Wednesday, May 7, 2008

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--

11 gracious comments:

Alene said...

I am so proud of you! Can't wait to hear all about it. Blessings and prayers in your new season of life. May the Lord touch many because you are obedient.

connie said...

Shonda,
This sounds so great, I as well can't wait to hear more...
Connie
GBU

Bev Brandon @ The Fray said...

How exciting is that!!!
Wow!
Look forward to talking with you
about it soon...
You asked if you could call me...
YOU can call me ANYTIME...
you don't need to ask...
whenver you can...
only my cell # works as we let our landline go...
I LOVE Glorieta...and that is so cool that you met Christ there...
and you are going back to lead
others to meet HIM!!!
And you know that I have to be excited and love the Isaiah 43 verse....it's for me!!! I just posted a minute ago. Then, I asked God---what one person can I go and check their blog and it was YOU...and what a confirmation from HIM that Isaiah 43 was really from HIM. God used you to speak to me tonight in a very present way! Love you my dear!

Anonymous said...

I would dearly love to attend a CLASS seminar but I live in Australia and we don't have them here :-( I do get the newsletter though and have done so for a few years now.

annette said...

You are on an amazing journey in Him, Shonda. I am so proud of you for getting this together, not giving up, and now, you are living out your dream! God is so good, and is showing up so mightily for you. I will be praying for you for the 17th and the conference. Good things coming up for you, my friend. I rejoice with you! Love, Annette

marine's words said...

Shonda, it was so much fun having lunch with you today and sharing with me all about the things you learn.love,
marina

Mrs.Naz@BecomingMe said...

Wow! That is great news. Keep us posted.

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to send a little encouragement your way, as I gather that you spend so much time doing so for others. I was also pressed to pray for you, with your oldest graduating this year. What a joyous, and emotional event. May all of the extra effort you put into homeschooling be rewarded in the man he has become. Thanks for sharing your Godly wisdom.

Angela Baylis said...

Shonda! This is HUGE! God is on the move in your life. Thank you for your obedience! I will keep you in my prayers.
Much love,
Angie xoxo

marine's words said...

Shonda I was pass these beauitful picture for mother's day and I am passing it on but since I can't link you name up to my post come by and pick it up,love.marina

connie said...

Happy Mothers Day
Connie
GBU