1 Corinthians 3:6,
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.”
I’ve been reflecting on the last few months in ministry. The places God has allowed me to go and the people He’s allowed me to meet almost overwhelms my heart. In the last four months, God has allowed me to plant spiritual seed in the hearts of women and water the seed others have planted.
In other words, He’s allowed me to take the gospel… And the message of connecting a very real God with the real issues of life to:
- 11 venues
- 3 different states and
- 1600+ women. (This is not counting the Luncheons and KGM @ Night.)
First, He sent me to military wives in Fayetteville and in Pinehurst, NC. Oh my word, what an honor to minister to these ladies. When you listen to the things they deal with – my issues seem so small in comparison. Truly, they are some of the heroes among us. Amazing women!
Next, I was invited to speak at a marriage conference in Goldsboro. The ladies in this picture were the planners of the first ever marriage event for this church. They did a beautiful job of connecting women from every generation!
After two sessions, a woman approached me and said she had been married for 56 years. Amazed she would attend such an event, I told her that I’m the one who needs to learn from her. But she humbly said, “No. I still want to be the best wife I can possibly be.” Wow! How cool is that?!
I also got to go to Autryville, which is in rural North Carolina. (It’s near Fayetteville) In fact, SO rural, I wondered if there would be any women at the event once I arrived.
Yet to my surprise – 167 women had gathered. Women and teenage girls who were hungry for the relevancy of scripture in everyday life. My two session message was titled, Being a Godly Woman in an Ungodly World. The planner had no idea this many women would attend. It was her first event.
Women are hungry – thirsting for how to do life as a believer in a world that’s swirling in chaos.
God also allowed me to go to Clayton, Charlotte and Angier. My messages were titled, The Storms of Life; Hearing God speak in Everyday Life and Embracing what Really Matters in Life. Each of these churches were repeat visits. What an honor to be invited back!
One of the letters I received following an event said, “Thank you for not only challenging and inspiring us, but for discipling us. This was not a left-brain presentation with 3 points of Hearing God Speak. It flowed from your life and experiences with Him. And let me say, that your message 2 years ago was very good but I would call this one POWERFUL. Your love for the Scripture and spending time in it and your choice to obey was so clear. Ultimately, it was a message that glorified God and His desire to lead us in our individual lives.”
To God be the glory.
I also got to speak at the Inspire Conference in Burlington. This was quite a women’s conference. Honored to have been one of four speakers. Tons of fun! In fact, I got ideas for the next KGM Women’s Conference from this venue. (I even met with the leader of this conference weeks later. I wanted to learn her secrets:)
Then… Wyoming! Oh my word, Wyoming. I’m a homebody. This event was majorly out of my comfort zone. Not to mention, I don’t like flying. Praise the Lord HE sent Kelly Hollis to go with me.
However in the end, I was so glad I went. This was the adventure of a lifetime! A trip I’ll never forget. Will share the details in a future post as well as the adventure of going to Boston. This too was a unique experience. One I’ll never forget.
When I think about it, every event is unique. I get to meet the nicest, kindest people. The hard thing about this job is that you often connect with your host and a friendship forms. But often you don’t know when you’ll see her again this side of heaven. That part is sad to me.
Lastly, the Making of a Leader coaching class.
I think I may have hit the sweet spot. This was over-the-moon fun! Women from Charlotte, Asheboro, Goldsboro, Durham, Wake Forest, Raleigh and Cary attended. In all, I had 13. Can’t wait to give you the details. It was working one-on-one with women, equipping them in their callings. Already looking forward to offering this again.
Many of you who read this blog sow financial seed into KGM. Maybe you give monthly or a year end donation or maybe you’re helping provide prizes or sponsorships for our golf tournament.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I pray this blog encourages you. Through your support into this ministry, YOU are making a difference in the lives of women and their families.
The more I do ministry, the more I’m convinced that when ONE WOMAN is impacted with the reality of Jesus – she can change her world.
- Her marriage is different.
- Her family is different. Many in her family change. (Some slower than others:)
- Generations are impacted.
- The people she does life with are impacted.
Truly knowing God has a ripple effect. Your seed into this ministry is causing a ripple effect in women all over the country…
If there’s ever a time in human history for people to be impacted with the reality of Jesus – it’s now. Thank you for your support. Look at all you’ve been a part of!
I love you and am grateful for you.
Hi Tara,
Just stopping by your blog to get inspired to start mine. I love your style of writing. Real, interesting, as if we are just having a cup of tea together. 🙂 Sounds like your trip was amazing. Thank you for allowing the Holy Spirit to use you all around the country, but especially in this northern transplanted southern girl 🙂 I look forward to continued friendship. God bless and keep going on…. and having fun at it too.
Nancy – there’s no greater compliment. Sitting down to write a blog can be so hard. But I need to remember your words – write as if i’m sitting down with a girlfriend and a cup of coffee. How helpful! Can’t wait to see you again. Enjoy your time in the Outer Banks. Much love to you