A special time of year is rapidly approaching on my calendar. In two weeks a group of my very special friends and I will be gathering here in Charlotte to prepare for a highlight – the Proverbs 31 She Speaks conference.
Seven years ago I attended my first She Speaks. I went because someone advised that I go. I truly had no idea what I was getting myself into. I had recently moved to Charlotte and begun volunteering with the ministry. One thing and then another I found myself walking through the doors of the hotel and attending various sessions where I hungrily took in everything each speaker had to share. When the weekend was over, I walked away wondering, “What kind of adventure have I just signed up for?”
Throughout the course of the next year I prayed, asking God what His plan was for me. I had recently been asked to speak at different events in my church. I had cherished the time of preparation and the affirmation I received from the women who heard me teach and speak. Before I knew it I was a part of the Proverbs 31 Speaker Team. I have learned so much since then and I have so much more to learn.
The highlight of participating in the ministry has been serving other women. Serving alongside my team and watching God work in my heart and the hearts of many women.
Most precious about running the race with my fellow team mates has been developing the Hispanic Ministry –
>En Español inviting women from another culture to join us in God’s work.
I have learned that a special joy comes when women unite to worship, read from God’s Word, pray, and encourage one another. God has shown me the beauty that rises up around women who serve Him and each other. I never want to lose that and I want to give it to my sisters everywhere.
If you have never taken the opportunity to step into an intimate group of women who are learning and growing in God I challenge you, ask God to make a way for you to join with a friend or two and light your way toward one of life’s most glorious highlights-a gathering of women.
If you are on your way to She Speaks I am praying for you. Look me up. I want to say hello and give you a great big hug. If you are thinking about She Speaks, but didn’t sign up for this year, start praying about coming next year. Meanwhile search for God’s highlights. They are everywhere!
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9 comments:
Van,
Thanks for coming by my blog and praying for Nick! He is doing well, and we are so thankful! I am so excited and nervous about the She Speaks conference. God has been working in so many ways in my life, and I know that attending this conference is part of His plan for me! I look forward to meeting you in person, and I will do my best to bring you some KY dirt....maybe even with a flower in it!!! Love, Tammy
Can't wait to meet you also! This will be my 1st time at the conference, and like you, I have been encouraged by friends to come. Only God can see down the road and how my time there will impact my forever. I'm praying for a rich anointing of fellowship, teaching, and simply hearing from him in some real clear ways while there.
Until then, peace for the journey.
~elaine
Hi Van!
Sure wish I was coming this year, but wanted you to know that I will be praying for She Speaks and for all that will be there. I know God's presence will fill the building!
Blessings,
Pearls
Hey Van,
Just stopping thru as I said to check out your blog! I can't wait to have a minute to read through a little more :) Have a really great day and see you in a few weeks at She Speaks!
Van -
I so wish I could be there this year. I am overjoyed that I found the P31 ministries and you. It gives me so much hope reading your blogs and such. I really can relate to the things you discuss. I thank the Lord for finding your websites. :)
Layla Marie
I can't wait!!!!! It will be nice to give you a hug, friend. I know it will be different this year, but I'll cherish last year's experience!
Counting down the days...
Hey Van!
I will definitely look you up! Please pray for me as I prepare for my speeches this year. Remember last year? God is still working on the lesson: "Let Me do the talking."
I look forward to see you there!
shanda
Hi Van,
I'll be at She Speaks in just a few days and can't wait to meet all of you inspiring ladies of Proverbs 31. See you soon!!
Alyssa
Dearest friends,
> I just felt the need to share with you what God
> did for me last night.
> First, yesterday, I went to a bereavement
> support
> group, knowing I need to do some healing.
> Anyway,
> the facilitator talked about ways to deal with
> the date-Michael died July 10th & I was so
> dreading it and so are the girls-she said to
> find
> ways to celebrate his life on this date. Last
> night I was pondering this but all that kept
> coming up was the horrible, painful life
> Michael
> lived. I couldn't find anything to celebrate
> about his life-it is/was so painful to think
> about. I prayed & talked to God for several
> hours, then I fell asleep. During the night,
> God
> awakened me when HE whispered in my ear, "He's
> with ME". God reminded me that the celebration
> is
> not about Michael's life on this earth but the
> celebration is about where he is today and who
> he's with...Michael's home! No more pain or
> heartache, no more homeless nights, no more
> fighting with addictions...He's with his Father
> in Heaven and he's Home!!!
> I'm so grateful that God reminded me of what
> this
> life is really all about; it's about getting
> HOME!!! Yes, the best is yet to come, I'll be
> with Michael, again.