Proverbs 31 Ministries announced today that we're giving away another SHE SPEAKS scholarship from Cecil Murphy ! We thought it'd be fun to introduce you to our team who will be leading the conference, so we're hosting a carnival of P31 blogs. That's where we'll be sharing a personal story about being called to speak or an experience at She Speaks. From your comments we'll draw a random winner! I decided to answer some of the most common questions I get about speaking:What came first, your speaking ministry or your role in the Proverbs 31 Ministry? My role with Proverbs 31 Ministries came first. I joined the staff in 1995 as editor of our P31 newsletter (before it was a full color magazine) and served in that role until1999. For the next two years, I volunteered in various capacities at the ministry but mostly I spent my kids' nap times digging deep into God’s Word and letting Him dig deep into my heart. I would write down pages of Scriptures and journal about everything God was teaching me. I didn't know it, but it was a season of preparation. God was doing a new and very deep work in my heart.
How did your speaking ministry begin? My speaking ministry started at my home church. 
During my “digging deep” season, the Lord laid it on my heart to write a small topical Bible study for a supper seminar my pastor’s wife had taught. The leaders had been praying for a gift to give the attendees but I didn't know it, so they asked me to write the Bible study. At at the end of the last fall supper seminar 1000 copies were given away. I was overwhelmed but loved seeing how God was using all He had been teaching me to encourage other women. In the spring I was asked to share my testimony at a supper seminar and then teach a 4 week series based on the study I’d written.
How did your speaking ministry grow? The next year, I wrote another study and taught two more series. Then in 2001 Proverbs 31 Ministries hosted our first annual She Speaks Conference and my church sent me to it. At the end of the conference, I sensed there was more. God was moving in powerful ways in my heart to confirm a calling I had sensed for 10 years but run from due to many fears I'd had. Lysa shared that P31 wanted to build a speaker team of ambassadors for the ministry. All I'd been through and all God had taught me had led me to this place. I’d been serving at P31 for years and had such a passion for the ministry. From that point on, God grew me, my messages and my speaking ministry through opportunities at my church’s events, Bible studies, local dinner events and MOPs groups. Then God brought invitations from churches in other cities and eventually in other states. Each year God enlarged that circle and now I have the honor of getting to meet God's girls and speak His truth into their hearts from coast to coast.
When it became obvious God was calling you into a speaking ministry, how did you choose the topics you would speak on? Every one of my topics is birthed and developed in my heart through life experiences and lessons God is teaching me personally. My messages reflect my greatest desires, struggles and passions such as reading God’s Word and allowing it to transform my heart and the way I live in my everyday life and relationships; hearing, recognizing and listening to God’s voice and not the enemy’s accusations; living a purpose-filled and balanced life as a wife, mom and child of God.
Are there resources you recommend for someone who feels called to speak?
The Reason We Speak, Gen Ed Marybeth Whalen
Com
municating for a Change by Andy Stanley
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To Enter the She Speaks Scholarship Contest
1. If you'd like to win, or try to win this for someone else, please leave a comment below sharing why you'd like to win by clicking on the word "comments." Simply type in the white box. If you don't have a blog, click anonymous. But be sure to include your name and email so we can contact you if you win.
2. We'd like to give this scholarship to someone who has not attended She Speaks before since two of the others went to graduates.
3. Our other scholarships have been for writers, so this one is for a woman who feels called to speak. Be sure to let us know what this scholarship would mean to you to fulfill that calling.
4. Visit as many blogs as you can (linked below) and leave a comment (it can be the same comment) to increase your chances! We'll compile the comments left on our blogs through Friday at midnight and send them to our home office where a random drawing will be done. The winner will be announced on Monday on the P31 homepage.
So, leave a comment and click away. You have until midnight on Friday. I can't wait to read your comments!
Wend B www.wendyblight.com
Micca www.miccacampbell.com
Whitney www.whitneycapps.blogspot.com
Melanie www.melaniechitwood.com
Karen www.karenehman.com
Suzie www.tsuzanneeller.com
Zoe www.zoeelmore.blogspot.com
Charlene www.charlenekidd.blogspot.com
Tracie www.traciemiles.blogspot.com
Rachel www.rachelolsen.com
Wendy P www.wendypope.blogspot.com
Luann www.luannprater.com
Susanne www.susannescheppmann.blogspot.com
Melissa www.melissataylor.org
Van www.vanwalton.blogspot.com
Marybeth www.marybethwhalen.com
Glynnis www.glynniswhitwer.blogspot.com
LeAnn www.leannrice.com
She Seeks www.sheseeks.org
She Reads www.shereads.org
RadRev www.radrevolution.org
153 Comments:
Your question and answers inspire me! And I'm sure attending She Speaks could only do the same. I would love to be surrounded by other woman that our on the journey of discovering their calling from God. Thanks for the opportunity!
Melissa Reynolds
reynolds212@hotmail.com
So excited about you hosting this contest today!
Love you friend and hope you have a great day~
I felt called to teach women since a very powerful experience in 1998- a true Holy Spirit encounter. Since then, I've had many opportunities, small and large, to teach my sisters and even have had a few small speaking engagements. I want nothing more than to know how to do a better job, so that I can do a better job of getting out of the way and letting God do His thing in me! I feel that She Speaks would do that for me!
Heatherly Sylvia
pinkdaisyjane at hotmail dot com
My work as a speaker began several years ago and has become a deep passion for me. I consider it a blessing to be used by the Creator to encourage and empower women in their work as moms. God has been very clear to me that it is time to grow this ministry beyond what I can do alone and I believe He is calling me clearly to attend She Speaks this summer. I deeply respect the work you do to encourage women as they seek to build the Kingdom. I would be honored to receive this scholarship. Thank you so much.
The past year has been difficult.
Shattered dreams? Check.
Shattered heart? Check. Check.
But I'm starting to see God work in those broken places. Weaving them back together. They won't ever be the same, but I think He is going to be able to use me in new ways because of them.
He is putting a new song in my heart. "Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it?" Isaiah 43:18-19
I would love the scholarship because I think it is in these places where we have experienced God's hand that we are in turn called to share with others.
Kate (thequirkyredhead AT gmail DOT com)
My devotional calendar for today says "You pay God a compliment by asking great things of Him." ~ Teresa of Avila. "If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." 1 John 5:14
So far, this deeply embedded dream in me to speak/write has been a prayer answered by 'wait on Me!' But, God is stirring in me to believe with great FAITH that this scripture in 1 John will be fulfilled. So, with great faith, I am asking to be considered for this scholarship so that maybe, just maybe, this will be the beginning of God's answer to my prayers changing from 'wait' to "Child of Mine...Go For It!!" Thank you so much for this chance to be my beginning...
Kim Wideman
jrmh.29.11@gmail.com
I would love to win a scholarship to this year's She Speaks. I have attended one time before, so I understand if you don't included me in the contest. I participated in the Writer's Track last time and have an overflowing desire to attend again and take the Speaker's Track. I am continually blessed by the P31 Ministries. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing how you got started. It is helpful to hear how God works His way through us in steps so that we are prepared. Sometimes I just want to jump in before God and do everything NOW!
I would love to go to SheSpeaks for so many reasons. I have watched God prepare me through the trials and victories of my past to share with other girs and women where our worth comes from. I like other people have commented, would love to be surrounded by other women who love to share through speaking and writing.
I spoke for the first time in January and my heart just about lept out of my skin when I was done....God breathed such life in to me when I was able to share His Word with others.
I know that God has more preparation for me and I long to walk with Him through the process.
Thank you for offering this scholarship!
She Speaks! I'd LOVE to attend this Conference (and win a scholarship) because, by God's calling, I've been asked to 'step up my game' and go from writer, editor, blogger - to speaker.
Here's my story. I have been a Christian-genre writer, editor, and publicist for many years. I worked for my wonderful church (Lake Pointe Church, Rockwall, Texas) for six years as editor-in-chief, lead writer, for their magazine. It shared all the good stuff going on within and through our congregation. It was such a blessing to prepare each time! But God called me out - out into the wonderful world of freelance, where my ministry focus could expand to His entire Church, not just the one I attend/worked for. So, I quit my day job. I have been freelancing "on the side" for 12 years and have edited many books written by Christian authors (some listed on my new blog at writervoice1.wordpress.com). Then, one week later, my mentor (and a client) Thelma Wells, A Woman of God Ministries, asked me to do the unthinkable: she asked me to join her and others on TV and on a Webcast University that she is preparing (she's a busy, busy lady for God!). I can't say no - nor do I want to - but I have no speaking training. Teaching Bible study for 7 years has given me lots of confidence, but I've never taped a presentation nor stood in front of a crowd larger than 50. I want to take this next step - to speak - and allow God to use me as He has prepared. And, ladies, I do believe He is preparing me for Kingdom work!
I know graduates of She Speaks!, namely author Mary DeMuth, and would love the chance to enhance my profile to include SPEAKING for Him! It would be a wonderful adventure and the fulfillment of a tugging that I've not been able to ignore.
Thank you for making this contest available. I'm sure whomever wins will be the RIGHT choice! Blessings to you today in all you do for His kingdom!
Amy Van Vleck, Rockwall, Texas
write-way@hotmail.com
amy-v@hotmail.com
Wow! I am truly humbled and amazed to see so many women following a call to minister to others. As a greenie starting out in a fledgling ministry even if I did not get to go this time, I see there are more than enough sources to which I could gain insight in refining my skills. Praise God! He always provides!
Julie Morgan
note2julez@yahoo.com
I look forward to my morning devotions everyday with Proverbs31 women. Everyone of you are truly a blessing each time you post something to share. I currently have my divorced daughter and her 3 children along with my elderly parents living with me and I would love to be able to attend one of your She Speaks conferences for a fresh annointing of the Holy Spirit.
Love & Blessings,
Debbie Cox
msdebbie072456@aol.com
I am new to proverbs31 ministries, but I just finished leading one of Lysa's Bible studies with a group of ladies from church. The scripture that she included in the study was exactly what I needed to hear. I have felt the call to speak to women since I was in college and I feel like women need other women for encouragement and strength.
Thanks,
Susan Toler
susantoler@yahoo.com
As I type this comment, I'm full of pain and sadness as it appears the Lord is testing me or training me in the areas of loss and long suffering. Testing or training.... Right now I don't know that one is any better than the other.
I know what the words of Galatians 6:9 read, and I also know, without a doubt, that I'm so close to fainting.
I'm the last person who would ever voluntarily want to speak, but I felt the call to speak to women many years ago. My story, my path toward speaking has been much like yours, Renee. I wrote my first Bible study and led a small group of women through it back in 2008/2009. Looking back, I've never been happier than I was during the time I did this.
Just days ago I sat with a friend who was preparing to bury her father. She was a member of that small group in 08. She told me I have no idea how much she talks about and references our nine months together. Listening to her speak of how God used me (a flawed leader and wannabe speaker) and the lessons i penned out of the dephs of my own life to impact her life even during this time of loss and pain somehow refueled my desire to speak, teach, and lead women. Somehow...in the midst of my own pain the ministry of my hear took on a face. It became real.
I've entered a previous scholarship contest for this conference. When I didn't make he winners circle I chalked it up as another loss and God moving me away from my quest for validation. I've wanted to attend the conference for at least the past 6 or 7 years. At the end of the day, I believe I'm just thirsty to be around other women who share my passion for pouring into the lives of our sisters. I saw the announcement for the scholarship for writers, and although writing is a large part of my calling, today out of the abundance of my heart my mouth wants to speak.
I realize the winner will be randomly chosen, but I know God already knows the outcome. Maybe it truly isn't for me to attend this year, but I won't stop until the conference doors open and I do or do not walk through. Then and only then will I know God's perfect will. In the meantime, I'll continue striving to speak.
Oh my, What a blessing!
I would be so thrilled to be able to come to She Speaks. My speaking ministry was birthed at my home church through leading Ladies Bible study and God pushing me in this direction.
I am planning on coming to the conference, just waiting and watching God provide the way to do it!
I've never been before and would love to come and gain all there is to learn from such a great event!
It's great to see the 'birth' of your speaking ministry. It truly reminds me its in a relationship wtih Jesus that it develops and comes to be! Thank you for sharing your heart!
On Purpose,
Nichole
www.livingmylifeonpurpose.blogspot.com
I have wanted to attend a She Speaks conf. for two years, but haven't been able to do so. I have felt a calling to speak to women and ten girls for nearly two years. I have been a youth leader and got to teach many that way. I am now in a new phase of life and feel an even stronger calling to reach out to women and teen girls and just have not been able to figure out how. Getting this would be an answer to prayer of how I am to start and continue in God's will.
Thank you,
Tara DeMaris
lasting_memories_tara@yahoo.com
God has provided a few opportunities over the years allowing me to teach and speak. I always get a thrill from speaking because God provides such peace and guides my words. However, just thinking about the prospect of being on the "front lines" and opening myself up to the criticism and the scrutiny that one bares serving in this capacity, almost paralyzes me with fear. And though I know God equips anyone He desires to use, I still feel insecure about my abilities.
The She Speaks Conference has always interested me but time and money kept the door closed on this opportunity. This year was no different because I was scheduled to participate in the International Hearts at Home Conference in Europe. The conference had to be cancelled due to the volcanic ash. This in turn, opened up the time needed to attend the She Speaks Conference. And now this contest has presented me with the chance to overcome the financial burden. So I feel as if God is telling me to "get out of the boat."
So here I am, following God's orders, trying to keep my eyes on Him and not the fear that is threatening to overwhelm me. Thank you so much for this opportunity.
Connie Johnson
chicon16@gmail.com
Alone, I am not worthy to attend SheSpeaks. With God this is possible. I feel a need to scatter and grow His Kingdom. If he can take this hot-tempered, silly,stubborn woman to help others. Then that is what I need to do! I would truly appreciate this awesome opportunity!
Many Blessings,
Kendra Graham
Grahamwrld@att.net
This comment has been removed by the author.
I'm not sure what the specifics are, but I know God is.
I'm not sure where the destination is, but I know He is.
All that I'm sure of is that He is moving in me, working in me, preparing me, and beginning to open doors that are beckoning me to enter. It's due to those recognitions that I am stepping out, beyond my fears and entering this giveaway.
Lord, if it is in Your will for me to attend She Speaks, I pray for the door to be opened and for the courage to leap through with abundant faith. I pray for each woman entering, that You will clearly manifest Your way and Your will for their lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.
I have shared a few times, in a large group, my testimony about over coming death in my life of my Father when I was 17 and my Husband when I was 23. For me it's nice to know when someone else has "been there" and they can walk you through it and hold your hand. In the midst of losing someone the power of others prayers is amazing! I would love to be the person to pray for someone and hold their hand and tell them it will be OK...God is in Control!
It's never easy for me to stand in front of a crowd and I would love to learn to do this without fear.
I would absolutely LOVE to win this scholarship. I find Proverbs 31 so inspirational. Unfortunately, the reality of my life right now is that I'm having a baby in AUgust so I'm not really travel-ready for the conference. Hopefully next year I will be ready to hit the road and learn more!
I'd like to share how I stumbled upon the talent of speaking that God has bestowed on me.
My mom is a quiet and passive woman. Even when it came to giving me advice or disciplining me, she never felt comfortable "confronting" me. But she knows me so well. She knows how much I LOVE reading. So when she has a message to tell me, she usually buys me a book. The first book she bought me was "How To Manage My Emotions" by Joyce Meyer. I was a teenager then, a cranky one. Later in university, she gave me another book called, "My and My Big Mouth" by Joyce Meyer as well. I guess she noticed that I loved to talk. But the truth is she saw the talent of speaking in me and she wanted me to use it for God. I didn't see it back then. I didn't even read the book until much later. I've been comfortable speaking in public. I've done many presentations in university, at church and in my career. When I read that book, I saw what my mom had envisioned. I want God to use my mouth, this oh so big mouth of mine, ALL FOR HIS GLORY. I hope to learn more about how to do that at She Speaks.
Thank you for this opportunity.
Kat
I've been a bible teacher at my church now for over 5 years. I would love to attend She Speaks to gain more skills in communicating. I feel such a passion to share what God has done and is doing in my life!
Thank you for the opportunity to win a scholarship. My dream is to take the gifts God has given me to an new level.
I spent part of my day reading up on the She Speaks Conference, wishing that somehow, some way there would be an opportunity to go! I had no idea there might be another scholarship available ... to best understand how I would benefit from this conference, you can read my story here:
Feeding sheep, Tina
htpicard@centurylink.net
Because I can't shut up! I've tried! For the last 12 years, my family & friends have said.."When are you going to be on stage?". I can't help but laugh at them for thinking I could actually do it!
God has given me this desire...but I have allowed fear to keep me from really stepping out!
My passion is for other women to know of God's love and forgiveness. Over the years, I've been asked to speak at a few women's events (and I loved it)!
I cannot escape the pull this ministry has on me. Just when I think I can, someone calls me to do it.
I want to obey!
She Speaks is a dream for me. If I were to win...I'd be the ding-dong jumping up and down squealing like a crazy person (yes, it would be that exciting!).
Thank you, Renee. You are a beautiful inspiration in so many ways. I love your blog and ministry! And I'd love even more to get to meet you in person.
I need some "me and Jesus" time but simply have no idea how to make that happen. Something always comes up and my time is shot. I want to attend this conference so much....just for the fellowship and teaching that would be uninterrupted and I could focus on Him.
deesjorgygal at aol dot com
This is so exciting! A scholarship!
So let me tell you what God has done for me! To start I am a 26 wife and mother. Been married for 7 1/2 years and have a wonderful 3 year old son. From the time I was a little girl I gave my life to the use of Gods work.I believe without a doubt that God has something "big" for this girl to do. I am just waiting on his timing!
I was saved at the age of 6 and have been amazed at how God has blessed and watched over my life.
I have tried-notice I didn't say always have- I have tried to be obedient to Gods will but I had a stumbling block- my husband. My husband is a great man however he hasn't shared the same love for the Lord in the past as I have. I have always served actively in the church I attended. With VBS, leading womens Bible studies, teaching the children and various other jobs. My marriage was in trouble and I prayed that God would fix it for over 7 years but God doesn't work on our time tables. Instead I listened to my husband, gave up serving in my church becuase it caused me being "away from home" to much and I quit going to church at all. Truth is I was mad at God for not answering my prayers as I seen fit. Praise God that "Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.." Heb 12:6. God has changed my husband to be so much more than I could have ever asked for and he taught me so much along the seven years of what I thought was unanswered prayers.
I know without a doubt that God is going to use me in ministry as He has already been doing so but He has put a big dream in this girls heart! I am ready to go whenever and whereever he says.
This scholarship would help me so much to improve and prepare me for the future God has instore for me. As you can imagine funds with a 3 year old are limited. Nevertheless, if the scholarship doesn't go to me He has another route at another time. Jer 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." AMEN!!! Thank you for your time to read this. God Bless
Kyliegh Kite
kyliegh.kite@hotmail.com
I would love to win a scholarship becuase it's the only way I can afford to attend! ;) Just keeping it real! I am "the preacher's wife", so one income stretched over a family of six is very... stretchy!
Just a few months ago I told my husband I felt like the Lord just might be calling me into a public speaking ministry. A few days later I "accidentlly" stumbled on to the link to teh She Speaks Conference website, and as soon as I read it, I said out loud, "this is for me!" And I am confident that if it's teh Lord's will He will amke the way. If not this year, maybe next. I trust His timing!
Blessed,
Amanda
a.r.garner@hotmail.com
God has been nudging. He's got me writing devotional blogs for women; now I'm feeling a nudge towards an eventual teaching ministry. I'm sure this will include speaking at some point. I don't know when, but I do know it is my responsibility to become ready for the call when it comes. Scary but exciting. I was a high school teacher before I was a stay home mom, but getting up in front of a group of my peers to teach them the Word of God is intimidating. I would like to gain some confidence here, and I believe She Speaks could do that. With my husband in full-time ministry, your scholarship would allow me to attend when I otherwise would not be able. Pick me!!
Misti Gil
wallsdown@yahoo.com
Although I have been teaching & speaking for a number of years, I realize that I need to take the next step of faith and attend a speakers/writers conference. As a teacher/speaker everything I learn I pass on to others thru various venues. What a awesome experience it would be to attend the She Speaks Conference. It soounds like a little bit of heaven just the thought of the opportunity to meet and speak with other women with the same passion and the opportunity to receive professional training doesn't get much better. It would be such an honor to attend. Please make my dream come true!
Cindy Saab
casaab@comcast.net
Mallory Kristjanson
Saved by Grace. Called to minister to the women who are broken, left on the streets and unsaved. I have volunteered in Ministry throughout Lethbridge and surrounding community, namely to the lost, street ladies and women in jails. This is my calling and this experience would be a life changing step in my walk with God.
mallorykristjanson@hotmail.com
Your sister, from Canada.
Thank you for this opportunity. My life has changed and I have been sober from alcohol and drugs for almost four years :) Saved by Grace and called to serve!
http://www.msk1986.blogspot.com/
On July 20th, 2006, the Lord led me into a wilderness of brokenness I’ve never known before. Everything I held dear, He gently and very quickly stripped away-my calling, my home, my church, my friends, my comfort zone. God brought me to a new arena that was very frightening to me. Being the ultimate Girl Scout, I always prided myself in knowing what was going to happen next. I was serving the Lord but with a prideful resistance. I could have never foretold the pain I learned in this desert wilderness. I was so completely broken and stripped bare of any resemblance of self.
As God ordained each aspect of how the brokenness came forth, I heard His gentle voice speak, “I am going to use your mouth to encourage women. I am going to publish things through you. Where you are is not where you are going and I am getting ready to accelerate things”. I sure wish I could say I believed Him. In the pain and the countless tears of grieving over the life I thought was mine, I was very angry with the Lord and verged on much disrespect toward our Heavenly Father. I tried to bargain with Him that I would do anything, absolutely anything if he would just give me my old life back. I yearned for the familiar for what I thought I needed and even though my calling was crystal clear, I seemed to be paralyzed by fear. Many questions stirred in my mind…How Lord? How are you going to accomplish this calling?
Being completely and utterly honest, at that time, I didn’t even like women. In my past, I have been on the receiving end of spitefulness which included haughtiness, jealously, and fakeness to say the least. Why would you call me away from my love of being a Children'sMinister to encourage women? But Praise God, His ways are always higher than my ways.
These last four years since my calling was revealed, I have experienced God in the most phenomenal ways. I have been an eyewitness to his grace as He is opening door after door to speak, to encourage, and to minister to all women who steal my heart. He alone, spoke Isaiah 61, “you are a planting of the Lord to display my splendor”. And from this verse, my speaking ministry, Unveiling His Splendor, has been launched as I am daily watching God open doors that no man could open. God has supernaturally used many people to bring me to a platform where I can boldly proclaim His truth, His love, and His grace. I no longer expect an ounce of self to bring forth the perfect will of the Lord.
I eagerly await each new door that presents itself and consider it a privilege and an honor to stand on this platform hand in hand with every woman I encounter. With each new speaking event, He is daily teaching me to lean more on the Holy Spirit and less on myself. In the movie Spiderman, Peter Parker’s uncle states "with great power comes great responsibility.” I feel that way about my speaking ministry. I received power when the Holy Spirit came upon me and God has handpicked me for some unknown reason with this precious calling to love on women.
I would consider it a special honor, another open door, if the Lord allowed me to attend this years’ conference. Being a military wife to a husband who deploys six months out of every year, I have learned to not only rely on God's solid word, but to also trust in His timing. I have dreamed of coming to the conference for three years now but to no avail. I know and trust He will perfect those things which concern me and He will keep me in perfect peace as long as I am focused on Him.
I would humbly accept the scholarship and would be thrilled to attend. I know I would glean much information as I come under the authority of the P31 Ministry Team and as a result, would enhance my skills and strengthen my serve :) Pun intended! May God bless you richly as we serve hand in hand with teaching and equipping all women to walk in love, to stand on His powerful truths, and to fulfill our specific purpose. Much love and many hugs
Unveiling His Splendor,
Ashley Cloninger
God knows my fearful heart.........but I'm gonna do it afraid.
Thank you for a chance to win the scholarship it would be an answer to prayer.
Joycee
tennesseemama@gmail.com
God moves in mysterious ways. I thought my season of "public speaking" had passed. I instead have been focusing on writing, while raising my three lovely daughters. I was completely comfortable with this shift. Several years ago a friend encouraged me to attend a She Speaks conference but the cost was prohibitive. So I put it all in a "past season" category and left it at that. This morning when I read that another scholarship would be offered I felt compelled to read about the details. All while reading I was thinking "this will be so nice for someone else." Then a small voice said "do it." Uh-oh was my first thought, it seems God might want to take me out of my comfort zone. Since then God has led me to scriptures of confirmation that I am to enter this contest. For what purposes I do not know, but I do know that when God speaks and you follow amazing things always happen. Thank you for offering this wonderful oppurtunity and encouragement to so many women, who like me have a God story to share.
Blessings,
Amy Peterson -average Mom with and AWESOME God!
sweetiepetey@cox.net
God led me to the Proverbs31 site today! I am thrilled to be considered for a scholarship to SheSpeaks, as our finances on my husband's retirement income are adequate for daily living, but certainly not overflowing. I know God has given me a passion for ministering to women by encouraging them in their personal walks with God. Whether it's through a platform of leading Bible studies and small groups or stepping out into a broader speaking role remains to be seen, but I know God is preparing me for something more. I can't wait to see what is in store!
Rachel Binney
hoek73@yahoo.com
Thanks for this Give-away and thw questions you answered. It is always so exciting to hear about how God uses everyday women for His Glory.
Kimberli S kimmis0506@yahoo.com
I am so overwhelmed and stirred in my spirit from reading the stories and personal testimonies on all of the different P31 blogs I've visited this morning....thank you all for sharing!
Now for generic contest entry spill that I'm posting on several blogs! haha....
I was very excited to have the opportunity to enter the contest for the writing scholarship...so excited, in fact, that I dreamed up the wrong deadline date and missed submitting my entry. (sigh.) Perhaps, this is my second chance! Or, perhaps, my entering has nothing to do with the contest and everything to do with saying the words again. (Kind of like cleaning your coffee pot...sometimes you just need to do it.) So, with that said....I feel that I am called to speak (even though I get butterflies just saying it), as well as to write, encouraging other women as I encourage myself. Attending this conference would (hopefully) help to clarify what my next season holds, allow me to connect with some amazing women (most of whom I have just recently found in blog land!), and encourage me to take the next step....whatever that might be!
XOXO :)
The honest truth is this: I feel called by God to be a speaker to women, especially young adult women. I am a youth pastor's wife and minister to teenage girls. I just feel I need EQUIPPED to go out to do what God has called me to do. "He equips those he calls" - so I am grateful for an opportunity to come and learn from those with more experience and take those tools and apply it to the life God wants me to lead. Greater is he that is in me; Lead me O Lord through the paths you have laid before me.
As an "older gal (over 50 BUT under 60!!) I have prayed that God open new doors, as my life, albeit great, has been on a vertical hold. Recently, doors have opened for me to speak at a few meetings...sharing my testimony as a single mom. Who t'woulda thought! Anyhoo, the timing of this conference sounds custom made!
nvik@sbcglobal.net
To attend a "She Speaks Conference" would be an answer to many years of praying! I could never afford to enroll so to win would be my miracle and I would be so grateful for the opportunity. I have felt "called" to speak from the very first time I shared my testimony in Bible College 28 years ago. Since that time I have been developing my "credentials for sharing" as Barbara Johnson referred to her difficult places in one of her books. In and of myself I have nothing to say but because of Christ and His amazing grace over my life I have been on a spiritual journey that shows forth just how awesome my great God is. I want the world to know that God has brought me through everything I have ever been through. I used to read Ann Kiemel Anderson books and want so badly for the opportunity to share my story also but I have never known how to get started, where to find a platform and so I basically have put my "calling" on a shelf for a lot of years and it is time I attend "She Speaks" and get about the business of "speaking"!
My roommate went to She Speaks last year. We were not roommates when she signed up for the conference, but by the time it rolled around I was super jealous I wasn’t going too. She was a little timid at first, but it totally changed her and gave her a boldness I hadn’t seen in her before. So, this whole year, I’ve been wondering how I could find a way to go myself.
I don’t have the money…like a lot of people these days. I do have a heart for women. I’m developing a love for writing that I don’t understand. I have always been a bit of a performer so I’m comfortable speaking/talking with people, but I have no training in either. I’m not sure where God is directing me, but I know I need some honing in both these areas to get there.
Lots of potential…needing some direction.
~Laura
laurarmullen.wordpress.com
I have been involved for many years in my local church teaching Sunday School and Girls Club. I have to say that Girls Club ministry is very special to me. About two years ago I began to feel a need for teaching on a deeper level to teenagers and new converts about really connecting with God and developing a personal relationship with Him. I feel that attending the She Speaks conference would answer questions I have about moving forward and following this calling I feel in my life.
Rebekah Lilly
rebekahlilly@suddenlink.net
Hi Renee, I would like to first comment on the “The Reason We Speak” by Marybeth Walen. I have read it cover to cover and it is an excellent book! The entire time I was reading it I knew God was preparing me for a much larger journey in my life. Larger than anything I had done. I feel like the calling is to become a speaker and minister to women, to serve the needs of the brokenhearted and to help others find the intimate relationship with God that I have found. Since that time I have a God-Given purpose in my life and a clear goal at which to aim.
I have never attended “She Speaks” nor have I ever had the funds to attend. My husband has been without a steady income since last May, so this will not be the year financially I could attend without a scholarship.
If I win, it would be life-changing and I know the knowledge I would gain would give me the wisdom and the faithful instruction to pursue the heart felt endeavor I so desire. If I don’t, I’ll keep on blogging at “My Faithful Living” and will continue to minister the word of God. I want to be a spiritual leader but I am also a spiritual learner. He is in charge! I can only be a tool to accomplish His purpose for us here on earth.
Cec Murphey's generosity is truly inspiring! Every time I see the opportunity for scholarships to "She Speaks" and to other conferences, they always come attached with Cec's name as the benefactor. So thank you, Cec and thank you Proverbs 31 women for offering yet another opportunity for a chance to go to this wonderful conference.
As a speaker of over 20 years and a newbie to the world of writing and publishing, I find that the simplest way to express why I want to attend "She Speaks" is because I feel as though I'm supposed to be there and I know that unless the Lord provides financially for me to go, it's just not in our financial cards this year.
Not only do I sense that I'm supposed to be there, but also that I "need" to be there, as well. I can't explain it. But I'm truly looking forward to how the Lord will use my time at "She Speaks" to change me, to develop me, and to give me the opportunity to do one of my favorite things...spend time with like-minded women who long to make a difference for the glory of God.
Thanks again for this opportunity!
Eternally His,
Stephanie Shott
Phil 3:7-14
dshott1@msn.com
Being able to attend She Speaks would be an amazing tool for me, to be around some of God's beautiful ladies who can help fill me with tools I can use to spread God's good news to more beautiful ladies : ) I am excited and ready to learn more about speaking to women. Due to our lack of financial fullness at this point in our life, I am unable to attend this on my own and would love to win this scholarship! Thanks for the chance!
A very inspiring site! And a wonderful contest, what a prize! To think how many women can be saved through this has lifted my heart and the angels of the Lord are rejoicing! I see a sister in the Lord, Mallory Kristjanson, has placed her name up for this Scholarship, and I pray that the Lord would strongly consider her. She has done so much for suffering women and men through her devotion and her spirit.Her life's transformation and new life are a true testimony to how God loves us by giving us a second chance. I thank God that He is using her and for her willingness to put her pure faith in action. She is an amazing speaker who is genuine and lives her life in service to our Lord - working with the downtrodden, the poorest amongst us, she has been blessed with a compassion seldom seen. She has reached out to so many suffering, many who were considered lost, hopeless and useless by the world - leading many to the Lord.
I know the winner is randomly chosen, and ultimately is in the hand of God, but when I saw her name on the list I couldnt help but tell others about her! May God bless whomever is chosen,
what an exciting opportunity- many people will be blessed! There are so many suffering people on the earth and I'm truly grateful for what is so generously being offered.
I have been a teen mother, an abused wife, a church secretary, and now watch my children struggle in many of the areas I did. So I am not really sure why putting a request for a scholarship terrifies me both for winning it and for not winning it! To be able to potentially speak about God's grace to other women of all ages would be an incredible blessing although opening those painful areas doesn't always feel like a blessing at the time, maybe He could use this jar of clay to help another broken heart. Please consider me for this scholarship, with the cost of the flight, conference and the current situation we are in, would be a financial strain. Thank you for Proverbs 31ministry, it truly blesses me on a regular basis, I love how each woman involved speaks and writes from a "real" heart.
Writing is something that I have been doing for a long time, and I've managed to keep it to myself in my journal... until recently.
Speaking is something that I very recetly felt called to do as I wrote and led the fall womens' retreat for my church in '09. This was the 1st time I had ever done anything like that and it was WAY out of my comfort zone!
Since then, I have been feeling the call to vocational ministry, and I believe that She Speaks is my next step!
http://shellysc.blogspot.com/2010/03/shelly-says-he-speaks-will-she-speak.html
Will you consider me for the scholarship?
My husband is without full-time work (since December '08), and I know we can't afford it on our own.
http://shellysc.blogspot.com/
I truly believe that God has given each one of us a unique testimony to tell. Whether you speak to an audience of one or one-thousand, His message MUST be shared. I am ready to proclaim the message that I have been given. This is my season to move beyond self and to God's level of beyond beyond!
His,
Kim
Renee,
I loved your Q&A section. I treasure the wisdom and knowledge that I glean from other speaker/writers. I have so much to learn and would love to have the opportunity to attend the She Speaks Conference. Without the scholarship, I am unable to attend.
Also, I clicked on your friend, Lisa Smith's site. She seems to be a very special woman. I will be praying for her.
Bless you!
Nan Jones
I have felt God calling me to some sort of speaking ministry for a while now. I am not sure what it will look like...waiting on Him to show me! I currently am the lay Women's ministry leader at my church and teach a ladies Bible Study. I have recently been appoached about leading a session on mentoring in our local area. I am excited to see what my Jesus has in mind. I would love to attend the She Speaks conference and polish my skills and connect with others who feel His call in this direction. Thank you for the possible opportunity to attend!
Cherie Orange
creeor@gmail.com
I have been a single mom for almost 3 years. The night I discoverd my husband's extra marital activities was a turning point for me wherein I finally saw Jesus as my only true security. I had always looked to my dad (who had passed away 6 months prior) or my husband. The relationship I have now with Christ is exceedingly and abundantly beyond anything I could have possibly imagined I could ever have. God has very recently called me to become a Personal Guidance Minister for Scope Ministries and I begin training for this in May. I am so excited about sharing my experiences and the love of Christ with other single mothers that I cannot right now keep up with my fingers as I type! I think that I am much more comfortable with speaking than I am with writing and I have never been to a "She Speaks" conference! This would be an amazing experience for me, especially right now during the dawning of my calling! Thanks for providing the possibility of being blessed with a scholarship to this event! I don't think I will be able to attend without such a blessing this year, but maybe someday soon!
Melanie Broadway
melanie.71@hotmail.com
I love every morning how my spirt is lifted thru Proverbs31 and the women that are associated with it. since last Sept. my life has been a roller coaster. my brother who is just 37 has lost both kidneys and is waiting for a transplant.But after thanksgivins he spent 25 days on a breathing machine with no hope but my awesome God gave him another chance. My husband and I have dealt with a family battle on his side with a teenage neice. God has gave us so much. I am so thankful daily for what he has gave me and what he is gonna continue to do in my life. I look forward to spending the weekend me and my best friend with other christian women and having our souls feed. may God continue to bless your minitsry.
Michelle Brock
brockgang6@aol.com
I met Holly today in Abilene Texas where Lisa spoke. I am blessed and as she and I spoke I am called to speak and write I just am not sure how/where to get started. I know I need training and mentoring and honestly a good kick in the bottom to get started and hope to attend the She Speaks conference either by winning the contest or finding a way to be there.
Blessings - Leah Holamon
lholamon@suddenlink.net
http://ninetydaysofsolitude.blogspot.com/
I love speaking to women! I believe that God uses me to do just that, I have spoken several times to the women here at our church. I have spoken at our annual retreat along with two other ladies every year for the past 5 years. I love to encourage women in their walk with God. I also believe that I am to write, but I don't even have a clue as to how to go about it. I would LOVE the opportunity to come to this conference and learn what a blessing it would be and an honor. Thank you so much for considering me. God Bless, Debbie Myhre
In my life, I continue to live in awe of God's faithfulness during times of famine, testing and struggles. Recently, (March 2010)I lost my job while I was out on medical leave from an unexpected hysterectomy. This year, my husband and I will celebrate our 26 year wedding anniversary on May 26. I been praying for my husband to become the spiritual leader of our home for over 25 years. As a result of my recent job with this ministry, I spoke at many different churches to build awareness and to raise funds for programs to help urban youth, homeless men, women and families as well as incarcerated individuals. My husband would occasionally join our daughter and me when I would visit and speak at area churches. It was through these opportunities that we found ourselves in a new church, one where we felt at home. Although it was difficult for me to make this change, God made it very clear that He was answering my prayer of bringing my husband back into a relationship with Him. Today, my husband not only attends church with us, but He also joined a 6 AM men's bible study that he faithfully attends. He has volunteered using his gifts helping to build and to repair homes for hurting families who desperately need help during difficult times. His business is being blessed by God and our relationship has improved tremendously as well. My life is filled with examples of God's faithfulness! And now today, I find myself again at a crossroad, seeking God's wisdom and His direction as I actively look for a new job. I had prayed the dangerous prayer of wherever you want to send me, Lord, I will go. Every day I continue to receive feedback from Him through His word, answered prayer, encouragement from others and just by sitting still and waiting to hear His voice. As I seek His guidance, the Lord has continued to direct me that He is calling me to use the gifts of speaking, writing and encouraging others to serve Him as His obedient child. I can look back on my life and truly appreciate the difficulties and struggles that God allowed as He refined me to become more like Him. God has taken the brokeness of my life and healed me as only He can. My life is an amazing example of how He calls us by name, and how he brings us out of the fire and out of the floods of life to an abundant life that is possible only through the saving grace of His son Jesus. It would mean so much to me to attend this conference and I know that I can trust Him for the outcome. I have faith that Jesus has a plan for me and with this training and this opportunity to network with others, I could continue to develop the gifts He has given me as a speaker and to be an encouragement for others. Thank you for offering this scholarship and for your daily words to point us back to Jesus. That is my hope, my dream and my prayer to glorify Him in all that I say or do, and to always be ready to give an account of His faithfulness. "Each one should use whatever gift he has reeived to serve others faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ." I Peter 10-11, NIV
cmaxwell62@sbcglobal.net
Chrystal Maxwell
Winning the She Speaks Conference Scholarship would mean the Lord is bringing me one step closer to the desire of my heart. I know the conference would equip me with the skills I need to go forth into His creation and share what He has done for me and what He can do for others. Thank you for this opportunity.
Colleen M. Geyer
VaGeyers@aol.com
I've been speaking to groups mostly through songwriting and music as I lead them in worship. I would love to gain more tools and connections to help encourage others on the journey.
Thank you for the opportunity for a scholarship. Why would I like to win? Well, many of the reasons already listed here... I have a heart to share how great our God is, how He is capable of anything. I feel that God gave me this heart to serve Him and part of that is to reach out to others. I feel fairly comfortable to speak in front of people, but the opportunity to learn, to have some sort of guidance - well, that would just be awesome. The tools and the experience I don't really have. The heart... I do. And to the fullest. I can't afford to get to the conference on my own. My husband supports us and it has been quite difficult. I trust that God already knows the winner - so congrats to whoever that may be. I would be honored if He would pick me, but if not, will remain faithful to know all things are within his timing.
Thanks again,
Cindy
The Lord has often spoken to me about a life of public speaking. I have stage fright so I told him I thought he must have the wrong person. I need a chance to learn so that I can be able to obey my Lord and get over my jitters. We are trying hard to get out of debt so I cannot spend the money right now.
I want to speak on healing along with the healing God has done in me. He said to me “I have delivered you for a purpose.” Part of the reason I have stage fright has to do with overcoming my perfectionism but also fighting against the lie Satan put in my mind many times that “No one wants to hear what I have to say.” I speak softly and often remember my parents criticizing me and laughing at me when I was a child. I would love to go to She Speaks with Christian women so I can also receive prayer and be freed to speak what God has placed on my heart to share.
http://www.gretchenflores.com/blog/
Gretchen Flores
It's only by God's grace that I desire to speak. I'm the one who was in speech therapy in 2nd grade. I'm the one who sang in front of a church in 4th grade and started laughing from nerves and couldn't stop. I'm the one who messed up on my ONLY line in high school drama the night of our play. Only to hear at my ten year class reunion by a then Calif. news anchor after she peeked at my picture and name button I was wearing. "Oh yeah, I remember you. You're the only who messed up on your only line is our school play." Oh gee, thanks.
God has given me a strong desire that will not quit to share HIM and His love and the way He has changed my life.
As a speaker, I have NO formal training. I'd love to come to She Speaks so I could learn more about the craft and so I could meet new friends. I love being a part of what God is up to. And I know this ministry is just that.
God's.
Currently I have no income from writing or otherwise to do conferences like this. It's just too much. So winning would be an amazing God sized gift!
Renee, my name is Tekesha Austin and my email ambershun_inc@yahoo.com. I first heard about Proverbs 31 about a month ago. I was sitting at my desk and got an email from my friend. I was going through it with my husband badly the night before and contemplating divorce, Lysa was speaking on marriage. I went and bought What Happens when Women say YES to GOD read it and said ok GOD I hear you. After reading that book, purchased Becoming more than a good Bible study girl, I always knew that GOD was working through me, but this book definently confirmed that. Okay I just purchased on yesterday What happens when Women walk in Faith, so excited about how GOD is transforming my life. I would love to attend the conference I have been called to minister to people. My grandma said that I should have been a counselor, I am a people oriented person and people value my opinion and they want to know what I'd do in a situation. I have a drawing spirit and I know that GOD is perfecting some things in my life for his Glory. I have been allowed to go through certain things to have experience to be able to help someone because if I never go through anything how can I be qualified to tell of the goodness of the LORD. GOD orchestrated me to become involved with Proverbs 31 ministries so that I can become qualified and experience him on another level, so this conference will be a benefit to spiritual growth and walk so that as I continue to work for him, I'll know how to through HIM. The GREAT I AM...
would love to be able to attend She Speaks, but financially it has been a difficlut season. I pray God will bless the woman who is supposed to win this scholarship, but that He will enable all of us to continue to tell our stories.
I believe that we all have a story to tell. Our stories are all different, but I believe that God is truly the author of them all. My greatest desire is to use my story to show His glory in my life.
I want to enable others to see the Hope that they can have as they trust Jesus on the journey. I love teaching and would like to broaden my Ministry by speaking as well.
My heart for speaking to women started at the age of 19 when I began teaching a 7th and 8th grade girls sunday school class. Over the next 10 years God allowed me to share my heart, and desire for women to find their complete satisfacition and fulfillment in Christ alone, and challenge them to get into the word DAILY!! My ministry took a very interesting turn in 2005 when I got married and revisited an issue in my life that I had known about since I was 13. I found out as a teen that I could never have children (details a little long so just leaving it at that). Since that day I had always planned on adopting my children and my AMAZING husband was very much on board. After our first year of marriage feeling of inadequacy krept in and I began to struggle with "why" God worked through His word and my sweet husband and in 2008 we adopted out PRECIOUS daughter Celeste, and in 2009 another daughter Olivia. We are a multi-racial family or daughters being african american and us being about as white as they come. The struggles of infertility, the joys and heartache of adoption and the hilarious, and thought provoking moments that being a multi-racial family brings I HAVE GOT TO SHARE! Speaking scares me because I don't want it to be about me but the message God has given me (which HE is still revealing to me). THAT my dear Miss Renee is why I would be THRILLED and delighted to attend "She Speaks" My husband is an associate pastor at a local church and talked starting an adoption minsitry (at some point in the future) where we share with anyone who will listen what God has done and how he has changed OUR lives thorugh adoption and to encourage others to support adoption in general any way they can. I feel attending She Speaks will begin the path to me refining what God would have me say and how to say it.
WOW - can you tell I"m excited! Going for the longest comment known to man or woman ;-) Praise God for what He is doing through P31!
Emily R
eroten@godspotters.com
www.spoiledroten.blogspot.com
I would love to be a part of She Speaks. I am in a study on finding your mission and the question came up "What would you do if?" and my answer was to be a courageous, authentic speaker for Christ and I think this would be a great next step.
Thanks for your blog Renee and your encouragement and materials on finding your calling. They have been so helpful!
Jennifer
jroba5@yahoo.com
My mom said that when I was born with a heart murmur, I turned blue in her arms, and she thought she'd almost lost me. She told me on my birthday when I was a teen, and this reminded me that from then on out with every extra breath I'm given, I should praise the Lord (Psalm 150:1)
"Breath" to me has translated into playing field hockey in college with all my heart for God's glory despite having asthma...and short legs, leading Children's worship with all my energy, despite not being able to sing a complete octave, and sharing with my voice the goodness of God to friends and family, and whomever I meet.
Winning a She Speaks scholarship giveaway would be like winning big on OPRAH. I didn't pray that I could go to She Speaks but I do pray that God will use me. Going to She Speaks will allow me to speak with a more effective "breath". I feel like God has gifted me not only with the ability to write through story telling and experience, but that he has also given me a passion and courage to share how He works in my life. I'm now 26 and thankful for the many breaths I get each and every day. I want to speak!!
I remember hearing Lysa TerKeurst at a conference wishing that someday I can also use my words to help people passion for Him.
Bel
Isabel.To@gmail.com
I am brand new to Proverbs 31 it was by accident you could say that I found you. My sister sent me a word of encouragement and it was written by Wendy a proverbs 31 member and she mentioned " She Speaks " from that day to this I have been asking God if this is my season to launch out. God has given me a word for our sisters that have came through sexual abuse. I have shared my testimony in small groups for a few years now. My hearts desire is to reach the young girls who have not told anyone their secret yet. I remember the years that I held that secret so tight I wish for death. I need to know how to take the next step and obey God and share my story. God Bless all of you for all you do you are sent to us from God. Venus raverader444@yahoo.com
Between church and my professional career, I am overexposed to various levels of hurting women. My heart aches to help because my faith can see the best in them. Attending this conference would allow me the opportunity to polish all the necessary tools to effectively achieve spiritual success in the lives of these women. Iron sharpens iron, so I'd have no choice but to leave with an attitude of 'help me, help you!'
Mary Harris
sistermaryann@verizon.net
What would it mean to me to attend the She Speaks Conference? The sustaining of new life stirring. The continuation of a mysterious story God has been weaving in dark places. God used a brilliant study on the creative process to clarify my gifts and callings. Doubt has since crept in, telling me that the dreams he stirred in me were just lofty dandelion fluff. “He’s not THAT good. My gifts aren’t THAT valuable.”
If anyone believes in us to the death, it is our mothers. Today mine was fighting tenaciously for me while I dusted her with my doubts and unbelief like the heavy pollen raining down outside my window. Mom mused, “I held you on my lap in church when you were three, and I sensed that God had a special call on your life. My mother’s heart ached as I thought of the suffering it might involve and how it would take you far away.” I listened half-heartedly, pulling up the She Reads blog as I got ready to hang up the phone. Two powerful words arose from the screen. She Speaks. Tears ran at the sound of “my name”. Jesus made me to speak, to read, to write! Mystery still surrounds my story, but I need to tend it with my words, so that when it is full, I will be equipped to share it!
Noel
noelrfagan@aol.com
I am writing to ask you to consider Nadia Swearingen-Friesen for a Scholarship! She is an amazing speaker and loves to share her journey with other women. Thank you.
I would love to win this, I would love to be taught, by these women of God. And I would love to acquire the knowledge, and opportunities that this seminar would offer me. Thank you so much for the consideration!
Monica Gwin
mgwin2008@yahoo.com
I want to attend the She Speaks conference so badly. This year I made my decision to listen to God and stop furthering my education to teach nursing so I could further my education by reading God's Word and teaching it. What a ride it has been! I know He has great things in store for me and I feel that this conference will get me on my way to reach this journey He wants for me. Please consider me for this scholarship. My husband is not getting enough work even to pay the power bill let alone for me to come to the conference. I know God will provide and am praying that you will choose me for this wonderful opportunity. I had not heard of She Speaks conference until this year and when I felt God has called me to teach His Word to women again (which I did not 14 years and then stopped for 5 years)I felt like this was confirmation to get me on my journey that God has called me on with Him. Reading all these comments on all the blogs - wouldn't it be wonderful if all of us could go and meet each other and with all of us being trained and starting to lead and teach women throughout the United States - there would be GREAT REVIVAL among women!! Wouldn't that be awesome! I am so excited to be a part of all of this whether I am chosen or not to know that I am part of God's chosen women is a great honor!
have been a “closet writer,” so to speak, for the past twenty years. It was this past June, after facing unemployment for the first time since I was 15-years-old, that I attended my first ACW Conference. Though I still consider myself a beginning writer, I am making quick progress and currently write for five monthly online publications.(for free, of course) I also will have my first write-for-hire book published later this year for Atlantic Publishing. So, I am pleased with my progress with writing so far.
But it is time to go deeper. Think bigger. Take more chances. To get out of the boat and test the waters and see if Jesus will help me walk on them.
My goal is to share the true stories that can change lives. I long to be able to do this through face to face contact as well as through the written word. I consider this a weakness of mine, and would appreciate the opportunity to attend She Speaks so that I may strengthen my ministry. Though I have taught junior high girls classes at church for years, I am in no way polished or professional enough to do so in large groups without my voice quivering or fidgeting at the podium.
The testimonials that come from this conference prove that God is very much a part of the process, inspiring those who participate to go further than they ever dreamed possible.
Thank you for your consideration.
I saw the information for this conference for the first time last year, I was pregnant at the time and my husband was home, knowing he would be deploying soon and I would have 2 children to find care for rather than one I really wished I could go then but there was no way we could afford it and nothing happened to make it possible. At the time I thought “maybe next year” but knowing I would have two children and a deployed husband I kind of pushed it from my mind and forgot about it until I started seeing blog posts about it this year. I didn’t really let myself get excited about it because I now have two children and a husband in Afghanistan so not only can we not afford it I would have to arrange for childcare (and it would be the first time I left my baby). Then I saw this contest. WOW, I actually teared up at the idea that it might be possible. If I’m supposed to go to this conference I KNOW God will provide the way, the money, the childcare etc. Perhaps this is how He will provide the money I don’t know. But I do know that if I win He will also provide arrangements for the children.
What does it mean? What is my passion? Well, I’ve always LOVED both writing and speaking And I think I’m good at both honestly. I have done speaking/training in my job (secular) before and LOVE being in front of a room full of people. I currently need motivation and direction to get going in this area. I need practical tools to make my writing/speaking organized and meaningful. I love sharing information, I get all fuzzy inside when people ask me a question about anything that I have an answer for (seriously I get excited about diapers lol). I currently don’t have the confidence to write/speak about my faith, I’m afraid of being wrong and then telling everyone else something wrong. I know this is something I can and should get past I just need help! I would love to have the confidence to lead a group of women in Bible study or speak at an event! Thank you for this opportunity!
sobyn at hotmail dot com
Like so many of these precious women, I too was called by God. Oh, that He would use even me! He called me as just a freshman in high school, and my heart's desire is to be obedient to that call.
Thanks for this opportunity...I'm so excited for the one whom God has already hand-picked to be there through this generous scholarship!
Katrina Arbuckle
katrinaarbuckle@yahoo.com
Nadia Swearingen-Friesen would really benefit from attending the She Speaks conference. She is a great speaker and writer!
June Oosterhoff-Hoops
Oosthoops@sbcglobal.net
I'm a stay at home mom who knows God has a calling on my life in ministry. Women's ministry. I knew this after studying the Bible for a year in a "women's program" at Denton Bible Church in TX. I was so encouraged by women who desired to invest in my life as a young christian woman.
I really enjoy communicating. My speaking skills were tested and improved and flourished as a Trainer for a ministry called Upward Unlimited (a sports ministry)Marriage and babies came along in my life....and here I am a stay at home mom praying and knowing that God has big plans, if I wont freak out and run away.
Bette Bronson wkbronson@netzero.com
Renee, Your blog is where I learned about the scholarship writing contest. I enjoy getting your blog!
Not too long ago, I was sitting quietly with God, praying. I asked him for discernment and guidance as I entered a new phase of life, becoming a mom who works outside the home. I was also praying about the desire to write and speak that He placed inside of me, wondering what He wanted me to do with that. He led me to Habakkuk 2:2-3 And the LORD answered me, and said, “Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” (NKJV) Although I have felt a calling to write for a number of years, in the past year, God’s given me a couple of opportunities to “dip my toe” into the speaking world both by leading women through Bible Study and by speaking to them at women’s ministry events. Out of obedience, I did what I was asked to do. As hard as it is to believe that God wants to use me as a vessel to encourage and exhort others (those are my spiritual gifts, along with service), I’ve finally started to embrace it. I’m working to develop the discipline that writing requires, starting a blog, and using every opportunity I have to speak God’s truth into the lives of women, my children, and my husband. God is so good! If he wants me at She Speaks, He’ll find a way to make it happen! Though it tarry, I continue to wait for it! My God never disappoints!!!
Gerri
fieno@bellsouth.net
704-293-8055
I'm so excited there is another opportunity for a scholarship! I've been wanting to attend a She Speaks conference for the last two years. Winning the She Speaks scholarship would be an amazing blessing to me and would allow me to finally get the direction I need to get to the next level in my speaking goals, as well as be a clear indicator to me that this is where God wants me at this point in my life. Thank you so much for the opportunity.
I can honestly say that I've been in the Refiner's fire for the last few months. But God does nothing without purpose. I would love to learn more about sharing what God is teaching me and feel called to attend this conference. I signed up for the conference's blog to find out when registration began, but haven't been able to register, so this scholarship would make that possible. If it's His will, I KNOW I'll be there!
Christy Perry
christyperry@embarqmail.com
I am so amazed how God so has every detail of our life under control. I just heard of the She Speaks seminar today. As of January,He has been placing it on my heart to blog and write for devotional website for our local body.I kept asking Him about particulars. Someone approached me and said I should contact Encouragement Cafe about getting them on our local radio station.
Totally unaware of this whole ministry I know He has connected me with kindred spirits. I am committed to praying for you on a regular basis. Every writer I am discovering as I go down this blog list is giving me more and more vision for women. After years of teaching and leading homeschool coops and working with women and trying to be a keeper of the home and juggling all the demands that motherhood brings, He has sustained me, strengthened me and grown my faith in Him. He will truly meet us when we are totaly dependent on for our every step. With that said, I am so excited about what God is doing with this ministry and I feel this conference would help me be a better communicator and writer. He has changed my desires and shown me we all have a story to tell. He just wants obedience in us in every area of our lives. If He desires me to accomplish something like this, He will bring it to pass and release to me the tools I need in His timing.
Thanks for this opportunity to grow the body of Christ in their giftings. Believing for the money one way or another to be at your conference this year.
Waiting and Resting in Him.
Melanie in Florida
saccos4him@cox.net
850-291-5272
I'm new at this so I hope this one get's through, it will be my third try, so it will be short.To finally get to one of these conferences would mean the world to me. All of you ladies are inspiring, gifted and called to do this ministry. God bless you!
PeggyS
Wow, this is tough competition. I'll keep this short and sweet.
I'm 47 and an empty-nester grandmother of 5 all 4yrs old and under.
I was called into the ministry at age 13 and I'm a pastor's wife, married for 28 1/2 years.
I write, I speak, I sing, but so far it is all on a small scale. I know I would be blessed to attend She Speaks.
Renee,
Thanks for sharing your story. I love to hear how God gets His servants where He wants them to be.
Attending She Speaks has been in my heart since my youngest (now 4) was a baby. As a ministry family on the other side of the country, actually getting there has always been out of reach. Even moreso this year as we have no regular source of income (aside from God’s gracious and unexpected provision).
I've been hearing whispers about speaking and want to confirm if it's His voice. I've always been a reluctant speaker (it's not the delivery that I have trouble with, but the responsibility). I don't know whether this is to be my year for She Speaks or not, but I do know that if it is, it would take a miracle of this sort to make it possible.
I sometimes feel like Gideon putting out my fleece, “If I get a scholarship, I’ll take it as confirmation that I’m meant to go.” God has done this in the past when I followed His call to writing. Now the question is whether it’s time to be more intentional about speaking the messages He’s given me.
I’m so glad to know we have a sovereign God who paves the way down these paths that often seem like a dream that He intends to turn into reality. Maybe this year…
Thank you for this opportunity. Blessings on all who enter and seek His plan for their ministry.
Mary Hampton
For 9 1/2 years I have walked the road of breast cancer treatment. I have had the disease five times during this time, but my story is not about cancer. It is about God's amazing grace, love, provision, strength, comfort, peace,and joy in the midst of the battle. I love sharing all He is and all He has done for my family during this journey. I believe God wants me to speak and write about my story to encourage others with the hope He offers in every situation. I passionately desire to attend She Speaks with my 15-year-old daughter, but we cannot afford it. If it is God's desire for us to attend, He will make a way. He always does. I thank God for Proverbs 31 Ministries and the opportunity to apply for this scholarship!
SJ Johnson
sheri511@cox.net
I've felt called to attend shespeaks for a few years, both in the writing and speaking capacity. As a unpaid servant for our youth group, I lead the Sunday night services in which I'm responsible for sharing the gospel wtih our future! Speaking, teaching, writing... all gifts, and I would love the opportunity to be able to better craft these gifts so that I can do the best job possible for the Lord... because I do want to hear Him say.. "Well done."
Thank you for the opportunity.
desperatelyseekingheather@gmail.com
Got up early today, woken up by the sounds of my friend's young boys squeals of excitement of a new day at...6:30am. I should take cue's from them! I have never been to the P31 website until today, directed here by the "Cantcookalick" blog.
In 2004 I was living in New York and working as a Sign Language Interpreter at a University. Kingdom Bound was coming to town (a Christian Music Festival) and I had the privilege of interpreting various events, concerts and speakers (i.e. Kirk Cameron, Casting Crowns, Third Day, etc).
One afternoon I was scheduled to interpret for someone at the main concert stage. It was mid-afternoon and as I stood on my interpreter platform, I looked over at the stage and had an incredible urge to be ON it. I didn't even know what I would say! I just stood staring with this desire stirring in my to BE a speaker on that stage.
Later that day I prayed about that desire and told the Lord that if this was His desire for me one day, then to lead me through the steps to get there. Perhaps this conference is one of the steps. Much has happened and IS happening since that time...my journey continues, as does my healing. We'll see what He does next!
a:
Anette
Wouldn't that be AMAZING? I have helped put together women's ministry leadership workshops. My passion is for identifying/encouraging/equipping our women leaders. I want to grow my speaking skills, giving confidence to present these workshops with excellence. Writing the material comes easier than speaking it. My goal for attending this conference would be to optimize what God would have me speak so women will hear, learn and receive God's design, His purpose and plan for each of them1 Thanks for what you do. God's blessings!
I heard the Holy Spirit speak to my heart to attend She Speaks while attending a Ladies Retreat where Lysa spoke. I am trying to follow His leading, but because I left my job to finish school to enter ministry as I knew God was calling me to, there are no funds available in our budget. I have started to try and raise the money for a scholarship and the Lord has provided the money for my plane ticket (which i booked). I know that I know that I know God will provide a way for me to be there, I wonder if this scholarship give-a-way is it. We'll have to wait and see. My prayer is that, and I know it will happen, who ever God has in mind to win this will! Praise God for providing for us all in His way in His time!!
Thank you so much for this additional giveaway!
I have felt so strongly that I need to be at She Speaks this year - the only reason I haven't registered yet is money!
I am passionate both about speaking and writing - I've been teaching Bible studies in my local church for several years now, creating them from my Bible training at Cedarville University and from my own study of the Scriptures. It has been EXCITING to see how God has been transforming lives through women getting into the Word on a deeper level!
After teaching for a while, God opened opportunities for me to speak at several womens' retreats through our church. About the same time, I began blogging and have been stunned to see how God has grown and used this little "ministry" from my living room.
At this point in my life, God is opening doors for me to continue teaching, writing, and speaking - and I would love to glean from the wisdom and training at the Proverbs 31 conference!
Thank you again for the opportunity!
Renee,
I have longed to attend the She Speaks Conference for the past 2 years but have not been able to due to lack of funding and/or ability to take time off from my job. However, I feel this is the year the Lord has said “yes” and that He will provide for me to attend. I am a pastor’s wife and would like to hone my speaking skills. I also lead the women’s ministry here (and teach Sunday School, lead worship with the Praise Team, teach VBS crafts, etc.) and I am sure any encouragement you can give me would be a help to our ministry here.
Michele Zampogna
ml.zampogna@gmail.com
The SheSpeaks conference has always had such drawing to my heart. As a leader of women's ministry it is so easy to get burned out from constantly planning and providing for others. I would love to attend to learn how to more effectively share God's word to other women, how to help them apply what they learn and also hear from other women what is working and what isn't. All this while at the same time getting re-energized in my walk. My leadership budget only covers a very small part of the cost to attend and the rest who be mine to bear. With a son heading to college that is hard to come up with. I so desparately want to learn how to better serve and share with our women.
It was definitely a God-thing that I saw this today. This sounds like just what I have searched for...for so long! The conference sounds AMAZING! I would love to win the scholarship, because it really wouldn't be feasible for me otherwise right now. Nonetheless, I will be praying for God to anoint and pour out His blessing on the conference,the attendees and those who will bring God's gift of His message. How exciting! I do love to tell people about God and all He has done and continues to do! I haven't known where to turn next to launch into God's calling and this looks like it is the perfect match! God bless you guys for all that you do!
I have never attended She Speaks but it has been a dream of mine for a few years. I believe the Lord is telling me that this is my year! My husband is a pastor and I work in ministry so this scholarship would be such a blessing to me! As my kids are getting older, I sense that the Lord is preparing me for the next season of life which I know will include more speaking. Receiving this scholarship would be a huge step in being trained and equipped for the call on my life as God's Word is "as a fire shut up in my bones" and I feel compelled to share truth through speaking.
Thank you for this giveaway as well as this conference. I believe that the Lord will provide a way for me to attend one way or another! Can't wait to meet you all!
Have you ever felt like you've got a whole lot to say but aren't sure how to say it? Since completely surrendering my life to Christ as a 25 year old single mother of one I have felt a burning desire to minister to women. Now 21 years later that fire still burns strong. Over the years as I've traveled through the mountain tops and the valleys of this road called “life” God has been preparing me and giving me a voice, that I believe, is for such a time as this. Attending SHE SPEAKS would be an awesome opportunity to discover that voice and truly understand what I am destined to do with it.
My life verse, Jeremiah 29:11, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,'" tells me that God has already laid out His plan I just need to step out in faith and claim it.
Further, Jeremiah 29:12-14, “' Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,' declares the LORD, 'and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,' declares the LORD, 'and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile,'" reaffirms to me that no matter what life has dealt me, good, bad, or horrendous, God will use all those things to bring freedom and restoration for the fulfillment of His kingdom and for His glory. That is my passion. That is my desire.
Anita Armas
aarmas1@earthlink.net
Posted as Kelly at 1:45 pm. I forgot to list an email address:
k.smiddle1@gmail.com.
My name is Mallory Shaw Kristjanson. I am 23 years old and reside in beautiful Southern Alberta. I have been born and raised in a small community with my family all residing in Lethbridge.
I have a story of positive change. Once living in the darkness oF alochol and drugs, contemplating suicide and ready to end this beautiful thing called life. Something happened.
I was addicted to cocaine by the age of 17 and became a daily drinker by the young age of 15. I was broken, hurt, resentful and full of guilt. Everything I said I would never do I did.
One day after using cocaine for a week I came too and I broke down beside my bed. After being refused help from the closest people in my fmily (because i always said I wanted to stop but never had the honest desire) I got on my knees and cried and prayed out to whoever you would like to call a higher power.
The next day, I was blown away. A man, whom I never met before was sitting on a dock by the lake in Lethbridge. I looked at him and my feet flew over wherein I seriously felt like I floated over to this man. I shared my whole life of self destruction, addiction, suicidal thoughts, hurt and brokeness. He said to me, the only person who can save you is God. And I sure didn't believe that.
After three months however, my heart bought into the message.
I have been sober for over 3 and a half years. I am a speaker to the young people, a leader to the youth and I partake in much service. I give my time to the following organizations because I have been given a new life:
BOYS and GIRLS Club, Teen Stuff: Providing leadership and an enthusiastic role model to youth ages 12 - 19
I am the Remote Community Chairperson for Southern Alberta
G.S.R for my 12 step group
Speaker in all areas of Alberta with respect to sobriety and willingness to Grow/Change
Sponsoring women in recovery of all ages
Travelled to the Philippines to work with our friends in third worlds and poverty
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE MINISTERY at Lethbridge correctional centre, this is working with male and female offenders, helping them to see the light and let them know they are loved
I partook as a Sunday School teacher to the youth ages 8-10. It was amazing.
I recently won the YWCA Woman of Distinction - Turning Point award for Young Women, it was truly by Grace.
I love to spend time on the streets of Calgary, speaking with our friends who are homeless, to just be a friend is all I want to do. To show love where there is none.
There is much more. But that is all. I was forwarded this site by a friend who said Mallory, do it! So thank you for your time. I am a woman who wants to help the broken. This experiece would help me in so many ways.
Hope to hear from you.
Mallorykristjanson@Hotmail.com
I am one of those few that actually didn’t shudder when a public speaking assignment came from the mouth of our high school teacher. In fact I was the “weirdo” who looked forward to it.
So speaking has come naturally to me. It is something that I really get into. To me, writing and speaking go hand in hand. Telling the words that I have on paper is pretty much the same. The only difference is that there is an audience. And when there is an audience, I come alive! I enjoy getting responses from people whether it be crying at a sad tale or a laugh from a funny time in a story. It makes me feel fulfilled to know that I have an audience and I have lead them on a journey through my story. Taking ladies to places where God touches a nerve is truly a desire of my heart.
I cannot afford to go to the conference this year. It would take a move of God for me to get there. I have a desire to go be it for the writing or the speaking. If not this year then I will go one year to be determined by God.
It would mean so much to me to be a part of She Speaks. I have wanted to go since I learned about it last year. It would mean that God wants me to have a ministry in speaking or writing – the areas that He has gifted me in. Not to be bragging – I’ve just recently been able to say that God has gifted me! If these are the areas that He can use then I want to give Him the opprotunity to do so.
I, like you, love everything that P31 stands for. I have enjoyed getting to know the ladies of P31 better by visiting blogs and I hope to get to more conferences in the future. I would love an opprotunity to attend She Speaks. I have entered every contest that has come my way. This would be an awesome way to kick up a speaking ministry. Whatever God has in store, I am waiting and willing and ready!
Oh my goodness y’all. I really need to win a scholarship to She Speaks…I really need to be there and desperately need the scholarship. I am a pastors wife, womens ministry leader, bible study leader, etc…the list goes on and on…mom of three crazy teens and a high school teacher. I have required training this summer for school one in Orlando and One in Louisville…so expenses for another week are impossible. I’m soooo praying I win…I need to be there.
Throughout the years, I've struggled with determining God's calling on my life. I have been very active in my local church, but always "doing" rather than just "being". I want to operate in the calling that God has for me, whether it is speaking, writing, or just helping. However, I have been asked to write Bible studies as well as speak to my local congregation on many occasions. Yet, I still feel like a 'jack of all trades and master of none'.
The She Speaks Conference caught my attention about three years ago and although I have tried to shake the compelling urge to go, the desire remains in my heart. I am waiting patiently on God, but yet looking for some direction and inspiration. If I am able to attend, I feel like it will be God's divine way of letting me know that I am in the right direction to fulfill his calling on my life.
Throughout the years, I've struggled with determining God's calling on my life. I have been very active in my local church, but always "doing" rather than just "being". I want to operate in the calling that God has for me, whether it is speaking, writing, or just helping. However, I have been asked to write Bible studies as well as speak to my local congregation on many occasions. Yet, I still feel like a 'jack of all trades and master of none'.
The She Speaks Conference caught my attention about three years ago and although I have tried to shake the compelling urge to go, the desire remains in my heart. I am waiting patiently on God, but yet looking for some direction and inspiration. If I am able to attend, I feel like it will be God's divine way of letting me know that I am in the right direction to fulfill his calling on my life.
Hi,
Over the past few months the Lord has put on my heart to speak to teen girls my age. (i am 13) When i had heard of She Speaks i had been praying that God would make his way clear and show me the next step. as soon as i said that my mom walked in and said "i sent you a link go read it" it was the link to She speaks. as soon as a read the information i wanted to attend. I have started writing but i dont feel like writing can show the emotion you want, since its just words on paper. there is no way i can attend with out gods intervention i would have to get two tickets one for me one for an adult to attend with me. that would be almost $900. thank you for this opportunity!
Audrey Beers
A17thstar@aol.com
I entered the writing scholarship and did not win although I let time slip away and wrote the entry in 30 minutes – it was a good topic, but needed tweaking. I had been a Sunday School Teacher, VBS Director, and Youth Leader for over 7 years and loved that but a horrible situation arose and my husband of 20 years did the unthinkable and left me and our 3 children to marry a good friend of mine that happened to be pregnant with his child! The devastation was life shattering for me and my children, but maybe worse even was the shame and humiliation I felt as most of my Church family turned away from me and I was asked to step down from any responsibilities in the Church, “I was not a good example any longer” I was told by the Pastor. This is a the story in a nutshell, there is much, much more, like I didn’t mention that at the time I was physically ill – in the hospital with a hysterectomy I didn’t want at the very time he left - I just knew the Lord could never use me again….for anything. I was no longer a wife, could no longer have another child, no children to teach, no youth to lead….but it was during this my “desert wandering” time that the Lord lead me to begin to write – write to Him, my kids, myself, anyone. That grew into a book that isn’t complete yet but I have such a desire to finish it and then to share it. In fact I already do share it – with friends & co-workers and they all seem to be touched, challenged, or motivated in some way. I share it by retelling parts of the book and sharing what God taught me or how I saw his hand in situations. I have been “speaking” to small groups of women and wanting to lead a Bible Study at work. I had no fear teaching children or teenagers, but I fear groups of women. I fear rejection and humiliation. That is one of the reasons I am sure God is leading me to this and not myself. I don’t want to – but I long to! Does that make sense? So to me writing and speaking are hand in hand and I would love (but be totally freaked out) to win the scholarship!
Julie Allsup
JStultz-Allsup@augustaga.gov
I am new to Proverbs 31 Ministries and even newer to the She Speaks Conference. Since discovering P31 I have continued to come back day after day and I was ecstatic when I learned about She Speaks!
I am a young woman who is whole-heartedly seeking God's will for my time on this earth. I work as a dietitian and absolutely love encouraging and inspiring people to make wise choices that will allow them to lead more fulfulling, productive lives. Since coming into my field I have been praying that God would reveal how he wants to use my training to glorify His name. God has slowly but strongly laid on my heart that he desires for me to use my passions to speak to fellow believers and inspire them to approach their relationship with food and their bodies much differently than what our culture promotes.
Receiving this scholarship would mean so much in helping fulfill this calling because it would give me the training to take what God has taught me and package it into compassionate, God-centered messages that inspire His people!
Erica Hanson
ericahanson@uwalumni.com
After a season of blessings and testings, which came hand in hand, I am on a journey to see what comes next. Would so love to attend the conference. Thank you for the opportunity! Oh, and I so enjoy the daily encouragements in my inbox.
Carol Ellisor
sellisor@aol.com
ellisosrjourney.blogspot.com
Hi my name is Arial Oliver I would like to win the scholarship because at the moment I am struggling, I was a back sliding christian who got pregnant and recently I have come back to the Lord and trying to change my life around I'm a 19yr. old student studying to become a Medical Assistant I had to take out student loans just to go to school, I have no job, and I'm taking care of my brother who has heart failure and trying to prepare a blessed future for me and my unborn daughter. After I go to school for Medical Assiting I would like to attend the San Diego Christian College and study ministry. Even if I don't get accepted for this scholarship I would appreciate any prayers concerning my situation. I know I'm not the only one facing hard times so for those that are going through something difficult in life I pray that God delivers you from whatever hardship your going through and replace your tears with happiness and love.
My name is Arial Oliver my email is arial_oliver@hotmail.com
I'm just a small town Pastor's wife who loves to share with humor and transparency things learned through life in the trenches, the fish bowl, and the home...oh wait, a pastor's home is the trenches and the fish bowl. My bad. : ) I sing, I write, I speak…all on a small scale thus far but I am eager to leap out of the nest and fly. A chance to attend a conference of the awesome caliber of She Speaks would bless me beyond my imagination...and I have a pretty big imagination.
Mari
http://www.marilavell.com/
Thank you so much for this additional giveaway!
I have felt so strongly that I need to be at She Speaks this year - the only reason I haven't registered yet is money!
I am passionate both about speaking and writing - I've been teaching Bible studies in my local church for several years now, creating them from my Bible training at Cedarville University and from my own study of the Scriptures. It has been EXCITING to see how God has been transforming lives through women getting into the Word on a deeper level!
After teaching for a while, God opened opportunities for me to speak at several womens' retreats through our church. About the same time, I began blogging and have been stunned to see how God has grown and used this little "ministry" from my living room.
At this point in my life, God is opening doors for me to continue teaching, writing, and speaking - and I would love to glean from the wisdom and training at the Proverbs 31 conference!
Thank you again for the opportunity!
I was first introduced to Proverbs 31 Ministry by a very close friend. I was going through a vital trial in my life. She read one of the daily devotionals and emailed it to me. She felt that I needed the encouragement that day. It was encouraging. Soon after that, I received another emailed devotional from my friend. Again, she felt I needed encouragement and again, I was. I decided to sign up for the daily devotionals and get them emailed directly to me. I am so glad I did. On many occasions I have been inspired, motivated, encouraged, and equipped with God's Word. It has been refreshing to read about real life stories from other Christian women.
Over the past few years, probably close to about eight or nine years now, I have been slowly pursuing what I believe God is calling me to do for Him: write and speak. I want to encourage others (especially women) to trust Jesus, live for Him, and believe in the power of Him. No matter what. He is good.
It has been a journey I have needed encouragement and focus to succeed. God has provided this every step of the way. I completed my bachelor's degree in communication studies in 2009 and just got accepted into a graduate school program for a master's of art in communication. I know this traditional educational part of the journey is a necessary part.
When I saw last week the "She Speaks" conference information, I was again encouraged. How awesome that this type of conference is being put together. In the years I have known about Proverbs 31 Ministry, I never saw this before. It just lifted my spirit to know there people out there helping train others to pursue and live out their dreams, their calling of writing and speaking. I am one of those.
I have never attended a "She Speaks" conference, but it would be amazing to be trained and mentored by others who have been traveling this path already.
No matter, truly, whether I get there this year or not, I will continue pray for the Proverbs 31 Ministry team, the training, the conference, so that God's will be done for whoever does attend.
Thank you for putting in all the time and effort to help others become what God has called them to do for Him.
Michelle Barringer
mrbarringer1@mac.com
Hi my name is Arial Oliver I would like to win the scholarship because at the moment I am struggling, I was a back sliding christian who got pregnant and recently I have come back to the Lord and trying to change my life around I'm a 19yr. old student studying to become a Medical Assistant I had to take out student loans just to go to school, I have no job, and I'm taking care of my brother who has heart failure and trying to prepare a blessed future for me and my unborn daughter. After I go to school for Medical Assiting I would like to attend the San Diego Christian College and study ministry. Even if I don't get accepted for this scholarship I would appreciate any prayers concerning my situation. I know I'm not the only one facing hard times so for those that are going through something difficult in life I pray that God delivers you from whatever hardship your going through and replace your tears with happiness and love.
Thankful for the chance to learn more about writing and speaking. God is working through P31!
Rachel Latham
rachel.latham@comcast.net
I have a burning desire in my heart to speak to women about Jesus. I truly believe God created me to share my passion for Him with young women.
It would be a dream come true for me to attend the "She Speaks" conference!
Amy in Woodstock, GA
I felt useless for the kingdom, so I began to pray daily that God would show me where, when, and how He wanted to use me. He asked me to speak at an all day retreat for young women. I was scared silly, but three days in the belly of a whale wasn’t very appealing either so I said yes. Then he sent me to give a talk on live television. I read the whole book of Jonah . . . and said yes again. When I received my third invitation to speak, I went to the She Speaks website. The conference sounds like a perfect fit, but our check book said no. I’m laying it in God’s hands. If He wants to use Cec to get me there, then God is good. If He sends someone else, then . . . God is still good.
As a young, teenage girl I stumbled across God's timeless wisdom for women as wives and mothers found in Proverbs 31:10-31. That "awakening" became the desire of my heart from my youth onward...although I would bump and tumble to a fantastic fall to my face before the Lord before I would realize it.
The summer of 1998 I found myself pregnant, but unwed. Pride shattered and prostrate before the Lord, my Redeemer cleansed me, forgave me, clothed me, and began restoring me. He granted me a willing spirit to sustain me and garbed me in everlasting joy.
God's blessings for obedience began to overflow. A month and 18 days later I married my best friend, soul mate, and the daddy of my first son, "Gift from God." The Lord reassured me that he could STILL use me and I prayed as King David did, "Lord, let me teach transgressors your ways." He initially confirmed His word with an instant ministry to a young mom with a story just like mine.
In 2003 the Lord placed the call on my heart to write for Him. He has confirmed His call in more ways and encounters than I can count or name. He has shown me who I am and who I am not. Not one step or season I have lived in has returned void. Rather, God has grown and groomed me for greater things He has for me ever since He called me. Like Abraham who believed God's promise, the Lord has asked me, "Do I believe Him that the Almighty WILL accomplish this?"
I remember my Lord, the Promise-keeper. Not ONE of His good promises has ever failed. He knows what I need before I ask. Before a word is even on my tongue, He is there. He KNOWS me completely. Hearkening back, I can trace His hand in my life, connecting the dots He has set for me. My Lord is FAITHFUL.
I answer, "Yes, Lord. I BELIEVE you." I ask and pray. I wait. I study His word. I connect with the Lord as His Holy Spirit guides, convicts, and teaches me. He shows me my "next step". I cling to the word He spoke to my heart, "The one who calls you IS FAITHFUL, and HE WILL DO IT." 1 Thessalonians 5:24
Just today I asked the Lord to clarify my "next step" for ministry. A gift trip to my first She Speaks conference would be yet another confirmation from my Lord that I am keeping in step with His Spirit. While I make plans in my heart, the Lord directs my steps. Praise Him!
It is so refreshing to see God using all of His women to work together and spread His truth!
God is leading me on an incredible journey. It is this journey, seeking out a writing/speaking conference that I found this scholarship give-away! Is it a "God coincidence" that it was the first place I looked? God only knows! :) If I do win, this will be a God given answer to prayers and leading me into my dreams!
Kathryn Prus
Kathrynprus@gmail.com
As a young, teenage girl I stumbled across God's timeless wisdom for women as wives and mothers found in Proverbs 31:10-31. That "awakening" became the desire of my heart from my youth onward...although I would bump and tumble to a fantastic fall to my face before the Lord before I would realize it.
The summer of 1998 I found myself pregnant, but unwed. Pride shattered and prostrate before the Lord, my Redeemer cleansed me, forgave me, clothed me, and began restoring me (Psalm 51). He granted me a willing spirit to sustain me and garbed me in everlasting joy (Psalm 30).
God's blessings for obedience began to overflow. A month and 18 days later I married my best friend, soul mate, and the daddy of my first son, "Gift from God." The Lord reassured me that he could STILL use me and I prayed as King David did, "Lord, let me teach transgressors your ways." He initially confirmed His word with an instant ministry to a young mom with a story just like mine.
In 2003 the Lord placed the call on my heart to write for Him. He has confirmed His call in more ways and encounters than I can count or name. He has shown me who I am and who I am not. Not one step or season I have lived in has returned void. Rather, God has grown and groomed me for greater things He has set for me ever since He called me. Like Abraham who believed God's promise, the Lord has asked me, "Do I believe Him that the Almighty WILL accomplish this?"
I remember my Lord, the Promise-keeper. Not ONE of His good promises has ever failed. He knows what I need before I ask. Before a word is even on my tongue, He is there. He KNOWS me completely. Hearkening back, I can trace His hand in my life, connecting the dots He has set for me. My Lord has never left me. His presence, promises, and protection are mine. He is FAITHFUL.
I answer, "Yes, Lord. I BELIEVE you." I ask and pray. I wait. I study His word. I connect with the Lord as His Holy Spirit guides, convicts, and teaches me. He shows me my "next step". I cling to the word He spoke to my heart, "The one who calls you IS FAITHFUL, and HE WILL DO IT." 1 Thessalonians 5:24
Just today I asked the Lord to clarify my "next step" for ministry. As if the "green light" from my amazing husband and dual support of my Little Mama and mother-in-love ("My Naomi"), discovering this scholarship opportunity tonight was nothing short of God's impeccable timing. A gift trip to my first She Speaks conference would be yet another confirmation from my Lord that I am keeping in step with His Spirit. While I make plans in my heart, the Lord directs my steps. Praise Him! Also, thank you, Cecil, for the opportunity.
Shannon Lee Cochran
mscochran@austin.rr.com
I'm a young mom to 2 boys. I have not had any opportunities to get away and be with just women since my 2 sons were born.
I LOVE Proverb 31 Ministries and feel that it would be blessing to go to this conference. Also this would help me find who I AM and what I am meant to do within my church. I feel like I have no direction in life right now....
Karen J.
Kjanusik@hotmail.com
I have been seeking direction about my life intently for a year. Winning this scholarship would show me God's goodness and graciousness regarding answered prayer. The "She Speaks" conference has been a desire lifted up to Him..Where He leads me I will follow.
Dena Hutton
huttonfam_5@yahoo.com
Many Thanks to everyone who is making a scholarship even possible! Learning that God has called me to speak has been a gradual process. I was not raised in the faith. Rather I've been in some of the darkest places. Places only a loving Father like our Lord would dare go and find me. He has time and again made a way where there was not one.
The first time I spoke publically was to a very small group and the feed back was great, however, I found myself so ill-equipped. I long to be instructed. I just need some Titus women to show me the way.
The thought of being around women that can help me direct the gifting God has given me is so very exciting. Further more the thought of being equipped to rattle the gates of hell and see others set free by the power of the testimony He has made me free by,....well that just lites my fire. If that don't well, my wood may just be wet! =]
Thank you so much a for a chance!
Serving Him
Jenna Berthoud
Thanks for the opportunity for a chance to enter this scholarship. Even thinking about speaking gets the "butterflies fluttering" yet the thought of not answering the prompting of the Lord makes more than butterflies flutter!
Psalm 115:11
All you who fear the Lord, trust the Lord!He is your helper and your shield.
thanks for the opportunity!
I think it is the coolest thing that God in His wisdom chooses to speak through His creations. As women we have a special place in God's heart and a unique opportunity to reach the hearts of others. I'd love to learn to speak the gospel message more powerfully at the SheSpeaks conference this year.
God Bless!!!
Mary Canfield
luckygal823@gmail.com
I am a teenager and have a passion for sharing God with others, especially those of my generation. I want to make a difference and feel God is calling me to speak and write about all He has taught me and how He has changed my life. Through my mom's cancer journey, I have gotten to know Him better and have learned to trust Him more. As believers we should have the skills to be the best in presenting our message to others. It would mean so much to me to learn how to better communicate. I don't believe God wants me to wait until I'm an adult to minister to others. I am praying for His provision for me to attend this conference if it is what He wants for me this year. Thank you for the opportunity to apply:-)
LJ
kajohnsonaz@hotmail.com
I am up when I should be resting. So many heavy things on my mind and my heart which I do not know how to quiet. I don't know how to hear God's guidance, voice or love. I crave the opportunities to experience the how.
amy
brev.fra.amy@gmail.com
A little over a year ago, I attended a writing intensive led by Cec Murphey. In a short amount of time, I realized I was being instructed by a very gifted writer (and speaker), one who cared passionately for those desiring to impart God’s words to others. I pray that the one chosen to receive this generous scholarship will glorify God, bless other women incredibly, and put a smile on Cec Murphey’s face! I would be delighted to attend the She Speaks conference to learn how to do just that!
Julie Lavender
lavenders@bulloch.net
My passion is Speaking. Imparting wisdom, knowledge and power to those in the audience as the Holy Spirit directs my path. Speaking to women; encouraging them; letting them know that there is someone out there that gets what they are going through, that cares and is there for them is the call on my life. I am a survivor of this world we live in. I have survived sexual abuse, domestic violence, self-loathing, hatred and the desire to end it all until I found God. Truly found Him. Let him in my life and embraced the love that He so freely gives me. I am at a point in my life where I yearn with all my heart to take all that I have learned and impart it into others. I want to laugh with them; cry with them; and grow with them as they embark on a deeper, closer relationship with Him. Being able to attend She Speaks! will get me one step closer to the dream.
kdchristian44@gmail.com
I was very excited to read there was another opportunity to win a scholarship to She Speaks! I don't believe at all the work(preparation) God has done in my life over the past year has been for nothing. I was randomly (yea right!) asked to speak at 3 different ladies' events last August, September, and October by totally different women and totally different churches (all different denominations). Oh, and just to tell ya, I've never spoken in front of a group before this! My pastor's wife and my sister attended all 3 events to support me. God was so in control of the words I spoke! At the first event, I shared things from my heart that had been hidden for years! but God didn't want me to speak that particular information at the other 2 events. I'm confident that the Lord ordered all of this to bring me to a place where I could find healing and restoration! My pastor's wife lead me through a Bible Study after she heard my story that released me from bondage of my dark past!! I have not only been delivered from my past but I've been set free! I don't believe God intended for me to keep this to myself! It's just too extraordinary the way He ordered all the events to bring me to this FREEDOM!
I'd be honored to attend the Conference so I can continue to watch God's mighty hand at work in my life! May God's will be done....not mine.
Edie Blackmon
luv2singgospel@yahoo.com
She Speaks
Wow, it is amazing to see how God is working in and through the hearts of so many women He is calling to speak.
God saved my life from the hands of a very violent and abusive marriage. I was saved and called into His leadership army within the same year. He spoke to my heart saying “all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose” Romans 8:28. Even though I knew this truth, I still felt as though I was in the “March of The Unqualified and the Unworthy”. Over the years He has reminded me that Moses and countless others formed His leadership army then and the call is no different now. For as He calls thus He equips…God spoke to my heart and said you are unconditionally loved, emotionally healed, and made whole. Remember my daughter there is not an affliction beyond My conviction. Your responsibility is to be 4 real to be healed.
I began serving with a local domestic violence shelter teaching cooking classes and sharing my testimony. I served within this organization for eight years. God expanded my territory and I served on a local governance board that supports domestic violence initiatives. At my former home church I served in the health care ministry where I was asked to speak/share my testimony at several events. God expanded my territory again and I worked and shared my testimony to survivors of violence in Celebrate Recovery.
In 2008 God called me to write devotion about my life experiences on this journey with Him. He spoke to my heart sweetly, that the devotions would become topics/platforms for my speaking ministry. In 2009, God created two open-door opportunities for me to speak. One was at a local college where five women who are walking with Christ shared their personal testimonies of surviving violence and God’s calling on their lives. The other opportunity came from a dear friend who was led a women’s ministry at her church. With God’s leading she purchased my ticket and paid me a nominal fee. I spoke at her women’s conference and the topic was Unconditionally Loved, Emotionally Healed, and Made Whole.
It has been a year since I last spoke. I have continued to write and develop the speaking platforms for which God is directing me. I am follower of your ministry and have prayed for three years to attend your conference. Finances have prevented me. I realize that God will complete His plan in His timing. This opportunity for Proverbs 31 She Speaks conference is God’s open-door opportunity to expand my territory once again. To allow me to be in the company of women that are called to speak, write, and teach His word and increase His Kingdom for His glory.
Joan Taylor
Jtaylor349@aol.com
I am from the very small town of Blanchard, Louisiana. I accidentally got on your website a couple of months ago. I read about the "She Speaks" conference and for some reason it has stayed on my mind. I believe the Lord is wanting me to attend this conference. I'm a lot like Moses, not an eloquent speaker, but I pray to be one so that I might make a difference in someone's life. Please pray with me to see if the Lord wants me attend this conference. God bless you all!
Hello Renee--
I've been getting Encouragement for Today for a year now. God has spoken to me in such direct ways through the P31 women. It's been very amazing--I've been so blessed by this ministry!
I've dealt with clinical depression for the past 10 years. I have a past that includes sexual abuse and deep anger toward men....I grew up with six brothers and I'm the only sister!! P31 meets my Daily Bread needs because I can relate to so many of the stories!
Encouragement for Today has basically been my friend throughout the past year. My family relocated to our current town a year ago and I still don't know many people. We've moved 4 times in the last 5 years and have lived in 3 states throughout this period of time. I always try to get plugged into a MOPS program in each new town but moving is just so hard and so exhausting with little ones.
Two weeks ago I was sharing a small part of my testimony with an old friend over the phone. I realized that I had admitted for the first time (out loud) that I truly believed God could heal me and take me out of my pit of depression for good. Ever since I made that statement I feel like God has opened my eyes to a whole new world of possibilities. I feel like I have stepped out of the boat and started walking to Jesus with a whole new faith.
I would really love the opportunity to go to the She Speaks Conference. Please consider me. This is my only chance to attend...through your choosing. We are having an enormous financial crisis as a family....we are among the thousands wounded by the failing housing market. We are currently renting (with 4 young children!!). Today I paid for a loaf of bread with quarters and dimes from my 3 year old's piggy bank. This has been the most humbling year ever! But God "rains" on the unrighteous AND the righteous....He said we WOULD have troubles. We are fighting for the hope and trying to push away the despair.
Please pray that we can trust God to meet our needs. And please pray also that as parents we can keep walking across the lake to Jesus knowing that He can do the impossible.
Thank you.
hudsonmotherof4
I would love to attend as I have felt God calling me to serve as a speaker/writer to encourage other women and to share how much God has done for me. Currently, my husband are in a financial position of really counting on the Lord for everything. I have been so blessed in my life despite many trials and testings, but God is so faithful. I would love to have this training so that I could continue to be molded into the woman God designed me to become. Thank you for this opportunity and a special thank you to Cecil for her generosity! May God continue to bless the work of your hands and thank you Jesus for bringing all of these dear sisters in Christ together to glorify you!
cmaxwell62@sbcglobal.net
Chrystal Maxwell
Batavia Illinois
Having breast cancer at 33 with 2 small children has opened my eyes to what God is calling me to do. I have been invited to speak at large meetings about my experience, but I have told the Lord that the Holy Spirit will have to speak right through me. I was led to the She Speaks conference website but I don't know if this is what God wills for me. Praying!
Shelley Rindfuss
mrindfuss@columbus.rr.com
I would like to attend the She Speak conference. I feel I should get the scholarship you have to offer because .I have been teaching for 19 years. I first started by the life I live. When I rise up,sitting,standing,eating and laying down. I try to be a living example not just words.Then I trained my children up in the way they should go.I must be able to rule my house well in order to do the same in God's house. Then I was able to apply what I do as far a teaching to other.I have never spoke at a ladies event. I do coach my son on preparing lesson when he had to to a mini sermon.I feel this will give me the chance to advance what God has in me.
Life's truly is a journey. I'll never forget the day I told my dad that when I grow up I want to be a preacher's wife. Years later God honored my child-like faith and I married a preacher. This journey has taken be down many wonderful and challenging twists and turns. Today, I am now fulfilling the role as a pastor's wife. Deep within I have a desire to someday minister to young minister's wives and be able to offer words of encouragement when they are facing those long, lonely nights. I believe the She Speaks Conference may offer the preparation that I will need to begin a new journey. Thank you for considering me for the scholarship.
Sincerely,
Debbie Pryor
debpryor@mac.com
Debbie Pryor (debpryor@mac.com)
My God has great plans for me and my family, it has been a desert walk for about 10 years but He has been so faithful taking me step by step in the direction He desires for my life. It was just impressed upon my heart in the last weeks about public speaking and been confirmed by God through someone else. I truly desire to share more of Him and less of me. Thank you for this awesome opportunity.
Barbara Martin
Hi Renee,
I would love to be entered into the draw for the "She Speaks" conference. I have wanted to attend the conference for years, but never felt ready. I think that I feel ready now! I have gone from being a innocent young Sunday School teacher with a strong desire to serve God with all my heart, to living in adultry and shame for years, and then back to a saving God who called me out and cleaned me up and gave me so much more than I could ever ask or imagine. He gave me back many times over than what the enemy took from me. I love Him and want to serve Him my whole life, and so I have a story to tell. If I speak, it will be for God's glory. The few times that I have spoken in front of a group of people, I have been told that I should do that more often, that I speak well. I would love to learn what I can at the "She Speaks" conference. I feel excited about being stretched beyond my comfort zone, and stepping into what I feel that God is calling me to do -speak for Him.
Connie imb@mts.net
well, i guess it would be an answer to prayer because I am not working and have a testimony to share. I know I have the TALENT to speak, but not sure if He wants to use this as a spiritual gift. So I trust God will let me know. I have a platform so i guess this may further that. And I have a big mouth. Thanks.
I have been running from and ignoring God’s plan for my life - my whole life! I’m tired of doing it my way and have finally surrendered to His way. What a great feeling! Although the very thought of winning this scholarship leaves me petrified, I can no longer ignore the small voice in my ear telling me that I’m perfect in His eyes and that He can use me. Despite the fact I keep telling myself that I’m not intelligent enough, I’m unequipped and so much more. He still keeps whispering to me that I have a story to tell (by speaking) and to leave the rest to Him. I’m totally a beginner and scared to death, but take comfort in the fact that He is leading me in this leap of faith by attempting too win a She Speaks Scholarship.
Thanks!
Amanda Johns
amanda.johns21@yahoo.com
I have recently bought the book "the reason We Speak". It has been such an inspiration to me in my quest to answer the call GOD has placed on my heart. I am a servant of JESUS saved by his grace. I have a powerful testimony that I have begun to share with others.
GOD has brought me through some very dark hours and I am eternally grateful for his divine calling on my life. I have fully surrendered to whatever he has in store for me and am excited for each oppurtunity that comes my way to tell of his great love. I am seeking to discover GOD's plan for me in my ministry to others. All that I am and all the stories i share are for his glory!
God did not have me suffer all the trials and tragedy in my life just to sit back and rest in his peace. This peace I have found needs to be shared with every single soul that is lost and desperate for answers to "WHY". I used to ask that all the time in a negative way. "Why Me LORD?", "Why did this happen?", "Why am I here?", "why, why,why?" Now my heart crys out "Why" in a new way. "Why do you love me so?", "why did you allow your only son to die for me?", "Why do you chose to use a wretch like me?" When i compare my suffering to the cross I get a whole new perspective. I want to tell the whole world how great our GOD truly is and all that he has done for me in my life.
"Many, O LORD my GOD, are the wonders you have done. The things you have planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare."
Psalm 40:5(NIV)
I want to declare to everyone of all the things GOD has done for me.
If I am able to attend this conference it will help me to learn how to be the most effective for the kingdom. Thank you for this chance to move forward in the call GOD has placed on my life.
Sincerely,
Deborah Pinnell
Words matter because people matter more. God called me to the ministry of writing long ago. But as I’ve grown in Him, He’s helped me to view my words as a vehicle to connect people with the One who loves them more than they can imagine. And I believe He intends to use both my written and my spoken words to accomplish His purposes.
As He’s grown my writing, He’s expanded my speaking opportunities. That’s why I began to pray about attending She Speaks. My husband, like many others, has faced the heartbreak of job loss this year. As important as the conference is, family obligations come first. A scholarship would allow me to attend.
I know the One who calls me to speak and to write is faithful. I’ll trust Him to meet the needs of all who enter. Thanks for offering She Speaks along with the scholarship opportunities. And because both words and people matter, I’m grateful.
have an ache to bring hope (real hope) to hurting hearts. Trully, I have a lot to learn and am not wise but along the way I have begun to learn how good and faithful God is,and how dearly He loves us. I ache to share that in any way possible. I also have had a love for public speaking since I was young. The dream of sharing God's faithfulness and love has been on my heart for a long time. I just haven't known what to do with it, other than sharing with people in my life. I've never been to the conference and probably won't be able to attend without a scholarship. It would be a treat to be considered for this scholarship. Thanks for your time.
sarah_gillaspie@yahoo.com
I believe that God is my Father and that He has always been with me, protecting me and guiding me through the deepest, darkest and most despairing circumstances in my life. Sadly to say, it has been during these most vulnerable times in my life that I fell away from God. But being God, He was always there and found a way to bring me back into His grace. I do not know where God is leading me or what His plan is for my life, however, I do believe that God has been actively encouraging me to dig deeper into His Word for His purpose in my life. I do not know if I have the abilities, knowledge, skills, characteristics or work experiences to be selected for the "She Speaks Scholarship." But I do know that God is my Father and that I love Him with all of my heart. Perhaps some of my life stories, actions and outcomes, might help someone else to find their way back to God. It would be the greatest honor of my life to be selected to attend the "She Speaks" conference and training and allowed to study and grow among such a dynamic group of Godly women.
God bless each of us.
Take care,
Marilyn Fielding
mefielding@aol.com
"All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way" (Isaiah 53:6 NAS)
"What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off." (Matthew 18:12-13 NIV)
I have an ache to bring hope (real hope) to hurting hearts. Trully, I have a lot to learn and am not wise but along the way I have begun to learn how good and faithful God is,and how dearly He loves us. I ache to share that in any way possible. I also have had a love for public speaking since I was young. The dream of sharing God's faithfulness and love has been on my heart for a long time. I just haven't known what to do with it, other than sharing with people in my life. I've never been to the conference and probably won't be able to attend without a scholarship. It would be a treat to be considered for this scholarship. Thanks for your time.
sarah_gillaspie@yahoo.com
I want to become a better story teller & deliver messages in a powerful way. I want to make a difference in the movement against human trafficking and serve orphans. God has given me a burning passion for the hurting and to 'comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.'
What I have learned in the past 23 months as a 40 something widow is that in my weakness God is strong. I am still trying to figure out how to be a single mom. Despite that challenge I know God is whispering to me to dream bigger & step out with courage.
For me a trip to She Speaks would be like a little league player going to the world series. I was so excited to see this additional opportunity. You inspire, teach, encourage & challenge me daily.
Thanks for lighting my path,
Lynn Seng
lynnmarie@gmail.com
This ministry is such a blessing to me. As I am praying about the opportunity to attend She Speaks, I would love the chance to be entered in the drawing. To win would be the greatest confirmation of all.
Kim Hinson
hinsonfarms@aol.com
I'm stepping out on faith by leaving a comment, but I want to do what God tells me to do. I have wanted to attend SheSpeaks for several years now, but have talked myself out of the opportunity every single year. This year, God provided a major healing of a brain tumor for my son (7yr journey) and I told the Lord when this whole ordeal started that I would shout from the rooftops at everything He allowed and did. I have done that within our "comfort zone" circle, but after he completely HEALED my son 2 months ago, I have felt the Holy Spirit telling me I should share Jordan's journey with woman across the country. He did NOT heal Jordan just for me and my family, but also for others. He provided a modern miracle for my son and demonstrated that He is still in the healing business, but most of all that we should trust Him with our lives, our decisions, our thoughts, our husband and our families. Throughout this ordeal, I have learned to TRUST HIM, just as he says in Proverbs 3:5,6 - - Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not to thine own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and will direct your paths.
Thank you for this opportunity!
Jai@wifeof1momof4
wifeof1momof4@gmail.com
What a wonderful opportunity!!
I have been given a desire for young girls & women's ministry.
I have such a stir for other's to see how they can come out of the darkness and into the light.
Even though I knew Jesus as a young girl I never understood the personal relationship. As a teenage girl and young adult I walked away from Him. My life spun out of control. I found myself unwed and pregnant to someone I barely knew. Although I knew the choice that the father and I made for our child was wrong. I went ahead with it. This led many more years of darkness and pain. God has set me FREE! He has been my light in shinning armour. He has blessed me with a wonderful husband and two beautiful children.
It is my prayer to let others know that no matter what darkness you have from the past or present, God is waiting right there for you. He is our Light. He loves His Beautiful Daughters.
I currently volunteer at our local pregnancy center and love helping teen girls, women and families.
In just two weeks I will be stepping up in front of a group of women to tell not my story but His story of Grace and Redemption.
Two years ago I had a desire to come to She Speaks but the timing was not right. The desire is back. This past fall I lost my job of teaching in early childhood due to some cut backs. This would be such a blessing.
I know God already has a special person in mind to send to this amazing conference.
Lord if it is your will for me to go, "Here I am send me" if not I will be still and wait.
Rachel
racheltemple@cinci.rr.com
I have never attended a She Speaks conference but I am looking forward to it! I hold with an open hand any "calling" God may fulfill for me to have more opportunities to speak.
Teaching and challenging women to deeper, more significant living is really enjoyable for me, and I feel His pleasure when He can use me in that role. I also know it is a big and humbling responsibility, so I do not take it lightly.
He has given me unique life experiences during our time living in war-torn Central Asia which enable me to speak from a different perspective on living as a follower of Jesus. I look forward to learning so much at the conference and appreciate the opportunity to have help with the expenses!
Rachel Schaus
rschaus@pobox.com
Loved reading about your beginning and your ministry....you always bless me...
Hi I would love to win If this is Gods timing for me. God has done a healing work in my heart and mind I Want to reach out to woman. love on them and just let them know,that they can find healing and a changed mind. Thank you Debra
Hi I would love to win If this is Gods timing for me. God has done a healing work in my heart and mind I Want to reach out to woman. love on them and just let them know,that they can find healing and a changed mind. Thank you
Debra Madden
bflydeb@verizon.net
You know, I have to admit, I want to be a writer AND a speaker...I think. God has - or maybe I have - changed my mind about this a couple of times. My heart is in writing, because it's a safe place for me. I know that may sound weird, but I also know that I can sit down and control my tongue with my pen...if that makes any sense at all.
However, I also know that my heart is pumped - for lack of a better term - when I am able to communicate what God says in His Word in a way that women "get it." So, maybe God is affirming THAT call, as well...or maybe He is telling me to get out of my comfort zone and trust Him to control my tongue.
We'll see. Oh, by the way, I would LOVE to attend this conference! I just HAD to add that!
Belinda Kirk, sbmkax@earthlink.net
I am praying for each of you as you have faithfully and courageously stepped out and entered your name into the drawing. I know how much courage it takes to let your heart dream. To get up the courage to hope, knowing you could be disappointed. I am praying for THE WAY to make a way for each of you to attend She Speaks if it's is HIS perfect will and timing. On Monday, I'll share how you can also set up a scholarship fund if your name is not the one drawn.
Please know that our whole speaker team and staff are praying for each of you and for the Holy Spirit to be powerfully moving as we randomly, yet prayerfully, choose the winner of the scholarship.
Blessings and hugs to all of you!!!
Renee
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