Meet Poppy Smith

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Poppy's Bio:

Known for her wit, warmth, and highly practical and powerful Bible teaching, author and speaker, Poppy Smith loves to point audiences and readers to real life answers for their real life struggles.

Born in the UK, raised around the globe, and living in the USA, Poppy shares from her heart the journey God has led her on since arriving in America as a twenty-two year old bride.

Drawing from her experience as a Bible Study Fellowship Lecturer, volunteer with battered women, ministry leader and mentor, Poppy richly relates to women of all ages and stages of life. Her transparency and humor encourages and inspires women wherever she speaks: India, Australia, New Zealand, Nepal, Hong Kong, Mongolia and the UK among others. One of her great joys is ministering to women missionaries at conferences in both Africa and Asia.

Knowing the power of the Bible to transform lives because it transformed hers when she was an angry, depressed and despairing wife and mother, Poppy believes that unless God's Spirit speaks through her ministry, she might as well stay home! Because of this conviction, when she accepts an invitation to speak, you can be assured of her prayers for God to work through her. She also counts it a privilege to talk privately with women at retreats, praying for them and encouraging them in their spiritual journey.

In addition to ministry, Poppy is pursuing her Masters in Spiritual Formation, adjusting to becoming a grandmother, and trying to keep up with her medically-missions minded husband.

Poppy's Speaking Topics:

• PURSUING A PASSION FOR GOD

This practical series helps women understand that spiritual growth takes time, personal honesty with God, necessary choices, and a willingness to trust God when life is tough.

• G.R.O.W.T.H. FROM THE INSIDE OUT

Does it matter what you think or say to yourself? Absolutely! Learn how to guard your mind, overcome negative self-talk, and defeat entrenched lies with six easily remembered keys to inner growth and freedom.

• GOD'S GROWING PLACES

Every situation we face can be God's growing place, or Satan's gotcha place-it all depends on our choices. Hear what God is speaking into your life as you look at the choices, emotions, pressures, and consequences experienced by key people in the book of Esther.

• SPEAK WISELY: YOUR WORDS HAVE POWER!

Are there times you'd like to cut off your tongue or swallow your words? Words can damage hearts, divide relationships, destroy lives. They can also powerfully build up, heal, and bless. Be touched and challenged to put these practical and highly relevant messages into practice!

• KEEP GROWING

Powerful lessons for your life drawn from Abraham's faith journey. Discover the building blocks for turning a ho-hum relationship with God into a vibrant spiritual adventure as you walk in obedience, watch your weaknesses, worship a Biblical God, wisely handle conflicts, and weigh what matters most to you.

• WISDOM FOR TODAY'S WOMAN

The modern dilemmas women face such as handling emotions, decision making, marriage, loneliness, waiting for God's timing, difficult and unwanted circumstances, and facing pride and pettiness are all mirrored in the story of Esther. This three part retreat series shows women how they can honor God in the kinds of daily circumstances that are part of life.

• CHECK YOUR CHOICES!

At times we all stand at a crossroads and wonder which way to go. God wisely tells us what to do through Jer.6:16: don't act impulsively but stand, look, ask. Learn how to think about the effect of your choices on yourself and others, check whose voice you're listening to, and find the path that leads to inner peace.

• FIND YOUR PASSION AND LIVE IT!

Suitable for a special event, seminar, or retreat. Do you wonder what God made you for? Do you long to feel passion, excitement, a sense of "this is where I fit"? Find out how to uncover your passion in this hands-on presentation of the acrostic DREAM. (Workbook available.)

• GOD VALUES WOMEN!

An exciting and inspiring look at what Scripture says about the worth and value of women to God. See how God created men and women in His image, gave them both work to do, and calls, cherishes, and commands us to serve Him with all we've got!

• HELP! LIFE IS SCARY!

Can anything good come from scary circumstances? Jehosophat teaches us to look up at God, look back at His faithfulness, look around at the situation, and look within. Learn how to transform your fears into deeper trust, stronger faith, greater reliance, and expanded appreciation for God's power and concern for you.

• TAKE CONTROL!

You can move beyond survival living. You can learn to say "No!"
Discover if you are driven or drawn, over-stressed or not stressed enough! This three session hands-on retreat series gives time and tools for self-assessment, group discussion, and personal application.

• POWER FOR SPIRITUAL RENEWAL

Do you feel disappointed in yourself? Wonder if God has had enough of you? Be reassured and directed in your desire for spiritual renewal as you trace David's journey from shame and sorrow to rest in God's acceptance. Ps.51.

• WHY CAN'T HE BE MORE LIKE ME?

A fun look at yourself and the man you married!
Learn how to analyze him and yourself, accept differences, and find healthy ways to adapt and adjust. Can also be part of a retreat or one-day-seminar (Marriage-Gods School for Spiritual Growth!) for married and engaged couples.

• TALKS FOR SPECIAL EVENTS (MOTHER'S DAY, CHRISTMAS, SPRING LUNCHES, ETC.)

--Beauty From God's Perspective
--Why Can't I Just Say "No"? (Why we struggle and what to do about it!)
--Moments to Remember
--Spice Up Your Spiritual Journey! (Ten ways to a more sizzling faith)
--How Does Your Garden Grow? (Weeding, Cultivating, Planting)
--What Matters Most?
--Who Am I, Really? (Our different personalities, inner labels, God's label)
--Come Apart-Before You Come Apart! (Helpful for Leaders and others)
--Gifts-Glorious Gift (Christmas message-can include Gospel)
--Gifts From The Heart(Christmas message-can include Gospel)

Meeting Planners Say:

. Poppy is real, could relate to her, an inspiration, wonderful teacher, wise, open, candid, honest, encourager, thought-provoking, challenging, a joy to listen to, insightful, great sense of humor, practical, gentle, caring.

Poppy Says:

I love to laugh and have my audiences laugh because it puts all of us in a spiritually receptive mood. But-I don't aspire to be predominantly a humorist.

Gospel Presentation:

I work closely with the event planner on if and how she wants me to present the Gospel.

For more information...

Why Poppy Speaks:

I never sought this calling when I was asked to be the Teaching Leader of my Bible Study Fellowship Class over 25 years ago. When I left that ministry, God kept opening up doors both here and overseas and the affirmation He has poured out assures me I am in His will. I feel a passion and overwhelming joy in speaking to women about walking with God-there isn't anything else I'd rather do with my life!

Poppy's Goal:

My logo says it all: I pray for God to change hard or wounded hearts, change closed or unenlightened minds, and change lives for His glory. Unless He works, nothing eternal happens and I might as well stay home.