Current Speakers

Shelly Ballestero is an extraordinary woman of passion, energy and fun, on a mission to help women see the beauty God created in them, both inside and out.

In today’s beauty-obsessed world, she is one of the few inspirational experts in beauty and health from a positive perspective. Her professional experience ranges from mural artist, makeup artist to authoring “Beauty by God, Inside Out Secrets for Every Woman” published by Regal January 2009 and produced the companion DVD Behind the Scenes for Beauty by God.

Shelly serves as an inspirational beauty coach, esthetician/makeup artist, and beauty expert for CBN.com- monthly columnist for Christian Women Online, The Family Groove, contributor for Beautiful One Magazine, Natural Solutions Magazine, OnCourse magazine and cover story writer for Cornerstone Connection.

As a graduate of the prestigious International Academy, she teaches the art of makeup to instructors. Shelly also is a certified herbalist and a graduate of the top makeup school in the industry, Joe Blasco.

Keeping abreast of the latest techniques is a must in the fashion industry. Shelly studied under five-time Emmy Award–winner Eve Pearl, makeup artist for “The Today Show” and makeup expert for Jane Iredale cosmetics. Shelly also participates in the annual International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa conference and other master classes.

Beauty columnist, aesthetician and make-up artist Shelly Ballestero struggled for years with her self-image, but once she allowed God to transform her thoughts and perception, her life was changed. Ballestero has taken her experience in the health and beauty industry and written Beauty by God for women who want to feel beautiful and reveal a healthy inner-self.

This comprehensive book balances spiritual principles with detailed beauty and fashion tips necessary to lead a healthy, holistic life (mind, body & spirit) and feel beautiful from the inside out. Ballestro shares a wealth of beauty and style advice on healthy eating, simple skincare, affordable fashion styles and other lifestyle and beauty topics. She includes advice from celebrities, quick recipes for food and skincare products, research to support her claims, money-saving tips, suggestions for going “green,” and a comprehensive resource for finding recommended products.

Hi…my name is Kathy Butryn, and I am really looking forward to meeting you at the Get Revived Conference! 

Like you, I wear many hats—wife, mom, pastor’s wife, homeschooling mom, corporate trainer, life coach, spiritual mentor, speaker—and I know all too well how elusive a peace-filled pace can be in this hurry-up world.

In my own search and determination to cultivate this peace-filled pace, God, in His grace, has taught me a few lessons along the way, including the big reveal of three life-stealing lies that I was consistently living my life by…and now, solutions that breathe His peace into my life. I look forward to sharing these with you.

I live in Toronto, Ontario Canada with my husband Alan, and together we have two grown daughters, one teenage son, and one son-in-law. To relax, I love to read and knit.

Come and visit me on line at: The Heart Change Place, KathyButryn.com, and Girls Gathering Place.

Kathy’s topic is: Looking for Peace in All the Wrong Places…discerning the peace-stealers of our daily life

Looking for a little peace in your life? Start today by recognizing and naming the peace-stealers in your daily life. When you do, you will discover God’s precious hope-filled solutions that will help you cultivate a peace-filled pace in this hurry-up world!

Sue Cramer is a wife, mom, speaker, writer and coffee drinker that loves the Lord. She has a passion to help women connect with God and each other. Sue lives in Michigan and shares her life with her husband Mark and their four kids ranging in age from 5-21 years old.  They adopted their youngest daughter from China when she was 2 years old.

Involved in ministry for over 22 years, she has served:
~ Alongside her husband in Pastoral ministry
~ Marriage and Family Ministry
~ As Director of Women’s Ministry for 2 churches
~ In Worship Ministry as leader and vocalist
~ As a board member and volunteer in local community organizations to help those less fortunate

Sue Cramer’s gift of weaving together scriptures, stories and humor makes her a popular women’s speaker. Sue touches hearts with her warm and genuine style and insightful Bible teaching. She has found the comfort and joy of growing closer to God while walking through difficult and painful times. Sue desires to help women find their worth and calling in the Living God and to see Him touch and change their lives!

You can connect with Sue on Facebook, Twitter, and Linked In. You can check out her Praise and Coffee fan page here: Facebook.

Purchase Praise & Coffee products from the official website and blog: Praise and Coffee.

Sue’s Topic is: “Never Stop Dancing to the Song in Your Head” ~ Pressing on when giving up sounds easier!

Based on a book Sue’s been working on, she’ll talk about what to do when life shakes you up. Disappointment, change and pain can sweep into our life at unsuspecting moments and our response is crucial.

This session will discuss the importance of our relationship with God in the midst of our storms and how He walks us through the darkest times.  He’s our comfort, our strength, our stability and also the One who helps us forgive when revenge seems much more appropriate.

God has great plans for us ladies, it’s time to start dancing again!

As a busy wife, mom, and entertainer, Dena Dyer constantly loses things—but she’s holding onto her sanity (barely). J Her favorite forms of therapy? Cuddling with her two young sons, date nights with her hubby, reading, blogging, and writing books like Let the Laugh Lines and Wrinkles Come (Barbour, June 2010). Dena is thankful for her creative life, which is varied and full. In between driving carpools, helping her boys with homework, and shuttling kids to soccer practice, she writes, speaks, and performs part-time at a Christian-owned professional music theater, Rockbox Theater (http://www.rockboxtheater.com), located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.

When the opportunities present themselves, she also enjoys leading worship, teaching writers, and speaking to women (especially moms) about leaning hard into Jesus. Her publishing credits include the book Grace for the Race: Meditations for Busy Moms (Barbour), articles in Focus on the Family, Woman’s World and HomeLife, and tips for Working Mother, Family Circle and Parenting. Her most recent book featured the lessons we can learn from moms in the Bible. For more information, visit DenaDyer.com or her blog “Mother Inferior”.

Dena will be speaking on: The Joy of Freedom: Replacing Satan’s Lies with God’s Truth

Here’s a summary: Do you wonder why you keep struggling with the same old things? Does the thought of getting free of hurtful patterns excite you? Dena will share five joys that God makes real in the life of a free woman–a woman not bound by sin or regret, insecurity or fear. As she shares from her heart about her own tendencies toward worry, depression, and fear, Dena will point you toward the biblical keys that God can use to revive you. Prepare to get unshackled!

Marsha Harwood lives deep in the woods of western North Carolina with the love of her life, Mike, their dog, Lucky and an occasional bear that comes by to visit. Married for 36 years, they are blessed with 3 adult children and 6 grandchildren.

Marsha and her husband started Snowbird TEAM Ministries 12 years ago to reach the Cherokee Indians and the poor of Appalachia for Christ. Her ministry is with at risk teen girls, pregnant teens and counseling women and children who have been abused. Growing up as a battered child, she understands the shame and fear that fills the hearts of abused women and children.

Believing it’s ‘not about me’ but all about Him and His glory, Marsha’s passion is to live out the life story God has written upon her heart in order to point women to Christ.

With over 20 years experience, she continues to be a retreat and conference speaker, both stateside and internationally.  Using her flair for the humorous and dramatic, she captures the attention of her audience while challenging them to live out their passion and to live simply, laugh often and love deeply.

Being totally addicted to social media and all things relational, she can be found writing daily at her blog, Marsha’s Musings, on Facebook and  sometimes Twitter. She’s also the Marriage Channel Editor for Exemplify Online and Magazine and also writes for Laced With Grace, a devotional blog.

Marsha’s Session is:  Soul Spa ~ Personal Retreats to Pamper Your Soul

My Darling Daughter, I’ve been calling for you, but life is so hectic you haven’t been able to hear Me. I did not want to shout and add to the noise and clamor of your day, so I came to you as a soft whisper in your ear.  Did you hear Me?

“Come away with Me, My darling daughter!  Come away with Me. Let me fill you with indescribable JOY!  Come away with Me.”

That’s the message of My heart to yours.  That is what I whispered in your ear. I’m anxiously awaiting your arrival.  I long to lavishly rejuvenate your spirit and refresh your soul. Your sister Marsha, is following My instructions and preparing for you a special online mini retreat. Whether you have 5 minutes, an hour or a whole day, I’ve asked her to provide you with the tips necessary for you to come and meet and retreat with Me on your own.

I’m longing for you to come to Me.  I’ve got a lot of love to share.

Love,  Your Dad ~ Almighty God

Deidra Hughes was raised in a Christian home by parents who both shared the Gospel through music, so it is not surprising that Deidra started singing when she was only four years old. However, it wasn’t until she was 15 that Deidra knew that God had called her to dedicate her life to ministry through music. What makes Deidra’s story so incredible is that her mom, Joleen, was diagnosed with a brain tumor and given only months to live ~ all while she was pregnant with Deidra… We are very excited to report that not only did Joleen live long enough to give birth to Deidra, she also had two other children and is alive and well today! Deidra’s life is truly a miracle that she does not take for granted!

Deidra has been in ministry for several years, and began her career in the well-known vocal group TRUTH under the direction of Roger Breland, before moving on to minister with such artists as Melissa Greene of Avalon, Anthony Evans (son of Dr. Tony Evans), Switchfoot, ZoeGirl, Rebecca St. James, Avalon, Kirk Franklin, CeCe Winans, Priscilla Shirer, Thelma Wells, Kevin White, Perry Stone, Fred Price and Dwight Thompson. Deidra has toured with Dove Award Winner, Natalie Grant and has had the opportunity to sing with Natalie for Women of Faith Conferences nationwide.

Deidra has a heart for church ministry and is dedicated to true worship. Deidra says, “My heart is to minister within the body of Christ… My passion is to see our churches whole again fulfilling God’s ultimate plan to spread His Word. I hope not to just present a concert, but to present the One who is truly famous and that is JESUS!”

For further information, please check out Deidra’s electronic press kit at: Sonic Bids. Deidra lives in Nashville with her husband, Trent and their two daughters, Paris and Nadya!

You can find Deidra here: Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Sonic Bids, Shout Life and on her website – DeidraHughes.com

For booking information please contact Dina Busey from the Lane Agency: Email Dina Busey

Deidra Hughes (2008)
The long-awaited debut CD from Deidra Hughes!

Deidra Hughes is a wife, mother and full-time minister who has learned first hand the importance of balance!  Balance starts with our relationship with the Lord and how we handle the emotional and mental pressures we face everyday.  Putting our faith and His Word in action as He works on our behalf.  Are you emotionally and mentally maxed out?  This will be a time of Worship and Encouragement you won’t want to miss!

Lori MacMath’s mom insists that she came out of the womb ‘talking’ and has not stopped since. Lori however, insists that over the past 41 years she has learned a thing or two about listening as well. Especially, when it is God who is doing the talking.

Having grown up in the church, Lori knows that her ‘true spiritual journey’ began with an experience with infertility and surrendering to the Lord, allowing HIM to break her and remake her.

The smile she wears tells that she is so happy to be on the journey that she is on now. A journey that includes homeschooling 3 wonderful children! Lori is the co~owner of Internet Cafe Devotions, an online daily devotional site for women. She is also involved in several other online ministries. You’ll find her at Heart of the Matter and most recently she became the Moving Toward Holiness columnist at Exemplify. Lori is passionate about helping women apply the teachings of Christ to their modern, busy lives. Lori is involved in women’s ministries and youth ministry in her church, Crossroads United Methodist, a plant church in her community. Along with church ministry, Lori teaches classes at her homeschool co-op, keeping her continually connected with today’s young people. She often wishes she could shout from the mountain top that this is all by the grace and mercy of God.

Praising HIM every step of the way, she encourages you to enjoy the journey with her at her personal website, All You Have to Give, where she can be found daily, enjoying each and every season to its fullest!

Lori and her family live in Atlanta, Georgia, the deep south, where you’ll often find them wandering around without shoes.

Lori’s session it entitled: Revive your Gift Giving Spirit!

We all give gifts.  Let’s face it ladies, in the materialistic and busy world we live in, gifts often become a “unnecessary stressor or a last minute thought.” Grab a gift card and go! As women seeking a “Revived Spirit,” this session will explore just how we can implement the words spoken by the apostle Paul; “and whatever you do, whether in word or deed do it ALL in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”  Join Lori as she explores the “art” of gift giving, offering practical and simple ways to “Revive your gift giving Spirit while at the same time, sharing His spirit, one gift at a time.

Lisa McKay is wife to Luke, a senior pastor in a thriving church located in North Alabama.  Together they are raising four children – 3 boys and a girl – ranging in age from 7 to 14.  In addition to being a pastor’s wife, Lisa is a popular Bible teacher and author of the newly released, “You Can Still Wear Cute Shoes..And Other Great Advice from an Unlikely Preacher’s Wife”.   She can also be found writing regularly on her blog, “The Preacher’s Wife”.

She is also the author of the popular blog, The Preacher’s Wife and regular contributor to Christian Women Online.

You Can Still Wear Cute Shoes…and Other Great Advice from an Unlikely Preacher’s Wife.

Lisa will be speaking on: Heaping on Coals:  Practical Steps to Exercising Biblical Forgiveness

Forgiveness.  It’s a thing easier said than done – especially when the person needing grace isn’t asking for it.  The truth is, friends betray out of impure motives.  Coworkers lie to manipulate their way into that position you’ve always wanted.  Husbands leave when they aren’t  ‘in love’ any more.  Church members gossip about your child’s problems rather than offer support.  Life hurts, people hurt, and yet we are exhorted to overcome.

What does it mean to forgive and forget?  Is that even realistic?  Will I have to be a bff to that person who wronged me?  How is it fair to me if I just let them off the hook?  How can I move past all this bitterness so my relationship with God, my service to Him, and trust in others can be restored?  Through a teaching of Romans 12:17-21, Lisa will outline steps to practicing biblical forgiveness and trusting God to exercise His role of Righteous Judge.

Kelly Minter is passionate about women coming to know Jesus Christ through the pages of Scripture while discovering Him in their everyday lives. She enjoys encouraging women in this process through speaking, writing and singing, all of which keep her traveling throughout the country on a regular basis. Her roots as the oldest of four and daughter of a godly mother and incredible pastor, Mike Minter, have given Kelly a love for Scripture ever since she was a child.

Kelly’s most recent Bible study is on the book of Ruth, aptly entitled “Ruth: Loss, Love & Legacy”. This study follows up her first work “No Other Gods”, which many were introduced to through Beth Moore’s summer Bible study when she took women from her online community through “No Other Gods”. Kelly’s most recent record “Loss, Love & Legacy” is a collection of songs based on the themes from the book of Ruth. This record follows up “Finer Day”, which is Kelly’s first worship record for KingsWay Music.

Kelly resides in Nashville, TN where she has found a home in the uniquely artistic town where many create for the glory of God.

You can find Kelly on: Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and Itunes.

Listen to her MP3: My Portion You Will Ever Be

Ruth

Ruth’s journey of unbearable loss, redeeming love, and divine legacy comes alive in Kelly Minter’s Ruth: Loss, Love & Legacy—the second study in the Living Room Series. This 6-week Bible study delves into the noble character of Ruth, her unique relationship with her mother in-law Naomi, and her blossoming love with Boaz.

You can purchase the book here: Kelly Minter Store

Loss, Love & Legacy

Loss, Love & Legacy is perhaps Kelly’s most creative and inspiring musical release to date. Its collection of songs is based on the book of Ruth, spanning the themes of unbearable loss to unthinkable love to an astounding legacy. Produced by Paul Moak, this record is sonically rich, melodically pleasing and lyrically deep. If you have done (or are going through) the Ruth study, this is a great enhancement. If you’ve never been exposed to Kelly Minter’s music, this is the perfect introduction.

You can purchase the book here: Kelly Minter Store

No Other Gods (study)

No Other Gods: Confronting Our Modern-Day Idols by Kelly Minter is a distinctly relational study for women and is Kelly’s first study as part of the unique Living Room Series. The study includes recipes for meal ideas, song suggestions, and an accompanying website. In this eight-session Bible study, Kelly encourages women to make room for God by dethroning the functional gods that clutter and claim their lives. No Other Gods can be done individually, in a home study, or in a larger church setting.

You can purchase the book here: Kelly Minter Store

Kelly will be speaking on: Ruth:  Loss, Love & Legacy

This session is based on the book of Ruth, spanning the themes of unbearable loss to unthinkable love to an astounding legacy. Join Kelly as she delves into the noble character of Ruth, her unique relationship with her mother in-law Naomi, and her blossoming love with Boaz.

Andrea Mitchell is a coffee drinking, Jesus-loving wife and stay-at-home mom of three in constant search of just the right mug for her brew. She pretends to scrapbook, loves to read, and avoids housework whenever possible. Andrea has a passion for women to know how valuable and loved they are in God’s eyes, and to find the courage to live their lives with authenticity. She is the Editor-in-Chief and Family Columnist of  Exemplify Online as well as a contributing writer for (in)courage.

You can connect with Andrea daily at Under Grace & Over Coffee, and Facebook sharing her passion for all things Jesus. And coffee, of course!

Andrea will be speaking on the topic: Empowered by His Presence

Finding the Courage to Follow God’s Calling For Our Lives: God has called you to be His mouthpiece, to share His love and gift of salvation with those around us. But what if you feel inadequate? Did God really pick YOU to do this thing? Discover how having a proper view of ourselves through God’s eyes can have a positive impact on your calling – whatever it is God has asked you to do for Him.

Angela Parsley has a passion for teaching women God’s word. She is absolutely in love with Jesus and has an authentic faith and passion that is contagious to those around her. Most who know Angela would describe her as either “real” or “full of joy”. Angela has been married to Tony, her high school sweetheart for 13 years. They have two children, Kaitlyn, and Hannah. Angela home schools her children and loves it. Angela and her family are located in Chattanooga, TN.

Angela and her husband are co-founders of the international ministry Refresh My Soul Ministries where their vision is to encourage others in their walk with Christ. Angela has authored two Bible studies which are both in use around the world. Angela is also a contributing author to a devotional book entitled, “Standing on the Promises of God” and Radical Revolution, a devotional site for teen girls through Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Angela and her husband are Bible teachers where they have lead and built their college ministry in their home church for the last four years. Angela has also been a very active part in the development of women’s ministry and teaches middle school girls in their local Awana program.

Angela has her BS in Psychology and is actively participating in a program involving prayer and counseling. She is gifted in leading others to Christ through their pain.

Angela’s session is entitled: When Church Hurts

Have you ever wondered what to do when church life starts to hurt? Perhaps you just want to stop going all together or you are just feeling burned out. What do you do during these tough times? Why isn’t ministry always all that you dreamed it would be? Get inspired and encouraged through this message about real life hurts and the God who comforts, restores, heals and revives us. He made us for community so let’s learn how to thrive together.

Kristen Schiffman is a New Yorker living in Texas. She is just trying to make sense of sweet tea and A/C units. Together with her best friend & husband, Eric, she enjoys sketching out new ideas over Starbuck’s.

As the Founder and Ministry Director of Exemplify Online & Magazine, Kristen (along with her team of writers!) daily ministers to women across the world.

Kristen’s passion is equipping those in leadership to serve with excellence, encouraging women to get to know God through His Word and challenging women to live out their God-given purpose.

She can be found at Conversations with Kristen where she writes about seeking Jesus in the day-to-day, her deep fear of garbage disposals and her love for cupcakes.

You can friend her on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.

Kristen will be speaking on: A Woman Made New – 4 Invitations for the Weary Woman

Tired? Weary? Burned out? Then this is the session for you! Join Kristen Schiffman as she explores the tender words of Christ in Matthew 11:28-30. Uncovering & expanding on four biblical invitations offered to the weary, this session is sure to be a breath of fresh, rejuvenating air!

Lisa Shaw knows what it means to hide behind fear, unresolved past pains, guilt, shame and people pleasing from her childhood into her late twenties–a Christian who was living defeated and unaware of GOD’s real love for her through Christ until coming to not only a head but heart knowledge of His unconditional love and His incredible healing touch upon her life!  Standing on the WORD taught to her at the knee of her Grandma: [Psalm 27:13-14 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart, wait, I say, on the LORD.]  GOD’s love is the story of Lisa’s life.

By His design she is humbled to be an ordained pastor with her husband Peter using GOD’s gifts she holds dear in nurturing wounded women, the ministry of prayer, marriages and standing for the lives of the unborn.  She loves sharing personal stories to help people connect to a “real” person. She believes that “people don’t care how much you know unless they know how much you care”. Lisa cares. Her heart continues to be to please the LORD, love on her family and help people to draw close to HIM.

You can visit Lisa here: Sharing Life with Lisa and at Lisa Shaw Ministries

Lisa will be speaking on the topic of: A Woman On A Mission!  Psalm 31:3-5

You are a woman on a mission! The LORD has divinely purposed you! What does a woman on a mission look like? How does she live? Curious? Well, there are 7 P’s that are words of life and purpose that the LORD continuously ministers to my heart over the years as a woman on a mission. The mission? Glorifying my God.  Aww, what a beautiful mission of the heart!  Be encouraged that these 7 P’s are not always easy and often I stumble but by His grace and mercy I get up and get back in step with His Holy Spirit. At the end of this life I want to have completed my mission and I want the same for you as you too are a woman on a mission!

Mary Snyder is a slightly frazzled, but optimistic dreamer who loves the Lord and life. Wife to her best friend, Vaughn and Mom to two incredible young women – Charity & Paige — Mary is blessed by a fun and funny family.  An author, Bible study teacher, and  speaker, Mary delivers the truth of the hope, joy and adventure in Christ wrapped in humor and love.

Mary has recently partnered Melinda Garman to begin a new ministry gIRL™ girlfriends In Real Life. A ministry born out of their love for the Lord and for the online community of Jesus-loving women’  Mary & Melinda often find themselves awestruck at what God is doing within this new ministry.

Along with working on and praying over  gIRL ,  you can also find Mary blogging for Premier Christian Cruises’ Girls Getaway Cruise and for Extraordinary Women Conferences.

Visit Mary at her blog www.MaryRSnyder.com or follow her on twitter at www.Twitter.com/MaryRSnyder or friend her on facebook at www.facebook.com/MaryRSnyder

Mary will be speaking on: Faith, Fellowship, & Friendships – Building on a Rock solid Foundation (Hebrews 11:1)

Fellowship & friendships are a blast and a blessing.  But these blessings can quickly turn sour if they are not built on a foundation of faith.  Foundations sink deep, hold strong, and do not crumble when all around them fails.  Is this your faith?  Are you building your life on this solid rock of faith?   Or something less?

Do you seek the approval of man (or woman)?  Is your family your foundation?  Are you making your friendships (specifically those good, godly built in Bible study friendships) a foundation?  Is your foundation in a gifted pastor or special Bible study teacher?   Or is it in your ministry or church work?

Join Mary as she takes you on a journey – and walk away revived in the amazing blessing of a life built on a solid foundation of faith

Tiffany Stuart, once a wild girl, chased all the wrong things. Today, she is wild about Jesus. As a writer and speaker, Tiffany’s passion is to share how real and personal God is through words and pictures.

Tiffany’s ministry can be found at Tea with Tiffany. As a graduate from the Christian Writers Guild, Tiffany’s work has been published in Focus on the Family’s magazines and websites, The Upper Room, Discipleship Journal, and CBN.com. She loves living in Colorado Springs, Colorado with her husband Derek and their two kids, Justin and Hannah.

Starting March 3rd, thanks to Christian Women Affiliate and Blog Talk Radio, Tiffany and Barbara Keene will be hosting a new online radio show called Our Hiding Place. To tune in live or listen to the archives,  please visit us on Wednesdays at noon EST.

You can find Tiffany on: Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Tiffany topic is: Lord, Why the Rock and a Hard Place?

Ever feel like life is hard? Have others hurt and rubbed you raw lately? If so, you’re not alone. Tiffany uses five components of rock tumbling to help you see beyond the surface of life’s pain and into the heart of God.

God has great purpose for your life, even when you are in between a rock and a hard place. Join me for as we look to God’s Word and our object lesson for encouragement and comfort. My prayer is that you will be blessed and ready to live passionately again. Revived and renewed at heart!

Joy Trachsel resides in Twinsburg, Ohio and is married to Wally. She has four children: Ashley, Ally, Austin and Alex (Her proud A-team). Joy loves God, fashion and HGTV. Joy is part of the Speaking Thru Me Ministries Speaking team. From pageants to parenting, Joy uses her life experiences to teach Biblical Truths to groups of all ages. As God leads her, Joy follows Him…in her favorite “high-heeled” shoes!

Visit Joy’s Blog at www.joytrachsel.com. You can also find her at Speaking Thru Me Ministries.

Joy will be speaking on: Being an I-6 kind of Gal

Ever felt like God was “nudging” you to do something and you suddenly found yourself scared, fearful and hoping He would ask someone else? When God asked “Whom shall I send?” Isaiah replied “Send me!” As women, how do we have the same boldness and willingness as Isaiah? How do we know when God is calling us to do His work…His Will? Let’s dig deep into His Word and prepare ourselves to go where He sends us? Oh what a journey it can…and will be!

Alisa Wagner married her high school sweetheart and has been married for over ten years. They are hometeam leaders at their church and dedicate themselves to creating community within their church. Her husband is the greatest supporter of her writing ministry. Alisa and her twin-sister, Christina, co-founded Sanctified Together: A Compassion and Discipleship Ministry. Alisa’s two sons and daughter offer her constant joy and continuous lessons on the Fruits of the Spirit.

Alisa has published devotionals, articles and poetry; and she is continuously trying to reach people for Christ with her writing. She has also written her first novel and is currently seeking an agent. Alisa is the chief editor of the Granola Bar Devotional Writing Ministry and is always looking for new ways to help people share their faith story.

Alisa loves her church, Bay Area Fellowship, and is a member of the JANES Women’s Ministry core team. She is honored to be the One on One with God Discipleship Coordinator of her women’s ministry, which involves the coordinating and teaching of a discipleship program called One on One with God and producing the women’s ministry magazine for their Glo Conference. One of her greatest joys is to watch God change the lives of His people.

You can visit Alisa via: Twitter, Facebook, Linked In, YouTube, Shout Life, and her websites: Faith Imagined, Sanctified Together, and Granola Bar Devotional. You can also contact her via email: Contact Alisa.

Alisa will be speaking on: Meditation: Spiritual Irrigation for an Abundant Life

In John 10.10 Jesus says that He came to give us abundant life!  Jesus wants us to thrive, not just get by day to day. Meditation is the key to cultivating a sanctified life that can be blessed by God. Meditation is the irrigation system that will allow Living Water to flow into your life and produce great fruit in you!  Join me to learn how easy it is to assimilate mediation into your everyday, normal life. Let us claim Psalm 104:34 together: ”May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD.”

with introduction by special guest: Candace Cameron Bure

“What happened to your leg?” is a question that Mandy Young is asked everyday.  But there is no easy answer.  She has lived a life that most would not choose to live.  From staying months at a time in hospitals, to 20+ years of research, to being diagnosed as the only person in the world that has her genetic defect.  And while her life has been a roller coaster ride of ups and downs, she wouldn’t change a single day.

Growing up, she was consumed with illness.  But the most devastating was when she lost her left leg and hip to a massive infection.

Her story has been featured in countless newspaper articles like USA Today, in Good Housekeeping Magazine and on international programming like CNN’s Medical Mysteries.  She has been honored to be the spokesperson for several organizations and the “Face of Hope” for the new Undiagnosed Diseases Program at the National Institutes of Health.  But Mandy knew that God was calling her to share her life’s journey personally as well.

So, with her contagious spirit, warm smile and Jesus loving heart, she began sharing her testimony in hopes of helping others overcome obstacles they may be facing.

You can find Mandy on Twitter, Facebook, her personal website: MandyYoung.com or you can email her at: Mandystory@aol.com

Mandy’s topic will be:  What Happened to Your Leg?

Mandy will deliver her inspiring testimony of triumph over tragedy. What happened to your leg? It’s such a loaded question.  She was only 8 years old when she lost her leg, but her story doesn’t begin or end there. She has been a research patient at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland for 19 years.  Scientists there have decided that she is the only person in the world to have her specific Genetic Mutation (Immune Deficiency). But that discovery didn’t happen overnight.  It took many years.

Her journey along the way to her diagnosis is the real story. It’s rare, because her life is unique.  Her name is Mandy, and this is her story…..