I have to tell all you ladies that I have been so incredibly blessed by all the comments that were posted yesterday. God is doing such a mighty work in so many of your hearts, and I can almost hear the passion for Him pouring out of every story, heartbreak, lessons learned, deepest longest, dreams and desires that you all shared. Everyone at Proverbs 31 wishes that we had unlimited scholarships to give away!
I hope that even if you are not chosen as the winner of one of the scholarships, that you will still consider attending the conference and trying to work it out somehow. My first attempt to attend She Speaks was actually in 2004, because my friend kept persuading me to go. I finally gave in and decided I would give it a shot, and it turned out it was booked and I could not go after all! I was so bummed - but honestly, secretly I was just a little bit relieved. I wanted Gods best for my life, but my fears were still outweighing ny faith. Looking back on it now, I can see that God knew I wasnt quite ready yet.
In 2005, I again hesitantly signed up early, and did get registered to attend. I mentioned yesterday that about how I was a nervous wreck before the conference - but upon leaving the conference, I truly was a transformed person. A person who had left all her weights at the foot of the cross that weekend, and felt free for the first time ever, to take that leap of faith.
If God is calling you to attend She Speaks, and it is time, His timing, you WILL be able to work it out somehow - but hopefully with a scholarship! How cool would that be??!! But if you are not selected as the winner, keep praying for God to pave a way, physically and financially for you to attend. To tell you that it is an investment well worth it, would be an understatement. :)
So keep those comments coming, and be sure to check Lysas blog on Monday for a list of the lucky winners! Dont forget to click on the blog links below from yesterdays post, because the more blogs you visit and comment on, the better your chances are for having your name drawn.
If you want to read more details about the story of my powerful, first She Speaks experience, click HERE. )
I hope that even if you are not chosen as the winner of one of the scholarships, that you will still consider attending the conference and trying to work it out somehow. My first attempt to attend She Speaks was actually in 2004, because my friend kept persuading me to go. I finally gave in and decided I would give it a shot, and it turned out it was booked and I could not go after all! I was so bummed - but honestly, secretly I was just a little bit relieved. I wanted Gods best for my life, but my fears were still outweighing ny faith. Looking back on it now, I can see that God knew I wasnt quite ready yet.
In 2005, I again hesitantly signed up early, and did get registered to attend. I mentioned yesterday that about how I was a nervous wreck before the conference - but upon leaving the conference, I truly was a transformed person. A person who had left all her weights at the foot of the cross that weekend, and felt free for the first time ever, to take that leap of faith.
If God is calling you to attend She Speaks, and it is time, His timing, you WILL be able to work it out somehow - but hopefully with a scholarship! How cool would that be??!! But if you are not selected as the winner, keep praying for God to pave a way, physically and financially for you to attend. To tell you that it is an investment well worth it, would be an understatement. :)
So keep those comments coming, and be sure to check Lysas blog on Monday for a list of the lucky winners! Dont forget to click on the blog links below from yesterdays post, because the more blogs you visit and comment on, the better your chances are for having your name drawn.
If you want to read more details about the story of my powerful, first She Speaks experience, click HERE. )
17 comments:
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!!
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 satisfaction 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 P31 LADIES is why I would be THRILLED and delighted to attend "She Speaks" My husband is an associate pastor at a local church (input financial hardship here) and talked starting an adoption ministry (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 through 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
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 sight 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
His Word is as a fire shut up in my bones and I am compelled to speak for Him! I know I need to be equipped for this call and words cannot express how excited I am about this conference. I know He will provide for me to go in whatever way he chooses. I look forward to meeting you there.
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
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.
I enjoyed reading your testimony about the first time you attended the She Speaks Conference. It reminded me that God truly understands all of our hurts and pains...
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.
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
It is amazing how God works in each of our lives! I was reading Lysa’s blog and noticed the She Speaks scholarship offer. I was not familiar with the conference, but as I read the through the site I found myself excited and filled with anticipation. Our God has awesome plans for each of us and my journey has been amazing!
I felt called to ministry when I was 14; I am now 41. The journey has led me to seminary, a Masters in Christian counseling, and now I am in a season of motherhood to two beautiful children under the age of five.
Over the last year, I have on several occasions felt the Lord directing my steps toward a speaking ministry. Recently, I was approached by our local Baptist Association about doing a mini-conference on mentoring to our area churches. I am also the lay director of Women’s Ministry at my church. I love pouring out into the woman of my church and long to use the gifts God has given me to lead others to healing and wholeness in Christ.
I am not certain how this ministry will look at this point, just waiting on God to make the path straight and clear. I am excited about the possible opportunity to attend this conference and sharpen my speaking skills and connect with others who have the same calling. Hoping to see everyone at She Speaks, but trusting my Jesus for the right timing.
His,
Cherie Orange
creeor@gmail.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
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
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
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
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 never attended a She Speaks conference but would love to go! 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.
Rachel Schaus
rschaus@pobox.com
Being chosen for the Cecil Murphy She Speaks scholarship would be an honor. I am a 44 yo woman, married for 22 yrs, mother of 4, major bread winner, employed full time outside the home & own a small business as well. People look at me and see a completed woman living a blessed life. They seek out my advice and compliment me on "doing such a great job". What they don't know about are the events in my first 22yrs that occurred that have made my into the woman I am today. Some things I was so shameful of that I didn't even share with my husband until we had been married for 10 yrs. The people that know even part of my testimony are shocked that me, Little Miss Homemaker with the great husband, beautiful children and such talent in so many areas could actually be the same women I have just finished telling them about. Some have asked me to share my story with their church or small group but I know the Lord wants me to share it with large multitudes of women. He has set aside the precise place & moment. Being chosen the receive the Cecil Murphy She Speaks scholarship would allow for me to receive the instruction do just that. Thank you ~ Kelly Cooke Psalm 40:2 & Psalm 37:23
kellydcooke@yahoo.com
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