What to Expect… letters to first-timers

Declare 2015 will be here before we know it, and we can hardly contain our excitement! One thing we are especially excited about is all the ladies coming to Declare for the first time this year! We asked Declare alumni to write notes to encourage first-timers, because who better to share what to expect at Declare than ladies who have experienced it? These are their words, from their hearts to yours…

“Congratulations on taking the first brave step – you committed to coming. When I attended that was the easy part – my husband purchased it for me. Our greatest obstacle was childcare. We are entrepreneurs (tight budget) with few free options. My challenge to you is to do what it takes! My preschoolers came and hung out at the hotel on Thursday with me. We didn’t attend sessions but I was still able to network. As a writer/mom I just have to make it work and not try to fit in a box. Show up whether you have cute clothes or not. Babies on the hip or not. An active blog or just and idea. Show up. There is no one else who has exactly your voice and story.” –Amber Backes

“Last year was my first year to attend the Declare Conference. In the beginning, all my reasons for attending were strictly blog-centered. The theme “Wild Obedience” had me somewhat intrigued, but I told myself I was there to glean all the technicalities of building a successful platform. When I left the conference for that long drive back home, I never anticipated the life changing clarity that would be upon my heart. I told myself that I would no longer run in the other direction or try to boost myself to where I thought I should be. I would simply listen…and obey. This has truly been one of the most obedient years of my life as God has repeatedly called me out of my comfort zone and into areas that I never imagined I would ever be willing to go. I am so thrilled to be attending again this year!” –Jennifer Frisbie

“Dear Declare Folks, The time is upon you. You packed, prayed and prepared. Rest now. God has planned for you to be here in this moment in time – Oh, but what does that look like? Like coming home to a place where God is lifted up first; where you meet new relatives-sisters in Christ-jars of clay just like you; where age has no meaning; where blogging is in its rightful place; and where you can finely define a point or two, maybe more, in your writing. -An unforgettable moment in time to get to the heart of your calling.” –Nancy Smith

“I love Declare—it is my favorite conference by a mile!  The atmosphere is informal, yet special—wear your comfiest clothes or your prettiest outfit, whatever makes your heart sing. Walk up to strangers, share your hopes and dreams or your fears and failures. The Declare Conference is a soft place to land and a place to take flight. You will meet your Jesus sisters at Declare. He’s the key to all the thoughtfulness, the hospitality, the love. The Declare Conference wants to equip you to meet with Jesus and to share Him at home, in your community and online.” –Britta Lafont

“Not only was last year was my first year at Declare but it was also my first year blogging. I had only been blogging about 4 months when I attended Declare. I remember being worried about things like how many business cards should I bring, which sessions should I attend, will I meet anyone new (I attended alone)? But when the big day arrived for the conference I felt the Holy Spirit say “just follow my lead”. In that moment all fear, worry and pressure fell off and I waited silently upon the Lord. He ended up prompting me to attend sessions I hadn’t planned to attend and in doing so doors were opened that would not have been if I had followed my own plan. My advice to you would be: Follow His lead. Make a plan but be willing to part from it if God directs you to. Don’t worry so much about business cards and what to wear but instead come with an expectant heart and watch God show up and show off.” –Rachael Gilbert

“Pray, plan, and expect.  Expect God to move your plans around to His. To see Him and hear Him in the lives of others. Last year, I came to learn the practical, like making graphics. Instead, I learned to believe in the impossible. Like God giving me a roommate on day one, who’d be moved by God to gift me with her making one for me. For my SONshine Box, to honor a friend who passed away of cancer. God exceeded my prayer, went above and beyond, and made a bond for life. Looking forward to declaring what God does this year!” –Christie Hughes

“You’ve made a wonderful decision to attend the Declare Conference! Before you come, pray about what God wants you to receive from the conference experience and why you registered, THEN leave it at His feet. Allow Him and the Declare team to work on your behalf to bring you information and experiences you didn’t even know you needed. Writing, blogging, and speaking are all about relationship. Enjoy the new relationships you will form with your fellow attendees and look forward to those God appointments. He has you coming to this conference for such a time as this, and as you let go of any preconceived notions, and let Him do what He does best, you will not be disappointed and you will Declare Him Good!” –Dr. Michelle Bengtson

…we couldn’t have said it better. Ladies, whether this will be your first year at Declare or your fifth, we are praying for you. You can come expecting God to steal the show like He always does! We can’t wait to welcome you all with open arms and spend the weekend getting to know each of you as we dive into the #beautifuldeep of God’s great love.

With love,

Your Jesus sisters