We are thrilled to announce that our very own friend and ministry sister, Michelle, was selected to be a 2014 Declare Conference Blog Contributor. Today we are sharing her post featured at www.declareconference.com. Way to go Michelle!
by Michelle Welch
A year ago I found myself on the Declare Conference page. I had been hearing His whispers for a while but I resisted His desires for me. But in that moment that I sat contemplating clicking the signup button, I clearly heard Him say GO. I listened. He guided. Mountains moved and joy blossomed. All because He whispered.
If you are here then you have heard the whispers of His Spirit.
“Your own ears will hear Him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left.” Isaiah 30:21(NIV)
“You need to tell your story” He whispers.
“You need to share your talents” He whispers.
“You need to get started” He whispers.
We all have been where you are. Worried about how to get started. Worried that we had nothing worth saying. Worried that if we wrote, no one would read it. More than anything we have worried that the whispers were wrong.
If you are here then you heard the whispers of His Spirit correctly. He wants you to share the gift He placed deep inside when He created you.
“In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.” Romans 12:6-8 (NLT)
The first step is always the hardest. After that it will just be a wild ride! The women you will meet at The Declare Conference are in all stages of their blogging life. You will meet those who haven’t written the first sentence who will be sitting right beside the one who had her blog featured on Good Morning America last week. You will talk to those who have written millions of words. You might share a room with someone who is contemplating writing her first word.
You may be like me and take copious notes on random pieces of paper you pulled from your bag because your notebook is sitting right where you left it on your desk back in Houston. Or you may have all your notebooks labeled with the seminars you have already chosen, your color coordinated pens attached to each notebook, and your daily agenda already filled out….right down to when you take a bathroom break. (I will be the one running to the bathroom because I waited too long!)
There just is no right or wrong way to come to Declare. There is something for everyone. Especially chocolate. And coffee. And prayer. And singing. And laughing. Lots and lots of laughing.
Two years ago I was a dog groomer. Now I am a writer. All because I listened to the whispers of His Spirit. He has told you the way to go. Now your job is to trust Him and step out in faith. Come. Sit at our table and share your story, your talent, your desire to get started. He will be there to greet you along with plenty of new friends who have heard those same whispers.
Copyright © 2014, Michelle Welch, all rights reserved, Breath of Life Women’s Ministries. Images curtesy of Michelle Welch. Scripture from The Holy Bible, New International Version.
