The Gathering Place

The Gathering Place

The Gathering Place is a concept of an alternative bookstore that encourages groups to gather and search out the truth. There will be comfortable seating and coffee. I intend on stocking the shelves with bible research material and books that have been a blessing to me for people to peruse at will while in the store or purchase to take home. I desire to carry books relating to parenting helps and devotional material. Books for biblical and historical research will be available along with information on the new prophetic moves in the Church at large, dream interpretation, and worship. Alternative Christian music including meditation music and alternative rock is going to be played in the store and offered for purchase.
I also plan on decorating a special section in a particular theme related to a promotional product. For example, there is a new line of inspirational books by Mission City press called A Life of Faith that is geared towards 8- 14 years olds similar to the American Girl books. They are specifically related to the development of Christian values and maturity in the faith. They have a line of dolls and accessories. The promotional includes a Girl’s Club and Tea events, which I wish to host in the specially decorated space.

Funny things Part 2

Maddy brought down one of her babies because she wanted to be a bible times mommmy. The baby had on a cute but unbiblical romper with bloomers. She began to ask, what did babies wear int the bible and then she remembered... something about...swall "I need some cloth so I can swallow my baby." We all started laugh so much, even Maddy knew she had mispoken.
One week til release date. Please keep me in your prayers. I was warned that writing a book especially your testimony is a great deal like child birth. The anticipation, the waiting, the labor, the waiting...I must say at this point I feel that publishing is worse than childbirth. It lasts longer! I feel that I have been in labor for 3 months now. Soon I will have my baby and wait for what the world has to say about her...this time I really do care. I wish I didn't but...I guess I'm human after all.

Funny things my kids say Part 1

I never fail to be inspired by the things by kids say and do, even th funny things …

At home church we were acting out a bible time family. Nathan (8) decides he’s a carpenter and wants to ‘gird up his loins’ (2 Kings 9:1) to do his work “I need a belt so I can tuck in my guts”

Strong 328
1. to gird up
2. metaph. be prepared
a. a metaphor derived from the practice of the Orientals, who in order to be unimpeded in their movements were accustomed, when starting a journey or engaging in any work, to bind their long flowing garments closely around their bodies and fastened them with a leather belt.

I Peter 1:13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary-

He exhorts them to sobriety and holiness. 1. Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, etc., v. 13. As if he had said, "Wherefore, since you are so honoured and distinguished, as above, Gird up the loins of your mind. You have a journey to go, a race to run, a warfare to accomplish, and a great work to do; as the traveller, the racer, the warrior, and the labourer, gather in, and gird up, their long and loose garments, that they may be more ready, prompt, and expeditious in their business, so do you by your minds, your inner man, and affections seated there: gird them, gather them in, let them not hang loose and neglected about you; restrain their extravagances, and let the loins or strength and vigour of your minds be exerted in your duty; disengage yourselves from all that would hinder you, and go on resolutely in your obedience. Be sober, be vigilant against all your spiritual dangers and enemies, and be temperate and modest in eating, drinking, apparel, recreation, business, and in the whole of your behaviour. Be sober-mined also in opinion, as well as in practice, and humble in your judgment of yourselves.’’

A Good word!!

I found myself of Amazon.com

I need "influencers" People who will visit my sight at amazon, brouse around, write a review, put me on a listmania list, ect. The hits will insure the I will pop up in a timely manner when I am searched. Just click on the Highlighted "THe Gown" below and it will take you there. Thanks a lot!!! 2 weeks til Launch and counting. Blessings deb

From: Debra Henderson
Hello,I found this item at Amazon.com and thought you might find it of interest.






The Gown
by Debra Henderson
Available for Pre-order
List Price:

$13.99
Price:

$11.19
You Save:

$2.80 (20%)


Sincerely,Debra Henderson

A Tree in the Wind

I remember asking God, if “all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose”, and then what was the “Good” that came out of my abuse? Why did I, or any other little girl, suffer at the hands of the men they trust? What good is that? ..
I pondered this as I was preparing to give my testimony for the first time in a large public setting. It was to a women’s ministry group of 100 or more. There would be women there from the Sunday school class my husband and I attended. Did I really want them to know my dark secrets? Would they treat me different? God had already healed many of my wounds through counseling and group work in Graduate School. Why did I need to tell anyone here, so far away from home and my family?
But I know God had His reasons. A woman I had met at a Women’s Aglow meeting and who I had studied TD Jakes’ Woman, Thou Art Loosed with was in charge of arranging for people to share their testimonies. She had asked me.
I prayed and asked God for the words to express my story in a way that would show the triumph I felt. I did not want to elicit pity or shame. I knew there were other women that would be at this meeting who needed to deal with their own abuse, but not just to stir up old wounds or put blame. I needed them to know that there is joy in the journey and healing for the ache inside.
One evening, as I was reading a gardening article the Holy Spirit began to speak to me. The article advised what to look for if you buy a sapling from a nursery. The tree expert recommended that you buy a tree that is still firmly planted where it has been nurtured. I thought a potted tree would be more convenient. But he said that you need to observe that the tree had been allowed to stand alone in the weather, not protected by wind breaks or in a clump of trees. This would assure that the sapling, swayed by the wind had developed deep roots and a sturdy elastic trunk. These things were important because, in the yard where it was to be planted it would have to withstand these things and not be brittle and break off or be uprooted easily.
“A sapling that is allowed to be buffeted by the winds of adversity while young would be strong and able to handle many future storms.”
There was my answer. I had always felt that God had a call on my life. And the storms followed me to College, Graduate School and into counseling where I took with me, kicking and screaming, my family. My sister and her husband, my mom and dad and hopefully someday my brothers will find the path of healing God has let me down. But most people don’t always face their demons willingly, not until the feel they have no other choice. I have always had the strength and courage to face the hard things, in myself and others. I believe “the winds of adversity while young” is what gave me this strength. He knew I’d need it. It didn’t mean He wanted it to happen, or that He didn’t cry over my pain. I believe He did allow it to perfect into the person He has called me to be, bold, loud, stubborn and strong.

Moms who sword fight

My youngest son asked me to sword fight with him one afternoon, at which I replied, Mommies dont sword fight. That's daddy's job.
He was taken a bit aback. He looked at me seriously with his four year old eyes.
"But mommy, what about the dragon," He asked me sincerely.
He was referring to a chapter in my book where I defeat a three headed dragon, Moloch, who represents for me the type of abuse I want to shield my children from.
"Well, I mean I don't fight people,"I corrected myself. I liked that he remembered the story and I want him to see me as a heroin.
"Mommies only fight in spiritual warfare."
He looks at me confused.
I continue, "Mostly they fight when something threatens to hurt their children, like I killed the dragon with my dagger. "
"Did you stab him?" He asked
"Yeah, in the eye," I said with conviction."Then I cut his head off, but it grew back.”
"Cool!" He was enthralled waiting for the rest of the story.
"Remember? I threw a vial of poison into his that blew in his stomach."
His eyes were wide with shock. Then he stopped and looked at me, turning his head slightly so that his gazed was now from the corners of his eyes.
"Mommy, is this for real, or just pretend?"
I laugh at his honesty, but not sure how to answer; I reached for the biblical truth."
"It's for real alright, just not in the flesh. The bible says, "Our fight is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of this dark realm." (Eph. 6:12)
I felt profound, but the explanation was lost on him.
"What?"is all he could say.
"It is hard for me to explain now but remember. My pen is my dagger and my journal is my shield." I motioned as if to stand guard.
"Let me see your shield." He inquired further.
"Its downstairs, you know, those books I carry around and am always writing in?"
"Whatever..." is how he finished to conversation as he walked off to find someone who would spar with him till his dad got home.

Secret Keeper Moms

I have joined with several tween moms to begin connecting with our daughters and sharing our faith on a regulare basis, twice a month at Barnes and Noble. It has turned to a nice fellowship time. One month til Release, Ahhhhh!!

McMurry Homecoming

I am so excited to announce that I am joining with Theta Chi Lambda Social Club to host a signing event at McMurry Home Coming, in Abilene Tx. The date is Sat. Oct. 14th in Martin Residence Hall Lobby. Please try to come!!! It will be Great!!

Home Church

We had “Home Church” on Sunday. A tradition started on days when one of the kids were too sick to go to the nursery, we try to sing a few Christian songs, read a few verses and try to share a little of the vision we as parents see our family ministry to be. At times it has been an excuse not to go to Church when one or more of us is feeling unhappy with the way this are going in the congregation the Lord has called us to (which seems to be the case a lot lately) But today, it was a real blessing.
The kids chose to bless us with their talents, playing the piano and singing with a CD. Daddy even shared a hymn from the kids song book. Then Daddy pulled out his blessing book and Mommy shared the verses she has been praying over them for this year.

Daughter 10 yr- Romans 12:1-2 ” I urge you to present your body as a living and holy sacrifice…and do not conform to this word, but be transformed by the renewing of you mind…”

Son 8 yrs.- Luke 1:16- 17 “ And you, Child, will be called the prophet of the most High: for you will go on before the Lord to prepare His way. And you will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of righteousness.”

Son 4yrs.- I Chronicles 12:8 You will be a “… mighty man of valor, a man trained for war, who can handle shield and spear, and whose face will be like the face of a lion and will be swift as a gazelle on the mountains.”

We anointed them with oil and Daddy then knighted the boys with his special display sword.

At the end the 4 year old even prayed a blessing over me as he played a car sticker on my hand and said, “and mommy will have no car accidents” AMEN.

First Book Signing scheduled

I will be at Mardels Christain book store at Quarker and Loop 289 on Saturday, Oct 7th from 11-3 signing my book. I hope to be doing some local advertising and possible some other local events. Please forward this to anyone in the area that might be interested. I'm getting excited now. Blessings ,deb

South Plains Fair

Princess Cosssette Gifts wll have a boothe and an opporutunity to witness in Commecial exhibits bulilding (across from he Fair Park Collusium) jBooth # 42 During the South plains Fair - Sept 22-30th 2006. Come by and visit

Alabaster Vase

Alabaster Vase



Formed for one reason


To coddle Holy Resin


To be Broken on Earth and in Heaven


To be Poured Out and Drained


To Bestow and Proclaim


Worthy is the Lamb


Who is Slain.

Secret Keepers

Calling all mother/daughter royalty, this Wed, August 9th will be the first meeting of the Secret Keeper Mom's group at the Barnes and Nobles 7:00pm. It is a study of the Secret Keeper Girl, 8 Great Dates for you and you daughter. We will meet bi-monthly as moms to pray and plan our dates. The next week we go out with our daughters bonding and blessing them in the Lord, preparing for the coming of the teen years. You can purchase the book at CBD websight, it will not be necessary for the first meeting. Call me if you have any questions 778-5056

Timing

A box from Tate arrived yesterday... It is my book. Two months before the final pub date of Oct 8. These 20 copies are for pre pub promotion. I am planning signings here in Lubbock and in Abilene. Maddy turns 10 this weekend... it's all about timing.

Captivating Conference

I had the priveledge to attend a Captivating "mini-conference" on the last day of CBA in Denver. They showed clips of some of my favorite romantic movies, talked about the true desires of a woman's heart and blessed us with some of the new materials authors John and Stasi Eldredge have coming out this Fall. Their websight is http://www.ransomedheart.com. I hope to be able to connect with them again and maybe even take a group of gals to one of their Captivating weekends. They also have some great Wild at Heart resources for our Warrior men. Rich is actually considering going on a retreat!!! I'm soo excited.

What a month!

I have given myself a week to get organized after this month of traveling. It wasn't enough but I am going back to "work". CBA was a blessing and an eye opener. I am looking forward to sharing all that God has revealed, especially when I figure out what I want to do with it. First I am going through contacts ect and wanted to give some links to the Phil Joel Websight called deliberatePeople.com. I also have me pub date of Oct 3rd and link to the tate order page. http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=1-5988634-2-8

ICRS

I am here in Denver at the International Christian Retailers show. It has been a very busy and a bit discouraging time. I took a class yesterday for Prospective Christian retailers. I got a very negative view of the market and I was so discouraged by lunch that I had to leave and walk around. I remembered that I had signed up for the "New artist Luncheon" and I went down to it. Being late and by myself I found a half empty table on the back stage side of the area(not a real good view) but 2 minutes after I sat down, Phil Joel, from the News Boys, sat down right next to me and we had a lovely lunch chatting about our latest projects, kids and travel. We really hit it off. I know because later at a signing party he remembered me and wished me luck on my book. Isn't God good? I needed the encouragement and pick me up both times and I made it through the class. I'll blog later on the book process too. I cant wait til the Captivating conference on Thur. Blessings, deb

The lifecycle of the white gown

This evening we attended the wedding of our friends, Pastor David and Carrie Hayslip's eldest daughter, Camille. (It was exceptionally beautiful by the way)
Remembering that it was at a wedding we attended together that Richard first mentioning getting married makes weddings a true walk down memory lane for us.
I was reminded of a piece I wrote last year about the Life Cycle of a White Gown.
It started when I brought our precious bundle home for the first time. I placed her in that white eyelet bassinet, her first photos were in a white gown. When Dedicating her to the Lord, a white gown with matching bonnet was her outfit at a Sunday morning service in Kentucky. For her first birthday a white battenburge lace dress, looking like a porcelain doll, portrait. It still hangs in the hall. When she gave her heart to Jesus and was baptized with her brother, she wore a white choir robe. Someday, she'll wear another white gown, on her wedding day, and possible that night also. Perhaps as she carries her child also she will wear a white gown and take the "Madonna w/Child" photo like I did while expected my second born. The bible said that when we get to heaven we will all be given white robes(It will be a gown to me)...And I think, life's most important events are most appropriately attended in a white gown...

On the road again

We brought sunshine back to the Northeast and rain back with us to West Texas. The traveling Hendersons returned on the 4th to Lubbock from a quick trip to New York and New Jersey. We visited Rich's maternal Grandfather "POPPOP" and step-grandmother "Gigi Evelyn" . Our prayers with them as the doctors seek to help Evelyn discover and remediate the pain in her lower back from a fracture in May. While there we celebrated Grandma Judy's birthday, saw our cousins Blyth and Abigail. Swam on the Jersey shore and paid a quick visit to our old friend The Big Apple. We will be off again this Saturday to Colorado, by way of El Paso for Rich and the kids and Deb is heading to CBA in Denver.

THEGOWNBOOK.COM

It's here. The websight, with a few glitches is up and waiting for you visit. Let me know what you think and please forward it to all your friends



THEGOWNBOOK.COM