Friday, February 25, 2011

Stepping Out of the Boat

I did it.

I registered for my first Writer's Conference  (See button on my right side bar).

You may be thinking "What's the big deal?" 

But seriously, it was (and is) a huge, huge deal to me. 

A leap of faith.

A beginning of beginnings.

After completing the registration form, I sat at my computer with my finger on the submit button for about 30 minutes. I nervously tapped the button ever so lightly while still contemplating whether or not to send it and ...oops...done!  Guess my tapping carries a little more weight than I know.

So, why the big deal, you ask?

  • In choosing my sessions, I selected to participate in a Writer's Peer Critique group. This. is. a. little. scary.
  • We have been on a tight budget the last 6 months (plus I'm in school full time) so the conference fee (and plane ticket) doesn't exactly fit in.  But I am confident that I heard from God and am supposed to be there, so I know He will provide.  In fact, I have already received news of an unexpected $348.00!!  He never ceases to amaze me.
  • Did I mention someone will be critiquing my writing??!
  • Although I am a social person, I am having some anxiety about the large number of women who will be there that I do not know  (Not to mention there are going to be some amazing writers and speakers there!).
  • Flying is not my favorite method of transportation.
(I have a friend who may be going...this will make things a little easier! I'm keeping my fingers crossed!)



Despite these hesitations, I just know it is a step in the right direction for me.  I will share later some confirming words that God  has given me over the last few weeks.

Please pray for me as I step out of the boat that I will keep my eyes on Him!  (And if you hear a gurgling sound, throw me a life saver...)

Have you considered going?  It would be an honor to meet my blogging friends in person. :)

If you're not sure of the details....you can read my last blog post about it here.

Oh, one last thing.....my plan was to go to this conference last year but it didn't work out...in fact, I never even registered....

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. ~Proverbs 19:21

Is there anything I can pray about for you or with you?

Have an amazing weekend, my friends!!

~Shelly

8 friends had this to say:

starla said...

So awesome Shelly!!! You are an great writer. I pray that the Lord show you clearly every step in your journey. Be Blessed and have a great time!!! :0)

Shelly said...

Thank you, Starla, for your kind words, as always! xoxo

Mining for Diamonds said...

I found your blog by googling She Speaks 2011! :) Isn't it exciting? I can't wait! (Just posted about it today.) Perhaps I will see you there!!! God is an awesome provider. Just wait and see. And about the plane...I had not flown since before 9/11 and last year and to take a WHOLE bunch of flights across country and to Mexico. And it wasn't so bad! If I can do it, anybody can. Trust me! You'll do great!!! I have some "pre-flight" jitter tips if you're ever interested!

Blessings!

Stacy @ Heartprints of God said...

Shelly,
I can't help but feel in my heart and my spirit that the She Speaks Conference and you are a perfect fit~

God has most definitely given you the gift! The gift of sharing Him...through your writing, through your life. Time and time again, He has used the instrument of you to speak to my heart.

God will provide. When we are willing to step out in faith, God IS faithful to meet us in our faith walk, and journey beside us the entire way!

I will be praying for you. How exciting! (You made me laugh when I read the part about hitting the submit button! That is me all over the place!!!!) For several years, I've thought about attending this conference, but I always manage to talk myself out of it. I'm so glad you have chosen to listen to the VOICE OF TRUTH and are following where God is most definitely leading you!!!!

SO VERY HAPPY FOR YOU!!!

God's sweetest blessings to you, my friend-
~Stacy

Shelly said...

@Mining for Diamonds - So glad you stopped by! I'm going to hop over to your site now! Can't wait to meet everyone at the conference! :)

@Stacy - YOU should come!!! Sign up! Sign up! Now!!! :) Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement. God has most certainly used your words to speak to my heart many times. You are a great writer AND YOU SHOULD COME!! And we can have lunch!! :)

Julie Gillies said...

Hi Shelly,

Thank you for visiting my blog. I'm excited for you as you step out in faith to attend your first writer's conference. You've chosen the best of the best and will love it!

I will be speaking during part of the writer's critique group session, so please come find me and and say hello. I'm looking forward to meeting you! :-)

Sharon said...

Hey, Shelly!!

Great! You got out of the boat! Isn't it just the most scary, and exciting thing to do?

It's going to be an awesome experience for you. You're going to learn so much. And try not to worry too much about the critique group - your writing is excellent.

And yes, you could pray for me. I have my first speaking engagement on April 7. I will be presenting a 45-minute talk to young mothers. Like I said before, scary and exciting!

You go, girl - and keep your eyes on Jesus. Don't look back at the boat!!

GOD BLESS!

Shelly said...

Julie...I'm so excited and can't wait to meet you! Thanks for stopping by my blog today! :)

Sharon...how exciting!! I will say a prayer for you, I know you will do great! I had the chance to share just a few minutes last week with a large group of women in a nearby prison. It was amazing. I can't wait to hear (read lol) the awesome things God is going to do through you! (And thanks for your sweet work!)