Prodigal Hope

Marcie English, author, speaker, wife of Christian music artist Michael English and mother to their daughter Isabella Grace, is also a Certified Personal Trainer/Group Fitness Instructor.  She has just written a book that is being reviewed by publishers. Her book is based on her life, including growing up as a Pastor's daughter and her marriage to Michael. She relates some of her story at speaking engagements with emphasis on how she lost herself and who God intended for her to be .... to marriage, religion and her past. "He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it"  Matthew 10:39 NIV

As a respected pastor, author and professor, William Graham Tullian Tchividjian (pronounced cha-vi-jin) is committed to seeing people set free by the radical, amazing power of God's grace. This comes through on every page of his latest title, Jesus + Nothing = Everything. Tchividjian is the grandson of Dr. Billy Graham, a Florida native, currently the Senior Pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and a visiting professor of theology at Reformed Theological Seminary. When he is not reading, studying, preaching, or writing, he enjoys being with people and relaxing with his wife, Kim, and their three kids—Gabe, Nate, and Genna. Tchividjian loves the beach, loves to exercise, and when he has time, he loves to surf.

A native of Texas, Judy Douglass is a journalist, writer, speaker and most of all, an encourager.  In her years on staff with Campus Crusade, she has edited two magazines, written articles and books and spoken to groups around the globe.  She currently directs Women's Resources and partners with her husband, Steve, in leading Campus Crusade for Christ. Her main responsibility is to love and encourage the staff around the world. An author, international speaker and encourager, Judy is also the Founder of Prayer For Prodigals and host of the annual Worldwide Day of Prayers For Prodigals held each June 2.  Judy and Steve currently reside in Orlando, FL and have three grown children and four grandchildren.

Have the storms of your life clouded your vision?  Are there remnants of past childhood pain that have been stowed away and carried into your future? Have you experienced deep disappointments and unimaginable loss that has assualted your mind, body and soul?  Yes, 'life happens,' but Jan Coates believes we are not bound by the setbacks of life forever.  There is a way out of the despair, and it begins with a choice:  Attitude-inize! Jan Coates overcame an unthinkable childhood, the death of her only biological child, depression, and life-threatening cancer to become a positive, successful speaker and author. She motivates and encourages tens of thousands of people to improve their daily lives by adopting a godly, positive perspective—from the inside out. Coates is the author of Set Free, founder of Set Free Today Ministry, and president of Jan Coates Consulting. She has written for Crosswalk.com, Boston Globe, INC. Magazine, Christian Women Today, and CBN.com. She has been a contributing author for Miracles and Hope, The Spirit-Filled Believer, Then Comes the Morning, When God Steps In, and Extraordinary Miracles in the Lives of Ordinary People. Do you long to achieve and maintain a positive attitude? Are you searching for tools to face life’s roller coaster. Do you desire to know the skills that will help you face setbacks with a positive, Godly attitude. Attitude-inize reveals ten life-changing secrets for getting to the heart of a positive attitude. Join us today as Jan Coates shares insights and truths that will equip women with a godly, positive attitude from the inside out in every moment.

Two Roads is the testimony of the author's wild and tumultuous ride through the underbelly of the drug world. It's a view into a realm that very few ever see or hear about. From a world of guns, drugs, and alcohol, his damaging choices and poor judgment culminates at a fork in the road. All of us face a crossroads at some point in our lives, and the choices we make will determine where we end up. Two Roads will help you to see that God is always near, awaiting your call, ready to bring you into grace, mercy, and salvation. Today Randy lives his life trying to balance the scales towards healthy decisions that will one day see him face to face with his Saviour, where he will hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

"Week after week, they sit in church . . . alone. They are the spiritually mismatched, those who are committed to a spouse who does not share their faith. Feeling abandoned by their spouse and forgotten by their church, they live out their faith in survival mode, guarding the spiritual flame yet never feeling free to share it. But God wants them to thrive—not just survive.  (Regal) Lynn Donovan is the co-author of Winning Him Without Words: Ten Keys to Thriving in Your Spiritually Mismatched Marriage.  A passionate writer and speaker, Lynn is a woman who presents a compelling message to encourage women to thrive in their marriage. She speaks at events nationwide where she challenges the myths women believe about love, pointing them to lifechanging freedom through a relationship with Jesus. She reveals the zany yet meaningful stories of marriage challenges, truths, and triumphs in her life and invites women to share her view from her front row seat to an amazing journey ~ Life lived for Christ. She writes for Spiritually Unequal Marriage and is a contributor to the Internet Café Devotions and Laced With Grace, Devotions for Women. In addition to her writing and speaking ministry, Lynn leads Bible study and works in women’s ministries at her church. Married since 1992 to her best friend and biggest enthusiast, Mike, she lives in Temecula, California. They have a son, a daughter and a wacky dog named Peanut. She loves to laugh, enjoys a strong cup of coffee, Fantasy Football and not necessarily in that order.

Do you love someone whose life is out of control due to addiction? Do you keep feeling it must be "your fault?" Do you second guess everything you have done or decision you have made as you react to your prodigals' ongoing saga of events? Do you keep feeling you must have not made the "right choice" when handling a troubling situation?  You are not alone.  Anita Estes has written a compelling book, Letters to God: Overcoming Addiction Through Prayer, sharing a mother's deepest prayers for her prodigal son on each page.   As you read this book, it is as though Anita is pleading your own deepest desires for your prodigal. Wherever you are on the journey of addiction with a friend or loved one, the words of this book will help guide the prayers of your heart… and give you hope! Anita Estes resides in upstate New York with her husband and son, along with April and Bella, her pets. She enjoys the beauty of nature in the Hudson Valley and often photographs it. Her professional career is teaching, but she is also an author and avid gardener. As an educator, she has been honored in “Who?s Who of American Teachers” for 2000 and 2005. Her desire is to help others reach their potential in God and encourage them in their spiritual walk. Her work appears in several devotionals and compilations including God Allows U-Turns, A Cup of Comfort, and Penned from the Heart. She is the author of When God Speaks and Transformed—Inspiring Stories of Freedom. Visit her at www.anitaestes.com.

When you love a prodigal, FEAR tempts to overwhelm us.  We fear unknown outcomes, devastating circumstances, loss of life and dreams. We fear failure, judgment and abandonment by the world and God.  One can only imagine the fear of those that loved Jesus felt as they witnessed the horrific crucifixion of the One they believed would be their King.  Ruth Graham's new book, Fear Not Tomorrow: God Is Already There is a powerful testimony that we can overcome FEAR by pointing us to the truth of God's PRESENCE, CHARACTER, and UNSHAKABLE LOVE--convincing us that we CAN trust God in uncertain times.   Ruth Graham, founder and president of Ruth Graham and Friends, ministers God's grace and comfort to those who are hurting and works to equip those who desire to help the broken.  Author of multiple books including the bestseller, "In Every Pew Sits a Broken Heart" and the 2008 Gold Medallion Award Winner, "Step into the Bible," travels widely as a conference speaker and has appeared on a variety of radio and television shows, including Good Morning America, The Hour of Power, Focus on the Family, and Moody Broadcasting.

Ken Jones understands a prodigal journey and shares intimately from his own experiences, his struggle as an alcoholic to working as a counselor for troubled kids. Alcoholism robbed Ken of friends, family, self-esteem, and the will to live. He learned that everyone runs--some run to God, and others run away. Personally familiar with God's forgiveness & compassion, Ken decided to run into the arms of Jesus & hasn't had a drink since 8/13/ 1978. In his book, A Prodigal Return: Reflections from a Grateful Heart, Ken passionately shares that God always welcomes the prodigal home.  Ken wants you to know-you no longer have to struggle alone & has written an empowering book of devotions that encourage, convict, affirm & heal the broken heart. Ken serves as full-time counseling and involvement minister and worship/small group coordinator in Melbourne, Florida. He and his wife, Janie live in Melbourne and love spending time with their children, grandchildren, church family and friends.

Having a prodigal affects families profoundly, especially if you're the sibling who didn't stray. Sue Thompson shares her own moving story of struggle, shame and hope in The Prodigal Brother, a Focus On The Family book published by WestBow Press. Recognizing how unresolved anger from the past can carry over into adulthood, Thompson offers ways to heal the pain of feeling second-place in a parent's affection and attention. She also writes with sensitivity about forgiving a wayward brother or sister, without excusing the behavior. Anyone who's ever been "the good kid" in the family will find answers, understanding and the knowledge needed to unload the emotional baggage of growing up with a prodigal in the family. Sue Thompson wants you to discover the wonder in "fearfully and wonderfully made!" For nearly thirty years, she has been speaking to churches, women's groups, fellowships, and Bible studies on topics ranging from what it means to be free in Christ to expressing our personalities and talents through the love of God. www.PeopleSetFree.org

For some parents, the story of a prodigal child is more than a story in the Bible. For them, the journey begins with sleepless nights and unanswered questions, moves through grief and shame, and grips them with guilt. In her book, Waiting for Your Prodigal: Daily Thoughts and Prayers, author Marcy Hayes shows readers that the parent of a prodigal does not have to remain in the wilderness of tormenting thoughts. Waiting for Your Prodigal addresses the issues that break a parent's heart. Marcy provides 32 days of biblical readings, thoughts, and prayers to help parents deal with the feelings that surround them as they wait for their prodigal's return. Marcy uses her own journey to guide hurting parents to a place of hope and healing and to the peace and confidence in a loving Heavenly Father who writes the end of the story every time.

When you love a prodigal, the wait can be an unbearable storm. Questions arise that drive us into hopelessness: Where IS God? Why does God allow this suffering? Why doesn't He answer my prayers? Cheryl Ricker has written a beautiful book, A Friend in the Storm. It is a treasury of quotes, Scripture and poetry that leads to the lasting hope we have in a faithful loving God. Reaching into the depths of human suffering, Cheryl writes from the perspective of Christ speaking to the reader in soothing poetic words of comfort, encouragement and hope. Cheryl Ricker is a prize-winning poet who resides in southeast Minnesota with her husband and sons. Born and raised in Canada, Cheryl graduated from York University in Toronto with a degree in Creative Writing. Her passion to draw people closer to God led her to Christ For The Nations Institute, Dallas, where she ministered on the streets, on stage, and in prisons. Cheryl is passionate about helping hurting adults find hope and healing by experiencing Christ in a fresh, personal way. While visiting a young mother with terminal cancer, Cheryl started writing comfort poetry that was turned into the life-changing gift book, “A Friend in the Storm,” recently published by Zondervan. http://www.cherylricker.com/

Parenting doesn’t stop when our children grow up, and the nest doesn’t always stay empty. Our roles change, but the sense of responsibility continues. Parenting adult children can be a complex season of life. Whether you are adjusting to an empty nest, welcoming boomerang kids back home, or learning how to navigate the changing and challenging relationships with your adult children, this BTR program is for you. Nancy Williams, author of the newly released book, Secrets to Parenting Adult Children joins us today. In this highly anticipated book, Nancy, a licensed counselor and life coach, draws from professional and personal experience, and also brings in the perspectives of young adults to guide readers in building healthy relationships with adult children. Please join us as Nancy shares the Secrets to Parenting Adult Children. Nancy Williams is best known as an “Encourager.” As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Life Coach, she offers counseling, coaching and consulting services to adults addressing a variety of life management concerns in their personal and professional lives. An experienced conference speaker, teacher and writer, Nancy weaves together warmth, wit and wisdom as she genuinely connects with her listeners and challenges them to live their best lives. She enjoys writing an inspirational column with a focus on life management entitled “Keeping Your Balance.” Nancy enjoys life in the hill country of central Texas with her husband, two adult sons, daughter-in-law, and new granddaughter. Nancy blends her own professional training and personal life experiences with her passion for helping others achieve their own unique measure of success and live the life God designed uniquely for them.

An estimated 12.8 million Americans, about 6 percent of the household population aged twelve and older, use illegal drugs on a current basis (within the past thirty days). Kevin joins us from Fort Collins, Colorado where he is visiting his family after recently graduating from Teen Challenge in Winthrop, Maine. He and his wife, Angie, will be returning to work with Teen Challenge in just a couple of weeks. Kevin has struggled with an addiction to opiates for most of his adult life which led to the desperate destruction of relationships, financial stability, legal consequences, hopes and dreams and several near death experiences. Kevin has been clean and sober for nearly two years (April 1st). Kevin says he has been made new thanks to Jesus and his relationship with Him has made the difference in his life. Join us on Friday, February 18, 2011 at NOON CT as Kevin shares his journey into addiction and how he was able to turn his life around. Join us as we discuss the real world of an addict’s thoughts and choices and listen as Kevin shares his journey to recovery. There IS hope: Prodigal HOPE! http://www.partnersinprayerforourprodigals.com

When you love an adult child who is breaking your heart, Christmas can be a time of great sadness. Judy Hampton, author of “Ready? Set? Go! How Parents with Prodigals can get on with their Lives” believes joy IS possible—no matter our circumstances. Join us today and get the ‘inside’ scoop as Judy offers solid advice on how to stop enabling bad behavior, give your child to God, and get on with your life. Judy Hampton is a popular speaker who is best known for her entertaining speaking style. She is transparent, authentic, extremely humorous, and biblically sound. Her strong relationships energize her humorous illustrations, and her powerful messages have audiences laughing out loud one minute and wiping a tear the next. She is a respected international keynote speaker for women’s conferences and retreats, speaking over thirty weekends a year. Judy is also a published free-lance writer with publications in several magazines, including Progress Magazine, Alive Crosswalk and Tapestry (Walk Thru The Bible). She is a collaborating author to over 25 books, including Chicken Soup for the Christian Woman’s Soul (Rated Top 10 by Publisher’s Weekly), God’s Way for Couples, Soul Matters for Women, Kisses of Sunshine for Grandmas and Women (Zondervan 2005) and Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children (Harvest House 2008) and 30 Ways to Embrace Life (Wise Women Share Their Secrets). Judy is the author of three full length books; Under the Circumstances (includes Bible study), and Ready? Set? Go! How Parents with Prodigals can get on with their Lives (2005). Her latest book, When Your Plans Fall Through (God changes our plans to accomplish His Will) (2010) was released in September. She is married and she and her husband have two married children, five grandchildren, and one grand doggie.

The Holiday Season can be a time of stress for many families. Expectations are high as we prepare for the perfect Norman Rockwell family gathering. Still, when you love an adult child who is breaking your heart, finding the joy of the season seems impossible. Nancy Williams, Licensed Professional Counselor and Life Coach offers a variety of life management skills to help you “Keep Your Balance” when the world seems to be spinning out of control. Join us on 12/3/10 at NOON CT as Nancy passionately shares how we can live the life that God has uniquely designed for us: on Christmas and every day. ************************************************** Nancy Williams is best known as an “Encourager.” As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Life Coach, she offers counseling, coaching and consulting services to adults addressing a variety of life management concerns in their personal and professional lives. An experienced conference speaker, teacher and writer, Nancy weaves together warmth, wit and wisdom as she genuinely connects with her listeners and challenges them to live their best lives. She enjoys writing an inspirational column with a focus on life management entitled “Keeping Your Balance.” She is also a featured writer on various blogs and websites and has a new book scheduled to release next March titled – Secrets to Parenting Your Adult Child. She enjoys life in the hill country of central Texas with her husband, two adult sons, daughter-in-law, and new granddaughter. Nancy blends her own professional training and personal life experiences with her passion for helping others achieve their own unique measure of success and live the life God designed uniquely for them.

Mary DeMuth is an author and speaker who loves to help you turn your trials to triumph. She’s written five novels dealing redemptively with abuse and neglect, three parenting books and a memoir, Thin Places. She writes so others don’t feel so alone anymore, giving words to grief that are hard to find. She’s the wife of Patrick and has three children. They live in Texas and eat around a dinner table every single night. Find out more at http://www.marydemuth.com/. Her website, Family Secrets, is dedicated to bringing hope out of darkness: “So many of us live with secrets that haunt us, keep us awake at night, or noodle their way into our lives. Some secrets are funny (think: embarrassing moments). Some are tragic. But many hold us captive. In "Daisy Chain", many characters harbor secrets, but only a few are brave enough to bring them to the light of day and find freedom and hope.”

On September 10, 2001, Tammy Trent suffered an unthinkable loss; her husband, Trent Lenderink died in a tragic diving accident. Learning to Breathe Again: Choosing Life and Finding Hope After a Shattering Loss is Tammy's powerful testament of love and loss...and the possibility of choosing life again. Award winning singer/songwriter, Tammy Trent Beneath her youthful exterior and fresh-faced exuberance, Tammy is a focused recording artist, author and speaker who knows exactly what she wants to say. She creates music that serves as a personal conduit for those seeking to worship God and also wants to remind others of God's desire to reach them. Through her own personal journey of love and loss, Tammy continues to share that theme through her books, her music and her life. Tammy's dedication to the ministry was recognized in November 2009 when the Christian Music Hall of Fame handed her the award for Inspirational Female Vocalist of the Year! Her ministry reaches all around the world, taking on such platforms as the Women of Faith and the Revolve Tour as a featured speaker and singer. And in Tammy's own words, "I commit my resources to outreach, service and ministry to help others discover a real relationship with Jesus Christ and to fully understand His promises and the eternal."

Becky Henry, President of Hope Network, Inc., became an “unwilling expert” when her daughter’s eating disorder took over the family in 2000. During those times of fear, trauma and drama, and extreme uncertainly about their daughter’s health and safety, Becky was often tempted to curl up in a ball and rock forever–but she refused to let the eating disorder win. How does a parent live through the terror of watching her child being consumed like that? Becky learned how to take care of herself so she could take care of her daughter and rest of the family. She educated herself about the disorder and soon became an advocate for other families. For several years she has conducted workshops for parents and professionals, giving them language to promote health. She learned to take the most terrifying experience and use it to rise above her circumstances and live her life with passion, and now coaches family members how to live fearlessly with this scary and demanding illness that is an eating disorder. From more than 40 family interviews, Becky has written a collection of their stories in Just Tell Her to Stop: Family Stories of Eating Disorders.

"Why Me?--No one is exempt!" If you are a parent or grandparent who loves an adult child who is breaking your heart--you may have asked the question: WHY is this happening to me! The issue of adult children who are dealing with drug/alcohol addictions, mental health disorders, or distorted entitlement beliefs is an epidemic. It knows no boundaries--no one is exempt! Professional Psychotherapist, Valerie Wolf shares her journey of loving an adult child who took a dangerous u-turn. Listen as Valerie shares from her mother's heart, how the 6 Steps to SANITY transformed the bumpy road of loving an adult child who is breaking your heart.