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

Hi Karen,

I just began this journey of weight lose. I have not even weighed myself yet because I do not have a scale. However,
I have been walking alittle over a mile everyday. I am trying to cut out sugar, like sweets and cutting back on how much I eat. Other than that I still eat what is cooked for supper, my husband bless his soul, gets home early and has dinner cooked by the time I get home so I eat what he cooks just not as much. I feel better since I began walking, my stress level is better and I do not feel as anxious. Thank you for this blog so I can express to someone who cares how I feel. The only ministry I have is teaching Sunday School. I am not really a speaker to adults unless I am testifying when leading song service. I am not sure if the She speaks conference is for me.
But thanks for the giveaway scholarship.

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.

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

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
cloninge@bellsouth.net
(H) 843-871-9765
(C) 704-408-7340

I have heard of “She Speaks” conference only from Proverbs 31 ministries.
I looked up the information on the web and became very interested very quickly.

When I was a young woman (teenage years) I had a woman minister speak into my life and tell me that I was someday going to tell the world my story, being young and naïve and I had a “Whatever “ attitude and went about my business.
Here it is 15 years later and I remember that day like it was yesterday, because through all the pain and suffering in my life I have recently (2 years) have finally decided to do it God’s way. God has put a book in my heart to write entitled “I’m Nobody’s Secret” It is the story of my life and how God has stamped those very words on my heart and through lots of prayer and counseling I am realizing how valuable my life is to Him.

I have looked at different resources to help me in accomplishing this God dream and because of limited money on my part I know that anywhere I go will only be by His command. Thank you for the opportunity to share. Maria Olvera – Lomeli

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 am passionate about teaching Girls Club and working with teenage girls especially because I remember well my teenage years. I remember the life I led and the way I acted, the things I did, and most of all the mistakes that I made. I also remember that, even though I had Christian friends, I never felt compelled to change my ways. I never saw Christians that made me want a relationship with Jesus. I have a passion to see teenagers (and that includes my own three kids, who are not quite at their teenage years yet, but it’s not too young to begin) develop a personal relationship with God. I want to see them realize the potential and plan that He has in their lives. I wish that I had realized and developed my own personal relationship with God much earlier. I began working with some outreach ministry two years ago as well. My husband felt a call to begin driving our church van and he started picking up kids around the area of our church. I enjoyed getting to know the kids and working with them, they were special to me. The first “big” project was an Angel Tree in my local church. It was during this time that I first went out into people’s homes and met them. It really increased my desire to see mom’s and dad’s begin to come to church and get saved. God really changed my heart and how I felt about others, and how I felt about myself and what He had blessed me with, when I went into other people’s homes and saw how they lived and the situations and problems they dealt with on a daily basis. It is a humbling experience to see living conditions, trials, and problems that people and children are faced with on a day to day basis. I feel that new convert teaching is important, because so many times people get saved, but don’t know what to do next. Or, they would like to get saved, but have not been raised in church or even hardly attended church and they just need help in understanding God and His Word. I feel a special desire and need to teach new converts and teenagers about developing their relationship with God. In developing “daily walk” habits of reading their Bible, praying, studying, and living their Christian life. I would like to teach Bible studies. I don’t know where to start. You would think a person that is involved in teaching in Sunday School, teaching Girls Club, and in working with young people would know where to start, but I don’t. I have been praying, reading, studying, writing, journaling… doing all the things I feel necessary to move forward, but my feet seem stuck. The women of Proverbs 31 are an amazing and inspiring group, and 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 Karen,

I am so glad you posted this on your blog today. I am eager for another chance at a scholarship.

For years, God has nudged me to attend She Speaks. For many reasons, I have been unable to go. As my speaking opportunities have grown and my ministry increased, I know that this year, I need to be there. (And how amazing that I already have a ride!)

I have been speaking for over 6 years and am grateful to do something I feel so passionately about. It is a blessing to be able to encourage women to live their lives intentionally, and my work with moms has been life-changing. Over the years, I have grown this ministry but am now at the point where I need additional help. The sectionals offered at She Speaks teach the very things I need to learn to do. In addition to this, I have begun to write and am interested in learning more about publishing so that I can find new ways to encourage and empower women. Every part of this conference speaks exactly to where I am right now in my work for the Kingdom!

This scholarship means so much to me and to our family. Finding a way to afford the conference has been difficult for us. I know, however, that God will not be contained by the constraints of our economy. He is so much bigger than that! I trust Him fully to help me find a way to attend She Speaks this summer and am so grateful for yet another opportunity for a scholarship.

Thank you so much, Karen!

See you soon, hopefully in North Carolina!

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

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

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

Hello. I would love to be a part of the She Speaks conference. I have been doing a study that asked me the same question–”What would you do if….” ? My answer was to be a courageous, authentic speaker for Christ. I think the She Speaks conference would be a great next step. Also, I feel like many of the Proverbs 31 ladies are friends and have met a few at Hearts at Home and would love to meet these ladies in person!

Thanks,

Jennifer

What would I do if I were not self-conscious? I would passionately tell how God is more than enough to meet your every need and desire! I would like to attend the conference to gain the tools to take my dream to the next level. I want to speak and write for Him!

YAY! I managed to go 30 minutes on the treadmill this morning. I didn’t want to. I didn’t want to get up, my back hurt, I didn’t sleep well, I could think of plenty of excuses, but my i-pod was calling me with that beautiful worship music. It gets easier every time. Praise the Lord!
I really enjoy your site and this place to share. If I didn’t weigh 250+ I would be able to stand taller and feel more secure and I would go to events that require flying. Right now I am too uncomfortable in the airline seats.
I have always wanted to write, and can be a cut-up in front of people when speaking, could this be my hidden talent?

I am resigning my teaching job to enter into the field of Women’s Ministry at our church. Bascially, I am designing the program from the ground up and need help a lot of help. Without a teaching salary I will need financial assistant (my husband and I have had three girls in college at the same time – our twins are graduating this year so money has been tight). I am desiring to train other women to be leaders as well as lead them myself through workshops that equip them, events that encourage them, and skills that will help them be better evangelists. Blessings on all that you do for the Proverbs 31 Ministry.
Sara Quick saraquick123@yahoo.com

I have been praying for an opportunity to attend a She Speaks conference! I would cherish the blessing of beinga ble to attend. It would be a timely affirmation for me!!
I’ve been writing for almost exactly a year now on my blog http://www.afewminuteswithmichelle.com and speaking a bit here and there. I truly feel God’s calling to uplift and minister to women.
It has been a very difficult year for me and my family and I feel like the Lord has much to share through my adversity. I would be so grateful for the gift of a scholarship to attend.
Blessings! Michelle

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

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, started a blog, and am 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.

As I type this comment, I’m full of pain and sadness. 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 depths 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 heart took on a face. It became real.

I’ve entered a previous scholarship contest for this conference. When I didn’t make the 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.

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 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!!

Lysa your testimony and books has been such a blessing and an inspiration in my life and spiritual walk. I was seriously contemplating a divorce and I received an email from a friend and the topic you were speaking on happened to be on marriage, GOD was truly speaking to me. Since that day which was less than a month ago I purchased What Happens When Women say Yes to GOD, read it and it truly ministered to my soul, Next I purchased Being more than a good bible study girl–Truly Awesome!! My husband bought me What Happens When Women Walk in Faith on yesterday, I am loving it already. I am called to ministry and I know this conference is for me. My grandmother always tell me that I should have been a counselor she also prophesied to me saying GOD was going to use me for his Glory and to minister to other young woman. I know that GOD has a calling on my life and I just want to do his will only. I came into contact with Proverbs 31 ministry by divine order and I know that through your ministry GOD is going to help me to help others. Be Blessed!! Love Ya!! Oh I also purchased a NIV study BIBLe I have a Bible but this one teaches the word more understandable.

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!

This scholarship would afford me the opportunity to fulfill the call to speak that the Lord placed on my life many years ago. I believe I am entering a season of equipping for what God has for me in the future and this conference would be a much needed training for me!

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 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!

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 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

Just this week, I spoke to my women’s Rejoice Bible Study on creating faith moments with our children. Though I’ve shared this message three times in the last three years with different groups at my church, I’m never quite “comfortable” speaking to my peers. My hands sweat, my heart races, and my voice cracks! But, God still blesses, and many moms thank me afterwards for some fresh ideas to carry out in their own homes. I would love to attend the She Speaks conference to better equip me to share the messages God gives me. I give Him all the credit for any creativity that I possess, and therefore would love to share His ideas with others through possible speaking opportunities.
Julie Lavender
lavenders@bulloch.net

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

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 was so glad to find your Weightloss Wed! I am still working on my battle with the bulge. It started with my first word, cookie! I know I can use that in funny ways to share my journey and struggles. If I don’t win my way to She Speaks, I hope to save my way there next year. Thanks for this opportunity.

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