Been in CLASS

I have been in CLASS in Austin, Texas these last three days. CLASS stands for Christian Leaders, Authors, and Speakers Seminar. This is a three day seminar to train speakers and writers as well as aspiring speakers and writers.

A series of God-ordained circumstances directed my steps to attend this conference. I certainly love the Lord and I certainly love teaching His word. I believe I’m starting on a new journey in my walk with Him. I have stepped out in faith to start this journey by attending this conference. I believe the Lord is calling me to do more than teach a local weekly Bible Study. And I love teaching weekly studies. I believe the Lord has called me to step out to be a Christian speaker, writer and author.

The Lord equips the called. CLASSeminar was a first step in the equipping process. I am a CLASS trained speaker now. And also, I have booked my first official ministry speaking engagement at a women’s ministry meeting on May 17.

Now I need to work on some promotional materials and let others know I am available to speak. There is much more involved in preparing for a speaking ministry than just promo materials, but I’ll spare the details. I have my to-do list.

I also submitted a book proposal for critique. I received some wonderful constructive information about a proposal. With polishing up, it was suggested I take the proposal to the Glorieta, NM, writers and speakers conference in October. Tama Westman, my editing consultant, thought the proposal is a very marketable idea. At the Glorieta conference, attendees meet directly with the editors and discuss their ideas. No sending off proposals and waiting to hear back.

When Tama asked if I’ve ever been to Glorieta, I told her yes when I was a child I went to a camp there but have not been back since. Glorieta is the place where I asked Christ into my heart at 11 years old. I still have the Bible I took and wrote it down on the inside. That is the place I started my life with Christ. How awesome is it that I’d be invited back to Glorieta? Could this be the place God takes me to start another segment of my journey with Him?

This year is the beginning of a new phase in my life. I will be booking speaking engagements as the Lord leads. I will be writing much more. After I’ve reviewed the critique information more, I’ll start to work on the development of the book. I’ll be posting bits and segments on the blog as well as submitting pieces to Christian periodicals (in hopes of establishing more publishing credits).

Therefore, I’ll be sharing more information about it in the days to come after I’ve had more time to process it. I have a flood of information and it needs some time to sink in. I want to leave you with a scripture that resonates in my heart tonight:

Isaiah 43:19 NIV

See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland.

Blessings in Christ--