And The Winner Is...

"I can't believe it, I won, I'm going to the 2009 She Speaks Conference in North Carolina. Woohoo!!!!"

"Honey, honey, wake up," my husband says as he gently nudges me awake from my nap. Slightly embarrassed, I ask, "Did it happen again?" With a little smirk and tender eyes he lovingly answers, "Yes." The past few days since I've learned of the She Speaks Scholarship Contest at Lysa TerKeurst's Blog, I've had the same delicious dream of winning this wonderful opportunity.

How do I explain to my husband what it would mean to me to attend this event. To meet and share with other women who have the same passion and desire to use the gifts and talents that God has placed in them to minister and do works for His Kingdom. To hear testimonies and learn from women whom God has already directed and guided through the paths that some of us only dream of.

The She Speaks Conference brings women from every walk of life and age group who possess a desire to use the gifts of writing, speaking, teaching and sharing to touch the lives and minister to the hearts of other women. It provides workshops, encouragement, networking, fellowship and unity to inspire and equip women from dream to reality.

The first time I heard of the She Speaks Conference was last October and I made a decision to make attending the 2009 conference my goal. Unfortunately, we were not immune to the economic crisis and our business (and financial support) suffered considerably. But learning of the She Speaks Scholarship Contest sparked new hope that my chance to attend this year was not lost.

I have always loved to write and within the past couple of years that love has birthed a desire to use my writing as a ministry. I realize I have a lot to learn and God is working in me to develop character and qualities to be an effective disciple of His love. I started this blog as a training ground and a way to step out of my comfort zone and by faith into the path I believe He is setting before me. I feel spending 3 days around other women and gleaning from their experiences and knowledge would not only help encourage but empower me to continue on this path even when it seems unattainable. I hold on to Philippians 4:13, "I can do everything through Him you gives me strength."

So for every woman with a dream, a passion, a vision I say, step forward look ahead and don't ever give up. I know that even if I don't win the scholarship for this upcoming conference, I will look forward to She Speaks 2010 and press on.