Friday, August 7, 2009

THE COMPUTER AND I HAD ISSUES--2 IDENTICAL POSTS! PICK THE ONE YOU WANT!

Wendy Pope and myself after her talk on "Teaching By the Book"--awesome session!

Wendy Blight--a true friend and mentor!! Thank you!

The Nester, Lysa TerKeurst, and moi at the Blogger Drop-In ---they are just darlin'!

Holly and Leah- assistants of Lysa T. and Renee--aren't they precious?

Renee Swope, Tammy, and myself busy visiting and looking at baby pictures!! These ladies are too cute!

Good morning!! I can't believe it's been a week since She Speaks! Yes, I'm still on that mountaintop high!! I wanted to share some pics of the P31 Team members who have said "yes" to God in so many ways. They are wives and moms, just like many of us! Some of their stories were hilarious and others quite serious. They were vulnerable, insightful, and passionate about our Jesus. They have realized that God is calling them to step out and do things for His glory. They have accepted His call and are encouraging us as well! Those adjectives that I used to describe them ring so true!!

Last year, I heard God ask me to begin a Women's Ministry at our church. One year later, it is in place--we are taking baby steps. Growing it with His guidance and love is a joy to me. I have been blessed with a team of 14 ladies who felt the call to follow Him as well!! Oh, He is SO good!!

This year, I had signed up to take a session that sounded really good! But y'all, I changed my mind!! God used these two ladies--Kristen Myers and Chef Dianne--to tell me that I really needed to hear Wendy Pope and her talk on "Teaching by the Book." Well, I took that session last year!! I loved it, but I had been there, done that! They insisted, and Wendy even told me I had time to run to my room (on the 8th floor!) and get a Cherry coke--I needed some caffeine, people!! I grabbed the coke and my bag of white chocolate peanut butter Reeces cups (I heart those things!!) and headed back just in time for Wendy to start! Wendy Blight was her assistant on the computer!! I just love these two Wendys--and my roommate Wendy, too!!! God has used their writing to show me so many of His truths!

Even though I took this session last year, God desired my presence there again this year! Ya'll, I love to facilitate Bible Studies! It's a passion of mine! But, I don't know the WORD as much as I should. Wendy P. had the same experience, and she put aside leading for awhile and began to study. Her session was how to study His Word---just what I needed! Then God began whispering to me in the middle of her talk..."Susan, honey are you listening?? I need to show you more of ME so you can better teach."

Hmm....right before I left for She Speaks, I had talked to my partner in crime, Donita, about leading a study that I had earlier planned on facilitating at church. Just yesterday, she said she would love to lead it! Other folks are stepping up to help out and that is freeing me up! I am almost afraid to type this, but I think my plate for the fall is clean!! A clean plate!! Imagine!! I am planning on taking 2 Bible studies under amazing teachers who have the wisdom I desire. If I want to serve Him, I have to be filled with Him and His WORD.

If we are in tune with Jesus, He will show us His ways. On Saturday night, as I traveled to the foot of the cross to lay down my burdens and receive a fresh word from Him, He was ready! I "randomly" chose a scripture card and took it back to my table to read. "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21

Does that speak to me? Yes siree! Was that scripture a random choice? Nope! Plans have to be for His purpose. I can plan a gazillion things, but if they don't line up with His purpose, they will be fruitless, a flop, a failure! I have to go to Him first and see if my plans line up with His will. Always first...not at the last minute! How about you?

Listening for Him!

10 comments:

Melanie said...

Susan, this is so good and sooooo true. I love the way God cares for us so much that He truly will speak when our hearts are listening. He quenches the thirsty and satisfies the hungry with GOOD things...with GOD things.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and pics from last weekend.
Melanie@Bella~Mella

Marilyn in Mississippi said...

There is much, much wisdom in this post! If we as teachers ever think we don't still need to be taught, God will set us aside to prove to us that we do.

Loved all the pictures. All y'all look so cute!

Marilyn...in Mississippi

Empty Nest Full Life said...

Great post! I am really burdened that in a church our size we do not have a consistent womens ministry. I am interested in talking to you about the ministry in your church, and exactly what you do.I am sure God is wanting for me to know and understand more of HIS word to be what He desires for me. Looks like a wonderful weekend, so glad you were able to hear the Lord speak. Often times He is just waiting for us to listen. Have a wonderful weekend. Jackie

Lynn Cowell said...

Susan,
Hope your event went great! Just know that those earrings are being used by Him!
Lynn

TRUTH SHARER said...

I love how GOD is moving so many of us back to the Word! I desire to teach in the purity of the Word of God - allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and teach as the Word is opened and tasted.

My teacher is "YAH"!

Keep up the good work - especially that of obedience to the call [to teach]!

Choosing JOY, Stephanie
[JESUS - the One I THIRST For]

Wendy Blight said...

First, please let me know how your event went. I am SO proud of you. I know you did great!!!!

Second, love the pictures and the sweet, sweet words you wrote. Meeting you in person was truly one of the highlights of the conference for me. I so wished we lived in the same town...you might be the only person who could ever get me to run!!!

You are such a gift to so many. I can't wait to see how God is going to use you. Your smile truly shines the Love of Christ, and you have the sweetest spirit that draws people to you and to Christ in you.

Blessings,

Wendy

Jennifer @ JenniferDukesLee.com said...

It's so fun to see these pictures and hear of your experience. I recognize some of those bloggers/writers. What fun for you all to meet one another in person.

Blessings, sister.

Unknown said...

Oh girl I just blogged about my prayer card expereince. It too was about moving back closer stillto God. I could blog about She Speaks until next year's time, so much happened for me there!

I love how God works! He speaks to us in so many different ways. It gives me goosebumps to hear how He was having a private and intimate conversation with each attendee! I cannot wait to see how thse conversations bear fruit over the next year!

Rejoicing said...

So you are wearing your listening ears... you go girl! The scripture I not so randomly picked @ She Speaks was awesome as well, it was almost just like Jeremiah 29:11 - my life verse! Isn't it neat how God's plan works out just right, He is the right on time God!!!

As I read your posts, I can hear you clear as a bell speaking, you are darling! I started a ministry @ my old church, it is tough but when you are called by God to do something you have to be obedient. I could talk about obedience for hours. I'll say 1 thing, if you are walking in His plan your path will be straight girlfriend!!! Keep up the good work! xo

North Jersey Christian Writers Group said...

Susan,
So great to meet you even if only for a split second! Next time, we definitely have to spend more time together. You have a beautiful sweet spirit!

I still want to talk to you about your insights as a runner. My son is a runner, but obviously he's not a girl, so his take on running the race is different.
Keep in touch, my friend!
With love,
Susan