Tuesday Tales: Women's Conference at the Rock

 

When I left WBCL, and I pursued a life as a stay-at-home wife, I began building up my speaking. I said yes to any and every engagement I could find. I sent out letters to let people know I was available if they had an event. I loved it. I loved meeting people and preparing for events and traveling around the state.

                Even after I returned to the workforce, I kept speaking as often as possible, though after the pandemic, there was a long stretch of time when no one was meeting in person to need a speaker.

                But when I took the job at the church, I had to cut back…way back. And I may have to cut back even more. For one thing, I can’t miss Sunday morning services now that I’m on staff, so filling in for other ministers isn’t possible anymore. And even though I could speak on Fridays and Saturdays, I’m finding that it’s difficult to have the time to prepare TO speak. And since Saturdays are my Sabbath, I try to protect them as much as I can.

                I miss getting to travel and speak, but I love what I do and am happy to protect my local ministry even if it means cutting back elsewhere.

                Last spring I spoke at a church near home, and they immediately asked if I’d come back again this year. I said yes, but I had no idea that this year, the event would come on the heels of my dad’s illness, both my parents moving, trying to clean out their apartment and sort through all their belongings, and lots of busyness in my own work calendar.

                The Lord was so gracious, and the church chose a topic I’d shared before. I had to revamp it a bit, but the bulk of the writing had been done. And it turns out, the topic – Fill My Cup – was one I needed to hear. So my preparation was personally helpful!

                The day may have been cold and rainy, but the room was full of joy and the presence of the Lord. The ladies sang so beautifully, the food was delicious, and everyone was so kind to Ryan and me.

                Ryan went (as he always does) and ran my slides for me. I shared stories from my life, and we dove into some sections of Scripture together.

                I learned many things from this day and this event, but the one that stands out the most is that the Lord is always faithful and is always bigger than my weaknesses, failures, and shortcomings. He met those women in beautiful, memorable ways, and it was my honor to be a small part of it!