About Me
I'm Sarah Raines
Hello there! Thank you for venturing to my website! I am here because I love Jesus. Straight up! I love to speak about the great joy He brings when you truly seek it!
Another joy is being a mom to my two teens! Between swim meets, school and a full-time job , life can be a whirlwind! I love it though, I wouldn't change a thing!
I also love to write. I am mainly an avid journal-er. That is leading to greater opportunity! I was published in an anthology in 2018 and look forward to more writing opportunities in the future!
Seek joy in the gaps!
Seeking joy is a gift and a privilege. Seeking joy IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES is required (it's true- look it up! 1 Thessalonians 5:16). It is not always easy. At the right place or with the right people, sure...super easy! But when life gets hard and smacks you around a little, it can be downright awful! I'm here to tell you that seeking joy in the gaps of life (seeking it and finding it and EVEN doing it) is amazing! I'd love to spend some time telling your group a few secrets I've learned along the way to not only seek joy in all circumstances, but how to live it out and know for certain the source of that joy!
Retreats, events, key notes...
I would certainly love the privilege to connect with you and your organization. I am available for retreats, events, key notes, MOPs or Bible Study. Spending time prepping and speaking brings a great deal of joy to my life and I would be honored to share that with your group.
More...
My story
We all have a story to tell. My story is not the hardest, or the worst. I've been a follower of Jesus (a.k.a. Christian) most of my life. I have waxed and waned through joys and trials, not unlike you. In November 2016 I became single mom when my 20+ year marriage ended. It was a hard fought battle, and did not finish the way I had hoped. My story is one of perseverance through the hope and grace of Jesus.
I continually try to take my own advise and seek joy even in those deep gaps of life! Check out my BLOG. It's got good stuff for all joy seekers (my opinion, check it out for yourself!).
Credentials
I am a graduate of Moody Bible Institute ('93). I have been leading/ facilitating Bible Studies through women's ministry since 2005. I have had a larger opportunity since 2011 to teach God's word also through women's ministry and MOPs. More recently (2017-2019) I have attended and received amazing training at the Speak Up Conference (through Carol Kent Ministries). It is a privilege to be part of such a quality event! If you want learn more about the Speak Up conference, let me know or click the link below.
Fees and availability
Let's get together! I'd love the opportunity to speak to your group. From topical content to direct scripture, evangelical to motivational, I can pretty much cover it. I am new on the speaker track so you will find my fees very affordable. I am willing to travel for weekend events. Please contact me and we can go over details!