WOMEN’S CONFERENCE TOPICAL SEMINARS
A Tender Lesson from the Sheep Pen
Friday 1:45 pm and 7:00 pm; Saturday 2:30 pm
Have you ever been discouraged because you are not able to pray eloquently and effortlessly like one of
your friends, or have the unwavering faith of another, or be the kind of godly wife or mother you see others
being? Maybe you admire a teacher and her ability to speak in public but your own words come out all
wrong at just the worst moments. Maybe there is someone in your life who seems to have the whole Bible
memorized and you can barely quote John 3:16. Perhaps there is that besetting sin that seems to keep you
far from God. The list of comparisons is unending and you never seem to measure up and it seems you are
always “missing the mark.” Beloved, you need to hear from the heart of Your Good Shepherd. A shepherd
whose voice can touch your heart in ways you never dreamed possible. A shepherd whose hands bring
comfort and safety. A shepherd who knows His sheep far better than they imagine and He desires to lavish
His love on them.
Diana Voges has been married to her best friend, Mike, for 36 years. She is the mother of two grown
daughters and Nana to three grandbabies. Her relationship with Jesus began as a young girl and has grown
deeper and deeper through the years. For over 25 years, Diana served on church staff where she served in a
variety of capacities, but of all the opportunities— Bible study and Women’s Ministry have always been where
her heart is. Encouraging women to come to know Jesus and His indescribable love for them is what she
loves to share. Daily Diana and Mike are happily serving Christ and others through the ministries of Highland
Lakes Camp.
[email protected]
Consumed or Devoured?
Friday 1:45 pm and 4:00 pm; Saturday 11:30 am
Through scripture and personal testimony we will address how to be purposely consumed by the Holy Spirit
and God’s fire rather than being devoured or “eaten alive” by our enemy, Satan. We will contrast these two
lifestyle choices and learn what God’s Word declares about how consuming worship and other spiritual
disciplines can prepare us for spiritual battle. Come laugh and cry as we learn to live a life on fire for God!
Karen Talley is an energetic, entertaining speaker who eats, drinks and breaths God’s Word and worship. She
is the minister of music at New Sunset Community Church where her husband, Ed, is the pastor. They have
two sons, Micah and Jeremy who are homeschooled. Karen enjoys teaching the Bible, especially worship and
spiritual warfare, and has authored a Bible study on this subject entitled “The Battle Belongs to the Lord” which
was recently released by Tate publishing.
[email protected]
Curious Threads
Friday 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm; Saturday 2:30 pm
God created each of us with a special mission in mind, the purpose for which He knit us together and
planned our days. And if He’s called us to be parents or caregivers or mentors of children, we have the
charge to discover and guide the weaving of the spiritual threads present in our children, threads with unique
texture and hue, woven into the larger fabric of the Kingdom. Those curious threads hold the material of our
children’s callings and giftings, if we know where to look. This topic is appropriate for parents, stepparents,
grandparents, mentors, educators, anyone who has a desire to help the next generation walk confidently into
their eternal purpose and design.
Julie Carr is the wife of Michael and the mom of Madison, McKenna, Justus, Maesy, Jairus, Journey and twins
Merci and Jakin. Julie holds degrees in English literature and Psychology and worked for several years as a
television and radio reporter and anchor. Julie serves as the Director of Women’s Ministry at her home church
of LifeAustin. Julie is the Executive Director of Legacy of Hope, a non-profit group dedicated to serving
families of children with special needs and in making the arts available to those children through dance and
music. Julie is a dedicated runner and uses running to avoid her messy bathrooms and kitchen. She is
currently training for the Chosen Marathon 2014 an event designed to raise funds for international adoption.
[email protected]
Engaging Internationals in Your Own Town
Friday 4:00 pm; Saturday 2:30 pm
The ends of the earth live with us right here in Texas! Come hear practical ways of befriending and reaching
out to internationals without having to get on an airplane. Learn about unreached people groups and hear
inspiring testimonies of how God is moving and how you can join in with prayer, mobilizing your
believing
friends and engaging internationals.
Elizabeth H was called to foreign missions right here at Highland Lakes in the 5th grade! Since that time she
has had the opportunity to serve for two years in the Middle East with the IMB ISC program, be a part of short
term mission trips, mobilize others to be on mission and loves engaging internationals in Austin, TX. Currently
she is a stay at home mom of two daughters as well as the director of Friendship International, a weekly
English program for international ladies at Hyde Park Baptist Church. Wearing clothes from around the world
and planning her families next trips are her favorite pastimes.
Financial Freedom in God Alone
Friday 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm; Saturday 10:30 am and 2:30 pm
Seeking financial freedom in your life? Come discover what God says about our finances and get
budgeting tips that will start you on the path to financial freedom. Discover that true financial freedom
and peace can be found in God alone.
Brynette Smith began her walk with God at the age of twelve and through her journey she chose to
keep God first in her life. Throughout the past 25 years of service in Texas, she has been instrumental in
motivating and connecting Christian women to a personal relationship with God. She has served on the
Austin Baptist Association Women’s Mission Union Leadership team and served as the “Women on
Missions” leader, serves as a mission conference presenter on the subject of finance, and has worked with
the Christian Women’s Job Corp (CWJC). She has committed her life to serving God and the children,
youth and women of our community.
[email protected]
Light Up the Darkness
Friday 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm; Saturday 11:30 am
Do you know someone who has experienced abuse? Abuse comes in all forms, and many times it is
referred to as “darkness”. In this session, a mother and daughter will share their testimony of abuse in their
family and the journey to restoration. Questions might be answered like: “Are transparency and
forgiveness some of the steps that MUST be taken before restoration can begin? Can living in a state of
unforgiveness, rob your life? What do the scriptures say about how we, as Christians, are to respond to
the abuser? What does it mean, when you say, “Light up the Darkness”? When Jesus spoke again to
the people, He said, “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will
have the light of life.” John 8:12
Judy Jung lives in Spicewood, TX with her husband, Steve, of 38 years. They have two adult children;
Summer and Daniel (married to our precious daughter-in-law, Caanon), and 3 grandchildren; Elijah,
Nathan and Grace. Judy loves the Lord Jesus and thrills at seeing women of all ages come to a deeper
knowledge of God through Bible study and prayer. She has been the Women’s Ministry Director of
Spicewood Baptist Church since 2003. She is a professional artist (in acrylic) since the age of 20. She
enjoys time with her family, pickin’ (garage and yard sales, flea markets), boating and watching college
basketball.
[email protected]
Summer Jung loves Jesus, and has a huge heart for hurting people. She has been a Head Start teacher
in Abilene, TX for 14 years, where she advocates for children on a daily basis. Many of these children live
a life of abuse and brokenness. In 2010, she received the “Teacher of the Year” award, given by the
Abilene I.S.D. She is also, a licensed official for high school basketball. She enjoys travel, spending time
with those she loves and watching college basketball.
[email protected]
My Face on a Milk Carton
Friday 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm; Saturday 12:30 pm
We have all seen the milk carton with a child’s face on the side and the horrible words printed above
saying “MISSING”. Nothing rips a mother’s heart out like the thought of another mother in pain over a
missing child! We want to do whatever we can to help bring that child back into the loving arms of
his/her parents. We serve a Lord and Savior who has that same heart break. Jesus yearns to do
whatever it takes to bring us, His children, back into the loving arms of THE Father! Where is your
relationship at today with the Lord? Does He get to see your smile daily, hear your words calling Him?
Or would He put your face on the side of a milk carton, asking someone to bring you back into His
presence? Let’s spend time together examining where we are with our personal relationship with our
Father, the one who brought us into this world!
Karen Edwards is blessed to be the mother of three great kids, the step-mom to a brave young man
serving in our nation’s military, the wife of a loving man of God, Dwayne, for 22 years, and the unofficial
mother of many young adults that God has placed in her life over the years. She has served the Lord for
15 years in various positions. Currently, she is serving beside her husband as he pastors Hoover Valley
Baptist Church in Burnet where she serves as Sunday School teacher and facilitates ladies Bible studies,
as well as chair the outreach committee. Karen has been blessed to have gone on several mission trips
where God has taught her way more than she taught. Karen is looking forward to being used by God
through any avenue He chooses for her.
[email protected]
On Journey with God
Friday 10:45 am and 6:00 pm; Saturday10:30 am
Whatever life is for us, wherever you find yourself in age or stage, every moment is a gift of God—brightly
wrapped, waiting to be opened, admired, and delighted in. Together we will look at the ‘usual’ events
in a ‘normal’ span of life and together gain insight as to how God works His will through divine
interruptions. Interruptions which help us grow into the women He has created us to be. God is always
with you and has a special plan just for your life. Every moment of life is time to be used, to be invested
in joy and meaning. Do you see God working in this season of your life?
Kandy Kirkley
As a recent retiree, Kandy has had lots of experience in balancing work, home, leading Bible studies,
serving on the local School Board, teaching Sunday School, and caring for loved ones. Prior to
retirement, Kandy served as Minister to Adults at First Baptist Belton for 25 years. She came to know the
Lord in her late 20’s and is so thankful God put a women in her life to help her start a journey of
discipleship. Kandy loves her Savior and has a heart for encouraging women to grow in Christlikeness.
Kandy has been married for 42 years to Dan, founder of Hope for the Hungry in Belton and they have two
grown children and 4 grandchildren.
[email protected]
Out of the Pew into the World
Friday 10:45 am and 7:00 pm; Saturday 12:30 pm
Let’s discover how rewarding and life-changing it is to become an “outward focused” believer. We will
learn from the life of Christ—how to see the world through His eyes and how to hear His calling. By
getting INTO the world, people are ministered to, more good is done, the love of Christ is lived out, the
church is strengthened AND your life will be enriched and your relationship with Christ strengthened.
“Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back - given back with bonus and blessing.
Giving, not getting, is the way….”
Luke 6:37 (The Message)
Betty Arrell is a social worker by training, homemaker by choice, mother of one daughter, and
grandmother of two. She is active in WMU, has taught Sunday school, and led conferences on the state
and national level for Southern Baptists. Betty developed, trained and directed AIDS Ministry in Texas for
over 25 years. She is a member of R21, Disaster Relief Team, where she has been deployed to disaster
areas across Texas and beyond. Betty is a member of Angel Chefs, a group of volunteers who minister to
wounded warriors. She is a breast cancer survivor. Her major focus in life has always been to be involved
in ministry and missions as a vehicle to earn the right to share the hope of Christ within her. Helping
people navigate the rough waters of life is what brings Betty joy. Betty and Vernon, her husband of 52+
years, reside in Austin and are active in Austin Baptist Church.
[email protected]
Recharge!
Friday 10:45 am and 6:00 pm; Saturday 10:30 am and 2:30 pm
Have you ever felt like you need to recreate, repair, restore, or remake an area in your life? Maybe you
are feeling like you need a complete overhaul or a remodel. For some of us, we are at a time where we
need to refill, replenish and resupply. Maybe you need an update, rekindle and bring back to life your
walk with God. Well, we all have felt like one or all of these at different times in our lives and we all need
to be RECHARED. Come sit, laugh, learn and recharge with Deanna as she uses humorous stories,
illustrations and the truth of God’s Word to dive you deeper into love and seeking Him. This is where you
will truly find joy and be refreshed, revived and renewed.
Deanna Nail loves Jesus and wants others to love Him, too. It’s as simple as that. God has prepared her
specifically for her true purpose and calling—Serendipity Ministries. For over 20 years, Deanna has been
working with youth, mentoring girls to follow Christ even through the most trying years of young
womanhood, leading adult small groups and speaking at Christian women’s events. Coupled with over 15
years of business marketing, sales, event marketing, and event planning experience, this unique set of Godgiven strengths and gifts has culminated in Serendipity Ministries. By God’s grace and through His ministry,
Deanna changes lives with her infectious energy and servant’s heart, lifting spirits and drawing out the
need in each of us to be ourselves on purpose, and in doing so, to be more and to give more to those
around us.
[email protected] / [email protected]
Sabbath Spaces!!
Friday 1:45 pm and 7:00 pm; Saturday 10:30 am
Do you have them in your life, time, and home? Use the grace and peace of God to help you make
Sabbath Spaces. Start with the “14 challenge” to rid yourself of bondage, clutter, chaos and burdens.
Join us for a time to learn to “cultivate a peaceful home where everyone can sense God’s presence not
only through acts of love and service but also through a pleasant and grateful attitude.” (By Priscilla
Shirer, author of The Resolution for Women.). We all need margins in our lives that are left clean and
clear, so that we can emjoy the liberty we’ve been granted by God Himself.
Judy Auten has committed her life to serving Christ and others. Most recently, the Lord led Judy and her
husband, Jimmie out of their comfort zone and
became members of New Sunset Community Church, in
a low income area of Killeen. They quickly became actively involved with Judy serving as the WMU
Director and Jimmie, the Minister of Education. Judy also serves on the Bell Baptist Association, WMU
Leadership team and as Vacation Bible School Director. They have three sons; the youngest is already with
the Lord, and six grand-children. Because of Judy’s heart for ministering to women, she has faithfully served
on this Women’s Conference leadership team since 1990, contributing her varied talents and years of
ministry experience.
[email protected]
Yes, You Can!
Friday 1:45 pm and 5:00 pm; Saturday 10:30 am and 2:30 pm
Think that sharing Christ is for someone else? We’ll discuss how to make the transition from being an
undercover Christian to being an active witness for Jesus. Learn how to build relationships that make a
difference, how the Bible says to evangelize and how YOU can be a part of God’s great outreach to the
world.
Annette Kemp has been actively serving in church work for over 30 years. She currently serves as Assistant
Principal and teacher at Providence Preparatory School in Belton, TX. Earlier, she served as the Director of
the Hope Pregnancy Center in Copperas Cove for 8 years where she daily seized opportunities of sharing
the gospel. Annette has traveled as part of the BGCT Women’s Reaching Texas evangelism training team 3
years. She has been married to her pastor/husband, Mark for 27 years and they have two (almost) grown
daughters.
[email protected]
You Have Been Called
Friday 1:45 pm and 5:00 pm; Saturday 10:30 am and 2:30 pm
Growing up I always hoped I would be included when someone said, “Come to…” It didn’t matter
where or to whom they were calling; I simply wanted to be included. I never seemed to be the person or
part of the group being called. Ironically, I often ignore Jesus’ call to come to Him, and not only am I
finally a member of the group He is calling; I could be a poster child for it. Perhaps you have been or are
currently a part of the group He is calling: the weary and burdened. We will consider the significance of
Jesus’ calling in Matthew 11:28-30. It is a call you don’t want to miss. I promise you His calling to come will
be the best call you ever get. The good news is He never ceases His call to come! The bad news is
coming to Jesus is a choice we must make many times throughout our day. He doesn’t move. We do. I
think I hear Him calling right now. Let’s go together!
Debbie McBride’s passion for ministry was evident when less than 1 year after her college conversion she
served as a BSM Summer Missionary fulfilling her sincere desire to help others know Jesus in an intimate
and personal relationship strengthened by their own private worship times with Him. God has used her
shortcomings, fears and desire to honor Him to lead college students, ladies, young marrieds, teenagers
and children over the past 31 years. After many years of leading women’s Bible studies in her home
churches, God is calling her out of her comfort zone to share her personal story of believing God and the
blessings that can be ours as we all do the same. Check out her website, choosing2believe.com, to learn
more about the exciting and new ministry God has called her to, in her pursuit of Him. Debbie resides in
Florence, Texas with her minister husband of 26 years. She is the mother to three great kids and one
amazing son-in-law.
[email protected]