“Are you Michele Cushatt?”
I heard the words as I hustled down the conference hallway toward lunch. Food called my name. Until she did. So I stopped.
“Yes, I am.” I reached to wrap my arms around this new friend, always more a hugger than hand-shaker. “Have we met?” I analyzed her face, tried to dig into the dark recesses of my brain for any remnant of familiarity. Nope, nothing.
“No, we haven’t met in person,” she reassured. Whew. Embarrassment averted. Except for that whole hug-a-stranger thing. She continued. “But I’ve been praying for you for months.”
Praying? Months?
So many people praying, so many I’ve never seen or met. Only You could have circled up such an army.
“I read your blog,” she smiled, explaining the prayers and our connection. I smiled because, let’s be honest, someone actually reads my blog?!
She continued: “But I’ve been worried about you. You haven’t posted anything recently. Are you okay?”
Uh-oh.
Which brings me to this here post.
Which I wrote from an Embassy Suites hotel room in Concord, NC.
Which, I hope, helps you to know that YES, in fact, I am okay.
The last couple weeks have been, well, insane. Thus the reason I’ve been negligent in posting. For that reason, today I’m being more newsy than narrative. Let’s catch up:
This Is Your Life Podcast Launch
As you know, July 9 I officially joined Michael Hyatt on his This Is Your Life podcast as co-host. Although I was a jumble of nerves before it went live, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Daily I receive emails, tweets, Facebook messages, and blog comments from listeners who are enjoying the new format. All I can say to that is … YAY! And whew.
World Domination Summit, Portland, OR
Friday, July 11 I left for Portland, OR and my first experience at the World Domination Summit. I know, it doesn’t really sound like the kind of conference I’d attend. But it’s far more in tune with what you and I are passionate about than you’d think. You see, it’s about using your influence for positive world change, like advocating for abused women and building schools in Africa and walking more and talking less. In short, an EXCELLENT conference. It’s one to consider for 2015.
“The Secrets to Being a Standout” Guest Post
Before my trip to Portland, I wrote a guest post for Michael Hyatt’s blog. It went live while I attended the conference. Only later did see the irony—and perfection—of the timing. Because, as we both know, the greatest temptation when surrounded by a conference filled to bursting with talented creatives and influencial leaders is to devalue your own offering.
So Here’s The Thing Podcast, with Kathi Lipp
Last Tuesday, author and speaker Kathi Lipp invited me to join her on her {AMAZING} new podcast, So Here’s The Thing. The primary subject of our conversation? How to balance both career and kids when both are part of your calling. I’m not sure we resolved all the tension, but you can bet we talked straight-up honest about it.
Proverbs 31 She Speaks Conference
This past weekend, July 24-27, I joined 800 women in Concord, NC for the She Speaks Conference. Female writers and speakers representing 5 countries, 42 states and one single passion: To tell the world about Jesus.
It was my first time, and just that fast I’m hooked. Not only is the conference well-produced, filled with powerful content and encouragement, but everywhere I looked I found positive, hopeful, world-changing women. Incredible. During the course of the week, I delivered two presentations: (1) Crafting a Power Presentation in a Fraction of the Time, and (2) The Secrets of Masterful Storytelling. In addition, I led a speaker coaching group with 12 women who are now friends. I’m tired, but full.
That’s it for now, friends. There is one more not-so-little newsy update, but I’ll save that for later this week.
Now, it’s your turn. What have you been up to?
Yay I am so blessed to have been in your group at SheSpeaks. You are the BEST speaking coach ever and I definitely came away feeling encouraged. Even though at first I beat myself up for not being perfect, I did have a light bulb moment. “It is NOT about me”. I love when those little reminders can shift our focus on someone greater. “It is ALL about HIM”.
Thanks Michele Cushatt for sharing your heart and life with us.
I’m so glad you left encouraged! That’s the goal. Cheering for you, Jodie.
So grateful for your update & kindness! I was blessed to pray with you months ago at the Platform Conference in Dallas & thank God for you, rejoicing for your witness & the encouragement you share!
I have been … Updating my prayer journal, mission-minded journal, teaching drama at Creative Arts Camp, filming sneak peaks & promo videos for Beritas Women’s Ministry, launching an umbrella ministry & setting up coaching clientele, creating a journaling & separate Bible study challenge, editing a MS for an interested publisher (praise God!) all while trying to juggle family, mourning, & sorting/reorganizing 2 homes missing an amazing mom/Grammie … Needless to say, I have had to neglect my blog as well, but it was intentional to keep the home fires burning & focus on God! Ready to get back to routine with better eating, exercise, & forming a great new schedule that will need some serious flexibility for the unexpected!
I well remember that prayer time together, JacQueline. Grateful. Love the update from your world. So many exciting things happening! I agree … at times the blog needs neglecting for the better “yes.” Seasons require different attentions.
You’ve inspired me for as long as I’ve been reading your work! I finally started my blog yesterday. I want to blog and write devotionals. I’m a member of P31’s Compel group, and really need to get busy and get in there. Just to show what opposition I’ve encountered, last week everything went wrong with our small service business. We had to go back into debt, after paying off debt. It was a bad week. I was so crushed. I left my blog hosted, but had not even started it. Yesterday I decided, enough is enough. I need to follow what God wants, and let the other things dominate my life much less. Seek ye first….need to do it, learn it, and mean it. God bless you in all ways.
Thank you, Laura. What an encouragement! And YES, seek ye first. I need that reminder day after day.
Hi Michele, glad you are back to being 110% again!
BTW, I really like you on Michael Hyatt’s podcasts.
I took your advice and am currently reading “Talk Like TED”, by Carmine Gallo. Great book, but it’s taking me forever to read as I watch the cited TED Talks and speakers on my iPad. Two thumbs up!
So glad you’re enjoying it, Joe! One of my favorites when it comes to speaking.
Thank you so much for the update! I love hearing what you’re up to. I’m a little behind on reading Michael’s blog, so I had missed your guest post. It was great – just what I needed today. And by the way . . . love you on the podcast 😉
Have been loving your “This is your life” with Michael.
Thanks for “adding” to his greatness.
God bless you!
Sue
Thank you, Sue! We’re really enjoying the collaboration.
Hi Michele…Yes…we read your blog! And it’s wonderful…always encouraging to our hearts. I love you and Michael together on the podcast, and in fact, the first time I heard you and looked up to see who you were was when I heard you and Michael together in the Get Published course I took. It is a match made in heaven.
Michele! I sat in on your pre-conference session at She Speaks and it was awesome! I have 6 munchkins too, so I loved hearing from a woman who knows how to get things done amidst chaos. Thanks for sharing some time with us.
Thanks for the update Michele! We met at the Scorre conference last year (May, Orlando 2013). I also love the new format for the This is Your Life podcast! Thanks for doing all that you do!
Thank you for those presentations at She Speaks. I had no idea it was your first time! Your presentations were awesome and exactly what I needed.
I hope you are going to rest (at least for a minute) now.
Blessings,
Juli
First time at She Speaks, not my first time speaking. 🙂 Thrilled to hear the sessions helped, Juli. Thank you!
Hi Michele,
Thank you for the update and for asking us to respond! We’ve never met, but I have been reading your blog for several months now. I am grateful for the ways you allow God to use you and I find inspiration and encouragement from your writing. We have been praying for your health and I am happy to hear you are doing well!
I am a performing songwriter, busy trying to follow the path God is laying out for me, not at all sure where it’s going and continually surprised by the fact that He’s taking me where I never anticipated.
Long story short, I worked in the family business for over 25 years and did the corporate thing, setting my passion for creating music (that I have had since I was a teenager) on the back burner until God shuffled our lives (my wife worked with me) and 8 years ago we realized He was pushing us to leave the business and step out in faith to follow where He would lead on a journey pursuing the artistic passion He had instilled within me.
Our kids grew up, graduated from school and moved away East (we lived in TX) to pursue the path God had for them. We felt Him nudging us to leave our home and follow our kids to the East Coast, settling in VA.
As I stepped out into the music world, releasing four CDs (one just this past April) and writing a book, I thought God would take me into the Christian world. But instead, I share my music a wineries, festivals and venues all across VA and the doors to sharing in Church have remained shut. My music, being about life, love and family enriched with my Christian values, seems to find a connection with listeners. Those who are fellow Christ-followers, tell me how the music moves and inspires them and those who are not, tell me the music brings them peace and makes them feel good. I am grateful He allows us to plant seeds along the way, pointing to what life can be with Him.
Anyway, that’s what we’ve been up to!
Blessings on your journey!
John Tracy
Loved reading this, John. Thank you for sharing a piece of your story with us! What an adventure you’re on. I admire your courage and determination to keep moving forward, in trust.
Hi Michele,
It’s me, the She Speaks stranger. The internet is a crazy thing! First you are approached by a random blog stalker, then I am initially excited to see a new post and then shocked to see it was about me. CRAZY! It was awesome meeting you and even better knowing you are doing well. I must say you are the same person in your blog, on the podcast and in person. You graciously received me and literally welcomed me into your life. Thanks for demonstrating such humility . I attended your session on The Secrets of Masterful Storytelling and loved it. Once again it was a pleasure meeting you. Maybe our paths will cross again either in person or on the internet.
Ha! I was wondering if you’d recognize this. I so enjoyed meeting you, Kia. And I’m so touched by your ongoing prayers. Thank you, friend!