Thanks to those who prayed and encouraged me regarding speaking to our ladies’ group Monday. It went fairly well, I think. There’s always the rethinking (“I forgot to say this…I shouldn’t have said…I hope someone wasn’t offended by that…I went on too long…”). I didn’t “feel” too nervous, but my body did react nervously, and that distressed me. But once I got started it was better. I tell myself every time I do something like that that it’s the LAST time I ever will. But I want to be open to what the Lord would have me do. I just hope it’s not public speaking. 🙂 Thanks again! You were a great help.
One of the ladies took a few pictures. I won’t post the ones of the other ladies since they may not want that. 🙂 Here’s one of the neat refreshments and decorations the hostesses provided:
And me speaking:
Stray Thoughts 
You look so natural at it! 🙂 I’m glad it went well and you were able to relax after you got started. I do the same thing after I speak or even after I’ve been somewhere where I’m talking to a lot of people – wonder if I offended anyone, shouldn’t have said this or that . . . I’m trying to learn that what’s done is done and not to obsess after the fact. But I do know what you mean.
Hurray! Didn’t leave a comment but I did pray for you (and knew that because you were so nervous – you obviously had something amazing to share). I only wish I could have been there to hear it!
Wish I would have been there to hear ya. I bet you were terrific. 🙂 Thanks for sharing 🙂 Aloha
I knew it’d go well after you got started! That table is so inviting and patriotic.
Wish I could have heard your testimony! I’ve been involved in ministry my whole life as a pastor’s daughter, Christian school teacher, and now pastor’s wife, and I still get very nervous when I have to speak in public. My freshman speech teacher stopped me in the middle of my speech and asked me why my knees were shaking! It’s great that your nervousness didn’t stop you from being a blessing to others!
YAY! *clap clap clap* I KNEW you’d do well! I bet it was fabulous! I sO wish I could have been there….
I’m happy that it went well for you, Barbara. I wish I could listen to you speak.
So glad that it went well! You look great up there, very natural!
You don’t look one bit nervous. I’m sure you said just what needed to be said because I know you were in prayer about it beforehand. Praying your testimony continues to touch hearts even days after your meeting.
It’s all good! God most likely used your nervousness to help people better comprehend your sincerity. 😉 He wouldn’t have called you if he hadn’t needed you — just the way you are — to do the job.
I’m so glad your talk went well, Barbara. That’s interesting that you mention the physical manifestations of nervousness before speaking — does your heart bang away in your chest, and do your hands get shaky? That happens to me. I have been blown away a few times in recent years, when I absolutely HAD to speak somewhere and I prayed that God would remove that gonna-have-a-heart-attack feeling, and wonder of wonders, He did. I don’t know how He can calm a blasting heart like that. But I guess if He can calm the seas we shouldn’t be surprised. Thank you for sharing; I’m sure you were a huge blessing to those who got to hear your testimony. Thanks for your willingness to go where He sent you 🙂
Glad it went well. Rethinking is always tough!! I’m sure you were great.
What a lovely table, well set!
And a great photo of you, how nice!