Speaking - Sally Matheny

Sally Matheny is an encourager with a gift for connection. With Southern charm and authentic storytelling,
she inspires people to use the power of story, history, and His Story to tell the next generation wondrous things. Her messages of faith, hope, and courage resonate with multigenerational audiences
and create meaningful moments of reflection, joy, and spiritual growth.

Sally would be honored to speak to your group.
This page lists her available presentations. She is also happy to tailor a message to meet your event’s needs.
For inquiries or scheduling, please reach out through the contact page.

SPEAKING TOPICS:

Slide presentations can be included upon request to suit your event’s needs.

“If I’m Meant to be a Butterfly–Why am I Still a Caterpillar?”

If the butterfly represents the beauty of Christian maturity, why do so many of us still feel like caterpillars inching along? This uplifting presentation explores our spiritual transformation through four key themes: developing a hunger for God’s Word, cultivating the fruit of the Spirit, recognizing the enemy’s tactics, and navigating the growing pains of change.

Blending Scripture, gentle humor, and fascinating facts about caterpillars and butterflies, this message entertains while offering practical, biblical wisdom for women, families, and church groups seeking deeper spiritual growth.
Perfect for multigenerational gatherings—such as Mother’s Day luncheons, women’s ministry events, or teas with children present—this program also includes a simple, purposeful craft for children ages 5–10 to complete as the presentation unfolds.

Length: 30–45 minutes
Best For: Women’s ministries, children & youth ministries
Optional Add-On: Hands‑on craft for children

“Trusting God Dot-to-Dot”

Trusting God Dot‑to‑Dot
An Encouraging Message for Women’s Ministries & Multigenerational Events

Dot‑to‑dot pictures make sense: follow the numbers, connect the lines, and reveal the image you already expect to see. But real life rarely feels that orderly. Sometimes the dots don’t seem to line up at all—and it can leave us wondering what God is doing.

In “Trusting God Dot‑to‑Dot,” Sally Matheny uses Scripture, relatable stories, and the simple childhood joy of dot‑to‑dot pages to illustrate a powerful truth: even when the path feels unclear, God sees the full design. He faithfully guides, protects, and shapes us through every twist, turn, and “detour.”

Sally shares a personal story from her journey to becoming a teacher, showing how the moments we label as setbacks may actually be God’s intentional steps toward His purpose.

This presentation is ideal for women’s ministry gatherings, churchwide events, and multigenerational programs. Children ages 5 and up can participate with dot‑to‑dot activity pages designed to complement the message and keep little hands engaged.

Length: 30–45 minutes
Best For: Women’s ministries, churchwide events
Optional Add-On: Dot‑to‑dot activity pages for children

Tip Me Over, Lord, and Pour Me Out

What if we compared our spiritual lives to teapots? How’s your spout these days? In this charming, Scripture‑centered presentation, Sally Matheny uses the familiar elements of a teapot—its handle, lid, spout, and even the steeping process—to explore different areas of Christian growth. Through biblical insights, relatable anecdotes, and delightful facts about tea, audiences discover what it means to be “poured out” for God’s purposes.

This message blends gentle humor with meaningful encouragement, making it a lovely fit for women’s luncheons, afternoon teas, and special ministry gatherings. It can also be easily adapted for multigenerational audiences, with optional activity sheets for children to enjoy during the program.

Length: Approximately 30 minutes
Best For: Women’s ministry events, teas, luncheons, multigenerational gatherings
Optional Add‑On: Activity dot-to-dot sheets for children

“Which Path Should I Take?” Our Adoption Testimony

Occasionally, we reach a crossroad in life where the choices feel overwhelming, and the path ahead is anything but clear. In this heartfelt presentation, Sally Matheny shares her family’s adoption story—the unexpected valleys, the miraculous moments, and the profound truths God revealed along the way.

Through Scripture, personal journal entries, and honest reflection, Sally invites audiences to see how God faithfully guides His children, even when the journey looks nothing like what they imagined. What may seem like detours often becomes the very road God uses to lead us into His purpose.

This testimony offers encouragement, hope, and a deeper trust in God’s sovereignty. Originally presented at a women’s event, it can also be adapted for married couples or family‑focused gatherings.

Length: Approximately 30 minutes
Best For: Women’s ministry events, married couples, family gatherings
Optional Add-On: List of Resources if You’re Considering Adoption

“Tell Your Story and Don’t Leave the Jesus Part Out”

A Testimony‑Driven Presentation

In the movie War Room, Ms. Clara insists that her statement to the police include every word she spoke to a thief—especially the part about Jesus. “Too many people leave the Jesus part out,” she says. Her boldness sets the tone for this inspiring presentation about sharing our stories with courage and purpose.

Sally Matheny opens with one of her most embarrassing moments—an experience God has continually used for His glory. Through Scripture, personal reflection, and gentle humor, Sally encourages audiences to recognize how God works through both our victories and our vulnerabilities.

This presentation helps women understand:

Why your story matters
How God uses ordinary moments for extraordinary purposes
Practical ways to share your testimony—big or small
How to keep “the Jesus part” at the center

Whether your story is dramatic, quiet, joyful, or even embarrassing, God can use it to encourage others and point them to Him.

Length: Approximately 30 minutes
Best For: Women’s ministry events, retreats, teas, luncheons, and churchwide gatherings

“Splashes of Joy”

Who in your life could use a splash of joy? Truthfully—everyone. No need to tread the brain waters trying to come up with ideas. This cheerful presentation dives into Scripture for inspiration and explores the who, what, when, where, and how of encouraging others in meaningful, Christ‑centered ways.

Sally Matheny blends biblical truth with uplifting stories to help audiences discover simple, intentional ways to brighten someone’s day and reflect the joy of the Lord. The message is practical and heartwarming, designed to leave listeners refreshed and ready to pour joy into the lives around them.

Originally presented at women’s ministry events, “Splashes of Joy” can also be adapted for multigenerational gatherings and includes an optional craft to engage children.

Length: Approximately 30 minutes
Best For: Women’s ministry events, teas, luncheons, multigenerational gatherings
Optional Add‑On: A joy‑themed craft for children

“Our Legacies”

Psalm 78 calls God’s people to remember His works and pass them on to the next generation. In “Our Legacies,” Sally Matheny guides women through three meaningful areas of legacy building:

Loosen It – What to keep, what to release, and how to let go of what hinders a godly legacy

Live It – How to cultivate a fruitful, Christ‑centered legacy in everyday life

Love It – Embracing your spiritual inheritance and celebrating the story God is writing

Through Scripture, reflection, and practical encouragement, women discover the lasting value of leaving a spiritual legacy—one that doesn’t require being a parent to make an impact. Every woman has a story worth passing on.

This presentation also includes instructions for creating a Legacy Scrapbook, offering a hands‑on way for women to begin capturing meaningful memories, Scriptures, and testimonies. Event planners may choose to incorporate time during the session for participants to start their scrapbooks.

Length: 30–45 minutes
Best For: Women’s ministry events
Add-On: Legacy Scrapbook Activity

“Treasured Possessions” (for K – 6 Girls)

A Special Program for Girls (K–6) and the Women They Love

Does your daughter or granddaughter have a little box where she keeps her treasures? Many girls do—and those treasures often tell a story. “Treasured Possessions” is a heartwarming program designed for girls ages 5–11 and the women who hold a special place in their lives: mothers, grandmothers, aunts, mentors, or family friends.

Throughout the presentation, girls partner with their accompanying adult in a fun, interactive activity—searching for specific items in the women’s purses as part of a guided lesson on what God says about true treasure. Together, they explore Scripture, discover what God values most, and shine a bright light on His great love.

This program is intentionally crafted as a bonding experience. Girls and their adult companions stay together for the entire session, including craft time. After each girl decorates her own treasure box, the older women tuck the Bible verses discussed during the program inside, then pray with the girls—a meaningful moment they can take home and cherish.

The program can also be adapted to include boys, if desired.

Length: 30–45 minutes
Best For: Mother‑daughter events, girls’ ministry gatherings, K–6 programs, family ministry events
Add-On: Treasure‑box craft

“Real Joy, Real Friends”

A Connection‑Building Program for Women

In trying times, every woman longs for two things: real joy and real friends—the kind of relationships that go deeper than polite conversation and offer genuine encouragement. This uplifting program helps the women in your group get to know one another better while exploring practical ways to move beyond friendly chit‑chat and build meaningful, Christ‑centered friendships.

Through Scripture, songs, and shared stories, women discover how blessed bonds form when we intentionally invest in one another. The session begins with the full group together and then transitions into smaller breakout circles, where participants can connect more personally. The format is flexible and can be adapted to suit your event’s needs.

Length: 1–1.5 hours (depending on breakout session time)
Best For: Women’s ministry events, retreats, luncheons, and fellowship gatherings

“Be a Friend”: A Friendship‑Building Program for Children (Grades 3–5)

Friendship is like a garden—if we want it to grow, it needs care, attention, and a little know‑how. “Be a Friend” is a fun, interactive program designed to help children in grades 3–5 learn how to build healthy, lasting friendships.

Through games, crafts, role‑playing, and hands‑on activities, children discover:

What to do when they’re new to a group
How to keep a friendship friendly
How to care for friendships so they continue to grow
Practical ways to show kindness, resolve small conflicts, and include others

This upbeat session helps kids practice real‑life friendship skills in a safe, encouraging environment. You can tailor the length of the program based on how many games and crafts you’d like to include.

Length: 1–2 hours, depending on what you want to include
Best For: Children’s ministry events, after‑school programs, clubs, camps
Includes: Games, handouts, role‑playing activities, and crafts

“Do-Nut Worry About Homeschooling Through High School Planning Workshop”

If you’re homeschooling middle school or high school students, this practical and encouraging workshop will help you navigate the high school years with confidence. Taught by Sally Matheny, a homeschool veteran of more than 20 years with three graduates, this session provides clear guidance for planning, recordkeeping, and preparing your teen for life beyond graduation.

Participants receive a comprehensive handout with notes and links to helpful resources. Sally covers a wide range of topics, including:

Involving teens in planning their high school path
Driver’s education
Career exploration
Dual‑enrollment and taking college classes in high school
Recordkeeping and transcripts
Standardized tests and evaluations
Preparing for graduation and celebrating it well

You’ll leave encouraged and equipped to finish the final stretch of your child’s homeschooling journey with purpose—and maybe even a little joy.

This workshop is designed for homeschool parents, and teens are welcome to attend.

Length: 1.5–2 hours
Best For: Homeschool conferences, parent workshops, co‑ops, homeschool association meetings
Includes: Handouts as well as emailed notes with resource links

WWII American Home Front Presentations

After years of study on the World War II American home front, Sally Matheny developed two comprehensive WWII unit studies published by SchoolhouseTeachers.com. Her article on home‑front conservation during the war appeared in The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. She has taught classes on the WWII American home front to homeschool students ages 10–18, using both primary and secondary sources, artifacts, and a WWII veteran to bring history to life.

Sally is currently serving as an Educator Advisory Council Member for The National WWII Museum’s Teaching and Learning Team, contributing her expertise to support the museum’s educational mission.

Sally offers a series of engaging presentations on key aspects of the American home front during 1941–1945. Each session blends historical facts, visuals, stories, and age‑appropriate insights to help audiences understand how everyday Americans contributed to the war effort.

Speaking Topics Include:

Communication & Entertainment (1941–1945)
WWII Propaganda Posters
Changes in Industries, Jobs, and Housing
Community Involvement: Salvage, Knit, Roll, Write, and Buy
“Use It Up, Wear It Out, Make It Do, or Do Without”
Rations, Victory Gardens, & Home‑Front Recipes
Inventions (1941–1945)
Introducing President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt

Length: Each presentation is approximately 40–45 minutes.
Best For: 6th-grade students – adults
Sally can also prepare customized presentations for younger students.

Writing for Magazines: Sharing Your Stories with the World

A Workshop for Beginning Writers

Discover how your life stories, wisdom, and experiences can become meaningful magazine articles that inform, uplift, and leave a lasting legacy. This encouraging, practical workshop guides new writers from idea to publication, offering clear steps, helpful tools, and insider tips to build confidence and momentum.

Participants learn:

Why Write for Magazines?
Where Articles Are Published
What Editors Want—and What They Don’t
Sources for Strong Article Ideas
The Structure of an Effective Article
Helpful Writing and Formatting Tips
What a Query Letter Is and How to Write One
How to Submit, Follow Up, Accept Feedback, and Sign a Contract
Resources for Writers

Length: 1–1.5 hours
Best For: Beginning writers, teens through senior adults
Includes: Slide presentation, handouts, and interactive activities

*PROGRAMS: I provide free digital graphics for bulletin/program covers upon request.