She Speaks Conference Scholarship Giveaway

Okay—here is the dealio:

We at Proverbs 31 are hosting a tour of blogs today where you will have a chance to win a free scholarship to the She Speaks Conference.

Cec Murphey, known as “The Man Behind The Words” is an author and mentor. He has had 108 books published, 17 of them fiction, and written 700 articles. His first book came off the press in 1975 and he now publishes three or four books a year. He is a wonderful supporter of Proverbs 31 and has graciously donated several scholarships to She Speaks. One gal will be chosen to receive a scholarship as a result of today’s tour of P31 blogs.

Since we have had a few contests lately for writers, this one will be for a speaker or want-to-be speaker or woman in ministry. (Hey….ya gotta know how to speak if you are in ministry, right?)

Simply visit any (or all) of the P31 websites listed in my sidebar and leave a comment. Here are the rules:

  • This is for women who have never attended She Speaks.
  • And, it is for women who would otherwise not be able to attend. If you can afford the conference – please do not enter to win a scholarship.
  • Comment should briefly tell us what winning would mean to you in answering God’s call to speak.

We will randomly select a winner from the blog comments. So the more blogs you comment on, the greater your chance of winning. You have until Friday at midnight to leave your comment.

Okay…..comments please. I hope to see you there!!!!!

Sweet Blessings,

72 Comments

  1. 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

  2. Every one of you ladies are so amazing! I just found you gals a few days ago. I am so looking forward to reading more of your journeys. I so need to learn more, so I will trust Him to get me where I need to me.
    I will see you at this conference one way or another. Just praying for perfect timing.
    Blessings to you all!

    serving Him

    Melanie in Florida
    [email protected]

  3. 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.

  4. I am amazed at the generosity of P31 and thankful for the chance to win a scholarship to the She Speaks conference. What a blessing that would be!
    Thank you~

  5. 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.
    [email protected]

  6. I believe that God is my Father and that He has always been with me, protecting me and guiding me through the deepest, darkest and most despairing circumstances in my life. Sadly to say, it has been during these most vulnerable times in my life that I fell away from God. But being God, He was always there and found a way to bring me back into His grace. I do not know where God is leading me or what His plan is for my life, however, I do believe that God has been actively encouraging me to dig deeper into His Word for His purpose in my life. I do not know if I have the abilities, knowledge, skills, characteristics or work experiences to be selected for the “She Speaks Scholarship.” But I do know that God is my Father and that I love Him with all of my heart. Perhaps some of my life stories, actions and outcomes, might help someone else to find their way back to God. It would be the greatest honor of my life to be selected to attend the “She Speaks” conference and training and allowed to study and grow among such a dynamic group of Godly women.
    God bless each of us.
    Take care,
    Marilyn Fielding
    [email protected]

    “All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way” (Isaiah 53:6 NAS)

    “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off.” (Matthew 18:12-13 NIV)

  7. 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
    [email protected]

  8. My passion is Speaking. Imparting wisdom, knowledge and power to those in the audience as the Holy Spirit directs my path. Speaking to women; encouraging them; letting them know that there is someone out there that gets what they are going through, that cares and is there for them is the call on my life. I am a survivor of this world we live in. I have survived sexual abuse, domestic violence, self-loathing, hatred and the desire to end it all until I found God. Truly found Him. Let him in my life and embraced the love that He so freely gives me. I am at a point in my life where I yearn with all my heart to take all that I have learned and impart it into others. I want to laugh with them; cry with them; and grow with them as they embark on a deeper, closer relationship with Him. Being able to attend She Speaks! will get me one step closer to the dream.

    [email protected]

  9. 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
    [email protected]

  10. With great excitement, I read about the She Speaks conference scholarship opportunity. I hadn’t quite made up my mind to blog my entry – quite possibly because I tremble at the thought of speaking to adults – , but was praying about the chance to do so. When the time came for my children and I to begin our homeschooling day, I opened our kids’ Bible to the lesson for today, and realized I would be reading to them from Proverbs 31. I chuckled to myself, then made plans to enter the scholarship give-away. Thanks for your ministry.
    Julie Lavender
    [email protected]

  11. 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
    [email protected]

  12. I am a teenager and have a passion for sharing God with others, especially those of my generation. I want to make a difference and feel God is calling me to speak and write about all He has taught me and how He has changed my life. Through my mom’s cancer journey, I have gotten to know Him better and have learned to trust Him more. As believers we should have the skills to be the best in presenting our message to others. It would mean so much to me to learn how to better communicate. I don’t believe God wants me to wait until I’m an adult to minister to others. I am praying for His provision for me to attend this conference if it is what He wants for me this year. Thank you for the opportunity to apply:-)

    LJ
    [email protected]

  13. 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

  14. Karen,

    What an inspirational story! Since I am a wellness coach and nurse by trade, I found your story very encouraging. So many of us think live our lives in segments, when in reality all parts of our lives are connected. As scared as I am to speak, I am more scared of not fulfilling a plan that God has for me.

    Psalm 40:3
    He has given me a new song to sing,a hymn of praise to our God.Many will see what he has done and be amazed.They will put their trust in the Lord.

    Thanks for the opportunity!

  15. 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
    [email protected]

  16. Thanks for sharing your story Karen. Isn’t it awesome how our confidence completely changes when we so clearly hear and see God leading us–even into things that would otherwise be completely scary.

    That’s what I’m looking for; God’s clear leading. Attending She Speaks has been in my heart since my youngest (now 4) was a baby. As a ministry family on the other side of the country, actually getting there has always been out of reach. Even moreso this year as we have no regular source of income (aside from God’s gracious and unexpected provision).

    I’ve been hearing whispers about speaking and want to confirm if it’s His voice. I’ve always been a reluctant speaker (it’s not the delivery that I have trouble with, but the responsibility). I don’t know whether this is to be my year for She Speaks or not, but I do know that if it is, it would take a miracle of this sort to make it possible.

    I sometimes feel like Gideon putting out my fleece, “If I get a scholarship, I’ll take it as confirmation that I’m meant to go.” God has done this in the past when I followed His call to writing. Now the question is whether it’s time to be more intentional about speaking the messages He’s given me.

    I’m so glad to know we have a sovereign God who paves the way down these paths that often seem like a dream that He intends to turn into reality. Maybe this year…

    Thank you for this opportunity. Blessings on all who enter and seek His plan for their ministry.

    Mary Hampton

  17. 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.

  18. My heart is begging, “Please, God! Please, God!!” But I trust Him totally with the outcome. I will continue waiting on Him, delighting in Him, and trusting Him to fulfill the dream that He planted in my heart over 20 years ago. My longing is to influence women toward Jesus through speaking and writing. Thank you for this opportunity! God has great plans for each of us!
    Heather Senter
    [email protected]
    Warner Robins, Ga

  19. 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!

  20. Karen,
    I love your site. At age 55 I am finally learning to love me for me. I am learning to lay down my idol of food and to take care of this temple. I will be returning to your site.

    This has been a year of turning for me – transitioning, answering God’s call. In 1992, the Lord called me to minister to Christian women who were struggling with their faith – women who were not established in the Word. He spoke quietly to me about sharing the hope that I have in Him. I have used these 18 years to prepare for this calling, to develop my skills, to learn more and more about the heart of a woman – from God’s perspective. I have launched Jubilant Light Ministries – www. jubilantlight.com – and have recently begun a daily devotional blog, Morning Glory, which teaches little nuggets of gold from God’s Word. I would love an opportunity to attend She Speaks! Without a scholarship, I am unable to attend. Thank you for this opportunity.

    Now, on to the next blog…

    Bless You!
    Nan Jones

  21. 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.

  22. No one was less equipped than I….. Along with four others, I was selected by my peers and Pastor for reasons I could not fathom to be a leader in our single’s ministry. Not long into our new ministry I was asked by one of the other ministry leaders to co-lead a women’s small group with her. Much to my surprise, after the first meeting, the other leader bailed and left me floundering around trying to figure out how in the world I was going to lead this group of women all by myself. Please understand, I had absolutely no leadership experience or training. I had not even ever been involved with a small group before! What on earth was God thinking???? That was 12 years ago. I am a shinning example of the phrase I’ve grown to love and live by. “God does not call the equipped, He equips the called.” I have been a small group leader and coach of other leaders for all of these years and owe it all to God’s vision for who He wants me to be and how He wants me to serve those he places in my path. Speaking to others and writing about God’s grace and mercy is something He has placed in my heart for a very long time.
    The opportunity to attend She Speaks would be a huge gift. As I wrote in another post, I feel somewhat selfish for even trying to win a scholarship. There are so many deserving women to choose from. I pray God’s will for each of us as He has placed a desire to lead and bless others with the talent we all wish to improve upon.

    Thank you so much!!

    Toni Ryan
    [email protected]

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