SPEAKING TOPICS
A SERVANT’S
HEART
In three sessions Fran explores Biblical examples, contemporary
illustrations, and practical applications on the topic of serving
for today’s Christian woman.
“...be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord...” Romans 12:11
TOUCHING
THE CLOUDS: LOOKING UP WHEN LIFE GETS YOU DOWN
Based on her most recent book, Touching the Clouds, Encouraging
Stories to Make Your Faith Soar, Fran explores the different
aspects of faith in Christ and gives examples of women who
have exercised faith in difficult situations. She helps
the audience look beyond their own troubling circumstances
and focus upon the character of God, Who loves and cares. Struggling
faith can become resting faith.
“And without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Hebrews 11: 6 NASB).
COURAGE
FOR THE CHICKEN-HEARTED
If we’ll just admit it, most of us are “chicken” about
something. Is it necessary to let our fears and failures
rule our lives? Fran relates humorous and inspiring
stories as she points her audience to the one true source
of peace and courage. Many of the illustrations are
taken from the books Courage for the Chicken-Hearted and
Eggstra Courage for the Chicken-Hearted written by the “Hen
Friends”—Fran Sandin, Gracie Malone, Becky Freeman,
Susan Duke, and Rebecca Jordan.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1: 9 NASB).
GOOD
GRIEF: FROM CRISIS TO CONFIDENCE
Sooner or later, everyone will be touched by grief. Because
of Fran’s personal experiences in the death of a child,
the suicide deaths of both her father and her stepfather,
and other personal losses, she speaks with gentle understanding
and authority on how to be an “overcomer.”
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8: 38-39 NASB).
FAITH
LIFTING 101: EXERCISE YOUR POWER OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Encouragement is a powerful element in communication,
and when we give it to others, we reap the benefits, too. As
wives, mothers, friends, we all need encouragement. Fran
enjoys sharing practical ways we can encourage one another
and thus administer oxygen for the soul.
“So watch your step, friends. Make sure there’s no evil unbelief lying around that will trip you up and throw you off course, diverting you from the living God. For as long as it’s still God’s Today, keep each other on your toes so sin doesn’t slow down your reflexes. If we can only keep our grip on the sure thing we started out with, we’re in this with Christ for the long haul” (Hebrews 3: 13-14 The Message).
BANKRUPT? DEPOSIT
HIS TREASURIES IN YOUR HEART
Sometimes our emotional tanks are just empty. When
overcome with discouragement or depression, we are often
focusing upon ourselves and forgetting how much God loves
us. During last year’s Bible study, Fran underlined
references to God’s unfailing love. She found
2 ½ pages of typed verses! The treasure theme reminds
us of how precious we are to Him.
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you (Isaiah 54: 10 NIV).
MAKING
LOVE LAST: SURVIVAL TIPS FOR YOUR MARRIAGE
As the wife of her physician-husband for many years,
Fran speaks with authority using both poignant and humorous
experiences, and includes Scriptures along with practical
advice. Her desire is to help other women persevere
in their own (less than perfect) marriages. This message
is based upon a magazine article published with the same
title.
“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1: 6 NASB.)
RUNNING
IN CIRCLES? OR RUNNING THE RACE LIKE PAUL
Do you sometimes feel like you’re trapped in the
rat race maze? Sometimes we’re so busy, we feel
like giving up. How can we be effective in day-to-day
living when pressed from all sides? As wives, mothers,
and grandmothers, we are expected to go the extra mile, to
stretch the limits, all while being gracious and kind. Paul
was not a woman, but he endured some pretty rough times. Yet,
he kept his eye on the goal and persevered. His advice
will help each of us gain confidence in whatever stage of
life we find ourselves.
“And
let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time
we shall reap, if we do not grow weary”
(Galations 6: 9 NASB).
THE
TOTAL WOMAN: BODY AND SOUL CONNECTION
Proverbs 31 speaks of a woman who works hard and accomplishes
a great deal. Probably this is because she has good
health. Events happen that are beyond our control,
but often we make choices regarding lifestyle. What
steps can we take to increase the energy necessary to do
our assigned work on earth? How can we transition through
the seasons of life smoothly? Why is it important to
take care of our bodies and our souls?
“Do
you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy
Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that
you are not your own? For you have been bought
with a price: therefore glorify God in your body”
(I Corinthians 6: 19-20 NASB).