I'm not a writer, I'm an artist!

I went to school for art. Ever since I can remember, I have been interested in art. I have entered many pieces into many art shows. So where did this come from? I have asked God that question so many times.

About a year ago, a friend in Bible study set up a blog so that our group could communicate throughout the week. I will confess that I did not know much about blogging. I glanced at the blog she had set up for us and didn't give it much thought. Later in the week, however, it came back to me. I was studying and found something that I just had to share with my friends. I was hooked! I immediately set up my own blog and began sharing on a regular basis.

My thoughts are simple. I won't be solving major world issues anytime soon, but I share the stories and lessons that God has taught me. I know I am not the only one working to live a life that pleases Him. I pray that the words will encourage or shine a light into another life.

As I became more interested in blogging, I came across the Proverbs 31 women and I learned about the Annual She Speaks Conference. "That's interesting", I thought. The seed was planted. Every time I dared to dream, however, the enemy would whisper,  "You're not a writer." "What are you doing?" "That is a waste of time."

Or perhaps, it was my own insecurity.

In September of 2010, I made a new friend. She had attended She Speaks that summer. She offered me her notebook and all of the information she had received. She lit up when she recounted the time she spent with other women who were striving to learn and share His Word. She mentioned her desire to attend again. I dared to dream, and the whispers returned.

I continued to write. I love the preparation spent in quiet time and in prayer before I write.

Please God, use me as your voice today. What do you want to share? There is someone who needs to hear from You. What do you want me to write?

He is so faithful in His answers. I began praying about the conference. As a stay-at-home mom, we are raising a family on a single income. The thought of taking the money from our family was too much for me to imagine. I prayed more.

Last week God answered, "Go, I will provide the way and I will bless your time spent there."

Ok, God if you want me to go, I am trusting you. I began my "faith and footwork" (a quote from my favorite cheerleader). I sent a prayer request to my best prayer warriors. The responses were filled with encouragement, hope and faith. I was so grateful to my loving family. But, among their support, the whispers were still there. "This is silly." "What will this accomplish?"

Yesterday, as I was talking to my best friend on the phone, I began looking through the mail. There was an envelope from Tennessee, my sister-in-law. I wasn't expecting anything. It is always nice to get a real letter for no apparent reason. The front of the card said, "Faith". I opened it up and there were only a few short sentences:

Lynnette,
I prayed...
God said "Give"...
So you can "Go"....
And follow the plans He has for you!

There was a check to get me started. I was stunned. I was speechless. My poor friend was on the other end of the phone trying to figure out what had happened. "Spit it out" she said. "I can't I replied". Tears filled my eyes until I could no longer see.

Her words meant more to me than I could ever express to her. I am so thankful that she prayed. I am so thankful that she listened and obeyed. But I will forever treasure her support. I believe in you. They are such simple words and they came at the moment that I needed them most.

Why do I want to go to the conference? I believe I am meant to be there. I believe that God has a plan and a purpose for me. I believe that God likes to use the least likely to accomplish great things. Because then all will know it was God that made it happen. The glory belongs to Him.

I would like to tell you that the whispers have stopped. They haven't, but I have started talking back.

Forget the former things;
   do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
   Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
   and streams in the wasteland. 

-Isaiah 43:18-19