filling my patch of sky

Speaking at events and retreats gives me the opportunity to get out of my writer’s hole and be in the midst of people and life.

Here I get to voice thoughts and notions I’ve been toying with, as well as gain invaluable insight and feedback. I take these precious nuggets back to my writer’s hole for deeper inspection.

Here I get to listen to stories and hearts and souls in need. And I find I am not alone.

My speaking experience is varied: small, intimate groups to large crowds; youth groups to women’s gatherings; corporate presentations to university teaching to church conferences.

I speak from personal experiences, where I’ve been, where I long to be. Themes and threads run throughout my writing and speaking, such as: transformation, redemption, longing, struggle and victory, journeying, self-assessment, authenticity, and working out our salvation with fear and trembling.

If you are looking for someone to speak at your next event, keep me in mind.

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Some Upcoming and Recent Engagements

A Look at Marketing in Real Life—Guest speaker for introductory business course at Illinois State University | Normal, Illinois | March 2011 | October 2010
detailed how marketing theory applies to a career in marketing communications

Beauty from the Inside Out—Presenter for women’s conference at East White Oak Bible Church | Carlock, Illinois | March 2010
developed and presented the Focus on Confidence Workshop: a message to help young women learn to walk confidently in and with Christ

A Look at Marketing in Real Life—Guest speaker for introductory business course at Illinois State University | Normal, Illinois | February 2010
detailed how marketing theory applies to a career in marketing communications

Writing for Design—Panel participant for media writing course at Illinois State University’s ComWeek | Normal, Illinois | April 2009
discussed the integrated relationship between content and design in communication materials

Living a Life That Yields—East White Oak Bible Church Women’s Mini-Retreat | Carlock, Illinois | April 2009
developed retreat theme, delivered one session, and wrote devotional material

10 Truths—Northside Christian Church High School Girls’ Retreat | New Albany, Indiana | March 2009
delivered five messages at Desire Retreat for 20 high school girls; developed devotional material

Creative Content for Media—Guest lecturer for a media writing course at Illinois State University | Normal, Illinois | April 2008
discussed the mechanics of clean media writing, including an overview of proper grammar, punctuation, tone, and theme

What Does Desire for God Look Like in Everyday Life?—Northside Christian Church High School Girls’ Retreat | New Albany, Indiana | April 2008
workshop presenter at Desire Retreat for 45 high school girls

Jesus: The Hero—PVCC Women’s Retreat | Pine Village, Indiana | October 2007
retreat leader and teacher for 15 women; developed theme/vision for weekend; taught two sessions; developed devotionals and booklet content for attendees

Battling the Beast of Busyness—SWIM Women’s Community Conference | Carlock, Illinois | February 2007
workshop speaker for 40 women; developed and delivered message; led discussion; developed handouts

With Jesus—PVCC Women’s Retreat | Pine Village, Indiana | October 2006
retreat leader and teacher for 15 women; developed theme/goal for weekend; taught two sessions; developed devotionals and booklet content for attendees

Busyness of Heart—Moms InC (Moms In Christ), Christ Lutheran Church | Normal, Illinois | September 2006
fall kickoff speaker for moms’ group of 25 women; developed message, application activity, handouts, and discussion questions

All Things New! God’s Love for Hearts Undone—MMCC Community Tea, Metamora Mennonite Church | Metamora, Illinois | April 2006
keynote speaker for tea hosting 130 women; developed theme, message, and handouts