I was walking down the road and ran into a lion. Seriously.

It was an unbelievable opportunity! We whipped out our iPhones and started recording the experience.

Then as we were trying to shoot a clip for our St Louis women’s conference, The Circus 2012, we got video of the lion biting David in the back! Oh my!

Have you ever felt like you were wrestling lions and tigers and bears (oh my!) in life?

I sure have… especially on this particular day when we were allowed to pet and play with them. Then I had the crazy idea to talk about our women’s conference because playing with a lion and tiger is one of the most death defying acts I could imagine!

After feeding him a bottle, I got right down on the ground with the baby tiger (yeah, they were babies. I’m not crazy!). Then I started talking about how this conference is going to have a lot of unexpected surprises.

Of course, life has a lot of unexpected surprises!

I’d say happening upon a lion and a tiger in the road is unexpected. But I have a feeling God knew this was going to happen! After all, the Bible talks about meeting lions in the road.

The lazy man says, “There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion is in the streets!” — Proverbs 26:13 (NKJV)

Many times the enemy tries to make things look so scary, so unattainable, so impossible, and so ferocious that it becomes our reason for not living out our destiny.

If it looks too dangerous, too hard, and too scary, we decide to play it safe.

But the Bible says that the enemy prowls around like a roaring lion. It doesn’t say that he is a roaring lion. He’s just making a lot of noise. He has no bite. He was defeated on the Cross over 2000 years ago.

So what opportunities are you missing?

What reward is beyond not allowing the enemy to keep you in fear?

It takes courage, tenacity and an “I will do it” attitude to face the lions and tigers in life. And you don’t have to face them alone. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.

Don’t let the fact that there is a lion in the road (or what seems to be a lion in the road) keep you from anything. If you keep moving forward, you might just find out that the lion you were so afraid of was just a kitten casting a large shadow.

The Circus 2012

If today’s blog has helped you put your fears into perspective, then this year’s women’s conference is just for you. The Circus 2012 is designed to lead you to Godly confidence, courage and strength! And men, if you want to go, you can go for free – just volunteer.

Following God doesn’t mean that a baby lion won’t sneak up on you and try to bite you in the back (it happened to David!), but the reward is so worth it!

What lions have you faced?

Tell us about it and give us courage!

And please don’t forget to buy your ticket before the premium tickets are gone and the price goes up May 31!

I texted my mom yesterday.

Because that’s what people my age do–we text.

Then my mom called me. Because that’s what people my mom’s age do. :)

I wanted to know what my mom wanted to do for Mother’s Day.

Then she turned the tables on me. She said, “You’re a mom too. What do you want to do?”

I wasn’t prepared for that question.

I realize I am a mother too… like my mom… like many of you, but somehow I don’t think of myself so much on Mother’s Day. How about you?

As a mom, it’s not very often that I think about what I want to do. I just do.

I do family. I do things where they are. We do church together. We watch the kids do their activities together. We shop together. We do family time together. We do school activities together. We eat together… a lot (not that we actually eat that much at one sitting, but we eat often together).

We do life together.

I guess that’s what it is to be a mom. Whether it is my mom with me or me with Austin and Ashtyn. Basically, you just want to be where they are.

Austin is getting ready to graduate from college. He has lived at home through college since UMSL is only 30 minutes away. I have to admit, when he made the decision to attend college 30 minutes from the house, my heart leaped!

That’s because a momma wants to be by her babies.

Now that he is graduating, I am gearing up my emotions for him to move out. Some days I actually feel my heart steeling up just a little bit so that I can handle it.

Can you relate?

God is as much male as he is female. He is our Father and our Mother. Sometimes we don’t think about how God wants to be around us… just like our momma does.

• He wants to be at work with us and at home with us.
• He wants to eat together and shop together.
• He wants to have “family time” with us.

When I think about how I want to be around my babies… I finally get it.

The Bible says:

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.

You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another.

–John 15:13-17 (NKJV)

Isn’t this a great reason to set aside time for God in the mornings? And isn’t this a great reason to talk to Him throughout the day?

Because what He wants more than anything is the same thing I want… and my momma wants. God wants time with His babies.

Think about how much you want to be with the people you love, then imagine that God wants to be with you so much more than that!

Introduce Me to Your Family

We all have stories we love to tell about our children. If you have kids, then in the comments below, tell me all about them.

I’m backstage at Daystar Television network.

We’re getting ready to join Marcus & Joni Lamb on today’s live episode of “Celebration.” Today’s show airs at 11am (cst), 8pm (cst) and midnight (cst). You can also watch online.

We’re so blessed to have an opportunity to share the good news on Daystar Television Network. Please forward this video those those that may be interested!

After the Show

Come back after the show and leave a comment right here. What did you like the most about today’s show?

I never thought a girl like me would make it to Capitol Hill.

My background is a little too sketchy to be president.

Teenage moms just don’t get elected.

So when I found myself at the White House meeting with our elected officials, I was quite floored!

Why would they want to hear from someone like me?

For the same reason they would want to hear from someone like you…

We are the King’s kids! God is so good! He has big plans for us.

God’s plans for us are greater than we can imagine.

With Joel & Victoria Osteen

This was my first time in the nation’s capital.

Lincoln Memorial

I expected it to be much dirtier, more urban, something like New York City.

What I found was beautiful.

It had tree-lined streets, a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere, and beautiful monuments to the heroes who built our country.

As you can imagine, I had difficulty figuring out what to wear. I wasn’t feeling the most confident.

I was given strict guidelines like carrying a small purse or no purse at all.

Security was very tight. I actually had to turn in my security documents weeks in advance to be cleared to go to the places that we went.

When made it through high security (bomb sniffing dogs, metal detectors and pat downs), we found the buildings were actually quite normal. They were like any other office building. Some of the furniture was a little older and more beat up than I expected.

It’s not like what you see on television. It’s not at all glamorous. It was just very normal and slightly worn out.

We met senators, representatives, and some governors.

Nancy Pelosi & David Crank

Did you see the photo of David with Nancy Pelosi?

I realized these people have incredibly difficult schedules.

The demands of the public are challenging.

I realize it’s not so easy trying to do the right thing when the right thing is so different to so many people.

It’s really tough to make everyone happy all the time.

I learned that instead of criticizing, beating up, or scolding these public officials, we need to pray for them.

With Jan Brewer, Governor of Arizona

As citizens, it’s important to take time to vote. But that is not enough!

I learned how helpful it is when we take the time to pick up the phone or send an email to let our representatives know what we think.

If we don’t vote, and we don’t take time to tell them what we think, they can’t possibly know what we want done.

If they don’t know what we want done, then how can they do it on our behalf.

The squeaky wheel gets the oil.

It’s easy to complain about what the government is doing or not doing.

But if we are not communicating with them by e-mailing, calling and voting, then we might just have some responsibility for where we are as a country.

Most of all, we should pray.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. –2 Chronicles 7:14

We need to pray for our country and our government officials. We need to pray every day!

Will you join me in getting this country back on the road to Christian values?

Start by committing to write an email.

Send an email of support when they vote on something that upholds Christian values, and write an email letting them know what the right thing is when they are presented with a bill that goes against our values.

Then commit to pray for them.

Are you with me? Let me know in the comments below.

I didn’t cry because of the age I turned. I bawled like a baby because of the way my friends and family made me feel.

I have never felt so much love in all of my life.

I am so grateful and thankful that I was alive to be a part of it.

It really caused me to cry like a baby (not a pretty sniff, sniff… a tear here and tear there — nope).

Tears flowing, snot not far behind, shoulders shaking and words barely audible. I was overcome with emotion!

God knows how to fill you up.

After several years of feeling wounded, empty and unlovable (due to being sexually mistreated as a child), it was humbling (and so paradoxical) to be able to feel the love of others on such a deep level.

40 and Fabulous! with my husband, David Crank

It was the best gift I could ever receive. I have so many thank you’s to extend!

It really touched my heart to see so many friends from around the country take time out of their schedules to travel to St. Louis. I was so surprised as they walked into the room.

Cindy Thomas

She snuck into town after we were together a couple days the week before in New York City with TBN.

She didn’t only keep a great secret, but also made me believe she didn’t know my birthday was coming up! She might need to repent for lying! LOL!

She also did the most phenomenal job emceeing the evening (along with my amazing husband, David). Thank you!

By the way, my husband is not a planner, but he surrounded himself with an amazing team of friends like Adrienne Rainey, Katrina Shaw and Morgan Fannin – and then BAM… it was a lovefest.

Jillian Chambers

She also stayed the entire next day in St. Louis (another surprise).

My wonderful husband arranged for me to have the day off to enjoy special time with my girlfriends from out of town. Thank you!

I’m about to cry again!

Georgina De La Mora, the anointed worship leader and pastor’s wife from Cornerstone Church in San Diego, found a way for someone to care for all of her babies and her church so she could travel to be with us. Thank you!

I can’t wait to join Georgina in San Diego this June at her women’s conference!

Jillian Chambers, me, Cindy Thomas, Sheila Craft, Georgina De La Mora

Sheila Craft is one of the most pure, smart and sweet women of God on this earth.

Laura & Daren Carstens

I’m so thankful that my local friends, Laura Carstens and Jessica Stern, were able to share in my special day too!

Laura Carstens of Enjoy Church in Illinois has been a great friend of mine for many years. Jessica Stern of Destiny Church in St. Louis has been a great friend too. We ate, sang, talked, and laughed.

Video Birthday Cards

I was so humbled by the video greetings sent by dear friends like Lisa Young of Fellowship Church in Dallas, TX. Lisa, your greeting brought tears to me eyes! Thank you.

Steven and Holly Furtick of Elevation church in Charlotte, NC encouraged me so much and gave me so much to live up to! #HumbledAndALittleScared (Yep Steven – LOVE the hat!!!) Thank you.

Kevin and Sheila Gerald of Champion’s Center made everyone a little nervous. They were driving in their car. When they were both looking at the camera, we we were all asking, “Who’s driving?” Those are some mad driving skills Kevin! Thank you.

Troy and Steph Gramling of Potential Church in Cooper City, FL said happy birthday by video and I wanted to get on a plane to Miami right then! Thank you.

Jerry and Hope Snider at Christian World in Lake Charles, LA played and sang Happy Birthday on video. It was awesome! As a gift to you – I won’t sing my thank you! Thank you.

Benny and Wendy Perez of Church of South Las Vegas are special friends in so many ways. We really love them. You were so sweet to send your love. Thank you.

Rich and Robyn Wilkerson or Trinity Church in Miami know just how to make a person feel loved… even right through a video screen! Thank you.

Jackie Vaggalis is such a sweet and prayerful friend. She is from Destiny Church in Destin, Florida. Your video greeting made my heart warm. Thank you.

David and Lisa Hughes of Church by the Glades in Florida did such a great job on their video birthday wish. For a minute, I thought I was watching a television program. You have mad talent! Thank you.

Lori Champion is pastor of Celebration Church in Texas. You were so precious for sending your love. Thank you!

Susan Thomas from Keystone Church in Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas. You did such a sweet job of conveying your thoughts. Thank you Susan!

Friends for years and years, John and Rebecca Polis of Faith Church International in Virginia and North Carolina have always had the most godly and encouraging spirit. Thank you!

To top it all off, the poem written and recorded by my mom touched my heart. And my precious quiet dad – when he actually shared his thoughts on video – I cried all over again. Thank you.

Thank You Faith Church St. Louis

Finally, I want to give a big thank you to my church family. Thank you for sharing in my special day. I could not have imagined a better group of people to share this moment with than you. Thank you.

You may be bored by now. If you are, I apologize – but I felt it necessary to say thank you to all the people who carved out time and energy to make me feel loved.

I want you all to know I love you right back and life would not be the same without your friendship!

Thank you all so much for the most amazing birthday ever!

This week was my birthday! Why do we celebrate big birthdays?

Because we made it! Through whatever obstacles and challenges have happened or tried to hold us back – we made it through.

Celebrate life today – you made it!

Click here to watch more Nicole Crank videos.

Join me tonight for It’s a Girl Thing at 7:30pm at our Sunset Hills location.

This will be an evening of Spa Fun!

Attention all ladies!

Are you looking for something to do this Friday night? We have just the event for you and all your friends.

Come to Faith Church St. Louis at 13001 Gravois Road, St Louis, MO, 63127 for an evening designed just for you.

We will have an awesome message by Pastor Nicole Crank. Light appetizers will be served and if you have ever wanted to enjoy a spa experience at church… this is a night you won’t want to miss.

We are offering three DIY (Do it Yourself) areas where you can learn how to use a flat iron to style your hair, perform a relaxing hand massage and learn new and exciting ways to apply make up for this summer.

Along with the DIY areas we will also have many vendor areas where you will be able to sample and purchase products. You can even sign up for a free massage. Spots are limited so come early!

Friday, April 20, 2012 at 7:30pm
13001 Gravois Road
Sunset Hills, MO 63127

I’m guilty.

I admit, I’m guilty.

Right now, in front of everyone… I lay it on the line.

I. AM. GUILTY.

Guilty of what you may be wondering.

Well, there is a list.

When I am at the office late (almost everyday), I feel guilty I am not with my kids or husband.

When I take time with my family, I feel guilty that I am not working (even if it is my day off). Ironic, huh?

With the kids, I feel guilty about husband time. And with the hubby, I feel guilty about kid time.

We haven’t even talked about the dog, the neighbors, the P.T.A., the room mothers, and my friends.

Who has time for friends? Wow, I feel really bad about how I treat them too.

Heaven forbid I spend an hour alone because then I feel guilty about everyone!

When I workout, I feel guilty because I am not with the family or working. When I don’t have time to workout (because I’m with my family or working), I feel guilty that I am not taking care of my body.

When I eat fried foods or sweets, I feel like I am not taking care of myself. When I turndown sweets or fried foods, I feel like others think I am being self-righteous.

How do we win?

Guilt is a tool of the enemy.

Guilt attempts to rob us of our happiness (no matter where we are or what we are doing).

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). –John 10:10 (AMP)

Overflows…

God wants us to experience so much joy that it overflows onto other people. When they see how much fun we are having, they’ll want to know what we have that they don’t… Jesus.

That’s why the first thing the enemy comes to steal is our joy – though little pangs of guilt.

Sneaky, huh?

These little pangs aren’t “major” enough to get our attention. If they were, then we would correct the problem.

But guilt actually feels right… somehow justified.

That’s why we need to remember feelings are crazy, fickle creatures. They are wrong just as often as they are right.

Let’s talk about how to kill guilt.

Kill guilt! Kill guilt! I had to work myself up to this because I am really guilty of it.

If Jesus said that the reason He came was so that I could enjoy life (so much that I overflow with it), then this is the key… I am just going to enjoy it!

• Enjoy my time alone.
• Enjoy my kids when I am with them.
• Enjoy my husband when we have our moments.
• Enjoy work while I am there.
• Enjoy the calories when I indulge and (be proud of myself when I have the courage to turn them down).

Right now I decide to go ahead and encourage others… to show them how to stomp out guilt… to share with them how to enjoy the very place they are right now!

Suck it in.

If you’re at the office on your break, be thrilled you are employed.

If you’re on your phone reading this, let’s just do a dance that you have a smart phone (no matter where you are on it).

If you are unemployed right now, be excited about a break from the rat race.

If you are covered in kid puke right now, be happy it is just a passing flu and nothing serious.

If it is something serious, enjoy that we have this time together.

God gave me life, and by George, I am not going to let the enemy guilt me into not enjoying it!

It’s a Girl Thing this Month

I will be talking about how it is okay to enjoy life and pamper ourselves a little bit at the It’s a Girl Thing women’s meeting on April 20th at our Sunset Hills Campus at 7:30pm.

We will have some great salons in house as well as some fabulous D.I.Y. spa treatments you can do at home.

Come be with us! The event is free and childcare is provided for ages 0-4. Come and don’t fell guilty about it!

What about you?

Are you committed to stomping out guilt today? Have you fought similar battles? Tell us about it. Encourage us!

Pampering Is Good

I love to be pampered.

Does that make me bad?

I don’t think so. I think it makes me… normal.

If someone else bends over and paints my toenails or rubs my back, it makes me smile.

It changes my mood. It relaxes me. There is nothing wrong with a little pampering, right?

I don’t know about you, but I am naturally a little bit of a martyr.

I work hard… and I work a lot.

I don’t sit down until things are cleaned up.

I try to make sure that everyone else is taken care of before I relax.

And it never seems like everyone else is taken care of!

I know I am not alone.

There are a lot of people out there like me – and my friends, this blog is for you.

Today, I want to officially give you permission to pamper yourself.

I don’t know exactly what that means to you, but I do know (if you are anything like me) that you feel like you need permission for a little pampering.

So if you can afford to make a phone call to schedule a manicure or massage, or if today is the day you talk someone into rubbing your back for 15 minutes while they put on some relaxing music, then do it.

If you want to play 9 holes, or call a babysitter to watch your kids (so that you can go somewhere, well… anywhere other than where you are right now), then do it.

God knows how difficult it is for some of us to rest, relax and take it easy.

That’s why He told us to “make every effort to enter that rest.” (Hebrews 4:11)

Of course, getting to a place where we can rest can take a lot of work. What an oxymoron… I love how that word says moron (LOL).

For instance, one of my best times to think is while I am sleeping. Perhaps the rest of the world is finally quiet enough so that I can meditate on what I need to deal with. Regardless of why, answers come flying to me in my sleep.

Then I have to wake up to write things down. Otherwise, I lay awake in bed scared to death that I am going to forget the great answer that I just received. After all that, I “make every effort” to go back to sleep again.

This is not rest.

What is rest?

Rest is closing your eyes, dreaming about something fantastic (and remembering it… or not), then waking up hours later.

Rest is spending quiet time thinking about what you want to think about or doing what you want to do.

Rest is what God intended for us to experience one day out of every week.

That is what the Sabbath is… a day of (breathe in, breathe out)… rest.

It is a day to renew, revitalize, rejuvenate and revive.

It is a Godly thing.

Consider this, today’s blog post, permission to rest.

Schedule an hour for yourself.

Or schedule two or three. Why not make it four?

Pamper yourself a little bit. That’s what God wants you to do.

Pamper Yourself is the theme of this month’s It’s a Girl Thing event.

It’s a Girl Thing is our quarterly women’s meeting. This will be our second meeting of the year.

It just so happens to follow one day after my 40^th birthday.

I’m not scared of turning forty, but a party with friends can’t hurt, so join me on April 20 our Sunset Hills campus (7:30pm). Click here for more details about this event.

We will worship together. Then, we’re all going to get pampered a little bit by some of the area’s best salons as well as some fun DIY salon services.

And the pampering has a double meaning!

We are also collecting Pampers, baby wipes, baby food and all things “baby” (so long as the items are new and unused please).

We will donate these items to single moms and families need.

So be sure to bring something to allow a little baby to be pampered too.

See you there!

The Circus 2012 is right around the corner. Make plans to join us for this year’s women’s conference. Visit http://thecircus2012.com for more information.