Recap from 1-Day Conference

Sisters, Daughters, WISE Women,

What a wonderfully blessed time we experienced at the 1st WISE Women Conference held on July 29th, 2023 in Winter Haven, FL. God showed up and moved in a mighty way. There were nearly 30 women gathered to be part of this day in WISE Women history.

The conference theme was “Embracing the Extraordinary You”, focusing on the importance of not just knowing how uniquely God fashioned each of us but accepting this truth and walking in it!

In order to “Embrace the Extraordinary You”, 3 precious C’s were shared as part of the conference sessions: CREATED, CAPTIVATED, COMMISSIONED.

CREATED

Debra opened the first session of the conference, CREATED, expressing the beauty of our creation. The key verse is found in Psalm 139:14, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvellous are your works, and that my soul knows very well.” She shared 3 points to highlight about our creation: We are CREATED in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27), We are CREATED beautiful in His eyes (1 Peter 3:3-6), We are CREATED to commune (1 Thessalonians 5:18, Jeremiah 29:13). Every woman was challenged to view her beauty according to God’s Word; adorning her heart, paying special attention to it more than the adornment of her outer appearance.

CAPTIVATED

After the opening session, Monica and Debra tagged-teamed the 2nd C- CAPTIVATED! We can sometimes view God as a commanding force requiring us to spend time with Him, as He waits for us to reach out to Him. Consequently, we negate the fact that God is captivated by us. He is attracted to us, wanting to spend intimate quality time with each and every one of His creations, His Daughters. His breath is in us, His Spirit lives within us. Certainly He is captivated! As part of the 1st breakout session, conference participants completed a Spiritual Assessment. This assessment served as a refreshment for some women while it posed an awakening in others. It was exciting to see the women enriched to see what the results reflected. It was clearly expressed the assessment is a tool, a resource to assist women in seeking the face of God regarding His gifts within us. Spiritual gifts are found in Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4:11-16.

The 1st breakout session, led right into the 2nd breakout session, GAMES. Helen and all the women were entertained and energized as various connection games were played to lighten the mood and share some laughter. Women were blessed with conference novelties crafted, personalized, and hand-made by Angie of AngelFlowerSong as well as nose-tickling, sweet aromatic fragrance baskets by Terry of Natural Radiance.

The CAPTIVATED sessions transitioned perfectly into lunch. Ashley shared her chef skills by preparing the conference lunch. Delicious dishes that surely satisfied the belly while the fellowship ministered to the soul.

COMMISSIONED

On a satisfied belly, the women rolled right into the final teaching session of the conference, facilitated by Monica. The 3rd C- COMMISSIONED was the concluding message to send each woman out equipped to embrace the extraordinary within. The focus verse, 2 Timothy 1:9 teaches, “[God] has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.” The 3 points were highlighted: God SAVED US (John 3:16), God CALLED US (2 Timothy 3:16-18, Psalm 116:2, Proverbs 8:17, Jeremiah 17:10, Matthew 4:1) and God GRACED US (2 Corinthians 9:8). God engrafted in each of us gifts and the capacity to carry-out His plan. We must spend intimate time reading His Word, calling upon His Name and seeking His face in order to pass the tests and resist the temptations that prevent us from walking in His goodness. Many mighty women of God did it before us… so we must be encouraged by their example. Every woman was challenged to embrace her gifts and walk boldly in the commission God bestowed even before the world began!

HOUR OF PRAYER (INDIVIDUAL & GROUP)

Post the final session, Pastor Beauford prepared for the hour of prayer! She began with the Prayer of Salvation and the Prayer Reigniting One’s Relationship with God. Then, (4) Prayer Warriors (Pastor Beauford, Debra Harris, Prophetess Pelt, and Monica Tullis) led 4 prayer breakout groups on the following topics: Growing My Faith, Mental Health & Handling Imbalances, Family, and Finding Purpose. All women joined a group, touched and agreed, on the greatest need in their lives. The prayers touched each woman as tears streamed down faces, burdens lifted. The reinvigoration and inspiration each woman felt was evident. Prophetess Pelt gave the benediction prayer.

The teaching and praying were concluded. But it was shopping time! Conference participants visited women-owned business vendors. From fragrances and clothing, to shirts and tumblers, event planning, and more, women swarmed the vendor area and supported women-owned businesses from Orange County, Osceola County, and Polk County.

What an amazing time in the Lord! With 100% participant satisfaction, can’t wait for the next one!

Remember……. Embrace the Extraordinary in YOU!