\nI’m excited to tell you about the SpeakUp Conference<\/a><\/strong> I attended in Grand Rapids, MI from July 7-9, 2016. It is difficult to decide what to share because I got so much out of my time invested. \u00a0Carol Kent and the staff of SpeakUp did a fabulous job in every way.
\nHere are a few of my\u00a0favorite take-aways from the weekend.
\nS<\/strong> – Sweet Worship\u00a0led\u00a0by Kim and Brian\u00a0Tabor<\/a>. Their love for Jesus showed through as they escorted us into beautiful worship each day.
\nP<\/strong> – Professional atmosphere in each devotional, keynote, and breakout session. Every session I attended was taught by highly qualified teachers and speakers including founder,\u00a0Carol Kent<\/a>, her sisters Bonnie Emmorey<\/a> and Jennie Afman Dimkoff<\/a> , Cindy Bultema<\/a>, Anne Denmark<\/a> and Suzanne Kuen (Suzy Q)<\/a>
\nE<\/strong> – Equipping sessions for my future as a speaker. There were\u00a0takeaways to implement right away.
\nA<\/strong> –\u00a0Atmosphere of hope for the nearly two-hundred attendees seeking God’s vision for their writing and speaking life.
\nK<\/strong> – Key elements for a fabulous speaking career shared in every\u00a0session I attended. Energetic and motivational speaker, Becky Harling<\/a> challenged us to know our message is to be shared “For Such a Time as This.” Powerful!
\nU<\/strong> – Unlimited opportunities to meet agents, editors, life coaches, prayer warriors and mentors. I also made some wonderful new friends to encourage along the way.
\nP<\/strong> – Prayer covering over every participant and every need. The prayer corner was always available for any need presented. I enjoyed a session with HopeLifter, Kathe Wunnenberg<\/a>\u00a0who helps spread hope when life hurts.
\nThis conference was truly a blessing at a time when I needed it most. When I arrived I was filled with questions about my future.\u00a0“Lord, What is next for me? Show me how you can use my gifts and talents through the classes I attend and the people I meet.”
\nThat question was answered in many ways as the weekend unfolded. The\u00a0Lord confirm\u00a0the desires of my heart and confirmed that I am a messenger of HOPE.
\nGod is truly good.
\nAs I continue to pray for wisdom and revelation, I know God is doing a work in my life to point me to the place where I can be used to bless others. He is doing the same for you, friend!
\n
![\"Life](\"https:\/\/gigimurfitt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Anne-Denmark-225x300.jpg\")
Life Coach Anne Denmark<\/p><\/div>
\n
![\"Kathy](\"https:\/\/gigimurfitt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Kathy-Wunnenberg-274x300.jpg\")
Kathe Wunnenberg is \u00a0a HOPE lifter!<\/p><\/div>
\n
![\"My](\"https:\/\/gigimurfitt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Speaker-Critique-Group-6-300x131.jpg\")
My Wonderful Speaker Critique Group<\/p><\/div>
\n
![\"I](\"https:\/\/gigimurfitt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Cindy-Bultema-289x300.jpg\")
I learned so much from Cindy Bultema!<\/p><\/div>
\n
![\"Wow.](\"https:\/\/gigimurfitt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/SuzQ-225x300.jpg\")
Wow. SuzyQ was so helpful!<\/p><\/div>
\nI hope to gather a contingent of friends for next year’s conference. I’m already signed up for the July 15-17, 2017 weekend.
\nWe all have a story. Maybe you are feeling that\u00a0nudge to use writing or speaking to share yours. Please pray about joining me at this conference next year.
\nBless you as you write and speak for His glory.
\nWith HOPE,
\nGigi
\nSpeaker and Author and Messenger of HOPE<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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