What's Been Happening?

I just realized that I haven't updated you in a while on the happenings with Praise and Coffee, so this is my attempt to catch you up.

Next week is our first ever Praise and Coffee Around the World!
March 15th women will be meeting in coffee shops, restaurants, churches and at kitchen tables, sharing life while connecting, encouraging and inspiring each other.

We also have a private Facebook group for all the women who host Praise and Coffee Nights or who are interested and want to chat with other women about it.
We'd love to have you in on the conversation, click on the link and join us!

If you have no idea what I'm talking about, check out our eBook that explains it all.
How Anyone Can Start a Praise and Coffee Night

Basically, it's a fresh approach to women's ministry.
No agendas or studies, just connecting, encouraging and inspiring one another along our journey as wives, moms and women of God over a cuppa coffee or whatever you feel like sipping.

I'm also working on the Spring Praise and Coffee Magazine that is coming out April 1st!!
This one is for the moms...or those of us who have moms...which should cover us all.

On a personal side, things have been busy for me. It's MOPS season! I've been speaking at a lot of MOPS groups in the area.
I love it!
I feel like I basically come in and lift heavy backpacks off the moms. Backpacks that are filled with burdens, worries and pressure to be something that God never called them to be: perfect.

Having small children can be such a trying time in a woman's life and if I can say anything that brings a little comfort and joy to this season, I'm happy to.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Watch for our new website coming real soon!!!!

Much love,
Sue

Whew, I didn't break out in hives.

I can hardly believe the LIVE webinar went off without a hitch. I didn't break out in hives, the dogs didn't attack the UPS man and Mitt Romney didn't call, not even once.

The webinar went a bit longer than I had hoped for and of course I have a million more things I wish I would have said, and why did I make that funny face so often and good gravy what was going on with my hair?

But here you go, if you've been thinking about starting Praise and Coffee Nights this video shares the heart of them with you.

The ladies that attended were truly a delight. I wish they had all been here in my kitchen. I would have baked them something fattening and yummy.

Here are the links for the Ebook:

And webinar:

This is a fresh approach to women's ministry. Sharing conversations that matter as REAL women with real hurts, joys and trials.

• No agendas, just relationships.
• Gathering 3-12 women together, facilitating conversation and allowing God to intervene.
• Based on Matthew 18:20, when 2 or 3 gather in His name, He comes.
• Meeting outside the four walls of the church with women from all backgrounds, churches (or no church) and walks of life.
• Sharing life.

And this is me. Watch the webinar, you'll understand.

Thank you Denise for all the behind the scenes stuff that you did while sitting in my dining room all alone, I really should have baked you something. I love you to pieces.


Have a great weekend!!!!
Sue

PS: I almost forgot...if you would like to join in with women all over the nation world starting Praise and Coffee Nights on March 15th, click here:
https://www.facebook.com/susankcramer#!/events/290042004382067/

A Fresh Approach to Womens Ministry

Edited to add:
If you missed the webinar, the info is here:
http://www.praiseandcoffee.blogspot.com/2012/01/whew-i-didnt-break-out-in-hives.html 

Ok girls, I’m scared and excited and nervous and overwhelmed all at once. Yes, I need to lay off the caffeine but this really is BIG news.

We are hosting our first ever Praise and Coffee webinar. We will be helping to train and equip women from all over the nation world to host Praise and Coffee Nights.

No airplane tickets or hotel reservations needed...in fact, you don't have to brush your hair or get out of your jammies for this! Although, I will be on video, so I'll try to freshen up so as not to frighten you.

The interest in hosting a Praise and Coffee Night has been growing and women want to know the what, when, where and how’s of starting them. So if you are interested, jump in on our online webinar this Thursday at 1:00 PM EST. No commitment necessary, lookey-loo’s are more than welcome.

RSVP here: (or leave a comment on this post). https://www.facebook.com/susankcramer#!/events/231394873604052/

Praise and Coffee Nights are a fresh approach to women’s ministry. The fresh-ness is that we’re not looking to create a mega-ministry, but instead create a movement. Real women meeting in small groups at cafés and kitchen tables, connecting-encouraging-and inspiring one another.

You don’t have to be a minister’s wife or even part of your church ministry team…we want every day REAL women to start with the influence that God has already given them and take it one step further. Invite 3 or more (we like to keep it under 12) women out to a coffee shop or over for a cup of coffee and some encouragement. Note: Coffee is not actually required :)

This is NOT your Momma’s Bible study group, this is girlfriend time with the only agenda being connect-encourage-inspire. Share life, and watch how God intervenes.

Matt. 18:20 says that when 2 or 3 are gathered in His name, He comes. I love that! And honestly, I desperately need that. I don’t know what I would do without the girlfriends in my life that have been Jesus’ heart to me.

Do that Bible study, memorize that scripture! But also connect with women in a relational way that deepens your life and gets us out of the four walls of the church and into the world that God put in front of us.

To join us for the online webinar, click this link on Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 1:00 PM (if you miss it, we are recording, I’ll add the link to watch it when it’s available):

https://connectpro19068335.adobeconnect.com/_a1007933682/praiseandcoffee/

Enter as a guest and type in your name! It’s that easy. You can chat with other women who have already started them and many who are about to start.

We also want to invite you to start your first Praise and Coffee Night with us on March 15th with women all across the world.

That info can be found here:

https://www.facebook.com/susankcramer#!/events/290042004382067/

Use the comments for any questions or drop me an email! I can’t wait to hear from you.

OH! I almost forgot!! During the webinar we will be giving away TWO...yes 2 SIGNED, yes signed copies of Lysa TerKeurst's new Made to Crave devotional!

And...because we love you...TWO...yes 2 SIGNED, yes signed copies of Mary Snyder's new book too!

Hope to hear from you!!
Sue

PS: Local friends, here is a link to the training I'll be doing at my house in February:
https://www.facebook.com/susankcramer#!/events/214266648657988/ 

Plainwell, MI ~ Praise and Coffee Night

What a great night!

Last October I met Kim deBlecourt at the Breathe Writers Conference in Grand Haven, MI. She highlighted her story in one of the classes and I was immediately drawn to her.

Adoptive parents always feel a sense of kinship with other adoptive parents and I couldn't wait to get to know Kim better. Kim had experienced a nightmare while trying to bring her son home from the Ukraine to Holland, MI and I was compelled to know more about her and her story.

She graciously wrote about it for the magazine and then came out last night to tell the whole ordeal at our Praise and Coffee Night.

You can read about it in our magazine here: Spring 2011

Or wait for the book "Until We All Come Home"...which is coming...AND they are in talks about a movie.
It will be an incredible movie!!

Kim, thank you so much for sharing your story with us!!



Connect with Kim on Facebook: Kim deBlecourt



Stacey Davis, Sue Cramer and Char DeMoore






Deborah Brine, thank you for sharing your Stella & Dot with us before heading back to Australia!








Denise Dykstra and Kim deBlecourt




Andrea Creech and her sweet Mom!


Anne Kirby and her best friend!

Check out our website if you would like to start Praise and Coffee Nights in your area! http://www.praiseandcoffee.com/

They're talking about us...

Thanks so much Internet Cafe' Ministry Counter for highlighting Praise and Coffee Nights this week!

Check it out...

Praise and Coffee Nights

This Just In...

Hello!
Well it's my first Monday with Lauren in school and I'm working in the office all day trying to catch up to the stuff I put off all summer.

Today I'm over at the Internet Cafe' posting at the Ministry Counter.
You can read the post here:
"Size Doesn't Matter"
Here's an excerpt:

"So often I talk to women who lead Bible studies, seminars or even Praise and Coffee Nights, and they are frustrated at the low numbers of women that come out to their events. Unfortunately, this can often come from our own insecurities as we look at our small groups as a form of rejection. Sadly, we can relate the size of our group to our own self-worth."

I also want to make a huge announcement!

Wait for it....

Ok, I can't take it anymore!
Praise and Coffee has partnered with the online ministries of Inspired Hearts!

Inspired Hearts Media is the go-to place for Christian women in the online community. This diverse group of women has been brought together by God to unite as one in purpose.

Here's a clip from their website:
"...They quickly realized that as the body of Christ, we are better together than we are apart so they partnered with other online ministries to bring you Inspired Hearts Media, a company seeking to bring you everything you need to grow and thrive spiritually using online media. With other ministries on board and supporting one another, they are able to reach millions of women on a monthly basis."

Melissa Mashburn (co-founder of Praise and Coffee Nights) and I are super excited about this new partnership.
They are such an amazing group of women, you have to check out their website.

Also, this page shows some of the gals behind Praise and Coffee...an incredible team of women! Behind the Media

We are all looking forward to what God has planned for this next year.
Look for:
~Online magazine
~more videos
~more Praise and Coffee Nights starting in YOUR area!!

If you are interested in starting a Praise and Coffee Night in your community, go to THIS page.

All you need is a couple of girlfriends!

Praise and Coffee Night Plainwell, MI June 2010

We had a great night!
Thanks Lorilee Craker for coming out and sharing the story of writing the book "Through the Storm" with Lynne Spears.

What an amazing story! I was so surprised at the depth of faith that Lynne Spears has had and developed through everything that has happened in her family.

If you haven't read it yet, pick it up!

You can order it directly through this link:

Through the Storm: A Real Story of Fame and Family in a Tabloid World By Lynne Spears with Lorilee Craker / Thomas Nelson Lynne was just an ordinary Southern mom when the overnight success of her daughter Britney shoved the Spears family into the blinding limelight glare. Through the Storm takes readers beyond the reach of the paparazzi and outside the narrow orbit of the Hollywood glitterati to share the inside story of the Spears family-as only a mother can tell it. In this openhearted memoir, Lynne speaks about Britney, Jamie Lynn, Bryan, ex-husband Jamie, herself, and their lives together from Louisiana to Los Angeles, including: Lynne's backseat role in Britney's path to fame and how it forever changed their family Her regret in abdicating parental authority to managers, agents, and record companies The challenges that shaped Lynne and Jamie's marriage and how that affected Bryan, Britney, and Jamie Lynn Her response to Jamie Lynn's pregnancy The startling events that led to Britney's meltdown and Lynne's showdown with manager Sam Lufti How faith, family, and friendships have been her harbor in the storm of paparazzi, tabloid scribblers, and gossip hound s Sincere, self-effacing, sometimes spunky, Lynne's memoir reveals the heart of a mother who has struggled through difficult times and how she has held onto her faith and her sense of humor as she tries to hold onto her family.

Author Lorilee Craker

Here are a few pics of the evening...

Next Praise and Coffee Night in Plainwell, MI will be August 5th with guest speaker Kristine McGuire author of "Escaping the Cauldron"

She'll share with us her journey out of witchcraft and ghost hunting.

Praise and Coffee Nights meet across the country, check out our website to find one, or start one in your community!

A Snappy New Look for Praise and Coffee

Of course you've noticed the awesome new look here on the blog done by Mary Mary Quite Contrary Design Shop!!

But have you also seen the new Praise and Coffee website design yet?

While you're over there, check out the info about starting a new Praise and Coffee Night in your community!

Call a bunch of girlfriends and do it.

There are no church walls at Praise and Coffee and no leadership requirements, just a heart to share His love with the girlfriends in your life!

February Praise and Coffee Giveaway

February Praise and Coffee Giveaway!!

This month's Praise is:

AND....you'll also get some very yummy
"Praise and Coffee" label coffee!!

TO ENTER DRAWING:

~> Post a comment to THIS post.

~> Please make sure that I have a way to contact you-PLEASE!

~> If you have any "Praise and Coffee" buttons on your blog, let me know and you will be entered twice! Here is a link to all my buttons: Blog Buttons

That's all! And feel free to blog about the giveaway or tell all your Facebook friends!

************************

Now an update on Praise and Coffee Nights...(sorry, it's a bit heavy on the exclamation points :)

Wow! They are spreading across the country and the world!

There are currently Praise and Coffee Nights in 8 states and Australia!

I've sent out 80 information packets to 30 states and 4 countries!

Can you believe that??? And it all started out with this little blog from a nobody like me living in a little bitty town in Michigan.

I think it has taken off because:

1. Women like coffee time with girlfriends, especially when the focus is on encouragement and inspiration.

2. Anyone can do this. Women from all walks of life, no seminary required. Ordinary women like you and I can gather women together to facillitate an atmosphere that builds relationships with each other and the Lord.

Doing life together, one cup at a time!

If you are interested in starting a group or finding a group, check out our HOME website, link is at the top left of the blog.

Girlfriends here in SW Michigan...this Thursday, February
4th...Praise and Coffee Night in Plainwell. See website for more info!

Then I'll be in California next week for the East San Diego Praise and Coffee Night on Feb. 12th! I'd love to meet you if you are in the area!

Overwhelmed is No Condition for a Child of the King

Matt 11:28-30
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
NKJV

I can remember the first time that I heard this verse. I was a teenager facing the pain of loneliness and rejection. I heard this verse in a song and I knew that God was speaking to me to lay down my life before Him.

Since that day, He’s never stopped asking that same question…will you lay “this” down before Me? Whatever the current trial or storm He continues to draw my heart back to this verse.

We were never meant to take on this life or it’s storms on our own. He asks each of us to “come to Me” when we are burdened by the weight of this world.

Overwhelmed is no condition for a child of the King. His burden is light, and waiting for you to exchange it for your heavy one.

I ask a lot of my pantyhose...

Wow, what a crazy week! I've been running around trying to get ready to go away to a writer's conference this weekend. Any moms out there that can relate to the "preparing to leave" routine?! Laundry, food and all the extra little emergencies that we try to prepare for.

• Make sure they don't run out of dog food.
• Tell them where the dog food is.
• Buy plenty of cereal...the boys can survive on cereal for weeks if need be.
• Tell them where the cereal is.
• Wash everyone's underwear...they can deal with a lot, but no underwear becomes a crisis.
• Tell them where the underwear is.
• Remind them again about the dog food.

(In my husband's defense, he is AWESOME! He does take care of everything and they are all in good hands...and Lauren is thrilled to have Daddy all to herself for a couple days!)

And then there is the fun of preparing my own clothing choices. Now that it's a new season, everything has to be tried on and tested again. Not sure if you knew this, but in Michigan clothing can shrink from season to season.

So I put on an outfit that I really like, but it's just a bit snug...you know....the "Michigan thing." But I tell myself, it will be fine when I put pantyhose on. Then I realize...I ask A LOT of my pantyhose. Truly, they are expected to preform like no other piece of clothing or accessory. I can honestly tell you that if the pantyhose decide to get lazy on the job, somebody could get hurt. Just saying.

I was also busy sending out 25 Praise and Coffee Leader Packets to women who want to start them in their communities around the nation. From Maine to Arizona, women are busting out the Praise and Coffee and I am just thrilled to be a part of it! I hope to get to travel to many of them this next year!!

I am heading to Florida on October 28th to do a Praise and Coffee Night in Ft. Lauderdale with Melissa from Mel’s World. She's a long-distance blogging girlfriend that I just can't wait to meet in person. I think we will have hours of conversation and lots of laughs, just like girlfriends should!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend, I'll let you know how the conference goes and most importantly, how the pantyhose hold out. Pray for me (or should I say, THEM).