A Winner & More About How You Can & Why You Should Attend She Speaks

"So I totally have a knot in my stomach as I write this, because even signing up for the possibility to win a scholarship to this conference scares the living daylights out of me. I want to attend this conference to learn more about how to be the woman and leader God wants me to be. I am also going through a spiritual desert, and need to drink His Living Water to get His strength back.

I am a 28 year old woman who is the Woman's Ministry Leader of my church. I'm leading women who are my mom's age--one of them IS my mom! I know that age isn't everything, and that God equips those He calls, and I know I have a strong calling to be in this position, but yet...it's still intimidating. I've been on the team for 4 years--maybe 5, and have been the leader now for 2 1/2 years, but the whole leadership thing is intense, and I don't think I'm doing a very good job at it. I know I could be doing so much more to serve HIM, and thus the women in my church body. The chance to learn more, so I can best lead my Sisters in Christ, is one I can't pass up.

In the last week, one of my dear friends and fellow Women's Ministry Team members spoke with me about her calling in changing the focus of our team to one not of service to women of our body, but one where our body of women serves! As I'm really feeling parched right now, and unsure where to go next with our ministry, I know this is God calling us through her. When I first became the leader of our group, it was established and already going strong. I've been okay at keeping status quo, but to change into a new, God-led direction is something I don't feel completely equipped for. I'm decent at planning social events, but when it comes to leading these women in service for Christ, I am scared. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship--and a chance to help revitalize our Women's Ministry!"

Congratulations Christie!! - you are the winner of our 2011 Women's Ministry Leadership Track scholarship!

It's so hard to only have one winner to announce today. I wish so much that I could announce more of your names. Many of you brought tears to our eyes and all of you brought joy to our hearts as we read your entries. We are so HONORED that you entered and we're praying that if God is calling you to come in 2011, you will keep seeking Him to provide.

We know this is so hard for the other 90+ women who entered to win. So, we want you to please consider raising funds on your own by visiting our She Speaks site and clicking on the “Scholarship Info” tab for how to do this, including a sample letter.

We have read stories this week from women on Facebook and blogs who have already raised their support. Some in less than three days!!!!!

Finally, sign up to follow the She Speaks conference blog, and you will be informed of the remaining 9 Cecil Murphy scholarships that will be given away. I know, you may be tired of trying, but someone has to win the remaining scholarships!

And please, if God makes a way for you to attend the conference, my WM team and I want to meet you and put a face to your story.

Last week I focused on telling you about our Women's Ministry track, so today I wanted to share a little more about our additional She Speaks' tracks. All three are a great reason why you should consider attending this year. (And we're halfway sold out so don't wait too long!)

For Speakers:

Whether you are ready to take the main stage and start speaking at conferences and retreats or whether you want to learn how to more effectively teach a ladies’ Bible Study — this track is for you. After attending this conference you will be equipped to:

• Know how to develop a great message from start to finish.
• Understand what keeps an audience engaged and how to make your message memorable.
• Deliver your message in such a way that not only inspires your audience but motivates them to make life changes.
• Increase your number of booked speaking engagements by using proven marketing strategies.

For Writers:

You have had a passion for writing and have even had people encourage you to write a book, but have never known how to get started on the pathway to publication. You will also be able to make appointments to pitch your book proposal to some of the top Christian publishers- Zondervan, Harvest House, Revell, Discovery House, and several others.

Or maybe you are a blogger and want to learn how to more effectively connect with your readers, increase the impact of your blog, and hear from someone who successfully got a book contract by maximizing her blog platform.

• Whatever the case may be, if you are a writer in the making, after attending this conference you will:
• Discover your unique writing voice and the mechanics of effective writing.
• Understand what publishers are looking for and how to write proposals that get their attention.
• Better understand how to build your writing portfolio by getting published in magazines.
• Know how to write a book that will impact your reader from start to finish.

Have a wonderful weekend! I'll be speaking in Danville, CA and praying for God to make a way for all of you to be there! (at She Speaks that is...although I'd love for you to be in CA, too)!!