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Jo Franz Inspiring Readers and Listeners to Soar Unafraid through Life Joyfully
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Online Status: Last On: Jan 21, 2010 - 4:37 PM
Profile Views: 1,295
Member Since: August 21, 2007
Location: Battle Ground, WA
ShoutLife Address: shoutlife.com/jofranz
Website: www.jofranz.com
Genre: Christian Help
Primary Publishers: Tate Publishing, LLC
Influences:
J. I. Packer, C. S. Lewis, Joni Eareckson Tada, Philip Yancey, Dr. Dan B. Allender, Paul Meier, M.D., Dr. Henry Cloud, Dr. John Townsend, Brennan Manning, Henri J. M. Nouwen,
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General Interests
Spending time alone with God. Sight-seeing and wildlife viewing along with jeeping in the Rockies--I love God's creation--with my husand Ray, actually doing anything with Ray! Reading, writing, public speaking and singing (well, singing any time-songs pop out of my mouth!), sharing my testimony and teaching God's Word, encouraging others and not-by-any-means-last: spending time with our family and adorable grandchildren. I love a life of adventure!
Music
Jazz, James Taylor, Judy Collins, classic oldies, (especially The 5th Dimension, Chicago, and The Association), R & B, Soul, Hillsong Praise and contemporary Christian as well as old Gospel songs.
Books
I enjoy a good mystery novel, including legal thrillers like those of John Grisham. Safely Home by Randy Alcorn and Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers are Christian novels I highly recommend. I also read a lot of memoirs and books about emotional and spiritual growth.
Movies/TV
Favorites of all time: Chariots of Fire and Shadowlands. We watch every so often American Flyers (since we rode our tandem for years, including 5 MS Bike Tours to raise funds for the National MS Society), Fly Away Home and some action movies. (Why can't producers leave out the bad language?) I like Bones and some of the CSI can be interesting, though we turn off certain stories. I love mysteries! (Actually, my book unfolds like one.
Published Works
SOAR Through Anything Life May Bring (2009)
50 Inspiring Tips to Empower You to SOAR in College Life, Relationships, and Work Despite the Unexpected

Buy SOAR Through Anything Life May Bring Online

Soar Unafraid, Learning to Trust No Matter What (2007)
Just when life bloomed full of promise, multiple sclerosis attacked Jo's body. How would she cope with this erratic disease? How would she overcome her husband's betrayal? Unveiling her struggles to understand--not merely survive--MS and her painful unwanted divorce, transforming them into meaningful life experiences, author Jo Franz leads readers through her story of perseverance and continually growing faith. Not only learning who she is, but to whom she belongs, Jo finds love and triumphant victories despite abuse, abandonment and physical injury, showing the world how she can Soar Unafraid.

"You have so blessed me! I could not put 'Soar Unafraid' down. (And I rarely feel that way about a book.) The Lord ministered to me, convicted me, encouraged me, and challenged as I read your story. Your vulnerability. Your attitude of joy, love, and complete surrender to the Lord and His will for you made every chapter powerful and inspiring. I'll delight in referring it to others!" C. Barnes

"I read it cover to cover?I couldn't put it down. What a testimony of God's faithfulness in your life and your obedience to His will, even at great cost to you and those you love." Judie Amen

"I loved your book. It is awesome! I didn't want to put it down. You've been through so much, and all I have to go through is a needle with chemo therapy." Kandy Thomas

"What a GREAT book! I savored every page and loved your wonderful word pictures! I know God will use it over and over and over again. I can guess at the toll it took on you to write this book but I know God will use it for eternal purposes!" Jan Mathers

"How encouraging, uplifting and challenging for me, the mother of a precious daughter diagnosed with MS at age 26, to read Jo Franz story, "Soar Unafraid". Jo writes so openly of her challenges with Multiple Sclerosis and its impact on her life, her family, and her mobility. She shares her innermost thoughts, as she struggles each day with this disease and yet allows God's grace to faithfully lead her moment by moment. She never gives up! She enjoys life to the fullest with each step in the day. I am challenged to do the same and "Soar Unafraid". Karen Bernhardt

Buy Soar Unafraid, Learning to Trust No Matter What Online

Groups
Calling all Christians , Christian e-zines index , Christian Entertainment Indust , Christian Wife Support , Chronic Pain , Disability Talk , disABLED , Exploring the Gr8 Northwest , Internet Radio , Media Room for Literary Art , Women Healing from Abuse
QuickLinks: About - Blog - Friends - Guestbook

About Jo Franz
Jo Franz is an author, speaker, song writer and recording artist, who has lived with multiple sclerosis since 1977. She inspires and motivates others to soar unafraid joyfully through a life filled with God's Abba-Daddy love.

Having experienced numerous difficulties, Jo easily relates to the hurts of others. She understands the devastation of betrayal and unwanted divorce. She has suffered severe physical trauma which should have left her paralyzed or dead. She knows the agonizing need to work through deep emotional pain to have healed relationships. And Jo knows what it means to pray for children on your knees for years. Yet joy emanates from her life and she nearly bursts to share Christ's love with others!

Audiences have requested her life story in print since 1984. "Soar Unafraid, Learning to Trust No Matter What" has just been released to illustrate how one grows through pain, rather than explain to readers through steps.

Jo autographed her book in July at the ICRS (Christian Booksellers Convention) in Atlanta. She was interviewed for two TV programs that will air on DIRECTV soon, "Atlanta Live," and "By the Book." Jo now has a clip of one of those interviews on her website.

Jo is a popular speaker for conferences, church services, and special events. She weaves in songs that inspire, leaving audiences praising God for His faithfulness in Jo's life, as well as a desire to know Him more deeply themselves.

Jo and her husband, Ray, are honored to be featured in Gary Thomas' book, "Sacred Influence."

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT JO:

"Jo's vulnerability is a gift to Christ's church. 'Soar Unafraid' is the tale of a life faithfully lived. What a vulnerable, powerful testimony! In persevering and growing toward God even in difficulties and disappointments, Jo gives inspiration, pointing us toward the grace, redemption, and hope found in Christ."
Gary Thomas, author of "Sacred Marriage" and "Sacred Influence."

"With tender vulnerability and biblical wisdom, Jo shares her journey of physical and emotional healing. Her faith challenges and inspires me. I enthusiastically recommend this book."
Sandra D. Wilson, PhD., seminary professor, spiritual director, and retired family therapist. Author of "Released From Shame" and "Into Abba's Arms."

"Jo, as you lift up the Lord Jesus in all that you say, do, and sing, truly, in your life you allow God to show up His power best through your weakness!"
Joni Eareckson Tada. Speaker, Author, Founder of Joni and Friends

"Thank you, Jo, for the faith, love, and courage you shared with us at the Baptist Church of Bromma/Stockholm, Sweden. Through your witness and songs we could see a faithful God who uses a wonderful voice in a weak body. 'In Christ alone' is a message you gave us. We need to hear and follow it, and your own life is an example."
Christer Delander, Kyrka vid Brommaplan, Bromma/Stockholm, Sweden

"Thank you SO much for sharing your story of faith on "Water through the Word" RADIO. You will influence thousands, perhaps millions of people by your powerful story! I am so encouraged by your faith and your love for the Lord. Thank you for what you do and who you stand for. You truly glorify God with your life!"
Erin Campbell, Water through the Word Ministries

JO HAS STORIES IN OTHER BOOKS:
"The One Year Life Verse Devotional"
"His Forever"
"Teatime Stories for Mothers"
"Heart Stirring Stories of Romance"
"Bounce Back Too"
"Stories of God's Abundance for a More Joyful Life"
"God's Vitamin 'C' for the Hurting Spirit"

SHE HAS ALSO CONTRIBUTED TO THESE BOOKS:
"The Art of Helping"
"Love Extravagantly"
"Tailor-Made Marriage"
"Come as You Are"

Visit Jo's web site


Find out about having Jo speak for your group or event


Watch Jo's book trailer


Jo's Product Site


Atlanta Live TV Interview


Today's Breathing Room radio interview with Candace House


It's Time To Breath radio interview with Candace House and Amy Hagberg
Blog
God's Treasure   2/26/2008 - 7:09 PM
How many of you feel like God's unique treasure? The media tell us -- via TV, movies, magazine or newspaper ads and articles, let alone the internet?we must look younger than we are, more beautiful, thinner than is healthy, talented, healthy, and ric... (login or sign up to read more)
4 views - 2 replies - Most Recent Reply: 02/27/08 - 5:33 PM
Ever feel sad with no apparent reason?   2/16/2008 - 4:53 PM
I've been realizing since I awoke today I feel a deep sadness. After praying for God to "Search me and know me..." (Psalm 139:23-24)I became aware I hadn't put on the armor of God! As I named each piece and affixed it in my mind I knew I had been und... (login or sign up to read more)
8 views - 2 replies - Most Recent Reply: 02/17/08 - 7:04 PM
Comanche Moon...Calling Any Men of Honor   1/23/2008 - 3:01 PM
Since we occasionally enjoy a Western we decided to watch the mini-series, "Comanche Moon." By the end of the second episode my husband said, "Aren't there any men of character in this?" I felt the same. Perhaps the script writer(s) and the producer(... (login or sign up to read more)
4 views - 2 replies - Most Recent Reply: 01/24/08 - 5:50 PM
Comanche Moon   1/19/2008 - 5:36 PM
Since we occasionally enjoy a Western we decided to watch the mini-series, "Comanche Moon." By the end of the second episode my husband said, "Aren't there any men of character in this?" I felt the same. Perhaps the script writer(s) and the producer(... (login or sign up to read more)
5 views - 0 replies
Talking with Candace House on Today's Breathing...   12/17/2007 - 6:16 PM
Monday, December 10, I had the privilege of being interviewed by Candace House for Today's Breathing Room radio program. She is a scream! We had such a good time, the 30 minute interview turned into almost 90 and we could have gone on and on! What jo... (login or sign up to read more)
4 views - 0 replies
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