Event Planning: What is Success?

Success in planning the MVNU Women's Auxiliary Spring Conference is measured by how God works.I really wish that I had kept a journal of all the glitches that have occurred in the weeks prior to this event each year! At first, these glitches always catch me by surprise, and even make me mad; however, I firmly believe that these glitches represent evil's desire to shift the momentum away from honoring God.

There is not one bit of doubt in me that the devil was in our credit card machine this year!!! From start to finish, registration was a problem in 2010. Had I the time to be discouraged, I might have been by the low number of pre-event registrations. The credit card machine was one source of our apparent low numbers, but our actual numbers were right on target. Praise the Lord!! While we raise funds at the event, we do not intend to make much money from the cost of registration - our initial goal is "break even" on average.

When I arrived at the venue on Friday at noon, I was caught up in a seemingly (at the time) huge glitch.... Our tables and chairs had not been delivered! I'll be honest, I freaked a bit! Then, I took some deep, cleansing breathes and addressed the problem. Sure enough, the dilemma was solved with time to spare! Thank you, Jesus!

All of the stresses that occurred in the months/weeks/days/hours prior to this event were worthwhile when the music began! This year an MVNU student praise team led worship for the first time. They were wonderful, and the women loved having students on the platform. I believe it is great testimony of how valuable our students are - they give me hope for the future! Dr. Geri Rosser led the group; she also shared a prayer chorus that she wrote and arranged. I hope to share that with you soon!

Our featured speaker this year was Lysa TerKeurst, President of Proverbs 31 Ministries. One of her books is titled, "What Happens When Women Say Yes to God." I am thankful that Lysa said "Yes" to God. Her ministry is rich, authentic, and so down-to-earth. By the grace of God, her messages touched single women, married women, women with no children, moms, grandmas.... everyone, young and old. The response was amazing! I am excited to share some specifics from Lysa's talks, and their impact upon me personally... tomorrow.

P.S. I just realized that I never shared with the specifics of Beth Moore's message upon me in January. I will do that soon!

Spiritual Gifts in Action: Event Planning

I plan one, big event a year: the MVNU Women's Auxiliary Spring Conference. I believe I was 11 years old when I first planned something significant. It was a summer babysitting service with my best friend. We called it "Snoopy's Place." Cute, huh? We offered our services every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the summer. Our plans included a scheduled play time, sack lunches, snack time, and rest time. We made a significant amount of money! Nearly 30 years later, as a busy mom, I know why our services were so popular!

Throughout junior high and high school, I planned events for school and for church. It just came naturally to me, and I loved it! During my senior year in high school, I planned a formal, Christmas dance. It was an extremely memorable experience, and I learned a bunch! My planning joys continued throughout college with my biggest feat being the Homecoming Coronation during in my junior year.

My first job included event planning, as well. As the Administrative Assistant for the Director of YOUTH IN MISSION, I planned the summer training camp, and the fall recruiting tour. It was a blast!! Beyond that job, my event planning energies turned back to volunteer services through church. These volunteer experiences matured my passions for women's ministries. As a result, when the opportunity arose for me to volunteer as the conference coordinator for the MVNU Women's Auxiliary, I found the perfect marriage of my Spiritual gifts, interests and passions.

I love helping women grow in their personal relationship with Christ! Coordinating an event that is aimed at inspiration and spiritual transformation among women is quite fulfilling for me. Our 2010 event was my fourth consecutive conference. Over four years, we've had Liz Curtis Higgs, a group of 4 ladies with a long name that I can never remember, Shaunti Feldhahn, and Lysa TerKeurst. Each year holds a special place in my heart, but this year was particularly amazing!

Success in planning this event is measured by how God works. I can 't wait to tell you more... tomorrow!

"This is why I remind you to fan into flame the spiritual gifts
God gave you when I laid my hands upon you."

2 Timothy 1:6 (NLT)