Feb. 1, 2008 - It's a long shot, but...
I never meant for this to become a political blog...and I haven't really posted much else recently, so I decided to mix it up a little. Aren't you glad? 
A little background...Anyone who knows me, knows I love an audience. I adore being in front of people. It's just FUN! For many people, it is a serious phobia, but it is positively energizing to me! I had always interpreted this to mean that I liked acting. And I do. I have done my share and it is certainly an exhilarating experience to hear the applause and know it is for you and the other cast members. But it is hard work, my friends. Many hours of rehearsal for a couple of hours on stage. Then, poof, it's over!
On the other hand, I thought I did NOT like public speaking. I always was on the very verge of losing my lunch in Jr. College in my public speaking class. Of course, I was much younger and was giving speeches on topics I was not passionate about (how earthquakes happen is one I remember groaning about). I am a little older now (*grin*) and I have a passion for encouraging and equipping women, specifically moms in the Journey (often Chaos) of Motherhood.
One of my favorite topics to share on is Personality Styles and how whatever our own personality is colors our world. It is so great to see a friends eyes light up when they understand why their husband/child/friend act the way they do. It seems silly to think that people have never considered that everyone does not process things the same way, but often, although many know that, they don't really understand it.
After briefly sharing about Personality Styles with a group of leaders from my local support group over lunch at our last homeschool convention, I was invited to speak at one of our monthly meetings. I jumped at the chance. It was easily one of the most fun events of my entire year!! I did not have hours of rehearsal, just brushing up on a topic I am already passionate about, creating a simple handout and sharing for a little over an hour with about 50 or so women. The feedback I got was so affirming. I am convinced that when I grow up, I want to be a public speaker. 
This brings me to the title of my post. Lysa TerKeurst is having a contest to give away a scholarship to the SheSpeaks conference in NC. I know it's a probably a long shot, there are several other entries, but I do not know how they are deciding who to award this prize to, so I decided to throw my hat in the ring too. I have thought a lot about attending a conference to polish up on my speaking skills and learn how to market myself. I am still a full-time SAHM, but I would love to have a weekend gig now and again..if I only knew how! Attending this would certainly be a great way to start to learn, I have adored the folks at Proverbs31 for many years. Many of their devotions have brought me to tears. Motherhood is just so sweet and it is for such a very short time that we have our children.
The cost of these types of conferences is a little daunting, especially for a single income family. Our finances are still a little off kilter due to our recent move and we have some **really important big events already scheduled for this year that we are putting our extra resources towards...so unless I win, or God provides in another way, I will not be able to attend this. I know He is a big God and He orders our steps. He would not have gifted me this way if he did not intend for me to use it somehow. I will trust His timing...and his provision.
**Really big event being my oldest son's Rite-of-Passage event. He has already turned 13, but hubby is organizing an entire weekend event. It will be very memorable for all of us, I am sure.
Comments
Feb. 3, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
Blessings on your ability to attend the She speaks conference.
