Speaking Topics

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:3-4

Jesus knew best how to pour out love. Whether or not your friends know Jesus loves them, you can love them like He does. This retreat examines Scriptures that teach us how to be “Jesus with skin on” to the people God calls us to love. You will learn four essential ingredients to lasting friendship:

• Fellowship: the need to belong
• Fun: the need to enjoy life
• Forgiveness: the need to be accepted
• Favor: the need to be valued

Decorative Theme: Friendship bracelets, flowers, coffee mugs or teacups

The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with His love, he will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

Have you ever looked up at the wide-open sky and wondered, “Where are You, God?” During this retreat, you will search the Bible to discover God’s promises to never leave you, watch over you, comfort you and guide you. Come listen to the sound of God rejoicing over you as you discover more about His:

• Revealed presence throughout history
• Personal regard for you today
• Unconditional love for you always
• Prosperous plans for your future

Decorative Theme: Any musical motif

This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:8

Jesus appointed us to bear fruit that will last. But regret, sin, discontent and worry can choke the life out of a promising blossom. This retreat gives you a good taste of John 15:1-11 to sample the secrets of a fruitful branch. You will spend the weekend:

• Tossing out the rotten fruit of regret
• Breaking free from the forbidden fruit of sin
• Waiting on the green fruit of dormancy
• Shelving the dried fruit of worry

Decorative Theme: Fruit, baskets and vines

I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10b

Abundant living flows out of a vital relationship with the Good Shepherd described in John 10:1-15. This weekend we will explore spiritual and practical ways to quiet our hearts and minds so we can hear the voice of our Shepherd. Discover the secrets of following Jesus through safe (and uncluttered) pastures. We will discuss ways to:

• Be intimate with God
• Be attentive to God
• Be watchful of the thief
• Be disciplined in our walk

Decorative Theme:Shepherd/sheep motif

You have said, “I know you by name and you have found favor with me.” If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Exodus 33:12b-13a

If you’ve never asked God to grant His favor over your life, then this retreat will change that for good. God would love to shower you with His favor, and you’ll be sure to soak it all in as you examine the Scriptures and discover the unique qualities of five favored women. Chances are you’ll identify with at least one.

• Tamar: favored for being forthright
• Rahab: favored because she feared God
• Ruth: favored because she followed God
• Bathsheba: favored even though wronged
• Mary: favored because she was willing

Decorative Theme: Party favors with a heavenly motif

We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:7

The Apostle Paul called himself a commonplace jar of clay filled with a priceless treasure. The powerful presence of God—tucked inside every believer—should not be contained. This retreat pores over
2 Corinthians 4:7-10 to explain how your “jar” can reveal the power and presence of God as you discover:

• Only an empty jar can be filled
• Even a heavy jar cannot weigh you down
• Your broken jar has a special purpose
• An overflowing jar quenches and refreshes

Decorative Theme: Clay jars of various shapes and sizes

I will praise You… because You are faithful to Your promises. Psalm 71:22

Originally inspired by Sanctus Real’s song “Promises,” this retreat builds upon the same Scriptures contained in the lyrics. More than focusing on a few promises each session, you will search God’s Word for promises He has made especially to you. You will be encouraged to hold on to His promises as you learn to:

• Release control… why you need God’s promises
• Reach for truth… how you identify God’s promises
• Grab the good… how to claim God’s promises
• Keep believing… why you can count on God’s promises

Decorative Theme: Your choice

Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24

Sometimes life feels like a bucking bronco pitched you down a pathway you’d never choose. If you’ve become a tad saddle sore, git along to this retreat for a little R and R (restoration and revival). This retreat journeys through Hebrews 10:19-25 and teaches that:

• Faith helps you navigate unfamiliar trails
• Forgiveness cleans you up from dusty trails
• Hope gives you confidence on rocky trails
• Love paves the way to happy trails

Decorative Theme: Western

If you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:1-5

Spiritual disciplines such as prayer and Bible study require effort, but the time you devote to God rewards you with a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Him. This retreat digs into Proverbs 2:1-8 to unearth the treasures your Heavenly Father is longing to give you as you seek to:

• Trust God’s ways completely
• Pray effectively according to God’s will
• Study the Bible intentionally
• Walk with God resolutely

Decorative Theme: Treasure chests, coins and jewels

The Bible tells us God made His dwelling place among His people, and the familiar old hymn says, “He walks with me and talks with me.” Wouldn’t you like to find this secret garden where God lives? Shawna will testify to times in her life when God surrounded her with perfect peace in spite of her circumstances, and will point out the difference between the peace the world gives and the peace that Jesus gives. You will learn to stop worrying and discover the stepping-stones that lead to lasting peace and abundant joy.

This seminar works especially well for a luncheon or banquet. A gospel presentation is always included. 45-60 minutes

How can we be sure God hears our prayers? What does it mean to pray according to God’s will? Why should we consider praying Scripture? By the end of this seminar you will feel more confident about the efficacy of your prayers, and will begin to expect more supernatural activity in your life.

This in-depth workshop on prayer includes discussion questions, should you choose to include small group time. 75-90 minutes

The Bible says, “Love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8 NIV Do we love with that kind of love? Our model for living a life overflowing with grace is our Heavenly Father, who loved us while we were still sinners. During this presentation of Scriptures, stories and songs, Shawna draws from her imperfect life as a wife and mother. She teaches how to hold on and when to let go. You will come away empowered to untangle the mess of unmet expectations in your relationships and learn how to give and receive forgiveness.

This seminar works especially well for a “Mother/Daughter/Sister” function. A gospel presentation is always included. 45-60 minutes 

Have you ever felt abandoned by God? Sometimes difficult circumstances lead us to question God’s sufficiency, if not His very existence. Sharing stories and songs from her The Lord is Close book and CD, Shawna testifies to God’s faithfulness during a painful time in her life, and explains how she discovered “hope in darkness.” If circumstances have ever dealt you an excruciating blow, Shawna’s testimony may lead you to a place of hope and healing.

This moving presentation works well as an alternative to a regularly scheduled evening worship service or as a special concert at a camp, conference or retreat. A gospel presentation is always included. 45-60 minutes

When you find yourself in a crowded shopping mall a few days before Christmas do you also find love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control? Producing a bountiful harvest of the fruit of the Spirit can be done, even in the midst of Christmas rush. The secret is living a Spirit-controlled life. During this special holiday program, Shawna tells heart-warming Christmas stories, sings some Christmas favorites and challenges women to bear fruit.

This seminar works especially well for a Christmas tea, luncheon or banquet. The gospel is always presented. 50-60 minutes

Do you ever wonder why Santa insisted on secrecy? What does the Bible mean by, “It is more blessed to give than to receive?” Does that mean we shouldn’t ask for things? During this fun Christmas event Shawna unwraps what the Bible says about receiving and shares memorable stories, songs and a few surprises. You just may go home with a gift!

This seminar works especially well for a Christmas tea, luncheon or banquet. The gospel is presented as the ultimate Christmas gift. 50-60 minutes