Hello everyone! I'm back from the Writers Conference in Philly and fired up about my ministry and writing. (In the picture from left to right, Laurie, Kelly, Me, Kelli)
I met some fabulous people and re-connected with some blogging friends, too.
(In this photo Susan, Me, Shelley) It was really fun to connect with some new bloggers. We hung out and spent a great deal of time encouraging each other. I'm so excited to see what the Lord is going to do as He releases so many lovely people into His service.
I took a continuing session course with Vonda Skelton called, "Writing and Speaking to Women." I am encouraged and excited about beginning a speaking ministry to women. This is something I had always wanted to do, but now I feel truly called.
Here's a picture of me with Leslie on the day I had to give my 3 minute speech! I was a nervous wreck and notice how happy Leslie appears? This is because she knew she WASN'T going to give a speech! LOL!! I sat with Leslie during our continuing sessions and really appreciated her support and encouragement.
We ate at these large round tables in the cafeteria each meal. We had a faithful new friend named, Rev. Earl David from Tennessee. He was a retired pastor and a loving grandfather. By the time the conference was over, we all agreed that he could adopt us as surrogate grandchildren! His stories and love of the Lord were inspiring. I also met some other great people but if I didn't get your business card or write down your name, I'm sorry you didn't get a mention here.
Here's a silly picture of our feet. We had enlisted the help of an innocent passerby to take our group picture when Kelly made the comment, "Now make sure you get our faces and not our feet!" and Voila - she apparently jinxed us! LOL! That was hysterical!
Kelly and I have been close friends for over 15 years now and I had such a good time hanging out together at the conference. These are memories I will treasure. If you write and have never attended a conference, what are you waiting for?
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21 comments:
Yay, Sonya! You are so adorable...looks (and sounds) like you had a fantastic time at the writer's conference. I can't say enough about the importance of attending at least one every year. The networking, encouragement and information is priceless!
And how cool that you hooked up with so many other bloggers! Kelli visited my house down in Florida back in March...what a sweetheart. I didn't know that you and Kelly Combs have known each other 15 years!
Bet you can't wait to put into action everything you've learned! I pray God uses you mightily!
How fun to connect and meet so many new friends. I know the exact experience after enjoying my she Speaks weekend. :)
Yay! I am posting my thoughts tomorrow. (I'll wake up at 6 a.m to post it - NOT! haha).
I am "borrowing" the photo of us, as I didn't get one.
Thanks for traveling with me. It was a BLESSING!
So glad your trip was a success and you heard the call. B
Hey you!
Great pics and blog! Glad you had a great time! I will be looking for good things to come!
Love,
Denise
you are amazing with six kids. I have two and sometimes can't manage. Plus you write. Wow. And there is a joy that even comes through your blog Sarah
Looks like you had a great time!
A call to speak is awesome and so worthy!!
And good job with the pics...
Blessings!
Sonya,
So how did you do on your three minute speech? I can't wait to hear how that went. I am so happy you feel led by God to head into a speaking ministry and who knows if one day you venture out here in our neck of the woods and we can connect.
Public speaking gets easier the more you do it. I just have to remind you to breathe before speaking. So many hold their breath and then attempt to get everything out before they have to inhale again that it leaves you completely out of breath and almost gasping for more.
I used to have to put in our my cards that I used to take notes whenever spoke in public. Big Letters at the top, BREATHE!
Sounds like you all had an amazing time which is what all of us that were praying for all of you asked for.
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
Sounds like a great conference, inspiring and encouraging.
I am excited for each of you. It sounds like you guys had a blast together! GOD IS AWESOME!!
Blessings and prayers, andrea
Your photos are excellent! It looks like you had such a great time! We just don't have those type of conferences here in the UK. So lovely to see so many bloggers there!
Collette xxxx
So glad you had a great time! I just got back from She Speaks and it is so encouraging to be surrounded by God-loving women that are fired up to serve!
Blessings on you and your ministry,
Melinda
Thank you for visiting my blog today:) I see you met Kelli! I love her blog. There were quite a few bloggers who attended that conference. Sounds like you had a great time! I too would like to get the strength to speak to women. I have started a ladies group but that's as far as my fear will take me. Are you from PA? I am so someday I would love to fly up there for the conference and meet so many of you:)
Hi Sonya! What a joy it was to meet you at the Greater Philly Conference. And just so everyone knows--you did a great job on your 3-minute presentation! I was proud of you! ;-)
I praise God for allowing us to meet and I look forward to seeing again sometime in the future!
Blessings,
Vonda
www.VondaSkelton.com
That's right, I wasn't nervous, but I am now! You did a wonderful job and so did many of the other ladies! I don't know if I can compete (for lack of a better word) with you all! I also don't know if I can work the kind of schedule that Vonda does. I was pooped by Friday. I couldn't even get myself to turn on my computer yesterday.
I'm so glad I got to meet y'all! I wish I had had more time to just hang out with you. I pray God will continue to use you to encourage women through your blog and now through a women's ministry!
Love and Hugs, Leslie
Hi Sonya,
It was so nice to re-meet you. I really enjoyed chatting over our meals...especially Friday night. Who knows how long we all could have gone on!
Good luck starting to explore a speaking ministry. I admire your courage. You go, girl!
I'll be back to visit.
Blessings,
Kelli
Sonya, so glad you got to go to a conference. I haven't made it to one yet this year. My first two original plans just haven't worked. That's neat that you got to meet Kelli (as in Kelligirl)! I would love to meet her sometime, too -- and you, too! Blessings!
How wonderful:) I enjoyed my time with you so much! I really loved riding with you and Kelly. Thanks for all your encouragements and advice! Love, Laurie
(I will post my Philly pics today:)
Love to hear that you had a good time and you're all fired up about writing and speaking!
Sonya,
So great to meet you in Philly! I was blessed to be part of your group, especially getting kicked out of the cafeteria!
I encourage you in your speaking ministry - you have a lot to share and will surely be a blessing to others!
Keep in touch!
Susan
Hello Sonya!
Thanks for visiting my blog site and leaving a comment. I am really excited about the ministry that I am being led into...all right here from the Internet...a prayer ministry...it will be launched soon and I will try to keep you updated!
I love that you have a deep, intimate personal relationship with Jesus; that is what it is all about!
Tracy
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