Candy Abbott: Speaker

Candy's intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit elicits a deep emotional response in those who yearn to hear the Voice of God. Rooted and grounded in the Vine, it is her heart's desire for the Fruit of the Spirit to be so evident in her own life that it will produce a harvest of righteousness in others through her writing and speaking.

With a rare combination of skill, poise, discernment, and tact, she shares a wealth of knowledge with joy. Drawn by Candy's willingness to make herself vulnerable, audiences are impacted by her creative ability to find Biblical application in everyday life. Her Spirit-led words and personal anecdotes come forth with sincerity and compassion that bring conviction in the gentlest way, inspiring a new hunger for the Word of God and a passion for Christ's presence.

The Lord has been ministering through Candy since 1983 when He called her to write and publish her non-fiction book, Fruitbearer: What Can I Do For You, Lord? Now in its third printing, this urgent call to grassroots believers is scheduled for release in November 2005. Come with Candy on her spiritual journey and discover a new depth and fresh appreciation for what God is doing in your life, even in distressing times. As the Lord meets you between the lines of her book, your heart will be quickened to say, "What can I do for You, Lord?" Get ready for an adventure in fruitbearing as the Master calls you by name. When the trumpet sounds for the Lord's return, may He find you communing with Him, bearing fruit for the Kingdom-fruit that will last.

"The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
Luke 10:2, NIV

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Fearless when following the leading of the Lord, especially in her writing, Candy is tackling the challenge of telling a teen nerd's story (think Charlie Brown and Harry Potter) who must save his hometown in a spiritual battle of good and evil. According to her agent, the six-book Bible-based Gavin Goodfellow series holds much promise.

But youth fiction is only part of Candy's literary calling. In addition to her non-fiction book, Fruitbearer: What Can I Do For You, Lord, her stories appear in: Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul; Chicken Soup for the Volunteer's Soul; Chicken Soup for the Christian Woman's Soul; For Better, For Worse; The Heart of a Father; Touched by Angels of Mercy; Stories for a Teen's Heart 2; Stories for a Woman's Heart, God Answers Prayers, and My Turn to Care.

Named "Writer of the Year" at the 2003 Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference, Candy enjoys her role as public speaker and workshop presenter. As well as being a CLASServices graduate, she is a graduate of the Institute of Children's Literature (Writing for Children and Teenagers), and directs Delmarva's Christian Writers' Fellowship.

Topics Include

God-Incidences

Have you been crying out to God but despair when He doesn't seem to answer? Or perhaps, like Jonah, the Lord has spoken to you through a whale of God-incidences but you failed to appreciate them. Through her life experiences, Candy will teach you to recognize God's intervention as the Holy Spirit gently guides you through good times and bad. With practice, you will come to know the difference between coincidence and God-incidence. As God's voice and intervention become easier to distinguish, you will find yourself walking confidently into a fuller relationship with Him.

Use Me, Lord

Do you feel God's call on your life? Or are you confused about where your life path is taking you? Is your heart hungry to serve Him but your circumstances say "no"? After discovering her call through twists and turns she never expected, Candy presents life lessons from her own walk of faith that will help you recognize and appreciate the unique pieces in your own call to discipleship. This lesson in relinquishment will have you taking a fresh look at the value of the word "surrender."

From Worry to Wonder to Worship

Are you tired of worrying? Do you wonder what God is up to? This session features a 3-point "Faith-in-Action" program for combating daily strife that will bring you to a place of worship. If you're tempted to fret over the sometimes uncertain paths your life is taking, Candy's testimony will inspire you to confidently and gladly follow Christ wherever He leads.

Praying Your Way Through Your Day

Does every day feel like drudgery? Listen as Candy taps into techniques developed during her 35 years as an administrative assistant that will help you keep faith and sanity in the workplace … and at home. Candy's habit of praying her way through each day will spark a desire to make trusting Christ as natural as breathing, no matter what your day may bring.

Feelings: Prayers for Women in a Wacky World

Are you on an emotional roller coaster? Take a break and climb off for an hour while Candy demonstrates how to identify your feelings from A to Z (from Abandoned to Zany). You'll learn how to locate relevant Scriptures and listen as God speaks to you through devotional journaling. You will leave with renewed peace and focus.

Celebrating the NOW

It may seem impossible to "celebrate the now" when you're going through divorce, when your health is failing, when you discover your child isn't "normal," when your boss makes unreasonable demands, when you've lost your job or can't pay the bills. Candy weathered all these things and discovered valuable life lessons and a positive attitude. In Celebrating the Now Candy shares her secrets to discovering God's joy in the midst of despair. She did it, and she'll help you do it, too.

Sisters in Christ

In 1983, Candy and a friend started a home-based fellowship that has crossed denominational barriers, stood the test of time, and changed lives. If you're already in covenant with your Sisters in Christ, you'll value the relationship more than ever. If not, you'll leave eager to join a group. What? You can't find a women's Bible study in your area? Then pray and let Candy show you how to start a group of your own!

Love Stuff (Love's Tough)

Love happens when people forgive. Using Candy's Five-F worksheet, discover how you can experience the ultimate Fruit by allowing the love of the Father to be reflected in your relationships with Family, Friends, and-yes, even Foes.

Candy delights in customizing programs to fit her audiences. From middle school youth to mother-daughter banquets and senior citizens, she is available to coordinate and present day-long seminars and weekend retreats. If the topics listed here don't meet your needs, please call for information on other presentations.