Monday

She Speaks, But She Can't...

There's too much to say. What an amazing weekend.

My first experience at She Speaks Conference, and it was quite amazing. I would love to tell you all about it, but a) it would take a full 72 hours and neither of us wants that b) I'm not sure I have it in me to put into words all that it meant to me.

Some highlights, or my own personal "Top Ten Things I Learned at She Speaks"

10. I am further along in a writing business than I realized (I've even done a few things right, too!)

9. I still have a LONG way to go...

8. Writers and speakers? Just about the most encouraging group of people I have ever encountered. Maybe that's too broad of a brush -- we were all women, and believers in Jesus Christ, so writers and speakers that are women who believe in Jesus Christ -- awesome.

7. Antique Mommy? Even more kind and wise and gracious in person than I imagined her to be. And just as cute (she couldn't have possibly been any cuter than I imagined her to be. She was just equally cute).

6. North Carolina? Or perhaps just this particular hotel... did things to a steak that my Texas-born-and-bred husband would have considered blasphemous. I considered it odd, but tasty (pineapple rings on steak, really?)

5. Cheri Keaggy? Totally rockin' worship leader. Man, oh man. And besides her sweet voice is her authenticity/ transparency. Yeah, you KNOW that's a big deal to me!

4. God didn't give me this dream to be cruel; God gave me this dream to pursue!

3. Jennifer Rothschild? Amazing keynote speaker with a heart for God and encouraging fledgling writers and speakers. One of many women I heard from this weekend that allowed me to see how a heart crazy for God cannot be camouflaged (or faked) in a speaker.

2. My writing and speaking ministry won't work unless I work it.

The number one thing I learned at She Speaks this weekend is:

1. What an amazing blessing it is to be in community with women who "get it" -- and the speakers SAID that would be one of the benefits! I am occasionally around writers, I am frequently around Christians, but to be around 600 women who understand a NEED to write and speak out of the outpouring of what God has laid on your heart. I am blown smack away at the thought of it.

And I'm now home and off and running -- our family leaves for a vacation in the mountains this week. Can. Not. WAIT!

Would you like to know what one of my fantasy/ dream prayers to God is? That He would provide a little mountain cabin for me to sneak away to do my writing, thinking, and praying. Maybe the Proverbs 31 ladies have the right idea -- they live about an hour away from the mountains. Doubt I could convince Texas-born-and-bred to pack up and move there, though.

If you're stopping by from She Speaks, leave me a comment and let me know how to find your blog. If you're just stopping by, tell me where you saw God this weekend! Would love to hear it!

8 comments:

Traveling Woman said...

Where did I Not see God this weekend? We are traveling in Montana for the first time ever and it has been amazing. God has blessed us so very much in our travels. tntraveler.blogspot.com

Antique Mommy said...

I am so delighted that you went this year and I hope to see you there again next year. God has wonderful things in store for you Sarah. I can't wait to see what they are!

Antique Mommy said...

And thank you for the kind words. You are entirely too kind. I like that about you!

Tea with Tiffany said...

Sounds like an amazing weekend. I'm peeking in on a number of blogs who commented on Lysa's blog. What a blessing!

Susan said...

Oh! I want to hear everything...and go with you next time.

Jana said...

Sarah:
This would be my dream conference. Seriously. I am so glad you attended and were encouraged to continue to do what you do so well. (I WISH, WISH, WISH I had been there! :-))

The fact that you got to meet AM (and that she commented on your blog)--very, very nice. How fun!

Love you, sister.

dad said...

As you know, I've been a bit distracted these past few days, so I just now got to see this post.

You really moved me. I am so glad you were able to go. God is going to use you for BIG things.

Mary DeMuth said...

I share your dream for a little mountain cabin. Perhaps someday!