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Wednesday, July 27, 2011

HE SPOKE...JOYfully!

INDEED, He DID speak at SHE SPEAKS Conference in Concord, NC.  Amanda Hayes, my ministry partner and traveling companion, agrees that we gleaned much from our weekend as we gathered with 650 ladies from 44 states and 4 countries outside the United States.  We had kindred hearts....all with a passion to share His message with others.

Music by Michael OBrien (formerly of New Song) ushered us into the Throne Room of grace.  There were excellent key note speakers and informative break-out sessions designed to encourage and teach and guide...and did I say "encourage"?!

Speakers were divided into "evaluation groups" of approximately 12 ladies of similar experience.  These friendships will last for a lifetime!  And though we received helpful pointers on how to improve our speaking presentations, the major "take away" from the experience was simply the bonding of new "sisters" in Christ.

My heart and brain are still so FULL that it's hard for me to process it....impossible to do it all at once.  So, I'm taking it slow and easy, allowing God to bring to my remembrance the things HE speaks to my heart and I will rest in the truth that He will guide me in the right way.  That, my friends, fills me with great, abundant JOY!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Praying that HE will speak JOY at SHE SPEAKS Conference

In the morning, I will leave (bright and early) with a special friend, traveling to Concord, NC for the annual SHE SPEAKS CONFERENCE.  It's sponsored by Proverbs 31 Ministries and is aimed toward helping Christian (women) speakers and writers.  The weekend is a time of worship, training and encouragement.  It's an opportunity to make new friends and network with women of the same "heart" for the Lord from all across the US, as well as from other countries.

There will be book publishers there to talk to aspiring writers regarding new book proposals.  Writing critique groups are available, as well as speaker evaluation groups.  Workshops for every aspect of women's ministry will be offered.  There are LOTS of opportunities...yet one main goal: TO HEAR FROM GOD and seek direction about what HE wants each of us to do to serve Him.

Soooo, needless to say, I am extremely excited and can hardly wait to report back to you after the weekend is over.  I've not blogged much lately because I've spent a lot of time preparing for this conference.  However, no matter how much time is spent "preparing", GOD IS IN CONTROL and I desire only His best.  Please remember to pray, pray, pray for the 650 women who will be gathering together to experience a weekend of JOY in the Lord!

Monday, July 4, 2011

A JOYful Independence Day


Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  Hope you’ve got plenty to serve at our  4th of July celebration!!!!
                 
            So often we let holidays come and go without really thinking about why we’re celebrating.  We should be so thankful to be able to call the USA our home!  Yes, we have had and will continue to have major struggles; there are things that could be better.  But, instead of focusing on the problems, let’s think of all our blessings and get ready for a great big celebration of our country!

            Independence Day honors the birthday of the United States of America and the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It's a day of picnics and patriotic parades, a night of concerts and fireworks, and a reason to proudly fly the American flag.  Our country is, indeed, the land of freedom and opportunity.

On this 4th of July, as we celebrate, let us also remember the freedom we have in Christ. Though today is our nation’s Independence Day, the Body of Christ’s Independence Day was the day Jesus died for our sins. And we can celebrate because He arose from the grave and will come again!  Do you have a personal Independence Day… the day you accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior?  He wants you to come to Him and experience freedom in Christ.   

Psalm 116:16 says: "O Lord, truly I am your servant…you have freed me from my chains."

Drink your JOY JUICE faithfully and have a JOYful national and personal Independence Day!