Affirmative Prayer

Mike Daley has a pretty good idea of what it's like to be a young adult who is moving out of the foster care system and into the world of adulthood. He is the inaugural board chair and president of the Orange Duffel Bag Initiative, a 501(c)(3) that provides at-risk teens and young adults programs to improve their educational success, advocacy, and support to their guardians and caring adults. If you know a foster care child, or are one yourself, you know how important it is to have support. To volunteer at any level, go to theodbi.org. You may be the one to start up an ODBI in your state!

Your "new year" could start today! Author Tama Kieves gave up being defined as an honors grad from Harvard Law School and a successful corporate lawyer to become a wildly successful author, speaker, and coach. Her book, A Year Without Fear: 365 Days of Magnificence, offers daily readings and affirmations that speak to us, no matter where we are. "This is the year I stop pressing my nose against the glass, wishing for another life."

Sarah Elliston knows how to deal with difficult people and would even label her past self as such. If you know of someone who complains, blames, criticizes, nags, threatens, or punishes, this show is for you. Sam explains how we can neutralize the hot buttons, communicate without judgment, and have a conversation without confrontation. She encourages us to write down and practice what you are saying before you start talking. While listening to the show, you might just see some of your own behavior that requires attention! It's difficult to look at, but better results will be on your way. Sarah's book is titled Lessons From a Difficult Person: How to Deal With People Like Us.

Linda Herzer, author of The Bible and the Transgender Experience, has a Master of Divinity degree. Gabrielle Claiborne is an out-and-active transwoman since 2010 who has a bachelor's in mathematics and a aster's in civil engineering from Georgia Tech. She grew up in a family of ministers, married, and fathered three children. As Linda and Gabrielle talk about the transgender experience from a biblical, personal, and spiritual perspective, you will see why clients like The Home Depot and Georgia Academy of Family Physicians have participated in their workshops and presentations. Perhaps it's time we recognize that our divine spark is different and unique for us all.

Ronna Detrick, M.Div., is a writer, speaker, and provocateur of passionate conversation about women and faith. Her book Throwing Stones shows us how underlying attitudes of the male/female relationship formed long ago. In some cases, the deeply held beliefs women hold about themselves today have not changed. Are stones still being thrown at women today? Are women accepting this because they are still feeling self-conscious and ashamed? How can we move beyond this? Ronna shares some suggestions for the hope and perseverance woman will want to experience during the Million Women's March on Washington, January 20-21, 2017. Listen to this or pass it around before you go!

Susan Elizabeth Hale first appeared on my show talking about Earth Day-Sing to the Trees. This time she shows us the relationship between nature and her 11-year-old female character in her book, Emma Oliver and the Song of Creation. Are we depriving our children of time to commune with nature? What kind of life will they live if they step out, look up, and listen? This is a book that teaches us to "listen with your belly, not your head." Your belly is telling you to listen to the Song of Creation. Go ahead-Activate the Power of Yes! Order the book at songkeeper.net. (I ordered two!)

International recording artist Cynthia Hart demonstrates how to use music to connect to the earth, our loved ones, and ourselves through her poignant and lyrical messages of song. After a long career in rock 'n' roll and folk singing, Cynthia chose the New Thought route into our ears, minds, and hearts. You'll hear excerpts from her I Remember album and find out the story behind her music.

For many of us, the holidays are times for getting together with family and friends. What kind of relationship can you develop with kids you only see once in a while? Dave Savage, owner of Memory Keepers Video Services, has lots of ideas-such as exploring the capitols of countries and states; creating a family mission statement; learning how to say "please" and "thank you" in different languages, or finding out about an elder's adolescent years. Imagine the kids asking questions such as, "Were you ever bullied?" "Did you ever have a teacher who didn't like you?" "What kinds of clothes did you wear when you were a teenager?" "What does religion mean to you?" You'll have to listen to capture all the helpful hints! For more, go to davesavage.com.

Vanessa Lowry thinks creativity and encourages it in us all. From her latest program, "Art in 30 Days," to her doodles and coloring book, Vanessa says it is never too late to start being your creative self. Just taking 15 minutes a day transformed this host into a person who sees art and color in everything! She also helps people get published-she is a creative soul leader.

Derek Rydall shows us how the law of emergence works even more effectively than the law of attraction. He makes a strong point for how our best qualities can emerge out of who we already are. In his book, Emergence: Seven Steps for Radical Life Change, Derek also shows us how we are not praying for, but from. Tricky concept? Listen ... very interesting!

Author Ron Chapman helps us see life from a totally different perspective in his book My Name Is Wonder. Think of the lessons Jonathan Livingston Seagull learned along the way-that's where Wonder the goat enters the picture. Ron Chapman has not only the book to share, but also a life of learning and study that has led him to finding out about disappointment and forgiveness. Lighter times follow the dark. This, you can be assured.

Do you have an invention that has been brewing in your head for a long time? This show is for you. Dave Savage is former president of the Inventors Association in Atlanta (and my husband!), so he has seen every kind of big idea-some that have made it big and some still on the drawing board. How can you prepare yourself and protect yourself in the world of invention? What do you need to know before you get started? Contact Dave about his consulting fees at 404-323-8686 or email dave@davesavage.com for more invention information.

Will Mathis began his spiritual journey long before most of us are aware it exists. Then, during a down time, he began to discover spiritual teachings through New Thought leader Louise Hay. After letting go of old ideas, like feeling that his pain was "special," Will took classes and evolved into a practitioner at Centers for Spiritual Living. As he reminds us, "We all yearn for something ... keep exploring."

Jen Erickson is a singer/songwriter who performed at Unity of Melbourne, Florida, when I spoke there. To get prepared, she wrote a song on "The Power of Yes." The audience was happily enthralled! Jen tells the story behind her songwriting adventures and encourages us to "Live in the Light." To contact Jen or book her, email her at jerickson625@gmail.com.

Activate the Power of Yes by setting good things in motion. Get your family together and start taping stories. Dave Savage, owner of Memory Keepers Video Services, gives helpful hints about how to get started. What equipment do you need? What about sound and lighting? How do you get Grandma to relax so she can tell those memorable stories that create a legacy for you and yours? If you're having a family gathering or reunion, prepare in advance for a fun time that your family can watch long after your loved ones are gone. For more details and sample questions to ask, go to davesavage.com.