Presentation Topics and Descriptions

Inspiration and Encouragement

A theme of exhortation and growth runs through my stories and presentations. Below are the most popular ones.

The Art of Encouragement 

Stories on living a life of encouragement using the basis as Moses, Aaron, and Hur in Exodus 17.

Better or Bitter/ Tough or Hard:  The Choice is Yours   

It’s a heart thing: Losers become hard.  Winners become tough.

Where is Your Heart Verse? 

Words on the importance of incorporating a heart verse as part of your life mission statement.

Where is Your Prayer Tree?   

A story with observations about having a daily private place and time to meet with God.  This is my most popular presentation in schools.

92 Dry Wells: The Power of Perseverance. 

The story of famed Texas oilman Amon Carter who had “grit that wouldn’t quit.”

The Ripple Effect      

Legacy is what we’ll be remembered for and whom we’ll be remembered by.  Stories on living with influence and impact.

Jesus’ Kingdom of Heaven Parables.    

A study of the parables of Jesus in Matthew concerning the “Kingdom of Heaven.”

Philemon       A little book with large implications on resolving Christian conflict.

The Craft and Art of Writing

  I love connecting with writing groups of all types

The Six Words Every Writer Needs:  My current life-words are compassion, encouragement, passion, gratitude, balance, and integrity.

Fiction is Fun:   Writing Fiction is completely different from other genres.  Finding joy in the hard work of research and interviewing.

Self-publishing: Is it for you?  I’ve now independently published nine (9) books. I’ve learned what to do as well as what not to do.  This is my most requested writers’ conference seminar.

The Power of Story:  The Queen’s Honeymoon    Stories connect with our audience and readers.  I come from a unique tradition of Southern storytellers and share techniques and examples such as judging the Louisiana State Liars’ Contest.

The Lifetime Journalist:   Many books, articles, and ideas begin as a note.  I’ve filled fifty-four (54) journals in the last four decades.  It is the wellspring of my books and stories and has infused much joy into my life.

The Observant Writer- Stories and topics are all around us. The importance of a camera, journal, an open heart and eyes.     I use my five African missions journals to “show don’t tell.”

Patriotism

Sergeant Johnson’s Gift- The touching story of a Louisiana Medal of Honor winner’s sacrificial act that is still affecting families.  “Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for his friends.”

Families/Couples/Parenting

“First Swim of the Summer”      Lessons on raising three sons

“Dear Daddy: I hate you. Love, Sarah.”   Thoughts on Discipline and the Parenting Life

For Men Only

Speaking to men’s groups is always a privilege.

Becoming the Husband your Wife Needs

Two Game Plans: John 10:10      Satan seeks to destroy; Jesus gives life.  Looking at this verse through the eyes of a basketball coach.

Biblical and Historical Heroes

Martin Luther

William Carey

Adoniram and Ann Judson

Bill Wallace of China

Jim Elliott

Joseph’s Journey:  Hollywood would reject Joseph’s life story (in Genesis 37-50) as “unbelievable.”  It is a story that still grips my heart.  It can be presented over a weekend conference.

Nehemiah: If You Build It.      God’s blueprint for a big project

Missions: Travels to a New World

In the past ten years I’ve been privileged to travel throughout Africa, SE Asia, and Central America. These presentations make use of stories, photographs, and journal entries.

Marching Orders:  Acts 1:8     Our mandate is to go.

Hearts across the Water:  The Indonesian Tsunami 2005

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita:  Louisiana 2005

Red Dirt and Gray Rock:  Lessons from the Congo

Songs that Stir: The stories behind our greatest songs

Amazing Grace- John Newton

Come Thou Fount

It is Well with My Soul

There is a Fountain