Last week, I had the immense pleasure of taking part in a conference put on by Proverbs 31 Ministries called, “She Speaks“.
It was The Awesome Sauce.
I have much to process.
I know many of you have attended blogging or writing or speaking conferences. Some of you may even have attended She Speaks. But this conference exceeded every expectation that I had built up in my head. I find myself overwhelmed, even now, with the attention given to each individual woman that was there, to the amount of time the speakers and presenters clearly put into crafting messages that were valuable and encouraging, and to the amount of sweet fellowship and care that would go on throughout.
Many affirmations were spoken over the direction that I would like my writing to go. Prayers were offered. Selfless advice was given when requested. Love was poured out. Questions were answered. More prayers were prayed. Songs were sung. Hugs were handed out like candy. And new friends, sweet friendships grounded in the Truth of Christ, were made.
My heart is full to overflowing with all that took place over the 4 days that I was in North Carolina at this conference. I took a few pictures to share with y’all. And I am sure that there will be many posts to come that prove that as they spoke, I was listening.
But most of all?
God was there.
And He, most definitely, was speaking.
And I am learning to always listen when He speaks.
And then say, “Yes!”.
Yes to being a wise woman.
Yes to being a Writer with a speaker’s heart. (I’m still unpacking that one, friends!)
Yes to taking part in an amazing Online Bible Study with more 22,000 women from over 120 countries!
Yes to walking alongside those who need to know they are not alone.
And Yes to heeding the call to keep writing for His glory.
Yes indeedy!
The decor` may have been gorgeous, but the worshiping that went on… OH! And the prayer room with each person’s name placed beside a name of God… Oh. My. Stars!
A lovely roommate (far left), some shoes, wide smiles and inspiring devotionals and keynote… I have MUCH to ponder.
Hugging necks and putting voices to the devotionals (and books) that I read from these ladies over at P31 Ministries was a joyful experience!
I was STARSTRUCK to meet some of the beautiful and willing hearts that take part in P31’s Online Bible Study. Melissa Taylor (on the far right) is the fearless leader and has such a genuine desire to see ladies digging in the Word! Star. Struck.
I do believe that She Speaks was a gift of epic proportions. Thank you so much to the team at Proverbs 31 Ministries for all that they did to make this conference so phenomenal.
I only wish some of you, who wanted to, could have come along for the journey.
Maybe next year?
I am so VERY thankful for God’s provisions for you at She Speaks!! Can’t wait to see what you’ll do when you obey what He’s told you to do, my friend!! 😀
Thank you Pat. You were missed – but I’ll tell ya – I AM READY!!!!
We were missing you and can’t wait to hear all about it!
You girls… ❤
I can only imagine the weekend… little things like that where people gather to worship & celebrate God’s goodness, doesn’t it give you a small tiny glimpse of what heaven is going to be like? 🙂
You said it sister! It shorely does!
I am so, so happy for you! I hope you’ll share some of the lessons you took home with you. I’d love to learn from you.
~FringeGirl
You know I will, Tricia. That sharing thing was one of the lessons I actually DID learn in Kindergarten!! BAHAHA! 😉
Oh gosh, so happy you had such a great time! Cannot wait to hear all about it in detail! (hint, hint) 😉
Can’t wait to share. 😉
Missy, I’m so glad you got to go She Speaks and that you’ve come home encouraged and ready to keep writing. I long to go next year, but I’m still not sure it will work out. I got to go to Allume last year and the relationships that have come from that are priceless. I’m sure you feel the same way about the women you met. Anyway, I look forward to hearing more!
Jacqui – I look forward to the day when I can hug your neck, girl! This was such a beautiful and blessed experience. Truly. I’ve never felt more, In My Life, like I was with my peeps. Truly.
I would love to go!! Maybe??!!! Til then I can’t wait to read what you learned! So glad you had a great time and God filled your heart!
Oh Jenn! You would be in hog heaven. You really truly would. I’m gonna start praying that for you Right This Minute!
Thank you for sharing, Missy. I kept wondering how the weekend was going and I’m glad it was wonderful for you. I loved all the pictures. Thanks for giving us a glimpse of what was going on.
Diane – thank you for your encouragements. I wish I could have just video taped the whole dern thing and shared it with y’all. But, never fear – I’ll be sharing lots. Maybe even over-sharing. 😉
So glad you had a great time. I haven’t been to a specific Christian blogging conference but I have been to a Christian writing one. There is such a different feeling. Such support. V neat. Though I have had great experiences at other writing and blogging conferences, I bet She Speaks was awesome. So glad you got to go and be encouraged. Keep writing girl. You have a special voice. 🙂
This one was specifically for Speakers and Writers, Jamie, and it was amazing. I picked up more information on furthering writing skills (and how to develop speaking ones) than I could ever have imagined. Couple that with truly feeling like you were surrounded at every turn by “your people” and… And – thank you Jamie. Your encouragement means so much!