Monday, June 16, 2008

Preparing for She Speaks......



It is hard to believe how fast time has flown by and I am staring down the deadline of the She Speaks conference in North Carolina this weekend. It doesn't seem that long ago that I was agonizing over whether "to go or not go". You can read all about about that decision process here, here and here.

I really felt like God had given me the green light when He sent a traveling companion (Lelia) and room mates (Linda and Missy) but then something else happened that confirmed to me this really is God's plan for me, not just my own desire:

God sent the money! Or more accurately, He sent an angel who wanted to remain anonymous in sponsoring my registration fee. The Proverbs 31 office called me in March to let me know that the deposit I had already paid was being refunded and my entire registration was covered! When I went back and re-read my journal entries and the posts I had written, I was absolutely blown away that God would answer my prayers in such an obvious way!!

This made me wonder, how many prayers have I not prayed and therefore missed the blessings that God wanted to give me? OR How many prayers has God answered and I haven't recorded or remembered?

So as I prepare to head to North Carolina this Friday God continues to show up to enable and encourage me:

1) He has given me a bible teaching that is almost exactly the 5 minutes required for the Saturday evening presentation. (And many sweet, encouraging friends to practice it on!)

2) Also, I met another blogger who lives near me and is attending the conference as well. We met for lunch today at a lovely outdoor cafe! If you get a chance check out Krista's blog and encourage her as she prepares a book proposal on being a single Christian parent.

As it turns out, this is more than just a conference. It is a life lesson in God's provision and faithfulness, not only to me but also to my family and friends!

I would like to end this post the same way I closed my journal entry on Feb. 27th, with the following words and scripture:

"Fill me with the power of Your Holy Spirit and use me in a powerful way. I promise to glorify You through this experience."

We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.~~~~Psalm 20:5

21 comments:

Jamie said...

God is so good! I'm always amazed at His great works and faithfulness. I'll be praying for you as you go. I can't wait to hear all about it when you return. I wish I was going with you.

luvmy4sons said...

How awesome! I pray you have a fabulous time! That is superb!

Amy said...

What a blessing, Kelley!
God is amazingly good!

In Christ,
Amy:)

Unknown said...

Oh, girl! God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good! :) :) :)

I'm so glad you are recording these "answered prayer" moments. I firmly believe in writing down these spiritual markers so that we can look back and know what God has done for us. Praise God that He is faithful to His children!

Prayers and Blessings, Kelley! I pray God's best over you while attending the She Speaks conference. May He give you the desires of your heart, and may you continue to proclaim His love and goodness to all.

Rebecca

Kelly @ Love Well said...

I love testimonies of God's grace. And I look forward to continued testimonies after the conference.

Kristen said...

Kelley,

Our God IS and Awesome God isn't He! I am looking forward to hearing about all the blessings He will be pouring out on you and all the other gals attending She Speaks.

Jenny said...

It is almost here! See you soon..
Jen

Lelia Chealey said...

What a testimony my sweet friend!
Love you much and I'm breakin' out in the sweats just thinking about Friday!!! We haven't heard from our friend so I may be crashing with you Thursday night...would rather keep your company anyway.
I'll call you soon.
Love ya,
Lelia

Leaon Mary said...

Kelley, I had gigantic goosebumps reading all of this and I JUST MAGNIFY THE LORD!!!!!
He absolutely, positively, has you in His hand!!
PTL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Lea
<*)))><

Joyful said...

Kelley, again I'm overwhelmed by God's goodness, provision, love and faithfulness.

Love & hugs,
Joy
PS If you want to practice your presentations on someone in N.C. don't forget about me - I'd LOVE to hear them!!!!

krista said...

Kelley,
I so enjoyed our lunch yesterday. I am still so amazed at all God has done and is doing regarding the She Speaks conference! We haven't even arrived at the conference yet and we've already made a friend! Thanks for the link. I hope to write a similar post soon about preparing for the conference but I am struggling for time to sit down and write. I have linked your blog as one of my favorites!

P.S. As soon as we get back I am starting a diet and re-joining the gym...nothing like a picture to put in all in perspective!

Christina said...

Have a great time and it is so awesome the way God basically told you he wanted you to be there. I pray that you have a very inspiring time.

Susan said...

Hey Kelly,

Oh, I can just feel the excitment!! I'm thrilled you are going.

I will be praying for you, Leila and all the women who are about to have that transforming experience ahead.

Count me in for next year! I'm ready to start packing NOW.

Hey, I want to be your roomate, don't forget. I'll get Tonya to go too!

Well sweetie, I'll continue to keep you and all the women in prayer this week as you prepare.

I can hardly wait to HEAR ALL ABOUT IT!!

Love you♥

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Can't wait to see everyone! I've been praying for safe travel for everyone.

peace~elaine
PS: Bringing chocolate for those in need of a pick me up.

Angela Baylis said...

You guys are going to have SO much fun! I'll keep you all in my prayers as you head to one of my favorite states! Take lots of pictures! I will visit Krista's blog! Can't wait to check back to hear all about it!
Much love, friend!
Angie xoxo

Sita said...

It is always encouraging to hear of God's faithfulness. May God give you eternal memories that overflow with eternal impact on all you touch...your blog has His aroma...
Thank you, Sita

Melanie said...

God is so very good as He answers our prayers and shows us the way. So excited for you and will be praying for you as you are away at the conference.

Have a great time!

Tracy said...

WOW! How awesome to read about this! What incredible blessings! I'm so excited for all of you attending She Speaks. Praying you have an amazing time!

Blessings,
Tracy

megs @ whadusay said...

What a great God-story! I will be at She Speaks as well, and I am going expecting Him to do great things! See you there!

Megs

Anonymous said...

Kelley-

I'm so excited for you and am praying that God will confirm for you a piece of His plan for your life. As you know, you will know when you hear from Him.

As one wise and good friend/mentor has said to me, just remember to speak from your heart. You are prepared. God will do the rest.

Looking forward to hearing about it in person when you return! (that means, we need to schedule a get-together) :)

Love and hugs,
Janna

Carolina Mama said...

There in spirit praying for you all this SheSpeaks weekend! God is amazing.