When I decided to start Brooke’s Butterfly Touch last fall, creating a group workshop seemed like a far off goal, but the desire kept coming up in my thoughts and prayers. So, I let some ideas roll around and grow in my mind before sitting down with my sweet, like-minded “go-to girl” Jolene to write an outline of what my workshop would look like. Thankfully, she understood that my intention was not to focus solely on independent writing. Obviously, writing would be a large part of the workshop, but I believe personal storytelling is an effective tool for inspiring hope and initiating positive change in our communities because it requires active communication and connecting with others, which will foster greater mutual understanding. Therefore, I wanted to give the workshop participants space to interact and bounce ideas off one another. The outline Jolene and I generated over our favorite Frappuccinos at Starbucks allowed me to create an interactive slide presentation filled with personal storytelling tips, writing prompts, discussion questions and examples. And more importantly, The Lord also gave me the words and focus to write the official “Transforming the Heart of YOUR Story” workbook, which will be available on the mass market next month!

Thanks to my supportive friends at Highlands Church, the first workshop session was held on November 1, 2015 and was a wonderful afternoon. My heart was bursting at the enthusiasm and thoughtful input of all the participants. Everyone seemed really excited to go home and continue working on their stories afterwards. While not everything went perfectly smooth, the feedback I received gave me some great points on which to improve and expand the workshop to benefit even more people.

I’m incredibly thankful for God’s patient guidance in showing me His plans for my passions and skills. I’d love nothing more than to be a blessing to you as well, so anyone interested in hosting or joining the next workshop, please let me know!

“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” – Philippians 2:13

Download the workshop flyer to share here.