Carol doing her thing!
Hey Friends!
When was the last time you attended a life changing conference?
I spent last week at Carol Kent’s Speak Up Conference, and it was ah-mazing!
I’ve shared many times before how God has used this powerful conference to significantly teach and encourage me over the past ten years, and this year did not disappoint.
Once again, my heart is FULL!
My mouth is actually still sore from smiling so much!
Speak Up 2016
It was such an amazing, anointed, God inspired three days! Yippee!
If I had to sum up my time at Speak Up with 3 quick, personal highlights, they would include…
Starbucks run!
1. Meeting so many wonderful men and women and hearing their personal stories.
I met tons of women—and a few amazing men!
All had one thing in common: a beautiful heart for God, and a sacrificial desire to serve Him with excellence. I wish I could have enjoyed a cup of coffee with every single one of them! (Thanks, Michele, for being willing to take our 1:1 on the go!)
I also loved every moment of seeing old friends, meeting new ones, hearing amazing God stories, and cheering another women on their personal faith journey. #mysweetspot
Hope you left your bricks of fear at the Prince Center!
2. Teaching my 3 different workshops, plus coaching the speakers groups.
It is always a huge joy and humble privilege to teach at the Speak Up Conference. I love sharing what I have learned over the years with others!
(Did you know you can access all my workshop hand-outs on-line? Check them out HERE)
My favorite moment was sharing with my Blogging with Purpose class how a drug dealer told me to get on me knees and pray to Jesus when I was trying to purchase cocaine during a relapse. Ha! I guess you had to be there to see how that story fit with blogging. (If you are totally confused, you can hear more of my story here) 🙂
We take our coffee seriously at the Bultema B&B
3. My Roommates
Another huge highlight included having three very dear friends (Jen Ferguson, JJ Landis, & Jenn Hand) attend the Speak Up Conference and stay at my home—otherwise known as the Bultema B & B.
Although our time went WAY too fast, it was a huge JOY to start each morning praying with them, and end every night reflecting on the day’s bright spots.
Overall, it was a HUGE joy and privilege to serve at the Speak Up Conference! You can check out more of my photo recap here!
(Want to be FB friends while you are there? If you follow me, I’ll follow you right back. I’d love to keep in touch!)
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Want to read more encouraging stories about the Speak Up Conference 2016? Check out the amazing blog posts linked up below!
Mark your calendars! Next year’s Speak Up Conference dates are July 13-15, 2017. We would love to see you there!
Staying at the Bultema B and B and hanging out with you, getting to go to your classes and just enjoying your presence was the BEST part of Speak Up. Love you friend
Oh my friend, I miss you so much already! I LOVED every moment with you, Jenn Hand! I hope you’ll come back again–real soon! xoxo
Thanks for hosting this, Cindy. One of my highlights was getting to catch up with YOU! Thanks for being a “real” friend to me. You are such a blessing to me!
Dear Shannon, the feelings are completely 100% mutual! I love how God allowed our paths to cross, and the joy of not only serving together, but enjoying an “iron sharpening iron” friendship. Super thankful for your encouragement and prayers. And job well done on your Speak Up workshop. I’ve heard great feedback! xoxo
WOW, POWERFUL, & LOVE!! That sums up Speak Up 2016!! WOW…because this time last year I was in jail and batteling a drug addiction, facing a 2-year prison sentence…and this year I’m at 2016 Speak Up by Gods beautiful grace and mercy…WOW God is good! POWERFUL because I met so many amazing women with beautiful hearts for God and so many new doors opened for me! LOVE…because we were all in the presence of our all mighty Fathers LOVE!
P.s….loved me & Cindys Starbucks run too lol?
I loved our Starbucks run, Michele! We should make it a tradition! xoxo
Bummer. I came over to link up and didn’t realize the bloghop would close so soon. Oh well–guess I need to pay closer attention next time. 🙂
It was lovely to meet you in person at the conference! You are just as bright and cheerful (and the word “shiny” keeps coming to mind) in person as you are in real life. Thank you for welcoming me with open arms.
Here’s the link to my recap, which I titled “The Introvert’s Guide to Conferencing” because it ended up being over 3,800 words. LOL (Which, incidentally, is also why it took me so long to write.) http://onethingalone.com/introverts-guide-conferencing/
Thanks so much for hosting! I can’t wait to read through everyone else’s recap!