...The Valentine's Day Gift that Every Woman Entrepreneur Needs

Calling all gentlemen:

Valentine's Day is approaching! Well, to be exact, it's just three weeks and three days away. Have you considered what that perfect gift for the special lady in your life will be? Are you still hashing over what to get that will sweep her off her feet? Did you promise to top last year's gift? Is she an entrepreneur?

If so, I'm suggesting that you register her for the 2014 B4 Tour hosted by Rhonda Nails of Project P.U.S.H. The virtual conference's focus is Re-Branding, Re-Booting, and Re-Building your business. Show your "Boss Chick" that you're invested in her business just as much as she is and that you want her to thrive and succeed; show her that you care and believe in her. Give her the loving gift of wealthy information from awesome speakers such as:

LaShanda Henry: Turning Browsers Into Buyers: Building a Website that Works for You

Lucille Divine: Let's Get Social!

Kemberli Stephenson: Essential Financial Management Habits for a Healthy Business

Katherine Waddell: Profitable Radio Marketing Exposed: Understanding What Needs to Be Said

Veronica Drake: How to Create an Opt-In Form that Grabs Reader's Attention and Builds Lists With Ease

Lisa Ryan: Grategize Your Business! Three Keys to Customer Engagement, Acquisition, and Retention

Rhonda Nails: From Bankruptcy to Billionaire: The Process of Re-Branding, Re-Booting, and Re-Building Your Business



Gentlemen, now all you have to do is click here to get your woman entrepreneur registered for the 2014 B4 Tour!

*The first three, (3), gentlemen to register their woman entrepreneur by February 01, 2014 will receive an exclusive gift poem for your special lady!

...of Revitalize 2014

Well it’s the day after Christmas and someone maybe standing in a long line to return that “perfect” gift for the special lady in their life. Perhaps while standing in line they're thinking what they should get as a replacement. Take a moment and really think about what she needs; especially if she's an entrepreneur. Get her registered for the Revitalize 2014: Women's Conference coming in April 2014 to Norfolk, Virginia! The conference’s theme is Empowering Women With the Tools to Relate, Create, and Elevate. Attendees can expect to, "Get Clarity of Purpose- Easy Action Steps- Life and Business Mentoring

This event is hosted by the Message Expansion Partners and Motivational speaker, Lakeisha McKnight, will be serving as Mistress of Ceremonies and has a dynamic panel of speakers to include:

Vincent K. Harris, Financial Expert

Joan Wilson, Product Creation Expert

Maricia Sherman, Confidence Expert

Melanie Bonita, Marketing Expert

Melissa Turner, Peak Performance Expert

Nellie Wosu, Dress Attire Expert

Rhonda Nails, Business Growth Expert

Renee Sunday M.D., Purpose and Passion Expert

Stevii Aisha Mills, Life Balance Expert

Dawgelen "Dr. Dawj" Sangster, Authenticity Expert

Register here: http://bit.ly/18yqkbU

...of 6 Words

"Imperfectly Perfect. Shamelessly Testifying. Spiritually Maturing."

As a part of a contest for a scholarship to the 2011 She Speaks Conference, contestants have to tell a story using only 6 words! I love this "challenge" because one of the reasons I want to attend this conference is so that I can attend the Speaker's Track because I am eager to learn how to deliver an impactful message, not giving too much or boring or not enough information in the allotted time period. I also want to know how to engage the audience in the message.

So, to my frequent visitors, how did I do with those 6 words?

smooches,

...of A Piece of My Heart

Since when did Christian translate into "Perfect"? Too often, we as Christian wives & mothers keep ourselves in the box that the world has constructed for us. In that box, we are thought of as struggle-free, weep-less, anger-free, failure-less, chaos-free, self-less, fear-less, and always faithful. We are stereotyped as always having it all together. Even sometimes within Christ’s Body, we place each other in that box, causing us to feel alone and that we can’t talk to anyone about our struggles.

I’m not just stepping out of that box; I AM TEARING IT DOWN! I am not flawless.

The things I share here on this page are for your encouragement as well mine. This is a prayer request avenue for me. Read my thoughts and PRAY FOR ME please! I do not share this to “ruin” our Christian reputation, but yet to let others know that we are relatable, just like Christ. "…For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin…" Hebrews 4:13-16 NIV Oh blessed Sisters, you are no longer, “A-Loner.” “Blest be the tie that binds…”

This is one reason I'd like to attend this year's She Speaks Conference, hosted by Proverbs 31 Ministries, in Concord, North Carolina. She Speaks Conference is about women connecting the hearts of women to the heart of our Father God and my heart is to serve Him and His daughters, as He leads.

...of photos from She Speaks

As I said, here are a few photos from the 'She Speaks' conference, hosted by Proverbs 31 Ministries. I do have permission from both ladies to post these pictures and I will be providing a link to their site for you all to check out and I will also be informing them that these photos have been posted.

Mary Demuth was elated to have a photo taken with me. She stated that it was an honor and she couldn't wait to show all of her friends who she'd taken a picture with!

Okay, not really. This is the real story, after her presentation, with sweaty palms and a racing heart, I approached Mary Demuth and asked her if she would sign my copies of "Daisy Chain" and "for the Write Reason." She so gently agreed and then I took a chance and asked her if she would take a picture with me. I then asked for her permission to post it so that I could say, "Hey y'all, look who I met!" Truth...ok...fine!



Here, I decided that the colors of the board matched the colors I was wearing, so, grab a picture! Really, I just wanted a picture in front of the board, ya know, kinda like taking a picture at the entrance of a theme park. tee-hee



Finally, here's Lysa Terkeurst and I after she chased me down at the end of her presentation. She said that she noticed how attentive I was and she'd heard that I highlighted some points from her story in "for the Write Reason," therefore, she just had to sign it and get in a photo with me. Lysa was soooo in stalker mode! See how close she is to me, sheesh, lady, respect the personal space please! Aaaaahhh, me and my fabulous life!

Yeah, yeah, yeah, the truth...after Lysa's presentation, I cautiously walked up to her, thanking her for the presentation and her blog. I then told her how much I liked "Holly Day" on her blog as well so she introduced us! AWESOME! Then, I puffed my chest out and asked for the honor of taking a photo with Lysa. Yaaaay, she agreed! She and Holly walked away and it hit me, I DID NOT GET A PICTURE WITH HOLLY AND I FORGOT TO ASK LYSA TO SIGN MY HIGHLIGHTED PAGE! NOOOOOOOOOOOOO...certainly I could not, and would not, chase them down; I'd seem like a stalker!

Instead, after the closing presentation by Jennifer Rothschild later that evening, I spotted Lysa and Holly near the front of the stage and made a dash for it, (an inconspicuous one of course), and I waited my turn. As I approached Lysa it had to be made known that I was not stalking her, but just as I opened my mouth, Lysa's eyes lit up and she said, "Hello my friend!" and she opened her arms to receive me! WHOA! That kinda threw me off a bit, but it also put me at ease. My huge ego said, "Check this out, Lysa remembers me and she called me her friend!" SHHH-WEET!

Once I got myself together, I let Lysa know that I was so not a stalker but that I'd forgotten to ask if she would sign her story in "for the Write Reason." Of course she signed it and right when I was about to ask Holly for a picture, someone else started talking to me and when we were done, Holly was gone! So, Holly, if you are reading this, may I please get that picture with you at next year's conference? I'll be the chick wearing the tee-shirt that proclaims, "I am not a stalker...BTW, I love that dish you ordered on Tuesday ;) "

...of She Speaks Conference Finale

Mary DeMuth explained, “Nonfiction Proposals that Grab Attention,” for us writer-gals on Saturday in the mid-afternoon. We learned the importance of a book proposal and how to “sell” it for publication. She too was kind enough to put her signature in, “for the Write Reason” by Marybeth Whalen! But that’s not it…SHE TOOK A PICTURE WITH ME AND SAID THAT I COULD POST IT!

There was then an hour block of free time or other Bonus Breakout Sessions, I elected for free time. I should have been in the prayer room, however, I was so wrapped up in self that I’d forgotten about it and went outside to warm up a bit by the sun. At 5:oo p.m., it was time for the Writer’s Coffee House. During this session a literary agent gave advice on networking and building a platform towards pitching a book proposal, ending with questions and answers. The second speaker came from Harvest House publishing. She also entertained questions at the end of her presentation about knowing the publishing company that you want to submit your proposal to.

There was coffee available, however, coffee makes my stomach hurt, I’m talking like curl into a ball hurt, so I didn’t have any. :(

Dinner was served after that evening session and it was AWESOME! The staff was amazing. They were all polite and eager to make every lady feel as if she were the guest of honor! Jennifer Rothschild serenaded over 600 women after dinner with her story that was filled with hope and encouragement. She received a standing ovation! “Ministry should REfine, not DEfine me,” this is what I took away in a large quantity from Ms. Jennifer’s edification.

On our last day, Sunday the 2nd of August, Renee Swope broke down the necessity of rest to us. “Come to Me,” by Renee aided in filling our understanding about resting in the presence of Jesus and His plans. We worshipped God with song and prayer and we also proclaimed our Savior’s death, (1 Corinthians 11:23-26), when we took communion with one another. The praises offered up to God were touching. Some lifted hands, others knelt by their chairs to pray, and then there were those who shed tears. Not one voice that spoke an “Amen,” a “Thank You Jesus,” or “Praise God,” placed out of order.

The morning’s worship ended with a promise from the cross. Each woman, if she desired, walked up to a cross and picked up a card. My card read, “Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in Him, for He shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between His shoulders.” (Deuteronomy 33:12 NIV) Just for your information, the tribe of Benjamin was the weakest, (Judges 6:15). Chew on that until a later post!

Finally, we were released for one last opportunity to make connections before every one headed to the airport or their cars to drive home. Glynnis Whitwer counseled us to break off in small groups of 6-8 to develop an online writing critique group. Four other ladies accepted me into their group and we exchanged contact information and took a group photo for our site.

Thank you all for hanging in here with me this week while I sent you on a twisted trek about my experience of ‘She Speaks.’ I just pray that you all have taken what has been shared as encouragement to attend next year and to keep on keeping on in spite of the “boulders” that you have to go around, yes, go around, not move, because I’ve learned that they are in the spot they’re in for God’s reason and I do not want to mess with His plans anymore!

On Monday I will post a few photos from the conference and then you all will have to deal with my, I don't know what to call it, but it'll be back to normal...no consistency...just whatever My Heart Speaks...

smooches

...of She Speaks Conference part 4

“Please just give me my ramblings, (referring to the article), back. No need to critique it. I know that I’ve got work to do.”

Okay, so I didn’t really say that aloud, but I wanted to. As I read the well-written and thought out articles of my peers I felt that Larie had no place in the Writer’s Track at ‘She Speaks.’ This wannabe writer is just that, a wannabe!

On the contrary, the two ladies I paired up with seemed to think otherwise. The comments they had for me were surprising. VALIDATED! Once again, Larie felt validated. They both agreed that the concept was a good example, however, the article needed a clear transitioning connection, and guess what, they even advised me on how to achieve that! We exchanged contact information for future assistance in our writing careers and caught glimpses of one another over the remaining weekend.

Saturday, the 1st of August, at 8:30 a.m. Wendy Pope told us “What to do in the W.A.I.T.” Her advice to us came from the account of David just before he was chosen as King and a little after. Then it was time for breakout sessions. Susanne Scheppmann led our group, which consisted of many writers, toward “The Pathway to Publication.” She shared her rejection stories with humor and encouragement. We were also advised to attend as many writing conferences that we could and to establish a speaking platform if we want to publish nonfiction. Ms. Scheppmann kindly autographed her page in the book titled, “for the Write Reason,” by Marybeth Whalen, for me!

Next, I “sat at the feet” of Glynnis Whitwer while she assisted us through, “Magazine Writing 101: Honing Your Writing Skills.” The advice she gave was very simple, not overwhelming at all. It was straight to the point with great application points. And guess what, she too was oh so kind by signing her page in “for the Write Reason!” After this session, lunch was served and then, I had another meeting…

…this time I met with a representative of “DaySpring.” How embarrassed I was, after pitching my proposal, when “DaySpring’s rep informed me that they do not publish books! I almost threw up! How unprepared that made me seem! Fortunately, she assured me that it, (mistaking them for publishers), happens quite often because they do advertise books and the Editorial Director herself had just published the book, “Rain On Me,” it just wasn’t published by “DaySpring!”

Instead of throwing up, I grabbed a rebound and said, “That’s okay because I came prepared with something else that I also wanted to pitch!” She expressed an interest in it and asked me to expound a bit more then send it to her electronically! YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY! We, (Acts 4:32-36), did it y’all, we did it! Congratulations!

Lysa Terkeurst stepped up at her appointed time to reveal, “How to Write a Book.” Again, this woman’s message was powerful! She opened up with a visual aid using a pineapple! I bet you wish you were there for that, HA! What I liked most about Lysa’s presentation was that she told us that our book should reflect our personality. This is exactly why I choose to write nonfiction; it’s me, it’s real. And yes, Ms. Terkeurst also graciously signed her page in “for the Write Reason!”

Well, it looks as if I will have to grant ‘She Speaks’ an extension because I have much more to say about it. Therefore, look forward to hearing more about this highly recommended conference tomorrow and through some of next week.

smooches!

...of She Speaks Conference part 3

…and for the first time, I felt incapable of walking up a set of stairs. Dreadful thoughts of tripping and then tumbling backward consumed me. With that, I held onto the railing and slowed my pace.

At the top of the stairs there was a beautiful woman waiting to greet those, like myself, who had bravely ascended with proposals to present. She informed me that my scheduled meeting time had been altered just a bit due to a mistake with the person ahead of being scratched off the list because the person before her had the same name so she thought it was a misprint! Isn’t that funny? Not that the appointment was cancelled but that two women had the same name and was scheduled closely like that!

Okay, so, I was not the least bit bothered and was thankful for the extra few minutes until, I began to get nervous! People, I’m talking nervous like my stomach bubbled, I felt nauseated, and I began to tremble. Fight or flight took over; I popped up from my chair with the intent to tackle those stairs to take me back to the lectures! However, there was a prayer warrior standing next to my chair, I had no clue that she was there so when I turned to walk away I almost bumped into her! Glancing at her nametag I read Kristi Brown and then blurted, “Will you pray for me please!” Her eyes widened, proposal fell to the ground as she grabbed my hands and sternly said, “Oh no! Don’t you do it! Do-not-get-nervous!”

Ms. Kristi literally dropped everything to pray for God’s weak daughter at that moment y’all, literally! She asked my name and commenced to pray. Just as soon as she said, “Amen,” her name was called for her meeting. As that servant of the LORD walked off I managed to say a faint thank you. A few seconds later my name was called and I was then escorted into my meeting with a representative of Kregel Publications. I did not see Kristi Brown again.

The meeting went absolutely well, so well in fact that I was given the opportunity to submit my proposal! The representative gave me the proper information needed to ensure that our, (Acts 3:32-37), book proposal arrived at its’ destination. Going down those stairs after that meeting was a breeze. I did not hold onto the railing and there was a bit of “pep in my step” as well! YES!!!

The next thing I did? Well, I called Anton of course, but remember, our phone was not working properly…BUMMER, so, I called my sister but she had been asleep and was very incoherent, however, I knew she was excited. Then I entered the, “Top Tips from a Veteran Publisher,” facilitated by Sandy Vander Zicht and filled the designated page in my binder with notes from her unselfish presentation.

Finally, there came the “Writer’s Peer Critique” group meeting. We were told to bring two copies of a double-spaced, 750-word count article that we would want published in a Christian magazine for review. Our facilitator, Glynnis Whitwer told us to get in a group of three, read the articles and effectively critique it. I began on the first one and knew that my article would look as if it had been brutally murdered because of the red ink marks I anticipated getting! The article I was reading was AWESOME!

Then came the second one, OH WOW! She totally rocked it as well! Larie fell into that debilitating comparison cistern: a writer, not me, not even fit to be in the same area as my name. “Poor me,” I started questioning the existence of my presence at ‘She Speaks’ again.

...of She Speaks Conference part 2

Thirty minutes after chatting it up with the State Trooper, I arrived at my sister’s house and we retreated to dinner with a friend of hers. “Natalie” told me that she had not done the test run to the convention center for me and I told her that it was okay because I’d just leave a bit earlier than planned. Registration began at 1:00 p.m. with a Bonus Session beginning at 1:15 that I planned to attend. The directions I had stated that it would take 9.5 minutes from my sister’s house to the convention center.

WRONG!

Not only did the drive take 21 minutes, but also, a street name had been changed! Therefore, I traveled 15 minutes out of the way! When I arrived at the convention center, late, I registered and shamefully went back to my car. I refused to enter the session late. As I drove back to “Natalie’s” home, it was very possible that I would not be returning to the conference as a result of the annoying, “You don’t belong here. It’s not your time,” exhortation in my mind. I called Anton but our phone was not working properly again so I called my mommy & sister.

When I walked in “Natalie’s” house, she apologized. Right then I decided that I would not participate in the blame game. She had nothing to do with my being late. I figure that she felt that if she’d done the test run then maybe I would have known about the street name change as well as the actual driving time. Well, Larie needed to take responsibility, she could have done the test drive herself on Thursday evening. I told “Natalie” that it wasn’t her fault and suggested that we get lunch.

Just as I unwrapped my burger, saw melting cheese, banged my head against the headrest and whined, “NOOOOOOO!” the air conditioning and power steering had gone out. “Natalie,” frantically trying to steer the car, asked me what my problem was and I told her that I did not want cheese on my burger! Teasingly, I asked her what had she done to my husband’s car and of course she replied that she’d done nothing, it just stopped working. We made it back to her house where she called a friend for assistance on locating a body shop.

In spite of “Natalie’s’” success, “Beaten-Down-Larie” gave in and said, “Forget it! I just won’t go. Why, why, why? WHAT-IS-GOING-ON? WHAT IS IT?” My sister told me to calm down, take her car and that she was going to take care of my car. The plan consisted of her taking my car to the body shop while I returned to the conference. When she got the information on the problem and cost she’d text me then I would say yes or no about fixing it and finally supply her with my credit card information for payment.

There I am, exhaling from the comfort of Lysa Terkeurst’s message when “Natalie” texts me to say that a belt had popped, $80 to fix, and cash only!

REALLY?!

Come on, who doesn’t take credit cards anymore? I thought cash was being done away with, (not really, but I have to be dramatic), so I let her know that there was money in my bag back at her place. Thank you, Lysa, for your awesome message on Friday evening that validated my attendance of this year’s ‘She Speaks’ conference!

After Lysa’s “RemarkABLE” presentation, we enjoyed an evening meal that was well thought out and prepared. Then, I had my first meeting with a publisher…

...of She Speaks Conference part 1

Friday afternoon, the 31st of August 2009, at 1:40 p.m., I entered a welcoming lobby that housed the ‘Proverbs 31 Ministries’sign and a team of smiling women who were ready to serve. As I approached the registration booth, feelings of, “Oh wow, I’m here, this is it!” rushed me. I began to stress just a little bit because I didn’t really know what to expect, but I knew that I wanted to be there. Weird.

Going backward, up until I actually entered the convention center, I really did not think that I should have been there. About two weeks before ‘She Speaks ’09,’ I decided that I did not want to submit the chapters that I’d planned to, (opportunities to meet with publishers were available), my bio could not be written by me, and the book’s title…well, I didn’t think anyone would “get it.” So, the stress began. I became so overwhelmed that I was not working on the proposal at all. Anton would ask me how much more did I have to do and I’d just look over at him with wide eyes, pursed lips and a wrinkled forehead. He knew that meant I was doing nothing! Of course, two nights before I left, I made that my “deadline.” NO MORE CHANGES! This was the first time that I’d begun to question if I should attend the conference.

Driving to Charlotte, (the conference was in Concord, North Carolina but my sister lives in Charlotte so I stayed with her to save a few bucks), I was practicing the pitches for publisher meetings and not focusing on driving. Therefore, when I saw a silver Charger with flashing lights rapidly approaching the red Cadillac that I just so happened to be driving, my eyes immediately darted to the speed odometer and I saw the needle pointed at 90! “NO, NO, NO! WHAT AM I DOING?” Of course the State Trooper asked me if there was a reason I was speeding and I told him that it wasn’t. I also told him that I really had no idea how fast I was going because I had not been paying attention until I saw the lights and looked at the speed odometer. Officer “I forgot his name” then asked me what did I see and I told him 90. He then complimented me by saying, “That’s pretty close 'cause I got you at 91!” Yeah, yeah, yeah, he asked for the usual documentation and guess what…I COULD NOT FIND THE REGISTRATION!!! He was very nice in saying that it was okay and he would just look it up. I received a citation to appear in court on the 17th of September because anything over 80 M.P.H. requires a court appearance. The advice to slow down was given as the State Trooper bided me a good evening.

After a series of other testing events, I found comfort when Lysa TerKeurst flawlessly guided over 600 women in, “Finding Your Own RemarkABLE.” We learned that to do this, we must first know the necessity of discipline, next, know the power of choice, then there is the most important thing which is to remember that it’s not about me, and finally, the last thing is to know the true mark of success, which is thankfulness. You all will have to contact ‘Proverbs 31 Ministries’ for the lesson in its’ awesome entirety, but listening to Lysa was like throwing myself onto my bed after a “bad” day and exhaling…

Oh, by the way, the posted speed limit was 65!

...of She Speaks Conference Introduction

Sweetest Blogger Family,

July 31- August 02, 2009, my family was blessed by my attendance of the “She Speaks” Conference, hosted by the “Proverbs 31 Ministry!” Now, I was the only one from our household who attended the conference, but the sober wisdom of those women will benefit us all.

Though tagged a writing/speaking/ministry/blogging conference, it was not about that at all. In my opinion, “She Speaks” was a conference dedicated to celebrating each individual’s uniqueness given by our Creator. Not one speaker’s agenda was about herself. Each Godly woman knew her place and how she came to it.

Next year’s conference is highly anticipated and recommended by me. Please go to the ministries website and familiarize yourself with them in preparation for next week’s posts. I will be dedicating next Monday through Thursday, the 10th-13th of August, to the awesomeness of “She Speaks!”

smooches,
Larie