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James 4:6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
I breathed God. I felt His brush against my skin. God was so evident in conversation and inspiration during my weekend at Proverbs 31 Ministries She Speaks Conference. I attended She Speaks but it was God who spoke into the hidden pathways to my heart.
I heard Him through Lisa Wingate's heart to write words to bless and not receive.
I heard Him in Rob Eagar's admonishment to produce a value-added newsletter that ministered to the recipient.
I heard Him through Lysa TerKeurst's wise advice to give your talents away to others expecting no favor in return.
He spoke an unexpected message. What if my weekend at She Speaks wasn't about me? What if it were about how I could pour myself out for others?
What unexpected words is God speaking into your heart today?
Jesus, Your gifts surpass expectation. Your kindness exceeds wonder. Your love is incomparable. You speak. I listen...even if it's NOT about me.
The one thing from this weekend I got from visiting with you all...and attending Beth Moore's conference in Uptown Charlotte...was that this whole life isn't about me. Ever.
ReplyDeleteYes, He abundantly blesses me and loves me...but this isn't for my sake. Or anyone else's. It is for His sake...His glory to be revealed through our hearts.
We are but instruments of His love, grace and mercy affectionately embraced by His tenderly strong arms; and all we need to do in turn, is embrace Him back (holding fast - Deut 10) without ever releasing Him. For without our tight grip on Him, we lose sight of Him...His love...and the gift of His grace in our lives to have Him move through us to reach others.
That is wonderful that you heard so much from God at She Speaks. I wanted to go so bad but with a mission trip to India and South Africa coming up in Oct., there was no way I could afford it. Hopefully next year.
ReplyDeleteI can always use the reminder that it's not always about me. Somehow my life is so much richer when I remember to give of myself than when I worry about what I'm going to get out of a something. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteMarni, Don't you love it when God confirms a message in your heart by allowing a friend to hear the same thing another way? Love your insight!
ReplyDeleteShanda, love that your focus is already external. What a GREAT use of your money. I'm sure God has spoken incredibly to you through your willing heart.
ReplyDeleteKathy, love this "my life is so much richer when I remember to give of myself"!
ReplyDeleteThat is so true. Sometimes we focus on ourselves and what we can do (even if we have the best intentions) that we don't think about that maybe it's not about us. Great reminders.
ReplyDeleteGod blesses me daily when I help others, expecting nothing in return. I have made it a habit to help other women who dream of having a way to make money from home using their talents and the Internet. These women long to stay home with their children to raise them up themselves and to serve their husbands. It is my ministry to help them in any way I can so that they can realize their dreams. Sometimes when I am down, I isolate myself so that I don't come in contact with others. Your post is a great reminder that to help others, we have to engage and communicate with society.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Samantha from vB
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ReplyDeleteI love your thoughts about the weekend at She Speaks, Shannon! This exactly the message the weekend brought to me, as well. Our time and talents are Gods, and He will find endless uses for them if we'll just open up, step out and let it happen. There's some personal risk in that, but in the face of God's desires for us the rest pales ;o)
ReplyDeleteKelly, love this "what we can do". So often I get tripped up by doing what I can and don't consider whether I should.
ReplyDeleteSamantha, I so appreciate how you can see that every facet of our lives can be and is a ministry opportunity. Just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLisa, I love how God speaks the same message into sister hearts. I thank God for you!
ReplyDeleteShannon, I just read a blog post written by another She Speaks attendee, and she had a similar experience. God was speaking personally to the hearts of the women there. I want to hear His message too, even if it's not about me. Many blessings!
ReplyDeleteAmen! These are all such wonderful words of advice that we can all put in to application if we realize it isn't all about us. God bless!
ReplyDeleteI love that the "She Speaks" conference is really turning out to be a "He Speaks" conference. Praise God for all that you are hearing.
ReplyDeleteIf you have time, come join my hop at http://adventuresintheordinary.com
We are a community of bloggers who like to express all that the Lord is showing them. I think you would be a GREAT addition. :)
You have taken away something beautiful and pure. So good to read these words and put them away into my heart. I hope you will consider linking up with Soli Deo Gloria when you can. We'd love to have you!
ReplyDeleteSo many of us "soli Sisters" have been praying for this conference and it is so great to be abe to read reports of what God did.
ReplyDeleteIt is never about us . . . I keep forgetting that.
Fondly,
Glenda
Lisa, "I want to hear his message...". I love that! How cool is it that He speaks directly into our hearts and lives. Blessings to you today!
ReplyDeleteJen and Glenda, I am thrilled to have found the Soli family. Truly all the glory to Him! I am honored by your visit here. Come back often to be refreshed!
ReplyDeleteJackie, Love that - He Speaks not She Speaks! So true!!!
ReplyDeleteJoyful, your blog is about Kenya Missions so you obviously have a heart for others. So beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHi Shannon - I found you over at Shanda's and I'm glad I came over. I love what you have said here. My blog goals are that I want to encourage others and I don't ever want what I post to be about me, only in how it relates to overcoming, etc. I think what you have said here is a confirmation of that. Will be following your blog.
ReplyDeleteGod bless
Tracy
Tracy, I am honored by your visit. So thankful you've found this oasis of encouragement. Blessings to you sweet friend!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more with the encouragement from She Speaks. I came away thinking...serve, serve, serve.
ReplyDeleteStephanie, I love that - serve, serve, serve and it's made possible with Renee Swope's admonition to give grace, grace, grace.
ReplyDeleteOk Mz. Shannon! I have to say - I'm just "Tickled Pink" looking at your family photo! You picked the right color to have the family photo---PINK!!
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