Hi fANNtastics,
 
And how is this week going for you?  I'm having a good one...a day or so there had a little stomach issue to deal with, but hey, I'm more than fine today, sooooo there ya go!!  Praise God, for sure!
 
Karissa and I enjoyed two good church concerts in Alabama this past weekend....a.m. in Hartselle  with Pastor Jesse and the good First Assembly of God folks and then Tuscumbia's Westside Baptist...thanks Pastor Tanner and all.  I do have a wonderful job!!! :).
 
Would you click this link and go to my schedule for this weekend's dates??....Illinois, here we come.  And would you, Illinois, kinda purty please have some mercy on itinerant people traveling around and have purty weather??? :).  Woops, guess we better talk to someone bigger than Illinois and Ann Downing Ministries for that kind of plea, ya think??? :) :).  At any rate, sure hope to see some fANNtastics in Illinois this weekend.
 
fANN Forum & Chat

I don't know how many of you venture onto my website (www.anndowning.com), especially to visit around on the fANN forum message board, but I'd sure like to encourage you to.  A popular forum there is the "prayer/praise" forum where we can post prayer requests and praises...be prayed for and let someone else know we're praying.  Please consider joining the forum...you'll need to register if going for the first time...and then to post a new topic, you will need to respond to three posts already there and you'll be validated to start your own original post.  That's to verify that you aren't a gonna be a "bad bad person" posting some junk, ok?  :).
 
And also, give some thought to coming to chatroom...a great way to connect with others from all over the world.  It's open in the evenings from 8 - 10 (central time).  We pray at 9ish every evening...and let me tell you.....a little bit of Heaven hovers over that chatroom!!!!

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MTWR Registration
 
I'm getting exciting as I receive your registrations to MTWR.  "Experiencing Freedom Through Forgiveness" was a good theme to me, but I honestly didn't dream that it would catch on as it has...I believe there are a lot of us who are looking to let go of some things that have held us hostage for waaaay too long...in order to walk in freedom.  And added to that, we will have soooo much fun, hear some of the greatest singers in the world who drop in from time to time and make new friends for life.  If you really want to be here...and know you need to be, please don't let anything prevent you from getting here.  Be sure to reply to this newsletter (it'll come to me) and let me know if you need some scholarship help...we've never, as of yet, said "no" to anyone who really felt they needed to come.  God provides, through giving hearts, for those who can't come up with the entire registration fee.  I wish you could hear the testimonies of how God has used this  ministry of "giving so others can receive".  I realize you may get a little weary of hearing me "pleading" for your helpful funds so we can help others...but then again, I think I know that you have good hearts...giving hearts.  Do you want to help another lady to be here at MTWR?  Talk to me!!! :).
 
Also, I'll briefly remind you that March 1st is the deadline for registering at the "early bird" discount fee.  Of course you can register right up until the retreat, but there is a $20 savings if letting us hear before March 1st. 

 


Jesus Lives


I've asked Shar to put up the graphic of a follow up to "Jesus Calling" devotional that I've touted for two years.  "Jesus Lives" is another Sarah Young one-year guide for hearing HIM talk to you.....and I'm sure if you have "Jesus Calling", you will want to follow up with "Jesus Lives".  Instructions for ordering will be there.
 
Speaking of...let me share this from what I read today...
"Yearning for an awakened soul is half the battle.  Many of My children view devotion to Me as a duty, and they look elsewhere for their pleasures.  They fail to understand that the Joy of My Presence outshines even the most delightful earthly joy". 
And I say..."isn't it the truth"?????  How we struggle, claw, manipulate circumstances in order to find that "sweet time of pleasure" and all the while, it would never begin to compare to the true pleasure of knowing Jesus intimately and the peace that causes one to fall asleep on their pillow in good rest at night.  There's no substitute for Him and His pleasures......pleasures forevermore!!!
  You can pick it up at a Christian bookstore or here's the link to Ann's Store:   .



 
I hope your week becomes more and more pleasurable, even though circumstances don't seem to be calling for pleasure.  When can we get it that peace with Christ has nothing to do with circumstances??????  I think I remember Toni Clay and "somebody" writing a song..."He's working, working through my circumstances....He's committed to me, even when I take unnecessary chances.  He is my faithful Friend, I can depend on Him...He's promised to be with me to the very end, cause He's working, working, working through my circumstances". 
 
See y'all....lookin' to hear from you...and I certainly do appreciate hearing from you that you are praying for Ann Downing Ministries....and also for my sweet family!!!!
 
Blessings,
 
Ann D