Summer is usually a time for rest and relaxation, and I am so happy that I have been able to enjoy a few days with family and friends this summer. I hope you have, too.

At the same time, I am tremendously energized by the many exciting things going on the ministry –time is just flying by and it feels like summer will be over before we know it! So read on—this is a long post!

Over the weekend I was honored to preach at the closing session of Pastor Shirley Caesar’s Annual Conference in Winston-Salem, N.C. Pastor Shirley’s charismatic and energetic spirit made this an unforgettable ministry event and one that I was proud to be a part of.

Next Saturday evening, I’ll be joining Pastor Lonnie McCowan to teach at the Solid Rock Christian Center in Ventura, Calif. Pastor McCowan is an inspirational and dynamic man who is all about helping people live a better life through God’s word.

An important part of living a life of faith is helping others—I thank you for your gifts—they enable us to continue transforming lives, healing hearts, winning souls and truly meeting people at the point of their need. As we approach a new school year, we’ve got Back to School Bashes scheduled in Texas, New York and North Carolina. Your donations help us provide school supplies, haircuts, sneakers, medical exams and even food for those who need our help. We’re still buying those supplies so if you find it in your heart to help us help needy children, please know that I thank you from the bottom of my heart and so will they. Remember, just because a child is poor doesn't mean he has to feel poor. We want to send as many children as possible back to school this fall with dignity and a reason to smile.

You may have noticed there is now a TV program guide on the home page so you can be sure to catch your favorite guests on Paula Today.

I am fired up about a brand new teaching CD I’ve done with Bishop Jakes: When Interruptions Become Opportunities. It’s a lesson that’s all about getting through tough times—and coming out better than ever. I surely know what it means to feel pressure, but I also know that God is faithful and that it is during those tough times that we truly experience His presence. Put me in a tight spot, and watch what my God will do! Pressure separates the ‘saints’ from the ‘aint's! I’m always honored to teach with Bishop Jakes—his energy is kinetic—and this CD is an important and practical tool and will help you navigate through any tight spot you may be in.

I can not sign off today without sharing my excitement at our Life By Design Weekend Friday, August 1 and Saturday, August 2 in San Antonio. Grammy, Stellar, Dove award winner and my good friend CeCe Winans, is kicking off the weekend with me on Friday night. God’s glory is sure to fill the house.

If you are anywhere near San Antonio that weekend I hope you will come by the Municipal Auditorium—admission is free! Besides CeCe, the ever-dynamic Bishop Noel Jones will minister Saturday morning, Pastor Jesse Duplantis –who will make you laugh while he inspires you to know God in a deeper and more personal way-- will minister Saturday night, and to close the weekend, I am preaching Sunday morning at the Epicenter.

I’ll leave you with words that guide my life and I hope will guide yours: What you make happen for others God will make happen for you.

Love,
Paula