The conference is only two weeks away! I’m excited about returning this year and meeting new friends who have a heart for the Lord.
I noticed a lot of comments on the conference blog about tips and advice, and a couple of people have contacted me asking questions, so I thought I’d share some thoughts about last year’s conference.
I was nervous last year because I was rooming by myself, and I only knew one other person attending. I thought it was going to be an ultra-professional, ultra-competitive environment. It was the complete opposite! The conference (and the atmosphere) was encouraging, uplifting, worshipful, and inspirational.
It was a group of women (mostly young moms) just like me! A group of women who love God and want to use their gifts and talents for God. A group of women with dreams and goals, searching for direction from God.
Lysa TerKeurst made it clear during one of the general sessions that it’s not about competition. It’s about encouraging each other. If you go with the attitude that it’s all about you and your agenda, you’ll miss the whole point.
Cheri Keaggy was the worship leader last year, and she did a fantastic job of leading us to the heart of God during all the general sessions. I felt the Proverbs 31 team organized the conference in such a way that all the women attending could hear from God.
So ladies, relax! Go with the attitude that you will be surrounded by loving women who are very similar to you. Be ready to meet new friends and make connections that can only be explained by the hand of God. Consider it a privilege if someone shares her heart and dream with you! Go with an open spirit to hear a special word from God just for you.
Practical tips:
Some of the rooms are very cold. Bring a sweater. I wore dress pants each day.
Last year, Proverbs 31 gave everyone a notebook. It contained notes with outlines or fill-in-the-blanks for all the sessions/classes. This was extremely helpful. I assume they will be doing this again this year. I brought a journal to take notes, but I didn’t need it. I also carried a small Bible in my purse.
Bring some business cards. I got mine from www.vistaprint.com
Take some time to get alone with God. Last year, there was a prayer/meditation room set up. I went in the room, and it was awesome! In addition to a quiet peaceful place to pray, there were tables with the names of God and a verse printed on papers. Under each name of God, the Proverbs 31 team placed the names of every person attending the conference. It was incredible to find my name and read about the character quality of God that was selected especially for me.
The most awesome thing about going to She Speaks was knowing that the team prayed for me by name, and I felt covered in prayer. I knew it was not an accident that I was there. It was a divine appointment.
I hope to meet some people online before the conference. Leave a comment with your website. I’d love to check out your blog, or send me an email if you don’t have a blog.
