Sometimes, I just need to get away from the daily routine and get a fresh perspective on ministry. I did that last week by attending the Speak Up Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan, hosted by Carol Kent. This conference is focused on helping women grow in the areas of speaking and writing, but I came away with much more than that. This conference pointed me to Jesus.
The message that penetrated my heart most: What has God called you to do? Do it. Glorify Him.
So many women spoke to my heart during this conference and I want to share their words with you. I hope these nuggets of wisdom will encourage you as much as they did me.
“Are you willing to take on the mantle God has for you?” – Suzanne Kuhn
“You are anointed and appointed for such a time as this.” – Becky Harling
“Build Jesus’ platform, not yours!” – Becky Harling
“A community can have worldly success without Jesus as its center. But if you are following Jesus, your focus is not on success the way the world measures it. Instead, your focus is simply to do only that which He has called you to do for His glory and not your own.” – Jen Ferguson
“Do you believe God can speak through you?” – Jennie Afman Dimkoff
“No amount of activity in the King’s service will make up for the neglect of the King Himself” – Robert Murray McCheyne (shared by Cindy Bultema)
“Pull me into your Bible study. Draw me in.” Gloria Penwell
“Stop writing. See if you can. If you can, then maybe God hasn’t called you to write.” – Lonnie Hull DuPont
“Sometimes you have to push through the stink to get to the good stuff.” – Robyn Dykstra
“Sometimes, when we’re looking for a shortcut, we make a wrong decision.” – Carol Kent
“Write a letter of surrender to God, laying everything on the altar. Ponder these questions as you meditate on Hebrews 12:1-2: What do I need to throw off that might be hindering me from writing and speaking for His purpose? What do I need to put on to write and speak for His glory and praise alone? What does ‘fix your eyes on Jesus’ look like for me in my journey right now?” – Judy Dunagan
These comments apply to all of us, not just writers and speakers. What has God called you to do? Will you accept His calling, “take on the mantle,” and fulfill His purpose for you? Will you trust His hand if He leads you in a different direction than you would choose?
I also had the privilege to be interviewed by Carol Kent about my newly released Bible study, The Gift of Rest. I invite you to watch this short video with her.
Great quotes–all challenging !! Proud of you, Crickett, on the video – you did a great job.
Jean Hammond
Thanks, Jean! Carol Kent is a delight to talk to.
Thank you for sharing how God spoke to you through the conference. The timing is just right for me and howI am in conversation with the Lord.
Dianne, I miss you! Praying for you, sweet friend
I love the quotes Crickett. They are so inspiring. Thanks for sharing with us and congrats on your new bible study 🙂
Thanks, Nan! So much information to take in. I’m still processing everything.
Crickett- thanks for this great blog! Sharing from your conference theme, the special quotes, and the video interview all meant a lot. Your words really pulled me in to what impacted your life and to ways I need to view the race God has set before me.
Thanks, Carol, for your encouraging words! Thanks for praying for me during this conference.
Great quotes–thank you for sharing them!
Heather Bock
http://www.glimpsesofjesus.com
Thanks, Heather! It was a great conference.
Crickett!
I so appreciate your words, I felt like I relived the conference again! Thank you for your ministry and your mission! Peg Arnold
http://www.pegarnold.org
Thanks, Peg! I’m still processing everything!
Thank you for sharing these quotes!
And, Katy, there were so many more I could have shared! 🙂