OPPORTUNITY AWAITS

Well, this is a neat story. I am a sucker for neat stories and perfect opportunities and that is what I have here. It excites me to the bone when I hear my God speak to me and then when He confirms himself again and again. There is just something amazing about knowing you are acting in the will of the creator of the universe. Opportunity has knocked. Opportunity defined is a favorable or advantageous circumstance or combination of circumstances. The opportunity here is called "She Speaks" it is a conference offered by Proverbs31 Ministries. You may have never heard of this conference, a year ago I had never heard of it either, but I am going to share with you how it was presented to me.

For several years now the passion of my heart has been to share the grace and love of Jesus Christ with women though speaking and writing about my own life experiences, and how God has showed himself faithful to me. A year ago today I was leaving a womens ministry meeting at my church and driving home when I prayed and asked God if I was where HE wanted me to be, and if I was doing what HE desired of me. I so longed to be in His will. Shortly after I arrived home I checked my facebook page and had surprising received a message from a friend I had not spoken with since middle school. Here is the message: (note date)

March 22, 2009 at 2:29pm
Hi Kristin,

I was just reading your blog and wanted to send you a little note.

I know it has been years and years since we have talked to each other. Honestly, I don't remember us having much interaction since DR Hill. But I do remember that you had your share of rough times, and I remember all too well some of the unkind things that were said about you. I am not bringing this up to stir up old hurts, but to tell you how awesome it is that God is so obviously using your trials to bring glory to Him.

I saw on your blog that you work with a crisis pregnancy center. I did as well for about five years, until my daughter was born. It's not an easy ministry to be in, especially when you are sharing your own story, but I think it is wonderful that you are doing that work.

I was wondering if you've ever heard about or been to a She Speaks conference. It's hosted by Proverbs 31 ministries out of Matthews, NC. if you haven't been, I think you should go! they have these workshops to help you hone speaking techniques and you meet so many women with rich stories to share. It sounds like God is already having you speak to groups of women, so you would do great at the conference. Here's the link: http://www.shespeaksconference.com/. I know this may be strange for me to send this to you, but I just kept thinking while reading your blog how so many people would benefit from hearing your testimony, and I haven't even heard (read) all of it.

Anyway, I've gone on enough. I just wanted to let you know I enjoy reading your blog and seeing how you are doing. And your kids are gorgeous! I can't get over how much your daughter looks like you.

I hope you are well!

Blessings,
Jenn(ifer)

Let me take you a step further in my story of opportunity. Several years earlier I gave plant tours at a large car manufacturing plant in the south, and on multiple occasions upon the wrap of my tours people would approach me and suggest that I look into some organizations such as Toast Masters. The day before I received my friends sweet message those comments kept coming to mind and so I did some research but nothing seemed to fit. I prayed and asked God to lead me to the right place for growing my ministry for Him. And so He did. I longed to attend "She Speaks" last year, but the finances were never available, so I trusted that the timing was not right. This year I believe with all of my heart that I am going to attend. Lysa TerKeurst is offering scholarships for the conference on her blog. This might just be the opportunity I need.
My heart deeply desires to be apart of "She Speaks", simply because "HE SPEAKS".

Anticipating,