She Sleeps, She Savors, She Submits

Upon returning yesterday from She Speaks, I had a myriad of things on my mental agenda. First on the list was sleeping. Exhaustion had set in; spiritually, mentally and physically. I did what any other competent woman would have done. I changed into comfortable clothes, grabbed a blanket, and curled up on the couch.

A couple hours later emerged a fresh mind and an eager spirit. I fervently plunged into the wealth of information I received from the wonderful weekend writer's conference. Feelings of gratefulness washed over me as I began to realize the fullness of the blessings I had been given.

In the past, I've always found myself fearful about contacting publishers and writing query letters. Fears of rejection had frozen me into a lull. Moving towards success seemed an impossibility. Because of my fear, I wasn't prepared to submit my articles. Because of my fear, I wasn't willing to completely submit to God's plan for my writing. Now, to the credit of Proverbs 31 and She Speaks, I now have the knowledge and the confidence to do both.

I finally have a sense of direction for my writing. I know what to do with the words the Lord has given me. New friendships have been formed with kindred souls. Exciting possibilities loom on the horizon! I can see the light growing brighter already.

The Lord has increased my confidence ten fold. The intimidation has dwindled and boldness is developing in it's place. Rejection no longer frightens me. It's just part of the journey. I am aware of God's hand in my life and I know that He is going to use me for His glory.

Today is the beginning of my total submission to Him and His will for my writing. The words aren't mine. They originate in Him. He generously allows them to flow through me and onto the pages in order to grace the lives of His people.

Here I am, Lord. Send me. I submit.

Psalm 45:1 "My heart overflows with a goodly theme; I address my psalm to a King. My tongue is the pen of a ready writer." (AMP)

Colossians 4:17 "...See that you discharge [the duties of] the ministry and fulfill the stewardship which you have received in the Lord." (AMP)


Praise you Father, for bringing so many eager women together this weekend to seek Your perfect will for their lives. I lift each and every one of them up to You today as we all begin the first day of the rest of our writing and speaking lives. Bless those who so willingly shared their knowledge with us. Thank You for your provision. Thank You for Your wisdom. Thank You for preparing the way for us. How wonderful that You have also now prepared our hearts and minds for Your service. In Jesus' name, Amen.


Love and Blessings,
Starr

Countdown To She Speaks!!

I am so excited about an upcoming writer's conference I am attending in Charlotte, NC next weekend. It is just a skip and a jump from my home in Lexington and I am going with two other ladies who are very dear to me. Our church has even blessed me with the means to go!! Finances have always kept me from attending in the past, but God has come through once again in my life and given me a blessing far beyond measure.

You can find out more about this conference at their website: http://www.shespeaksconference.com
It is sold out as far as I know, but there is always next year if you want to attend.

I have been busy preparing myself mentally and logistically for this event. A few weeks ago, I lost many of my articles and my favorite Bible. I also lost two favorite books that were autographed for me. I am an old-fashioned southern girl and do most of my writing with pen and paper unless I am going to place it on one of my blogs or get it published. I kept it all in a tote bag that I usually guarded as closely as I would one of my kids! But, I guess I got side-tracked somewhere along the way because it has disappeared from the face of the earth.

I know God has a divine plan in all of this and I have come to grips with the fact that I may never find it. So, I have been writing like crazy for the past few weeks and God has blessed me with more and more insight which has lead to more and more articles.

Last night I had a dream about showing up at the conference wearing a hideous outfit! It was so-not-my-color and I had a large gold glittery belt tied around my waist and three various colored tank tops underneath my dress!! Don't know where that image came from, but I think it was a perfect example of the way my mind is thinking deep down somewhere about how I am not good enough to be attending. Funny how you can have low self-esteem issues even in your sleep. I know better than that, though and I certainly know how to dress more appropriately!! After all, I have heard Shari Braendel speak about what not to wear!

I hope if you are coming to She Speaks that you will leave a comment on today's post and maybe we can "connect" before we even meet there!

The verses that are standing out to me as I prepare for this conference are typed below. I hope they will encourage you as well. God is going to do great things for His people who are willing to serve Him!! I am looking for His direction and ready to follow His leading! Amen!!

"For I know the thoughts and plans I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome." (Jeremiah 29:11 AMP)

" Jesus said to her, Did I not tell you and promise you that if you would believe in and rely on Me, you would see the glory of God?" (John 11:40 AMP)

"But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does." (James 1:25 NKJV)

Writing. It's what I do. Jesus. He's Who I do it for.

For more thoughts from me, visit http://www.freewebs.com/thresholdsdevotionsandbiblestudy

Love and Blessings,
Starr