Lane Powell Jordan is an author, speaker, Bible teacher, recording artist, and professional life coach. She studied Fashion Merchandising and Marketing at Auburn University, and later received a B.A. in Journalism and Broadcasting from Georgia State University in Atlanta.
Early in her ministry, Lane served as the Associate Producer for the weekly television program, In Touch, with Dr. Charles Stanley, and also as the Editor of the First Baptist Church of Atlanta’s weekly newsletter, The Witness.
After living in Littleton, Colorado for eight years, Lane moved to Frisco, Texas in the Dallas area. In 2007, she married Scott, who encourages her and partners with her in ministry.
You initially studied and worked in other fields (marketing and television). Was your writing a detour, or always a part of your plan?
I have wanted to write since I was a young girl, writing in a diary. Fortunately, the jobs I had in marketing and television required me to write. It wasn’t until I started speaking for the Lord with my testimony did I begin the process of writing a book.
How does your faith play into your work?
My faith is the catalyst for all my work. My passion is sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to as many people as I possibly can, mainly women. He is our answer to any of life’s problems and He wants to give us life here on earth as well as eternal life.
When did you discover you had a knack for organizing?
When I was a little girl I would organize the shoes in my closet! I just seem to have a bent where I can see a room or an area and know how to put it right. And when I realized I wanted to speak more for the Lord a friend encouraged me to write a book so I could speak more and said it “had to be on organization!”
Let’s talk about 12 Steps to Becoming a More Organized Woman (Hendrickson Publishers, Inc, October 2013). Please tell us about it.
I am thrilled with this release because I feel that it can help so many women who feel lost and overwhelmed with all that is in their lives. It’s not actually a “how to” book but rather a book than delves into how God can be so important in every aspect of our lives—which can then help us be the woman, wife and mother we want to be.
The first book by this title was published fifteen years ago and was in its ninth printing when Hendrickson asked me to write it again with updates. The Internet was just beginning and Facebook wasn’t even invented yet! So yes, it was time for an update.
What’s the first step or action point to becoming more organized?
I’m asked this a lot and it’s actually a four letter word: plan! Whether we want our homes neater or more time with our children, if we don’t plan for it, it won’t happen. As a Christian, I also share that prayer works wonders: To start each day with a prayer even if it’s just 15 seconds.
You’ve also written a seasonal book, 12 Steps to Having a More Organized Christmas and Holiday Seasons. Please share a favorite tip for getting/staying organized despite the hustle and bustle of the coming weeks.
The best tip is to start early. As early as possible. That might mean shopping all through the year; contacting family members and coordinating the holiday dinners and visits; planning the Christmas photo/cards; and planning when the family will get the tree and start decorating. Once these are planned and put on a calendar or a to-do list, you will get them done.
The biggest problem with Christmas is that we now have such huge expectations. Even fifty years ago, a Christmas shop was unheard of. Now they are everywhere and most people have more than one tree. The magazines make having the “perfect Christmas” seem easy. But for a young mom with small children, the best advice is to concentrate on a few things you really want to do and ignore the rest. Our focus needs to be on Jesus and His celebration.
A few fun questions…
What’s your favorite comfort food and why?
For dinner, I love mashed potatoes, pot roast or some great chicken. For snacks, my comfort food is Lays potato chips and anything chocolate.
This website features musicians as well as writers. Do you have musical, as well as literary, talent?
Well actually I sing and have released a CD of contemporary Christian songs. In fact, if I could do anything in the world, it would be a country gospel singer!
If you were a song, what kind of song would you be?
Very upbeat, happy song. A song you would want to dance to!
In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?
I think I’m the strong, female lead—I’ve had to go through many trials and with God’s presence I’ve made it through.
I’m a dog lover. Please tell us about your pets, if any, or your favorite pet as a child.
I always wanted a horse but never got one. I grew up with lots of dogs and some cats. Personally, I’ve owned dogs and cats and I get very attached to them. They are family! Probably my favorite would be our golden retriever, Ashton. She was the smartest and most wonderful dog I have ever known.
Thanks you, Lane! It’s a pleasure to have you as a guest at DivineDetour.
Thank you! It was a pleasure.
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For more information about Lane, visit her website.
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