts on the arm near the breast being radiated. Let someone else cut and dice in the kitchen.
9. Don't get manicures until radiation is over and don't shave under your arm.
10. Use a non-perfume bath soap like Dove.

On pg 177 of Dear God, They Say It's Cancer. I talk about chemo/radiation brain. Don't worry if you can't think straight or are forgetful.

Online Support Group

2009-03-03T21:49:00.000-08:00

I have started a Facebook Praying for Your Parents of Prodigal Daughter support group. If you are on Facebook come join us, or join Facebook and then join us.

It is comforting to know that you are not alone and we have seen so many breakthroughs in the daughters represented in the support group we lead in our home.

The link for our online group is:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=779413118&ref=profile#/group.php?gid=70693805644&ref=mf

I hope to see some of you in the group.
Keep Praying,
Janet

I'm Back!

2009-02-13T17:02:00.000-08:00

In my last post I told you that my breast cancer had recurred and I was deciding on treatment. I know many of you have followed my progress on our CaringBridge site, but for those of you who haven't I'll just give a quick summary of what God has taught me in this new journey.

1. Don't be afraid to get a second opinion. Many women, myself included, are afraid of offending their doctor, but a secure doctor should not be threatened. This is your body and you want to be sure you have checked out all the options before you make a decision.

2. Question "standard procedure." Is it possible that the standard doesn't apply to your situation.

3. If you have any doubt or unrest, wait until you have peace with a decision.

4. Even if all the pathology test were not done in a previous occurrence, they can be run now. That was amazing to me. My doctor was able to get slides from 2002 and retest them. I didn't know that was possible.

5. Allow others to help. Find things for them to do. It is as much a blessing to receive help as it is to give it.

I wrote Dear God, They Say It's Cancer after my first breast cancer journey. It was the book I longed to have and then God allowed me the opportunity to actually use it through this new journey. And I have to say it was everything I hoped it would be for my breast cancer sisters.

Yesterday, was a month since my surgery and I am definitely on the road to recovery! I have many writing projects and speaking engagements but I will post more regularly.

The picture with this post is the blanket my daughter-in-law and 4 of my grandchildren made for me. It has hearts and breast cancer ribbons on it and the grandchildren tied all the fringe. I snuggled under it every day of recovery and felt so very loved.

I am praising God for the opportunity to still be...

About His Work,

Janet

Dear God, They Say It's Cancer--Again--the Dreaded Recurrence

2008-12-16T22:27:00.002-08:00

Sorry about that last post...it got away from me before I could write anything.

I just learned that I have a recurrence of my breast cancer after six years. These are of course words no survivor wants to hear. I am still awaiting the results of a MRI to make my final treatment decision.

I never expected to be using my own book, Dear God, They Say It's Cancer, but sadly I am. But I can't tell you what a blessing it has been to me. It is everything I had hoped it would be and this time my husband is reading it too!

If you would like to stay updated on my progress, my husband has started a website at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/janetthompson.

I value your prayers!

Merry Christmas to you all,

Janet

2008-12-16T22:27:00.001-08:00

Let's Chat

2008-11-15T17:28:00.000-08:00

I mentioned in the November edition of my online newsletter that I receive numerous requests from churches who want to talk to other churches who have Woman to Woman Mentoring. But I have no way of knowing who those churches are since they don't contact me when they start the ministry.

So I thought we could use my blog for you to talk to each other and ask your questions. So fire away!

Also some of you are wanting to know how to start Breast Cancer Support groups, and you too could talk to each other here.

For guidelines in starting Praying for Your Prodigal Daughter Support groups go to http://www.prayingforyourprodigaldaughter.com/

So grab a cup of coffee or tea and let's chat!

OCTOBER IS NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

2008-10-17T21:06:00.000-07:00

October is the month that the nation focuses on finding a cure for breast cancer and many of you, like me, have walked or run for the cure.

When I had breast cancer, I was very sensitive to how uncomfortable some people are around someone with cancer. Even those closest to us can feel awkward at times and often end up saying or doing something that can be hurtful instead of helpful. They don't mean to...they just don't know what to say.

So in my book Dear God, They Say It's Cancer, I have a chapter on Dos and Don'ts that includes "The Top Thirteen Things to Do or Say and NOT to Do or Say to Someone with Breast Cancer," which you can find on my website
http://www.womantowomanmentoring.com/cancersite/links.html.

If you are a woman over 40, please have your annual mammogram and if you are under 40 with breast cancer in your immediate family, talk to your doctor about having a mammogram now. Digital mammography located my cancer, and I encourage you to find a facility that offers this type of exam.

If you know a woman who is a survivor or newly diagnosed, I wrote my book Dear God, They Say It's Cancer for her, and it would make a great gift that she would appreciate. Often I find that women will not buy gifts for themselves. That's what friends are for.

October is the month to think pink and remember to take preventative measures: self breast exams, mammograms, exercise, eat healthy, enjoy life.

Woman to Woman Mentoring Web Training

2008-10-17T20:13:00.000-07:00

Recently, I have received inquires as to how you can receive training in Woman to Woman Mentoring if you do not live near a training I am conducting.

On LifeWay's website you can purchase, for a very small fee, a training course that I recorded live in their studios. Go to www.lifeway.com Training Online How to start a Woman to Woman Mentoring Ministry in your church Woman to Woman Mentoring By Janet Thompson.

Here is a LifeWay description that explains what you will find there:

Have you heard about spiritual mentoring and know it would benefit the women in your church but didn't know how to implement a mentoring ministry? Join us for the online training where author and speaker Janet Thompson will walk you through the steps that she outlines in her LifeWay resource Woman to Woman Mentoring How To Start, Grow, and Maintain a Mentoring Ministry.

Participants can access it by clicking the "add to cart" button and purchasing through the online catalog at http://www.lifeway.com/.

2008-08-11T21:02:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of my son in law and new baby Sienna. I'm still trying to get the family picture to download...sorry about that.

Next month my husband and I take off for an adventure to Montana and Idaho. If you know of fun places there to see and visit please let me know. We are looking at a possible retirement spot near water, mountains and a cabin setting. Any ideas?

I'm on a 2 book deadline so have to get back to writing. Hope you are having a great summer...mine has flown by.

Blessings, Janet

PS I will be speaking for LifeWay at Max Lucado's church in San Antonio Aug 22-23. If you would like to come go to www.lifeway.com and go to women's events and Fully Loaded. I'll be teaching on Woman to Woman Mentoring and The Team That Jesus Built.

Here is the sweet family

2008-07-16T05:33:00.000-07:00

Sorry the picture did not attach to the last post. Here it is:)
Janet

New Addition to the Family

2008-07-16T05:12:00.000-07:00

I am happy to announce that my once infertile and former prodigal daughter just had a beautiful baby girl on July 1. I went to Boise to visit and am now in Orlando at ICRS and back to Boise today for 10 days to enjoy her sweet family.

There is much interest in my future book Dear God, Why Can't I Have a Baby? and possibly an infertility Bible study. If any of you would like to share your story of waiting on God to expand your family, I would love to receive it. Just write from your heart and you can send it to me as an email attachment. Don't worry about grammar or writing perfectly. I will be editing it for you and using it where it fits into the book or Bible study.

I look forward to hearing from many of you. Also if you would like to receiving my monthly newsletter, just go to my website at http://www.womantowomanmentoring.com/ and sign up. It's FREE.

Three Book Trailers on Godtube.com

2008-06-12T20:32:00.000-07:00

If you would like to see me talking about my three books you can visit Godtube.com or Youtube.com and type in Janet Thompson.
There are three videos posted:

Woman to Woman Mentoring

Dear God, They Say It's Cancer A Companion Guide for Women on the Breast Cancer Journey

Praying for Your Prodigal Daughter Hope, Help & Encouragement for Hurting Parents

I would love to hear your comments.
Enjoy!

What Does It Mean To Die to Yourself?

2008-05-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he (Jesus) said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? Mark 8:34-37

Over ten years ago, I asked my husband to pray over me that I would die to myself. What a process that has been but what a glorious journey. At the time I saw too much of “me” in everything I did, and I wanted to see Christ in all I did. I have come a long way, but there is still much dying to self to do.

If you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, could it be that you are trying to hold onto your old life while you put on your new life in Christ? That will never work. I can tell you from personal experience.

Let me give you a visual: I once heard a couple interviewed on Oprah. It was a second marriage for the husband and wife, and the wife raved about what a wonderful husband he was and that she never knew a man like this existed. Oprah asked the husband what he did to make his wife so happy and he said, “I died to myself.” Oprah did not understand what he meant, and questioned something to the effect of: You died? How could you die, you’re still here? The husband tried to explain, but Oprah didn’t get it. But I immediately knew what he was talking about. This was a Christian couple, who understood Mark 8:34-37. This is such an important concept that it is repeated in Matthew 16:24-26 (which Beth Moore spoke on at the Colorado Springs Living Proof) and Luke 9:23-25.

I would love to hear your comments on what it means to you to die to yourself and live in Christ.

Free Book Opportunity

2008-05-07T13:33:00.000-07:00

FREE BOOK OPPORTUNITY!
PARTICIPATE IN A LIVE INTERVIEW WITH JANET!
May 8, 2008. 12:00 noon CST, 1 p.m. ET, 11:00 a.m. MT, 10:00 a.m. PT

Host, Amy Hagberg, will chat with Janet about her faith and her new book Praying for Your Prodigal Daughter.
The 60-minute show airs live. Callers are welcome to join the conversation and ask questions during the show by calling (347) 324-5425. You can also listen online by visiting http://www.blogtalkradio.com/godunplugged and participate in the chat room and ask questions. To join the conversation via chat, however, you'll need to register (it's free and easy).
Can't join us live, DON'T WORRY! You can listen any time by visiting the archives. Read more about the host and the discussion on Amy's website, www.HesReal.com.

There will be a drawing during the interview on May 8th for a free copy of Praying for Your Prodigal Daughter, so be sure to call or log in and participate. Janet would love to chat with you.

Praying Scripture is Praying God's Will

2008-04-17T19:38:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what God's will was for your life or your children's life? Wondered what to pray? Well I have found that personalizing God's Word and praying it back to Him is one way to assure myself that I am praying with a pure heart.

Personalizing scripture is simply putting in names and pronouns. For example: "Lord, I pray that You will guard my daughter_____'s heart above all else, for it determines the course of her life (Proverbs 4:23 NLT)." In my book Praying for Your Prodigal Daughter, I have a section titled "Forty Days of Praying Scripture for Your Daughter," which is simply personalized scriptures for the parents to insert their daughter's name into and pray.

Three parents in our Hope for Parents of Prodigal Daughters Support Group had a breakthrough with their daughter after only praying scripture for three weeks. One daughter even was saved!!

Another parent wrote me: "Praying for our daughter has made her become more touchable to me through prayer than any other experience I tried to make happen. Our daughter has been separated from our family for 16 years...Praying Scripture has given me new insight into God's Word and into my own heart, and becoming more real, and seeing our daughter as God sees her and intends her to be and become."

If you haven't prayed scripture before, try it this week in you quiet time with the Lord. If you have questions, just leave a comment and I'll try to answer them.

Prayer works because we are partnering with God.

About His Work,
Janet

Praying for Your Prodigal Daughter is for Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Legal Guardians, Mentors, Friends of Prodigals

2008-04-07T21:17:00.000-07:00

I have received many emails from parents, and recently a grandmother wrote me that she is raising three of her daughter’s children. I speak to these grandparents in the book, and I know there are many of you out there who find yourself raising your children’s children. I know you are using the book to pray for your daughter or son, but also be praying for your precious grandchildren exposed to the sins of their parents. How blessed these grandchildren are to have grandparents, who in their golden years, are providing love and shelter to the next generation. Here is a line from this precious grandmother who contacted me: “Please pray for my daughter because I want my child to be in heaven with me.”

The fear of not seeing my daughter, Kim, in heaven is what kept me on my knees diligently and persistently praying for her salvation. If you have a daughter or son who is keeping you on your knees—don’t give up. Remember he or she is not the enemy, Satan is, and the only proven way to fight Satan is with the Word of God—Scripture.

So learn to pray scripture for your child or grandchild or niece or nephew or friend... It is simply personalizing scriptures that speak to you. If any of you have prayed like this before, please share your experience. Praying God's Word back to Him is what kept me praying God's will and not my own for my daughter.

Dear God, Why Can't I Have a Baby?

2008-03-11T11:28:00.000-07:00

No, that is not my desperate cry, but it is the cry of many women who struggle with infertility, and it is also the title of my next book. This week I leave for Mount Hermon Writer's Conference where I will be sharing my proposal for this book.

Two of my daughters have struggled with infertility, and they also share their story in the book. I know there is a void in the Christian market for books that give these "Parents-in-waiting" as I call them....hope, solace, and encouragement from others and from the Lord.

If you are a "Parent-in-Waiting" and would like to share your story in the book, please let me know. Or even if you don't want to share the story, tell me if there were any books that helped you or what you would like to see in a book. I would love to have your comments.

I also share with you here a marquee that greeted me when I was in Idaho earlier this month doing book signings with my daughter Kim for Praying for Your Prodigal Daughter. I don't think I have EVER had such a greeting. Kim also struggled with infertility and will be sharing her story in the new book. She and her husband adopted my precious grandson Brandon and then she became pregnant with Katelyn who was born nine months later and now she is pregnant again....you just never know what God has planned. Here also is a picture of these two little cherubs.

I look forward to hearing from you on this topic.
Blessings, Janet

Sunny California Day

2008-02-18T19:50:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of doing a book signing on Balboa Peninsula which is just a couple blocks from the beach. It was such a beautiful day in February that the bookstore set me up out on the sidewalk to talk to people as they strolled by walking dogs and pushing baby carriages. My best friend joined me and here is a picture of us together.

The motorcycle in the back pulled up while we were sitting there and a young man and his little grey haired mother got off the bike. It was not a common site and I made the comment to her that a mother's got to do what she's got to do to spend time with her son. And she said "You've got it absolutely right!" My friend then said that she hoped when her son was that age he would be driving her around in a convertible but she would still be wearing a crash helmet too!

It was a fun day people watching and signing a few books. Enjoy

God-Incidences at Book Signings

2008-02-11T17:34:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I had my first book signings for Praying For Your Prodigal Daughter. What a blessing it was to be able to talk to parents who are searching for help...often so desperate. There were a few tears and lots of hugs as they shared their stories. Many commented that it was a devine appointment that brought them into the store.

I also had my previous book Dear God, They Say It's Cancer on the book table and one woman came up to me and said her mother had just brought her my book from Boston, and here we both were in a bookstore together in Orange County California and this woman lived in San Diego!

We immediately hit it off talking both as breast cancer sisters and sisters in Christ. We exchanged contact information and you will see in this blog the picture of my new friend, Christine. We were in a mall at a Barnes & Noble not even living near each other, but God orchestrated our meeting. I love those "ah ha" moments with God, don't you? I would love to hear some of the God-incidences you have had in your life. Write and share some with us.

About His Work,

Janet

Hope Offered for Parents of Wayward Daughters

2008-01-30T17:20:00.000-08:00

I am excited to announce the release on 1/29/08 of my new book Praying for Your Prodigal Daughter Hope, Help, & Encouragement for Hurting Parents (Howard Books a div of Simon & Schuster). I was one of those hurting parents myself and share from my own experience of praying a prodigal home. My daughter also tells her story along with other mothers and daughters who candidly share their stories.

One of my visions for the book is that it would be a tool to start Hope for Parents of Prodigal Daughters Support Groups. There are discussion questions at the end of each chapter and a chapter on how to start a group.

My husband and I are starting a group in Orange County, CA. If you or someone you know would be interested in joining our group or starting one, please feel free to contact me at ahw@sbcglobal.net.If anyone lives in Orange County California or Boise, Idaho I will be doing book signings and in Boise my "former prodigal" daughter will join me.

For more informatoin on the book and the book tour go to http://www.prayingforyourprodigaldaughter.com/. I guess you can tell I am excited about this book and in anticipation of all that God might do through it. There is nothing more painful than watching your child self-destruct and nothing more joyful than watching her return to you and to the Lord