The amazing power of friendship.. what a conference!

Well, it has taken this long to slow down and get perspective over last weekend’s event. Bobbye and I held our 6^th annual Women’s Conference in San Diego. This year’s theme was the Power of Friendship. We had over 1200 in attendance and a jammed packed day. Because the theme was friendship, it seemed like everyone was extra friendly. I met so many great women and had a blast. One gal came up to me in the middle of the day and asked if I was having as much fun as it seemed. The answer was, “Absolutely.”  Those kinds of days are precious. God brought all types of women together to encourage each other and be touched by Him through the conversations of others. And we have to admit that Point Loma’s campus is a great place to get away for the day.

Today, we went through the resources. We sold out of our Spiritual Warfare study and 4-CD set. We also sold out of the Prayer Journals teaching CD. Because of that, we decided to keep it at a discounted price for the month. If you are interested, email us at info@dailydisciples.org

When I think of how much this conference has grown, I stand amazed. We serve an Awesome God who knows best and will do whatever it takes to get you where you need to be. I can’t believe how much I tried to fight His plan for me. My thoughts have had to be conformed to His thoughts and I am just thankful that I learned to surrender from my heart to change the wrong thoughts in my head. God has so much more for us but we tend to be the object that gets in the way of allowing Him to answer our prayers. Silly but true.

Many of the women who attended and filled out the evaluation cards asked for Bobbye and me to teach more. They greatly appreciated the teaching and wrote down, “more teaching.” The day was not designed for teaching but we can’t help ourselves, so I am thankful that it was so appreciated. I also appreciate all the women who raised their hands to come to Christ (around 125) and of course, those women who came down to the altar seeking God’s empowerment for a committed life (around 600+).

We cannot forget our final song… (we will think of that as our goodbye hug)…to remember the day and the goodness of God in the midst of it all. His Spirit was absolutely present and we are humbled and grateful to be women who are called to glorify Him together… with all our friends. Go to http://dailydisciples.org to see some cool pictures of our new friends!

If you are interested in receiving more teaching, we are going to be doing a live Bible study and an online Bible study in the book of Ephesians starting in March. Webcasting is very easy to do. If you need clarification or more information, be sure to click on to www.dailydisciples.org or call 888-727-7206.

Also, we will be back on KPRZ radio this Saturday 1210AM at 10:00 am. Be sure to call in! We would love to hear how God touched you throughout the day.

Much love to you all and for those of you who could not attend, you were missed!            ——Tonilee

It’s Almost Here!

I am sitting at my desk at 6:15pm on Thursday January 28th waiting for our Power of Friendship Conference meeting to start at 7pm. I cannot even explain the extent of emotions that we (as a team) have experienced especially this past week. We have been very busy answering telephones, mailing out tickets and putting bows on books, counting and recounting CDs and perfecting the program. It has been a whirlwind of activity. But  all of us would agree that none of this activity would matter without the cries of praise radiating from our hearts to the God we serve. It is because of the love we have for the Lord that we can endure to continue to give to others. God is good and He gives us friends to add sweetness to life.

Saturday is a big day for us at Daily Disciples. As the women continue to sign up and make plans to come out for our 6th annual conference, we see the outpouring of hearts of friendship that cross all lines and boundaries. We have heard from women of all ages and backgrounds…simply amazing.

Will be in touch with pictures and stories…stay tuned! Tonilee

Counting down to the Friendship Conference

In July 2005, TL and I hosted our first women’s conference in San Diego, California. I remember it well. It was an experience that has mixed emotions attached to it, for lots of reasons. I can honestly say that the courage it takes to step out and host your own event is truly from heaven above, at least it was in our case. We had a great deal to learn about event planning and execution. I applaud all of the women (and men) who undertake such a challenge. It is not easy, to say the least. Now, we are less than three weeks from our 6^th annual women’s event in San Diego. It is the 6^th women’s conference we have hosted since the first one in 2005. We have learned more than we ever imagined along this journey, as God is truly the faithful One, even when we are ready to quit. We could not be in this place without the Lord…and some wonderful, amazing friends who are such an integral part of this ministry and this event.

This year’s theme is “The Power of Friendship” and it comes straight from our hearts. We know firsthand that there is POWER in friendship. Sadly, many of us struggle to develop, sustain and maintain meaningful friendships. Tonilee and I have been friends for almost 10 years, and at times, I think we are both amazed at what God has done through the friendship. I am telling you…God gets the glory. Power is necessary to have friendships that last and are rewarding. What is power? Power is the energizing force grounded in love that never gives up on us, even when we want to quit. The power of friendship brings love into our lives in ways we could never explain. The power of friendship brings healing, hope and happiness. Friends make us laugh. Friends make us cry. Friends make us angry. Friends can drive us crazy. We have a saying in our office: “It ain’t easy,” referring to our “friends.” But, we love each other and are totally there for each other, no matter what happens. It is the power of friendship.

We would love for you ladies to join us for a special day in San Diego. We are having this event in a beautiful location on the campus of Point Loma Nazarene University in Brown Chapel, their large auditorium. The entire day is designed to encourage, inspire and empower women to be all that God has purposed for them to be in their lives. And, yes, He gives us friends to help us get there. The greatest part of all…God, Himself, is the “bestest” Friend we will ever have. We want everyone to leave this event knowing that they are a friend of God and that He loves them unconditionally.  Plus, we know many of the women will make new friends before the day is over. Hope to see you there! Bobbye

For more information, go to http://dailydisciples.org/conference.html and see the speakers, schedule and registration information.

The Power of Friendship

Reading in Zechariah 13, I realized what God was saying. There were many people who called themselves prophets (or people called by God to preach His words) but they were not. God says in Zechariah 13:4-5 that on a certain day, every prophet will be ashamed of his vision and will become aware of how they are deceiving. God desired for these people to do what He had intended for them to do instead of doing what they wanted to do (the work of the ministry). It would have been better for these people to be farmers and in business than to preach when God had not put words in their mouths. The work of God/ministry was doing what God had asked them to specifically do.

The same problem exists today. There are many people quoting the wrong things and preaching their own words from a platform that God did not grant to them. As a result, there is no power to change themselves or those who attend to listen. Many churches today are powerless because people have used the name of God and preached the words of God without the leading of His Spirit or the filling of His power.

For me, personally, I never wanted a preaching/teaching platform. Bobbye says it best, “We did not wake up one day and say, ‘Let’s go into ministry.’ This was never our plan or intention.” This ministry has been a work of God and He gets the glory for the words as well as the changed lives. Out of all the prophets, I relate to Jeremiah and Jonah the most. Jeremiah because I have tried my hardest to not do this but my heart burns within if I do not. And Jonah because I am continually purposefully trying to go the other way even though I know better. I know that I am not alone in these feelings. Many people we counsel tell us their struggles too. But what God is saying in Zechariah could be summarized as regardless of what you do, make sure it is what God has asked you to do. If you are claiming to be a Bible teacher, pastor, prophet but were appointed by men (including yourself) then you will be judged stricter by God as stated in James 2 as well as quoted by God’s prophets. (We are starting an online Bible Study on the Book of James called Walking Out Our Faith. If interested in attending from your own computer, let us know at info@dailydisciples.org. We start this Tuesday, January 5)

I might be sensitive to hear the Lord speaking but it has not always been the motivation of the Lord that has kept me going. I really believe that God gave me a physical tangible person who has challenged me as well as encouraged to me to continue. I am thankful for the power of friendship that has changed my life and kept me doing the work of the Lord. I do not blame people who quit because the work becomes too hard. You will not ever find me judging someone for quitting but I would recommend that they find a friend or an accountability partner to talk things out and get perspective before making any big changes. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up.”

Just because God has asked you to do something, does not mean that it is easy. Just because others tell you to do something, does not mean it is of God. Life can be confusing and tough. The power of friendship can cut through the random factors to keep you focused, doing the work of God. You do not have to go at it alone; God is totally into fellowship, counsel, unity and empowers us through friendship.

**if you are a woman who is lonely, depressed and feel isolated, please join us at the Power of Friendship Conference on Saturday, January 30. Bring a friend and make a friend. You will be encouraged and you know that you are not alone. Depression will lift and love will fill your heart.

Sign up!

You do not want to miss this one day event.

Happy New Year!

The Power of Friendship Conference

Press Release – December 2009

 

Media Contact: Judy Bowen, Daily Disciples – 619- 889-8696

         judybowen@san.rr.com

 

MEDIA ALERT * MEDIA ALERT

 

Women Celebrate the

“POWER OF FRIENDSHIP”

at the 6^th Annual Women’s Conference

with Bobbye Brooks & Tonilee Adamson

and special emcee Carol LeBeau

Saturday, January 30, 2010

9 am – 3:30 pm

Point Loma Nazarene University/Brown Chapel

    

WHAT:    An amazing one day conference to learn how to make positive relationships and friends for life. Loneliness, depression and the stress of life can be helped by the Power of Friendship!

 

The Daily Disciples Ministries, Inc., led by radio hosts, speakers and authors Bobbye Brooks and Tonilee Adamson, will host the 6^th annual one-day women’s conference “The Power of Friendship” on January 30, from 9 am – 3:30 pm at Point Loma Nazarene University/Brown Chapel. Carol LeBeau will be the special emcee. Tickets are $20 in advance, or $25 at the door, and includes lunch. To register, go online to dailydisciples.org or call 888-727-7206.

 

Women and children sheltered at the San Diego Rescue Mission will be the recipients of donations collected at the event. The women at the Mission will also be “guests” at the event and some will relate heartwarming stories of their miraculous recoveries and new lives. Needed items for donations
this year: gift cards to Target, Wal-Mart, pill boxes, bus tokens, OTC medication – Tylenol, Advil, cough drops, first aid items, deodorant, Razors, craft supplies.

 

WHO:    Women of all ages are welcomed and encouraged to bring a friend or come and make some new ones!

 

WHEN:    Saturday, January 31, 2009

        9 am – 3:30 pm

Point Loma Nazarene University: Brown Chapel

        3900 Lomaland Drive

        San Diego, Ca. 92106

Interviews available with Bobbye Brooks and Tonilee Adamson-Founders of Daily Disciples Ministries, Inc. and Carol LeBeau. www.dailydisciples.org.

“He Never Stopped Dating”

Well, I can honestly say that I can relate to Elin Woods in that I too had married a man who never stopped dating. Of course, in her situation, I cannot even imagine how she is handling all this publicity concerning a very intimate and devastating personal crisis.
For me, I never wanted to put two and two together. I would get the phone calls from random women asking me if they could speak to my husband by his name. I would answer, “He is not here right now. Can I take a message?” She would say, “Is this his sister?” I would say, “No, his wife” and the woman on the other line would answer, “His wife!!!!!” and slam down the phone. That was just the beginning. These things continued to progress until he was gone on weekends and then week days with a variety of excuses. I wanted to believe that he was as committed to me as I was to him. I wanted to believe that our marriage was based on love and mutual respect. I wanted to believe all the excuses and rationalize the lies for OUR marriage and my personal integrity.
Speaking from personal experience, how can you stay in a marriage with someone who wants you to look good in Christmas cards for his image but who does not have the ability to stop behaving in a way that brings rejection and separation? There are some people who cannot commit to one person. Affairs are exciting. If you can keep having affairs, you don’t ever have to deal with the day to day mundane aspects of Monday through Fridays of life. You can just keep running and jumping and playing and whispering and texting…
When you are married to someone like that, there is no trust. You have to seek much wisdom in knowing what to do once you know the truth. The hard look you must take at your life may be more revealing than you are prepared to see. If you have a spouse that has never stopped dating, the problem began way before you ever got near the altar. If he or she has no desire to commit to the marriage, then the next steps will involve picking up the pieces of your life and moving on. There is life after divorce. Each season in life does pass. And, God still loves you and has a plan for your life. I am a living testimony that despite the pain, God is faithful through every trial and hardship life brings. Tonilee

People Parish Undone

My kids are studying for finals right now. Our present top priority is to get through this week. So the downstairs is a mess as school papers, books, back packs and lots of cups and plates are accumulating everywhere. We also have many other high schoolers coming in to the house as they are setting up study groups. Well, last night I was in the kitchen overhearing the kids in the dining room. Let me tell you, it is easy to misunderstand the language of teenagers when an adult is only listening with half an ear. I then started realizing how often this happens in all kinds of communication. Even when listening to the news, if we only hear certain sentences (because we are distracted with dinner or normal interruptions), then we can easily make assumptions or jump to conclusions on receiving half the facts. Next thing you know, we jump to wrong conclusions and make decisions based on falsehoods because we filled in the blanks with our thoughts. It reminded me of the verse that says, “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6) We are destroyed (or fearful and anxious, making unwise decisions) because of our lack of education or knowledge.
I am also reminded that we do the same thing with God. If I am questioning something in my life, I need to ask Him for the knowledge to understand. If I am confused about my present circumstance, I need to go to the Bible and ask for Him to tell me what He thinks about it. The Lord tells us frequently to obtain wisdom and to seek understanding. He tells us in James 1 to ask for wisdom and God will give it to all without finding fault (or without behavioral conditions). God promises to give wisdom if we just ask. Why?
If we have God’s knowledge, we will be proactive and ready to endure. It is by sitting still and listening to His voice, that we can gain His perspective to maintain peace and not perish. I am unsure why we would rather jump to conclusions that have no basis of truth than to just ask the Lord who is all about truth.
During this Christmas season, let’s remember that God sent us His peace in the form of a baby. We can maintain that peace by including Him in our thoughts and to continue to have conversations with Him as we open His word. God is called the living Word because He likes to talk. He will give us the knowledge we need if we take the time to ask Him and truly want to know the truth of His will. As Christians, we are called to live by faith but that doesn’t make us “blind, deaf and dumb.” God desires that we are well informed. Today, we understand the mystery of God becoming flesh. We can also know the truth for our lives individually if we just ask.

Holiday Conflicts

Bobbye and I spoke at Professional Women’s Fellowship last week. The topic was “Depression and the Holidays.” No one wants to think that the holidays could be associated with depression. We want to think that it is a time of joy and peace. However, the holidays can also be very  stressful. We already have no margin in our lives on an everyday basis and then we have to add more things in our less time schedules.

The holidays are also “remembrance markers.” In other words, if we received a great gift during a Christmas, we remember it. We might not remember which Christmas year but we definitely remember it was Christmas time. If we get into a family conflict or a death occurs during the holidays, every holiday season brings it back to mind.  Days can go by into weeks without having a remembrance marker but at the holidays, we remember the good and the bad things that have happened  during other holidays. As a result, the holidays can be painful.

So for some of us, we find ourselves needing to act happy when deep down, we are really sad. How do we deal with ourselves while having such conflicting emotional pulls?

I really believe that in order to heal from past wounds that have happened during the holidays, we have to give some constructive thought and give some carved out time to those things that have hurt us. We need the ability to take a break, sit down and reason with the Lord over them, especially during the holidays.

Bobbye was telling me the other day that she woke up at 2am to wrestle with the Lord about certain thoughts that continue to pull at her heart. She said, “I have to keep this concern close to the Lord. I have to depend on Him to work with my thoughts so I do not take this matter into my own hands.” She is a wise woman (and a good friend).

She has learned that it is not good to push down and suppress the conflicts because they will resurface. It is also not good to regurgitate your thoughts over and over or have practice sessions in your mind of what we should have, could have or would have said.  The more time we give to our own negative thoughts and incidences, the less ability we will have to reasonably make wise decisions.

Instead, we bring these things to the Lord. He is the only One who has the ability to change the situation or to change our perspective. We need to reason with the Lord until we know that our concerns are fully before Him. We need to be brutally honest with Him as He already knows what we are thinking and feeling. Then, when we get up from putting those things down, we can continue to live for Him instead of giving the time and attention to the conflict.

As the thoughts return, it is important to take it captive and say, “I have given that situation to the Lord. It is His concern now. I am choosing to trust Him.”

When I look back on my life, it has not been hassle free. I have had to deal with many conflicts and struggles as we all do. However, I can honestly tell you that the Lord has a way of working through them all if you allow Him to move in your heart and mind and you give Him time. God is on an eternal clock. He is not in a rush, not even during the Holidays.

Speak Out Loud

I just off the phone with a gal who is doing our Spiritual Warfare Bible study. She was commenting on how the enemy frequently places thoughts in her mind about “being alone…no one really caring about her…no one wanting to be bothered with her struggles…” The devil is totally into darkness and isolation. (Just like hell) He will lie to us about anything. Jesus is into communication (with God in prayer and each other) as well as life and light. She recognized the negative pattern of these thoughts.  Instead of believing these thoughts, she walked into her Bible study group and asked someone to pray with her. Immediately, she sensed a break-through just by speaking out to ask for prayer.

The enemy wants us to feel like we are all alone. He wants us to believe that no one really cares and no one really understands. I believe that Jesus prayed out loud about unity in John chapter 17 so we can speak out loud to others who need to be unified with us. The “two or more in agreement prayers” have power for many reasons. One of those reasons has to do with speaking out the prayer request to another person and then of course, speaking it out to the Lord together in prayer. There is also an instant accountability partner who can now pray for you as it comes to mind and ask you about it in the days that follow. Malachi 3:16 says “Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another and the Lord listened and heard them; so a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who meditate on His name.” God ease-dropped on two believers who were talking about Him and He blessed them by putting their names in His book.  The Lord loves for His children to be united. We need to recognize the devil’s schemes and fight back just by opening our mouths to speak. We have all the tools we need to be victorious. Lets live in the life, liberty and love of the Lord (not alone but together for eternity).

Media 4 Women

A time for change and innovation…Media 4 Women

Over the past several years, Tonilee and I have been exposed to various types of media and marketing opportunities and services. As a women’s ministry, we felt very strongly about making sure that we did not “market” ourselves or the ministry in a way that distracted or deluded the message of the gospel. We knew that marketing and media would play a vital role in growing the ministry and continuing to reach larger audiences, but we would need to learn how to discern the pros and cons through the process. Through the experiences, however, we have benefited from our mistakes and learned valuable lessons along the way.  It is our desire to help others to learn, to strategize and to be able to make wise choices in their marketing and media plans and/or goals. Whether the entity is ministry related or business driven, keep in mind that marketing and media is big business…it is not an easy game to manage and it can waste your time and money very quickly if you are unfamiliar with its ways.

Within the past year, Daily Disciples Ministries has begun to create its own marketing and media strategies utilizing the tools and resources that are available. With a ton of research, lots of outside resources, and in-house talent, we began to share our knowledge and resources with others. Having our own offices in Carlsbad, CA, including space for onsite video, audio and webcast production, we soon had an onslaught of guests who wanted a “free” consultation to know more. Before long, we expanded the services into website design and development, social networking and media, graphic art design and promotion, self-publishing and much more, based upon the needs of the clients. To be honest, I could not believe the interest and growth. We are still working on the Media 4 Women website and have yet to begun to really market this business, so the need for this type of help is very great. Somewhere along the lines of an ever-changing social media climate, many of us have gotten either lost or really far behind. We need help catching up and making all of this work to our advantage.

Our team is here to help you get going. You can arrange for a FREE consultation at any time by calling Lori at 800-992-0369. You can also email us at info@media4women.com.

On December 5, 2009, the Media 4 Women team is hosting a half day seminar that will provide you with invaluable information, tools and resources that you can begin using

immediately.  You can join the seminar in person or online via Live Webcast. To register, go to http://www.media4women.eventbrite.com.