Next Study~

An Untroubled Heart, by Micca Campbell.

Study begins March 18, 2012.  Sign ups have already begun in the right column of this blog just below the Proverbs 31 logo.   You can also sign up to receive my blog posts (right under my picture) to your email so can receive my regular encouragement along with information about signing up for Online Studies with me.

Here is a little about An Untroubled Heart~

We live in unstable times filled with conflict and uncertainties. Life is unpredictable and fear and anxiety can become a daily reality. This book is a woman’s guide for living a carefree, worry-free life. We will explore the anxieties of a woman’s heart–from insecurities, to finances, to marital challenges, to raising healthy children and more. You will be encouraged to lay down your worries, trust in your Heavenly Father, and embrace a life marked by peace and joy.

You can purchase An Untroubled Heart almost anywhere books are sold.

This will be a six week study.

Conference Call Series

There will be a conference call series that is optional to go along with this online study. Guests include the author, Micca Campbell, as well as others whose stories and knowledge will inspire, motivate, challenge, and bless you. There are 4 calls in this series. The cost is $14.00. Details will be released soon.

I Used to Be So Organized, Help for Reclaiming Order and Peace, by Glynnis Whitwer

Study begins in May 20, 2012.

Unglued, by Lysa TerKeurst

Study begins in September, 2012 (not yet released)

Current Study~

Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst

Optional Conference Call Series ($14) (featuring Lysa TerKeurst and others)

There is an optional Conference Call series, which I highly recommend. There is a cost for the Conference Calls ($14 total for all 4 calls) and we have a fantastic line up of guests.

Confirmed Guests on our conference calls:

*January 24th, 8 pm EST, Co-Author of the Made to Crave Action Plan, professor of physiology and pharmacology at Wake Forest School of Medicine, and author of more than 130 scientific articles and book chapters, Dr. Ski Chilton.

*January 30th, 8:00 pm EST, Real, fun, and fabulous, my good friend, DeAnnah Baker. DeAnnah joined us last year on the conference call series and we all fell in love with her. She has been my partner in crime in this journey we call weight loss…and gain….and loss….and gain….etc for years!  We will be blessed by her honesty and her commitment to never give up on healthy living  AND Stephanie Clayton! Stephanie is a professional counselor and also my partner in Online Bible Studies here at P31. Her insight and wisdom are just what we need! Plus she’s doing this with us, she gets it, but also has the psychological twist that may help us understand why we are the way we are. AND Associate Director of YMCA Camp Harrison, Founder of the Women’s Wellness Weekend, Denise Hammond. Denise was caught up for 14 years with an eating disorder that controlled her life. Her story of how God used her mess to bring life to her ministry will amaze and inspire you.

*February 21st, 1:30 pm EST, Founder of the L.A. Dream Center, Sr. Pastor of Angelus Temple and author of the New York Times Bestselling Book The Cause Within You, Matthew Barnett

*February 22nd, 11:00 am, EST, President of Proverbs 31 Ministries and New York Times best selling author, Lysa TerKeurst will be joining us!  Proverbs 31 Speaker and Author, Karen Ehman will also be on this call. Featured in the book Made to Crave and in the Made to Crave Action Plan DVD, Karen knows what it’s like to lose and gain weight. She also knows what it’s like to give it all to God. She has both practical and Biblical insight to share.

Sign up here! This Conference Call series is going to be great. Are guests are absolutely magnificent and I am so honored and excited to have them join us.

The times and dates will be announced soon. Each call is recorded and you do not have to be on the call live to participate. If you sign up, a link and number to access the recording/message will be sent to you.

Highly encouraged but not required to be a part of the Bible study group.

There will be 4 calls. The cost for the entire series is $14.

You Will Receive on Each Call:

*An empowering message from your Bible study leader. (I am dedicated to helping you in whatever way I can. I want to speak Truth into your life as you go through this study. I want you to believe in yourself and know that God thinks you are worth it.)

*Highlights and main point reminders from the study.

*Special guests whose stories will inspire you and knowledge will equip you to stay on track and stick with it.

*Q and A so you can ask the questions you have and get the answers you need.

*An outline of each call before the call takes place so you can take notes.

*A call in number and code to access each call.

*Following the call you will have access to a recording of the call to listen to or download.

Optional Resources to supplement your Made to Crave study (note these are OPTIONS, not required)

You can find all MTC resources and descriptions here. The only one you MUST have is the Made to Crave book. All others are optional.

Made to Crave Website

FYI~ I am going to use the Action Plan during my Made to Crave journey. This is a personal choice. The action plan contains a “How to” for those of us looking for healthy information, guidelines, knowledge, and a plan. I will be using the new Made to Crave Devotional following the six week study to keep me mindful and encouraged after the study is over.

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Upcoming Studies in 2012

Untroubled Heart by Micca Campbell~ March

I Used to Be So Organized by Glynnis Whitwer

Unglued by Lysa TerKeurst~ August

Looking ahead to 2013

New Release by Glynnis Whitwer

One Word by Rachel Olsen

Let. It. Go. by Karen Ehman

How I Feel About Studying the Bible with Others~and why I’d like you to join me.

It’s changed my life time and time again. I’ve grown closer to God, closer to the ones I’m with, and made lifelong friends. I’ve learned to be content and now I know what freedom feels like. I have hope even when my relationships and circumstances are failing. What am I talking about? I’m talking about the benefits of joining and participating in a Bible study group. Not just any Bible study group, but a real life, real problems, no mask wearing allowed Bible study group. One where you can be yourself and know that you are loved and cared for NO MATTER WHAT.

Bible study has been a priority in my life for years. The women I’ve studied with have become like sisters and have been the Jesus with skin on I’ve needed in my life. They’ve encouraged me, held me accountable, and spoken real Truth to me when I’ve needed it most. Through the books we’ve studied together (all based on the best book, the Bible), we’ve grown in many ways, but especially in our personal relationship with Jesus. Life changing I tell ya!

I want to share this experience with you. If you’ve wanted to be a part of something like this, I invite you to join me and other women just like us, from all over the world as we dive into the Truth that will give us Real Hope for Real Life today.

You can join me for one, two, or all of the upcoming studies I’ll be leading online this year. I look forward to getting to know you and studying God’s Word as we apply it to our lives together.

Love and Blessings,

Melissa

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Previous Studies:

A Confident Heart by Renee Swope

10 Week Schedule

Conference Call Line-Up

I am so excited and thrilled to announce our line up and message topics for this conference call series. Here are just a few of the guests we will have on our calls:

Sheri Rose Shepherd- Sheri Rose can relate to almost any woman’s battle. She was raised in a dysfunctional home and battled depression, drug abuse, an eating disorder, an a food addiction, and a learning disorder-dyslexia. Despite all this, she has become a bestselling author and motivational speaker. She is the founder of His Princess Ministries, and her book His Princess: Love Letters from Your King has spent many weeks on the international bestseller list. With humor, her heartwarming stories, truth, and transparency renew our faith by reminding us how much we are truly loved by our Father in heaven. Once you hear from her, you will never again doubt that you are God’s Chosen Princess. Check out Sheri Rose, her resources, and sign up for her free daily love letter from your King at:http://hisprincess.com/

Leah DiPascal- Leah has a testimony you will not want to miss. As someone who struggled with confidence and what others thought of her…someone whose family begged her to commit herself to get help…someone who put off getting help so afraid of what others would think of her…but God. If you met Leah today, you’d never know. As Renee Swope’s assistant, Proverbs 31 team member, devoted wife and mom, Leah learned the hard way that only God could fill her with confidence and security and remove her doubts.

Ann Noonan, LPCS (MEd, MS-Ann Noonan is founder and clinical director of Agapé Christian Counseling. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a native North Carolinian. She has been a counselor for over 20 years, first in New York State and currently in Charlotte. She works with individuals, couples and groups. She holds masters degrees from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and the State University of New York. In addition to community involvement, serving on three Boards of Directors and carrying a full case load, Ann also supervises masters level counselors. She is a writer and a speaker for seminars, workshops and conferences. She and her husband moved to Charlotte in 1995. They have three adult children, who are married and six grandchildren.

Renee Swope- Author of A Confident Heart . Renee has struggled with confidence her entire life. She felt like she wasn’t good enough, smart enough, or valuable enough. Sharing her own personal story in this book, Renee shares how she learned to rely on the power of God’s promises to find the security and confidence she was longing for. Today, Renee is a popular radio co-host, speaker, author, wife, mom, and friend who is devoted to sharing her faith and victory with women who struggle with self-doubt.

Mary Ann Ruff- The main thing I want to say about Mary Ann, is that I would not be doing this today if it weren’t for her. She is the first person to ever see giftedness in me and invest in it. That’s all it took…one person believing in me and I began to believe in myself. She is a women’s ministry leader who leads by the example of prayer. Renee Swope herself says this about Mary Ann: “Your unending gifts of encouragement, spiritual wisdom, and unconditional love have shaped my life. Your fingerprints are all over my heart and story.” You will be blessed by the love, wisdom, and heart for the Lord Mary Ann holds within her.

Denise Hammond- She is not only my best friend, but also someone I look up to as an example of God’s love. Denise is real, a straight shooter, no mincing of words with her! She has lived through some tough trials: eating disorder, infertility, miscarriage, special needs child, marriage trials, financial hardships, and etc. Through it all, she has found her comfort and security in only one place….Jesus. Y’all are gonna fall in love with her. You will quickly learn why she is the “spiritual mama” of my kids and my very best friend. And you will also learn from her how God can truly take your passion and use it for His glory…even if that passion is pigs and horses!

Message Topics on Conference Calls

October 11th, 1 pm EST, Love That Lasts

October 17th, 8 pm EST, Hope For The Future

October 24th, 8 pm EST, Good Enough

November 14th, 8 pm EST, “I’ve Blown It”

Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner by Wendy Blight

May 29-August 6, 2011
Where is God when I am suffering? Will I ever feel normal again? Why do doubt, fear, anxiety, and accusations replay in my head? How can I learn to capture these thoughts and replace them with assurance, wisdom, encouragement, hope, and truth? These are questions that author, Wendy Blight had after she was raped. These are questions I had after being sexually abused as a child, then living my life trying to fix all the hurt myself through wrong or temporary choices. Get ready for joy, freedom, hope, and victory girls.

Your story is your own, it’s like no one else’s. You too can come to know, as Wendy has, that “no circumstance is too difficult, no choice too reprehensible, and no pain too deep for God to redeem.”

Sign up for this online study in the right side bar of this blog. Just type in your name and email address and you will receive all the details you need to get ready for this life transforming study. (After you sign up, you will receive an email from me. Make sure you click the link at the very bottom of that email to confirm your sign up! Otherwise you will not receive the information.)

You can order the book almost anywhere books are sold. If you choose to order through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you will receive a 10% discount and your book will be autographed by author, Wendy Blight. Call the P31 Office, 877-731-4663 or visit our website www.Proverbs31.org to order. If you order online from Proverbs 31, make sure you enter the code HJ10 in the coupon code blank to receive your 10% discount.

This study takes place right here on this blog! Beginning May 29th, I will post suggested reading and Bible study assignments each Sunday that we will discuss during the week. Comment on my blog, Facebook, or Twitter to interact with others going through the study.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/melissa.r.taylor
Facebook Online Bible Studies Page: http://www.facebook.com/MelissaTaylorsOnlineBibleStudies
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/MelissaRTaylor

Schedule

Here is a brief outline of our study. My blog homepage will have detailed information posted each Sunday.

Week 1- Chapter 1 (begin May 29)
Week 2- Chapter 2 (begin June 5)
Week 3- Chapter 3, Conf Call 1 (begin June 12)
Week 4- Chapter 4 (begin June 19)
Week 5- Chapter 5, Conf Call 2 (begin June 26)
Week 6- Chapter 6 (begin July 3)
Week 7- Chapter 7, Conf Call 3 (begin July 10)
Week 8- Chapter 8 (begin July 17)….She Speaks Conference Meet Up, Concord, NC
Week 9- Chapters 9-10 (begin July 24)
Week 10- Chapter 11, Conf Call 4 (begin July 31)

Conference Call Series

Here are the details of each call:

Call #1 June 13, 2011, 8 pm EST
Message: Why God Why?
Special Guests: Melissa Taylor and Stephanie Clayton
On this first call, the tables are turned as 106.9 The Light Radio Host, Carol Davis interviews Online Bible Study Leader Melissa Taylor. Following Melissa’s interview, she will move back to the seat she’s more comfortable in to interview Stephanie Clayton. Meet Melissa and Stephanie:

Melissa Taylor
Melissa has been speaking and writing for Proverbs 31 Ministries for eight years. She is a contributing author to God’s Purpose for Every Woman and The Reason We Speak. _ Her writing is also featured in the _P31 Woman magazine and the ministry’s online devotions, Encouragement for Today. Melissa joined the staff of Proverbs 31 Ministries as Administrative Assistant in 2007, where the highlight of her job is praying for and helping those who call the office feeling desperate, hopeless, and alone. As a sexual abuse survivor, she understands what is feels like to suffer and feel too scarred for a good life. Today, her greatest joy in life is sharing Jesus with others because she has learned first hand what He and only He can do, proving that healing is possible.

In 2011, Melissa began Online Bible Studies on her blog because she wanted to provide a venue of study for women who aren’t in a Bible study group for whatever reason. In her first 5 months of leading the Bible studies, over 5,600 have signed up. Women are hungry for the Word of God and it is her goal to teach them how to live it and apply it.

Melissa lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband, Jeff, four children, Blake, Hayden, Dylan, and Hayley Grace, and her sweet dogs Princess and Maggie.Melissa and her family attend Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC.

Melissa is on Facebook and Twitter.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/melissa.r.taylor
Facebook Online Bible Studies Page: http://www.facebook.com/MelissaTaylorsOnlineBibleStudies
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/MelissaRTaylor

Stephanie Clayton
Stephanie Clayton is going to be our Go To Girl
for her expertise, advice, and care. She will be interviewed on the first two calls and will be present on all four calls to answer any questions you may have for her.

Stephanie holds a Masters Degree in Counseling and currently leads a survivors of sexual abuse group. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults concerning issues such as substance abuse, anxiety, depression, and sexual abuse. Stephanie is a survivor of sexual assault, and has struggled herself with depression and anxiety. This has led and fueled her passion and desire for every individual to find freedom through Christ. She is a gifted writer, which you can see for yourself! She blogs over at www.myloveletter2god.blogspot.com. You can also find Stephanie on Facebook and Twitter.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1098096604
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/stephandkev

Call #2 June 27, 2011, 8 pm EST
Message: It’s Time to Go: The Faith to Move Forward
Special Guests: Dr. Kris Colangelo and Stephanie Clayton

Dr. Kris Colangelo

Kris Colangelo owned her own family chiropractic practice for eight years before returning to school to receive more education in order to merge a love of education, writing, and science. She currently teaches Anatomy & Physiology for the online campus of Herzing University. Her ultimate career goal includes writing and teaching science to the public to help kids and adults make healthy choices in life.

Kris’s faith became active through regular church attendance in college. Over the years, she longed more to have a relationship with God versus simply going through the motions of being religious. She was born again several years ago after listening to a Joyce Meyer teaching on Religion vs. Relationship, and she’s been passionate about growing her faith and learning the Bible since that time. She is active in her church and her local women’s small group. Even with many blessings in her life, Kris is no stranger to pain and fear. She has been a victim of relationship abuse; she has endured a lot of stress in her marriage, and she has endured the loss of two babies in utero. And yet, through it all, her faith has endured.

Stephanie Clayton

See bio under call #1

Call #3 July 11, 2011 8 pm EST
Message: How Can I Forgive: myself & others
Joining us for this call is truly the one who made this study a reality, author of Hidden Joy, Wendy Blight.

Wendy Blight
Wendy Blight has been blessed with the passion and giftedness to bring God’s Word alive. Her messages and lessons share the specific Scriptures and prayers that have transformed her heart and home. She loves to teach Bible study and write corresponding curriculum because, “I know that in the process a woman will connect directly to the heart of God.”

She has led thousands in study, in person and through internet, video, writing, and other media. She has appeared as a featured guest on Oprah Radio, The 700 Club, Family Life Today with Dr. Dennis Rainey and Bob Lepine, Revive Our Hearts with Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, and more. Wendy has authored a book, Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner, and several Bible studies. Just days after her college graduation, she was attacked by a masked man hiding in her apartment. While she physically survived, she lived the next decade in a prison of fear, despair, and hopelessness. God and God alone healed her. Her story is now an amazing testimony of God’s strength in weakness, His hope in hopelessness, and His healing in brokenness. Hidden Joy recounts her journey of transformation from a prison of fear to freedom in Christ and offers a step-by-step walk through God’s Word to find physical, spiritual, and emotional healing.

She lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband Monty and two children Lauren (17) and Bo (13). In addition to being a wife and mother, she serves on the staff and Speaker Team of Proverbs 31 Ministries. Before moving to Charlotte, she practiced law in Dallas, Texas. You can read more from Wendy on her blog, www.WendyBlight.com .

Wendy is on Facebook and Twitter.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1406645857
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/wendy_blight

Call #4 August 1, 2011, 8 pm EST
Message: Connect
Special Guests: “Allison” and Lynn Cowell

“Allison” (keeping her identity anonymous)
Allison is the mother of a child sex abuse survivor. From the moment she learned of the abuse, she knew that whatever came next, God would sustain them. Eighteen months later, at the age of 11, Allison’s daughter testified against her abuser. The mental and emotional effects of the abuse and subsequent trial led this young victim to suicidal ideation and an actual suicide attempt. Through it all, Allison and her daughter see God’s hand in her continued healing and growth into the strong survivor for whom He has such wonderful plans.

Lynn Cowell
Lynn is the author of His Revolutionary Love: Jesus’ Radical Pursuit of You and part of the Proverbs 31 Ministries’ speaking team. She helps teens through one-on-one mentoring, leading small groups, and teaching at conferences.

Lynn’s desire is for every person she encounters to get that Jesus wants you – He is that into you! Jesus’ passion for His own is completely life altering and Lynn’s heart is to lead others to this depth of relationship. You can visit Lynn on her blog, www.LynnCowell.com

Lynn is on Facebook and Twitter.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1477913667
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/LynnCowell

Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst

Each Sunday and Wednesday there will be a MTC message enforcing the truths and points highlighted in each week of study. The Sunday post will also contain an outline of what you will need to do each day of the week in order to keep up. There will also be a recorded video message from me at least once a week meant to inspire you in your journey to crave God. I may write about the study on other days as well, but Sunday and Wednesday will be specifically for the Bible Study.

Ladies participating in this online Bible study, will receive 10% off the purchase price of the Made to Crave Bible study material, if they order directly from Proverbs 31 Ministries. Just call call the office and mention that you are participating in Melissa Taylor’s online Bible study. The toll free number is: 877-731-4663.

Conference Calls

January 20th

DeAnnah Baker- DeAnnah is a good friend of mine. We have lost weight together more times than I can count! What I love about DeAnnah is that she never gives up. Her attitude is positively contagious and I want you to meet her and hear why this quest to get healthy is one worth fighting for. Also she will share why she believes this time could be different.

Mary Beth Townley- If there’s anyone who understands the struggle of eating right and staying healthy, it’s Mary Beth. A former Weight Wathchers and TLC Bible Study leader, Mary Beth will be sharing how God has used her struggles with food and weight as a gift in her life and how she has been able to inspire hundreds of women because of what she has been through. She is one of the most beautiful people inside and out I have ever known.

LeAnn Rice- After recently losing 50 pounds,not only has this amazing woman grown closer to God, but she also started a food related website, www.SheCooks.org. She will be sharing her weight journey,how she still struggles, and how God has blessed her through it all. LeAnn is the Executive Director of Proverbs 31 Ministries. You can find healthy recipes all this month on her website.

February 3rd

Karen Ehman- I’m so excited about Karen joining us on this call! You will love her for her honesty, realness, kind heart, and humor. She is a member of the Proverbs 31 Speaker Team and is a contributor to Focus on the Family’s magazine Thriving Family. She is a featured speaker for Hearts at Home conferences for moms and is the author of four women’s books including A Life That Says Welcome: Simple Ways to Open Your Heart and Home to Others and The Complete Guide to Getting and Staying Organized. She is also the project creator of theHearts at Home Just for Mom’s Planner an organizational tool designed specifically for the purpose of helping mothers organize their personal and family lives. Karen’s story is featured in Chapter 8 of Made to Crave.

Denise Hammond- Denise has been my beautiful, healthy, fit inspiration and friend for over 20 years. Denise has taught aerobic and cycle classes forever (haha, a long time!), written a workbook and curriculum on women’s health, and she is currently employed by the YMCA in Charlotte, NC where she has developed Women’s Wellness Weekends. Denise was the coordinator and Bible study leader for TLC (Transforming Lifestyles Under Christ) where she helped countless women look to God instead of their appearance or food for validation. To look at her you would never know that she too had her own personal struggles in this area. She had a secret. One she kept for years.

February 17th

Lysa TerKeurst- Yes, the author of Made to Crave will be joining us in this final call. Lysa is a best selling author, national speaker, and President of Proverbs 31 Ministries. She knows what we are going through because she has been there. Lysa will be on this call to encourage and motivate us to keep going, it’s worth it. She wants to help us reach our healthy goals and grow closer to God as we continue to crave God, even after the study is over.

February 24th

This call has no special guests. It’s just you and me. We will be at the end of our study this week, but the adventure has just begun. We’ll talk real talk about how we are going to continue what we have learned in this study. Bring your questions, this call will be full of Q and A!

You can be a part of all three calls for only $10. You can pay by check, money order, or credit card.

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It’s No Secret by Rachel Olsen

To sign up for It’s No Secret, send an email to: ItsNoSecretSignUp@gmail.com. Include your name and email address. By doing this, you are signing up for the It’s No Secret Online Study and you will receive updates and information throughout the duration of the study.

The best way to tell you about this study is for you to read my interview with the author of It’s No Secret, Rachel Olsen. Do that now

Conference Call Special Guests

Call # 1, March 28, 2011

Carol Davis- Carol is a popular speaker and radio host for the mid-day radio show on 106.9 The Light. Her humor will have you in stitches, her triumph through trials in tears. She will attest to how God’s Word and Power are mighty to save anyone. You can learn more about Carol by visiting her blog, CantCookALick.

Samantha Reed- Sam is the Executive Assistant at Proverbs 31 Ministries. I have the pleasure of watching her daily live out her walk. She has a passion for Scripture and relies on God to put the pieces of life together daily. Rachel Olsen credits this sweet sister with seeing her through the completion of It’s No Secret. Among many gifts, Sam is a gifted writer and you can read her awesome stuff on her blog, Fields of Gold.

Call #2, April 11, 2011

Melanie Chitwood- Melanie is a speaker and writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries and author of What a Husband Needs from His Wife and What A Wife Needs from Her Husband. She has a passion for marriages and living first for God. Melanie delivers God’s Truth in a way that is not preachy but challenging in a simple way. You can read more from Melanie on her blog, What Matters Most.

Wendy Pope- Wendy says it is the “passion of her life to live Christ out loud in everything she says and does” and y’all I believe Wendy does just that! She has been leading women through the Word of God in her online study, Walking Women Through The Word daily teaching for 3 years. She demonstrates how reading the Bible is interesting, manageable, and life changing. She has so much wisdom to share with you!

Call # 3, April 26, 2011

Rachel Olsen- The author of It’s No Secret, joins us on this call to discuss not only her journey with God, but also her journey through writing It’s No Secret. Rachel is a popular women’s speaker, Senior Editor of the Proverbs 31 Daily Devotions, Encouragement for Today, and an instructor at UNC-Wilmington. Her love for God’s Word and bringing it alive in life will inspire and motivate you.

Call # 4, May 2, 2011

This is our wrap up call. It will take place during the final week of this study. During this call we will review and highlight what we’ve learned in the study and through the conference calls. The author of our next online study, Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner~Wendy Blight may be joining us for this call.