The PraiseMoves CPI Eagle Award for Excellence in Ministry and Leadership
“But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” Isaiah 40:31
2010-2011 Recipient:
NolaJeanne Baird, CPI Oklahoma
First instituted in 2008, and given every two years, the CPI Eagle Award goes to the CPI (Certified PraiseMoves Instructor) who exemplifies qualities of selflessness and servant-leadership in ministry, initiative and creativity in class structure and presentation; plus enthusiasm and encouragement of students and fellow CPIs.
NolaJeanne became a CPI in September of 2005. Since then she has been inspired by the Lord to create many PraiseMoves postures and Scripture Sequences, as well as the majority of the posture modifications for those with physical challenges. Nola has added immeasurably to the body of knowledge from which all CPIs can benefit.
NolaJeanne is a gifted teacher, CPI Trainer and is the CPI Coordinator for every Certified PraiseMoves Instructor around the world. She also oversees the International correspondence program for CPIs outside of North America.
Nola became Laurette’s Adminstrative Assistant in April 2005 and since then has become an invaluable co-laborer in ministry. She is a dedicated Prayer Warrior, encourager and mentor to CPIs and CPIs-in-Training. As supervisor of the shipping department, Nola prays over every single package of PraiseMoves products that leave our offices, and takes her responsibilities very seriously, as unto the Lord.
She has taught several PraiseMoves classes, including the PE component at a local Christian school, several years at a retirement center (where her eldest student was 97 years-young!), and PraiseKids at her church in Tahlequah, OK.
While eagles may seem to fly alone, they do fly with other eagles. They fly above the storm instead of hiding in a cave — and they can always see where they are going (the eye of the eagle — vision oriented and mission-minded).
NolaJeanne will always fly above the storm because as she flies, she also resides in the secret place of the Most High.
Congratulations, NolaJeanne, you inspire us to soar, and to believe.
Previous Eagle Award Recipient:
MaryAnn Haslett, CPI Trainer, PA
Eagle Award Recipient 2008-2009
Special Congratulations to 2 more CPIs are in order:
Kay Snow, CPI Virginia
is CPI of the Year 2011
Susan Gaddy Pope, CPI New Jersey
is CPI Rookie of the Year 2011
Both CPIs exhibit Outstanding Service to the Lord in Fitness Ministry.
Hear what some of NolaJeanne’s fellow CPIs say about this soaring Eagle!
1. From 1st Eagle Award recipient, MaryAnn Haslett:
Dear NolaJeanne,
What a Special, Sweet Soul you are… with a song in your heart and on your lips in Praise to the Lord! You are a precious gem – a petite ‘Song Bird” or should I say “Song Baird” and I am blessed to know you as a sister and dear friend through this ministry.
You give your heart and soul in everything you do, and you do it with prayer and praise to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. When I think of you, I think of the epitome of a prayer warrior – you pray without ceasing and we, in this PraiseMoves ministry are among the many blessed recipients of those heartfelt, compassionate prayers!
NolaJeanne, you are a model PraiseMover – and we are so fortunate that you share your gifts in all you do for PraiseMoves. Some of my favorite postures are ones that you has originated – Angel Bow, Leaning Heart, Yadah, Wings of the Wind, Standing Cross & the Treader – I incorporate these in most every class. When I think of ALL the Scripture Sequences that you have written the one that most reminds me of you is:
The LORD your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 NKJV
I envision the Lord rejoicing over you with gladness & singing, for that is how you live your life – rejoicing and singing in His presence! Congratulations on being presented with this Eagle Award. You are most deserving! ILYABAAPAAHATN!
-MaryAnn Haslett, CPI Trainer Pennsylvania
2. A New CPI in Wisconsin:
I have only been a CPI for a couple of months, but I know that I have probably worn poor Nola out with my endless questions and ideas. Yet, through all my pestering, she has patiently ministered and helped me, always encouraging and calling my silly ideas “wonderful.” I truly appreciate how she treats every idea and question as if it were the very first time she had heard of it. She calls ME a blessing to her!!
If all of our world leaders were like NolaJeanne, could you imagine what a fantastic world this would be? It staggers the imagination!
-Alicia Rice, CPI Wisconsin
3. From CPI Trainer in Indiana:
NolaJeanne is, to me, such an inspiration. She is what a Christian woman should look like. She is always there for EVERYONE with deeds and prayers. These past years, she has become my sister and I love her VERY much. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of the Eagle award.
Congrats NJ!!!
-Laura Lindgren, CPI Trainer Indiana
4. The first thing that I noticed about NolaJeanne was her attentive and caring heart. When I was preparing for my certification she sent me E-mails from time to time to find out how my studies were coming and gave me encouraging words. I remember thinking how blessed you were to have her as an expression of your own heart. She is a true servant and honors God by loving others.
Another area of detailed attention she has given is in the area of product orders. On two different occasions this year I have needed orders to be processed and shipped in a timely fashion in order make a presentation deadline. The first time I just knew the order would be handled with care and it was and sent out so that I received it on time. The second time I would not have called except for a glitch with the internet ordering and when she heard the date my presentation was scheduled NolaJeanne went above and beyond to see it was shipped that day. I know in my heart she prayed for me and for all those who would attend as she packed these materials.
I thank God for NJ and believe for that great big measuring scoop with which she measures out support, love, prayer and compassion to be the same one God multiplies back to her in every desire of her heart.
The scripture that comes to mind for her is Psalm 103: 1,5 AMP:
“Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name! Who satisfies your mouth (your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation) with good so that your youth ,renewed, is like the eagle’s (strong, overcoming, soaring)!”
I am so blessed to know she will be the recipient of this honor. I know it will be a sweet presentation and reception. Blessings in Jesus.
-Crystal Cupp, CPI Virginia
5. Nola is amazing! Her energy and enthusiasm are contagious!! She is a deeply genuine person who has crazy love for Jesus and for people! Congratulations Miss Nola Jeanne. You are LOVED 
-Marlene Jones, CPI Oklahoma
6. Congratulations Nola! You so deserve this award. When I think of PraiseMoves and its operation, I think first of Laurette and secondly, Nola. Nola is Laurette’s very dedicated assistant.
Nola is a confident Eagle, sure of herself moving with such grace as she flows from one posture to the next. Nola has a tenacious work ethic and a very joyful spirit of excellence. How wonderful to know such a Mighty Eagle in the Kingdom of God!
Love ya Nola,
-Tronda Graham, CPI Kentucky
7. I will always remember the time (2/09) that we were almost snowed in at a PraiseMoves Training/Re-Cert. class in Tulsa. Nola tried to balance as much training as she could with our safe travel. It was a beautiful snow, but we were all needing to get home to enjoy it from a cozy chair.
I appreciate you, Nola.
-Pam Terry, CPI Oklahoma
8. Congratulations of your CPI Eagle Award! As I reflect upon the many times I’d conversed with you via email and all your wonderful support, direction and prayers, I can understand why YOU were selected for this award.
CONGRATULATIONS again! In love & peace,
-Dawn Chaput, CPI Massachusetts
9. From a CPI Veteran in Connecticut:
I’m thrilled NolaJeanne is our next Eagle. Although we’ve never met, in my nearly 6 years with PM, there are three characteristics of an eagle that I can clearly see in her. First, NolaJeanne is a visionary. Not only did she recognize the immediate need for senior modifications to PM postures, but she developed them. While many CPIs my not use them now, as the US population ages, they’re bound to be used in increasing frequency. I also delight in the possibility of an unsaved hearts being led to Jesus later in life via PM. She is also very skilled as developing Scripture Sequences. My students & I have enjoyed every one them.
Second, NolaJeanne has endurance like I’d expect of an eagle. I don’t expect to fathom all the administrative work she has done for the ministry. All of it has been done for me as if she viewed as one of her young; gentle & attentive. She has always responded punctually to my inquiries, mailed DVDs in the same fashion, and with always an encouraging note that shares the joy of Jesus in her heart. I expect the PM ministry as we know it would not be possible without her. She demonstrates a servant’s heart. She also has a humble heart. Anyone who is willing to stand “behind” the leader (Laurette) to help her shine is a leader is disguise.
Lastly, I can imagine NolaJeanne standing firm in her faith as an eagle claws her talons in the nest indepedent of the weather conditions. She is a mentor to me as an amazing prayer warrior. Whenever I’ve asked for prayer, she quickly responded & I trust she has prayed for me. I believe this is her greatest personal gift to me & I am grateful. One time I had theological question that was bugging me. I emailed it to her. She responded with wisdom & also surprised me with a CD of a sermon that answered the question in more depth! It was a powerful sermon I’ll never forget. That’s what I call soaring above others in discipleship!
I don’t know if I’ll meet Nola Jeanne here on earth, but boy am I going to run up & give her a big hug in heaven!
-Elizabeth Adam, CPI Connecticut
10. Hi! Wonderful news for NolaJeanne, she deserves it!
I want to give her lots of thanks for being there for me. She has always answered me with such encouragement and prayer. Every time I get an email from her I get so uplifted and know I have a wonderful friend in Christ! She is truly a blessing! I know she prays for us everyday – that is NolaJeanne
Thanks Nola!
Love,
-Sherri Moore, CPI Colorado
11. From our first CPI in the Philippines:
GREAT job, NolaJeanne ! I imagine the Lord rejoicing with you!
-Marivic Vidaure, CPI Philippines
