Category: Speaking Engagements

Speaking Engagements

Report Back: Waterford, California Conference

Michelle Lesley

I had a super time last week sharing with the wonderful ladies of Waterford, California, at First Southern Baptist Church’s women’s conference.

This was my first time traveling to northern California, and I’m indebted to everyone who took the time to show me around and tell me all about the things that make this area of the country so special, especially Pastor Greg, and the delightful couple who hosted me in their home, Lisa and Curt.

The Waterford area is covered with almond and walnut groves. This is a picturesque almond grove across the street from Curt and Lisa’s house.

Another of Curt and Lisa’s neighbors has recently acquired a few llamas. Aren’t they cute! Don’t worry, we didn’t get close enough for them to spit on us. (When I posted one of these pictures on social media, several folks corrected me that these are alpacas, not llamas. I’m no expert, and that may very well be, but here’s what I read that led me to the llama label. If I’m wrong, I stand corrected! :0)

Curt is the head of South Blossom Designs. He crafts phenomenal cutting boards, chopping blocks, serving boards, and other specialty artisan wood items. Go get a jump on your Christmas shopping!

These are some of the awesome hostess gifts and snacks from the ladies of FSBC. Those walnuts are straight from a local grove and were so fresh! And, of course, Cheerwine is my favorite, and is hard to come by where I live.

Friday night of the conference kicked off with a delicious steak dinner grilled by the fantastic men of FSBC. I also want to put a word in for one of the drink options, which was a cocktail of cranberry juice, Hawaiian Punch, and Sprite. That was super good.

And check out these lovely decorations:

Next up was our first teaching session: The Authority, Sufficiency, and Necessity of Scripture. God’s Word is vital to our lives as Christian women, sufficient to instruct us in the ways of life and godliness, and we are beholden to Scripture as the ultimate authority over our lives.

Saturday morning, after the ladies were treated to breakfast, it was time to get down to business with session two of the conference: Discernment 101: Learn to Discern. How can we tell the difference between the biblical and the cheap, unbiblical knock off? We looked at some scriptural and practical ways.

Our final session was a stimulating Q&A with lots of insightful questions. These ladies know their stuff! Afterward, it was fun getting to chat with several of the attendees:


When I travel, instead of buying souvenirs, I like to try whatever food is iconic to that area (clam chowder in Cape Cod, Chicago-style pizza, etc.). California doesn’t really have a specific iconic food, but In-N-Out is pretty close for me because I always see people raving about it online, and we don’t have In-N-Out here in Louisiana. So, for a special post-conference treat, Lisa took me to In-N-Out so I could see what all the fuss was about.

My verdict (the short version): It was good, but 5 Guys (which we do have here) is just as good. (You can check out the slightly longer version here.)

I also got to try some northern California style Mexican food (which is different from the southern New Mexico style Mexican food I grew up on and the Tex-Mex Louisiana offers), which was excellent, and a delectable Latin dish called Chipotle Milanesa at Cafe Bravo in Oakdale.

All too soon, it was time to head back home. I even got a few good pictures from the plane:

Looks like some of the mountains already got a light dusting of snow.

Considering our flight plan, I’m almost sure this is part of the Grand Canyon. It’s kind of hard to tell from the pictures, I guess. And, I didn’t get a picture of it, but I saw a dam that sure looked like it was the Hoover Dam, which also would have been in keeping with our flight plan. Besides Tiger Stadium all lit up at night at LSU, those are the coolest things I’ve ever seen from a plane.

Nothing special, and the lighting is terrible, I just really like the geometric pattern of these circular, square and triangular fields.

Many thanks to Pastor Greg, Lisa, Curt, and all of the ladies and gentlemen of FSBC who worked so hard to put on a great conference and made me feel so at home. If you’re ever in the Waterford, California, area, be sure to stop by and visit First Southern Baptist Church of Waterford.

If your church or organization is ever in need of a speaker for a women’s event, I’d love to come share with your ladies as well. Click here for more information.

Photo Credits

Photo of chopping block courtesy of South Blossom Designs.

All photos and videos of Michelle by Lisa Cowan.

All other photos by Michelle Lesley.

Speaking Engagements

Upcoming Events: Ladies, You’re Invited!

Michelle Lesley

Looking for a super, doctrinally sound women’s event to attend? Let me tell you about a few I’ve got coming up soon!

Virginia

Yes, Virginia, there is a doctrinally sound women’s conference coming soon! Join me, October 22-23 in Faber, Virginia, for Pop Up Church’s conference on Biblical Womanhood!

We’ll get things kicked off Friday night with dinner at 5:30. Then, at 7:00, we’ll take a look at God’s unique design for biblical womanhood in our first teaching session. God ingeniously created us differently from men because His creation wasn’t complete without womanhood in the world.

Saturday morning, we’ll get started with doughnuts, coffee, and fellowship at 9:00. At 10:00, you’ll learn how to rock your role as a godly woman, walking out biblical womanhood in your day to day life. And, at 11:00, if you’ve got questions, I’ve (hopefully!) got answers – get ready for an awesome Q&A session to round out the day!

This conference is open to women in the surrounding areas, but registration is required. Register by scanning the QR code or texting the number on the ticket above, or by visiting the conference website.

Tennessee

My last event for 2021 is the Walk in the Word women’s conference at New Prospect Baptist Church in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. Join me November 5-6 for a buffet of topics that are sure to equip and encourage you in your walk with the Lord.

In our session on Biblical Womanhood, we’ll explore the beauty and value in God’s Creative design for women and the roles He has set aside for us.

Are you Hooked on a Feeling – living life according to your feelings and emotions? This session is all about biblical and practical ways to live according to God’s Word instead.

Suffering – everybody goes through it at some point. This session teaches us to look to Jesus, the hero of our suffering, so we can take hope in our suffering, and biblically handle our suffering.

What does it mean to pursue Holiness? In this session we’ll take a look at how the Bible defines holiness and how to practice holiness in your daily life.

This conference is open to women in the surrounding areas, but you must contact the church directly for details. See the information on the image above, or visit the NPBC website. Tickets are $25 each and cover the conference, materials, refreshments, and lunch on Saturday.

NEW!
North Carolina

On January 8, 2022, I’ll be speaking live via Zoom at Church of the Open Door’s quarterly Sister 2 Sister meeting. If you’re in the Fayetteville, North Carolina area, you’re welcome to attend the 2:00-4:30 meeting, but you must contact the church directly for details.

During my part of the program, I’ll be giving a 30 minute mini-session on Discernment. How can we tell the difference between the biblical and the cheap, unbiblical knock off? We’ll take a look at what the Bible says, plus some practical tips. A 30 minute mini-Q&A will follow, so get ready to fire away with your questions!

Come on out for an afternoon of fun, fellowship, and edification!

NEW!
California

California, here I come…again! This time, I’ll be speaking at the Women’s Advance Conference at Agape Bible Church in Willits, California. Come join us, January 28-29, 2022!

This year’s conference is going to be focused on Suffering. Maybe that sounds like kind of a depressing theme for a conference, but it’s actually very encouraging. In our first three sessions we’ll focus on Jesus, the Suffering Servant, as our perfect example in suffering, what the Bible has to say about suffering in our lives, rejoicing in suffering, and responding biblically to suffering. No doubt many questions will arise, so we’ll wrap things up in our fourth session with a Q&A.

Ladies from the surrounding area are invited to attend, but you must contact the church directly for details.

It’s time to schedule me
for your 2022 event, so…

…for more information on an event near you, or to schedule me for your own event, check out my
calendar of events and booking information on my
Speaking Engagements page.

Hope to see you soon!

Speaking Engagements

Report Back: Rooted in Christ Conference

Michelle Lesley

What a pleasure it was to share with the wonderful ladies of Ekalaka Bible Church in beautiful Ekalaka, Montana, for the Rooted In Christ Conference.

I flew into Rapid City, South Dakota, which is just down the road from Mt. Rushmore. Since I had never been there before, Pastor Jon, his lovely wife Kati, and their super sweet kiddos, Liam and Evangeline, were kind enough to take me there for a quick tourist stop before we headed north for Ekalaka.

As if taking me to Mt. Rushmore weren’t gracious enough, they also drove me up into Black Hills National Forest where we saw Spearfish Canyon and Bridal Veil Falls. I was there a little too early in the year for the full fall color “leaf peeping” experience, but one species of tree (no idea which one) had already turned an eye-popping yellow, and those were absolutely exquisite.

As we headed up toward Ekalaka, we passed through Belle Fourche, South Dakota, where the geographic center of the United States is located, as well as Sturgis, South Dakota, home of the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Along the way, it was fun to see small herds of deer and antelope roaming the open fields. And have you ever seen such a beautiful sunset?

The natural beauty of Montana is stunning. Kati has quite a way with flowers. Look at these beauties at her house:

Saturday afternoon was day one of the conference, and the ladies of EBC had things looking spiffy. Check out these charming decorations:

Session one was Walking in Biblical Womanhood. We took a look – mostly from Genesis – at God’s perfect creative design for womanhood. After a delicious homemade lasagna supper, it was time for session two: Walking In Biblical Womanhood. God wants us to fill out Creation with godly womanhood, not buy into the feminist narrative that we have to be exactly like men to have any value.

Do I laugh at my own jokes? It’s a dirty job,
but somebody’s got to do it! :0)
Chatting after the conference

After a warm time of worship with the EBC branch of the family Sunday morning, it was time for day two of the conference that afternoon. Our first session was a stimulating Q&A with lots of insightful questions. Following another hearty supper of homemade soups and sandwiches, our final session was Discernment 101: Learn to Discern. How can we tell the difference between the biblical and the cheap, unbiblical knock off? We looked at some scriptural and practical ways.

Door prizes
My lovely hostess gifts from the ladies of EBC. The pendants each have a line from a hymn in them. Kati picked out this water bottle before she even knew I was going to be speaking on the Armor of God passage! Providence!

Bright and early (well, actually, it was really early so it wasn’t bright yet) Monday morning, I had to say goodbye to the delightful town of Ekalaka and wing my way back home. On my first flight I had the pleasure of sitting next to a very nice lady named Jodie. She and her husband were flying home from visiting some of the same sites I had seen in South Dakota, and she was kind enough to show me her pictures. Some of the pictures were of the crafts she creates and sells in her Etsy shop, and they were just so adorable and well crafted that I had to share them with you. Head on over and do some early Christmas shopping at Jodieshappyhill. (And I believe she might add some more items, so you may want to check back every now and then.)

Many thanks to Pastor Jon, Kati, the kind ladies I had lunch with on Saturday and Sunday, and all of the conference attendees and members of EBC for your warm hospitality and for making my trip so memorable. If you ever find yourself in rural southeastern Montana, I highly recommend you make it a point to visit with the fine brothers and sisters of Ekalaka Bible Church.

If your church or organization is ever in need of a speaker for a women’s event, I’d love to come share with your ladies as well. Click here for more information.

Photo Credits

Photos of Michelle speaking / chatting, conference dinner by Kati Champlin.

Sunset photo by Tina Brady.

All other photos by Michelle Lesley.

Speaking Engagements

Report Back: Nashville, Arkansas, Women’s Conference

Michelle Lesley

It was such a joy to be with the ladies in the Nashville, Arkansas area again at Maranatha Baptist Church’s 2021 women’s conference.

When I first saw this sign, there was a beautiful herd of cows behind it, but by the time I had a chance to take pictures, they had moooved on to greener pastures!

Last year at MBC’s conference, I spoke on biblical womanhood. This year, we tackled the topic of discernment in session one: Discernment 101: Learn to Discern. How can we tell the difference between the biblical and the cheap, unbiblical knock off? We looked at some scriptural and practical ways. Modesty seems to be a current kerfuffle in evangelicalism, so dressing our bodies while addressing our hearts was the order of business for session two. Next was a delicious chicken salad lunch (with some out of this world cookies for dessert!). And, wow, did these ladies have some smart and insightful questions in our final Q&A session!

If you like, you can listen to the audio from these teaching sessions at MBC’s Sermon Audio page as soon as they’re posted. (The modesty session was a condensed version of the three part podcast series on modesty Amy and I recorded earlier this year on A Word Fitly Spoken.)

Hostess gifts

One of the things traveling for speaking engagements has taught me is a deeper appreciation and longing for graciousness, generosity, and hospitality, which all seem to flow so naturally from the many pastors and women’s ministry directors I’ve worked with. Those are not things at which I feel I excel, but I aspire for God to grow me in those areas. My hosts, Margaret and Tom, as well as Pastor Bruce, and everyone at MBC were so kind and treated me like a queen.

Benjamin keeping us on the road.

And last, but not least, see this guy? This is my second to youngest (19) son Benjamin. Some of you may have heard me mention on the podcast (A Word Fitly Spoken), that Benjamin is our producer, which he does out of the goodness of his heart and on top of a nearly full time job, plus church responsibilities and activities. This young man insisted on taking off work to spend two full days driving me to and from the conference and serving as my handler during the trip. I didn’t have to lift a finger for anything, and had everything I needed, thanks to him. I hope I’m not embarrassing him, but I’m just so grateful to God for blessing us with such a fine, godly young man for a son.

I had an awesome trip to Arkansas, and it was such an honor to teach the lovely ladies of Nashville. Many thanks to Margaret, Tom, Pastor Bruce, and all the hard-working men and women of Maranatha Baptist Church for your sweet hospitality and for putting on such a wonderful conference. I highly recommend this warm and welcoming church to anyone in southwest Arkansas who is looking for a doctrinally sound body of Believers to join.

If your church or organization is ever in need of a speaker for a women’s event, I’d love to come share with your ladies as well. Click here for more information.

Photo Credits

Photos of Michelle speaking by Benjamin Lesley.

All other photos by Michelle Lesley.

Speaking Engagements

Upcoming Events: Ladies, You’re Invited!

Michelle Lesley

Looking for a super, doctrinally sound women’s event to attend? Let me tell you about a few I’ve got coming up soon!

Montana

I have so been looking forward to getting together with these ladies. Our conference scheduled for last year had to be canceled, but we’re back on track this year for September 25-26 (Sat./Sun.) at Ekalaka Bible Church in Ekalaka, Montana.

What is biblical womanhood? How do we walk out our role as godly women in our daily lives? We’ll take a look on Saturday, September 25. Join us at 3:30 for fellowship with your sisters in Christ. Worship and session one, God’s Design for Biblical Womanhood, will start at 4:15, followed by supper at 5:45. Next, it’s more great worship and session two, Walking in Biblical Womanhood, starting at 6:45.

Come back on Sunday, September 26, and join EBC for Sunday School at 9:45 a.m., and worship service at 11:00. Then, rest up, because day two of the conference starts at 3:00 with another warm time of fellowship. Worship and our Q&A session will begin at 3:30, with supper to follow at 5:00. Our last session is at 6:00, starting with worship, and finishing up with Discernment 101, in which you’ll “learn to discern” the biblical from the unbiblical and the false from the true.

The Rooted in Christ conference is open to women in the surrounding areas, but you must contact the church directly for details.

California

California, here I come! I’m so excited about meeting the lovely ladies at First Southern Baptist Church of Waterford, California.

FSBC’s women’s conference will take place October 8-9. Join us at 6:30 Friday evening for dinner, followed by our first session on The Authority, Sufficiency and Necessity of God’s Word at 7:15. We’ll explore the role of the Bible in the Christian’s life, and why it’s so vital to our growth in Christ.

On Saturday morning, we’ll be starting with breakfast bright and early at 8:00 a.m. At 8:30 we’ll dive into Discernment 101 – how can we tell the difference between the biblical and the cheap, unbiblical knock off? And, finally, fire away with your questions as we close out the day with a Q&A session starting at 9:45.

This conference is open to women in the surrounding areas, but you must contact the church directly for details.

Virginia

Yes, Virginia, there is a doctrinally sound women’s conference coming soon! Join me, October 22-23 in Faber, Virginia, for Pop Up Church’s conference on Biblical Womanhood!

We’ll get things kicked off Friday night with dinner at 5:30. Then, at 7:00, we’ll take a look at God’s unique design for biblical womanhood in our first teaching session. God ingeniously created us differently from men because His creation wasn’t complete without womanhood in the world.

Saturday morning, we’ll get started with doughnuts, coffee, and fellowship at 9:00. At 10:00, you’ll learn how to rock your role as a godly woman, walking out biblical womanhood in your day to day life. And, at 11:00, if you’ve got questions, I’ve (hopefully!) got answers – get ready for an awesome Q&A session to round out the day!

This conference is open to women in the surrounding areas, but registration is required. Register by scanning the QR code or texting the number on the ticket above, or by visiting the conference website.

Love these events and can’t wait for more? I’ll be posting more info. about my fall, winter, and spring events (in November, January, and beyond) as time gets closer.

I’m coming to see YOU,
Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, and Willits, California!

For more information on an event near you, or to schedule me for your own event, check out my calendar of events and booking information on my Speaking Engagements page.

Hope to see you soon!