She Speaks! Scholarship

We have a winner!

Cindy Haux is the winner of the full She Speaks scholarship that we gave away during our tour of blogs last week.

WOW! Thank you for your huge responses. All of us at Proverbs 31 Ministries hope that each one of you will find a way to make to She Speaks! Please read below for some information on how to create your own scholarship fund for She Speaks.


"We try very hard to keep the cost of the conference at a minimum, but we do understand sometimes financial circumstances may prevent some who really feel called to attend. Because scholarship information is subject to change, please contact the office to find out if funds are available at a given time. We also encourage you to let your friends, family members, co-workers, and people from your church know about your desire to attend the conference. Many women have been afforded the opportunity to attend in years past just by getting the word out. We have prepared a letter that may help you in your fundraising efforts. For a copy of the letter, http://www.shespeaksconference.com/images/Scholarship%20Information%20Letter%202010.doc

Or, please email Samantha at Samantha@proverbs31.org for more information. Should you decide to raise support, you will need to register for the conference to ensure your spot AND send Samantha@proverbs31.org your mailing address. This is imperative to making sure your funds are allocated to you.

And stayed tuned to our blogs as more opportunities will arise for winning a scholarship.

Blessings,

Before the Throne with Mandie

For myself, music draws me nearer to the heart of God than anything else. Over the past two years, I have had the privilege to work with an ASTOUNDING worship leader--Mandie Pinto. The Lord has arranged for us to be together at several retreats, and honestly, when she opens her mouth to sing I feel myself float right to the throne room of God.

Mandie is gifted--she can sing rock and then roll into a beloved hymn. She has several CDs that show the variety of her talent. Check them out! http://www.mandiepinto.com/

Here's a few talent tidbits about Mandie:

In 2005, Mandie had the distinct pleasure and honor of both co-writing and recording with her friend, Blake Ewing, the ending credit song "Along the River" for the major motion picture, End of the Spear distributed by 20th Century Fox. This film was released nationwide and portrayed the touching story of missionaries Jim Elliot and Nate Saint.

Mandie is currently the Worship Team Leader at Real Life Church in Santa Clarita, California. She has been blessed to work at Real Life Church since the day its doors opened on October 1st, 2000. Her job consists of music selection, organizing a community of musicians and singers (approximately 30 participants), transcribing charts, creating charts, team leading, playing keyboards, and vocal/song arranging.

Throughout the last 15 years, Mandie has had the privilege of singing the National Anthem and/or Canadian Anthem at major sporting events throughout Southern California, including the Staples Center (Los Angeles Kings and Los Angeles Lakers), Anaheim Stadium (Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim), Arrowhead Pond (Mighty Ducks), Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles Dodgers), World’s Women’s Tennis, U.S. Olympic Swim Trials and the U.S. Olympic Men’s Gymnastic Finals.

Mandie has recorded for Nintendo, NAMCO, Toyota, Disney and the theme song to Miss Spider on Nickelodeon, as well as many children albums.

So, if you are a women's ministries leader and are looking for a the perfect person to lead worship for your special event check out Mandie. And then let me know, 'cause I want to come listen and be led to the throne room. Mandie lives in California, so she is perfect for us West Coast girls.

When God Shows Up

There have been a few times when God shows up in my life and I stand speechless. I have been attending the Proverbs 31 Ministries She Speaks conference for several years. Without fail, God shows up at She Speaks! and I am without words.

I remember one time, I was at the airport and ready to fly home. I called my husband and he asked, "How was the conference?" I stood in the middle of the waiting area and cried. I couldn't even begin to tell my sweet man how I expereinced God over those three days.

Wouldn't you like to attend She Speaks? and see how God might move in your life? Well, Proverbs 31 is giving away a scholarship! All you need to do to enter the contest is to leave a comment on my blog and you will be entered in the contest. Check out the other Proverbs 31 Ministries blogs and enter a comment there too. (See below.) It will increase your chances. This Proverbs 31 blog tour contest ends on Friday. So don't delay and maybe I wlll see you at She Speaks! I will know God will meet with you there!

Now take the blog tour and enter your comments.

Susanne

Land the Plane

There is nothing like laughing with girlfriends. One Saturday night, I sat at a table with eight women. We laughed until our sides ached. Here's the coolest part, we had all only met that weekend. It happened during one of the recent retreats at Forest Home.

I am sure staying in the mountains, celebrating God's goodness and being served gourmet meals helped to induce our merriment. However, what struck me the most was the fact that total strangers could bond together,share life and laughter.

What we laughed about was the phrase,"Land the plane!" One of the women explained that her husband would imitate with his arms a plane landing when he wanted her to quit prattling on about whatever she was saying. In other words, he was saying, "Get to the point." Now I guess the hilarity came from the fact we all recognized that we might talk too much and lose our guy's interest. I told them that my husband's eyes glaze over and I know that he is no longer listening. I guess I need to "Land the plane quicker."

We eight gals sat at the table for over an hour and talked and talked. Not one of us wanted the others to land the plane. Now that is girl talk!

My Life in Repeat

The last few weekends have been like the movie Groundhog Day. The past five weekends I have spoken at retreats in the San Bernadino mountains in California. I would pack, drive, speak 4 sessions, pack, drive home and then begin the whole process again--5 times. It was a wonderful time each weekend, but I have to admit it's nice to know that I don't have to leave tomorrow morning. Although I will miss the beauty of the mountains.

Over the time spent with some of the most wonderful women I have ever met, I laughed, I cried and I rejoiced in the goodness of Jesus.

Over the next few posts, I would like to share some of those thoughts and experiences.

Stay embraced by the Father!