Women of Faith 2009

This weekend along with 16,000 other women, I attended the Women of Faith Conference in Dallas. This was my 5th year to go and each year it seems that God speaks to me in different ways. On Friday evening the conference began of course with the worship team but then came my favorite speaker at this conference, Patsy Clairmont. There is just something about Patsy that I absolutely adore. Is it her small stature (something she and I have in common), her ADD/ADHD tendancies (which as a teacher make me smile), the way she delivers her message (through humor), her childlike, care-free spirit, her amazing intelligence, or is it that God has used her in such a mightily way that because of her experiences she has great testimony for all of us? I'm not sure that it isn't a combination of all of the above. This year Patsy spoke/wrote about Fireflies AKA Lightening Bugs and how in the midst of the very darkest places you can see their little lights. That just really spoke to me because there are days at my job that I feel like I'm the only firefly around. Thank you Patsy for reminding how important it is to keep letting my little light shine.

Then came Steven Curtis Chapman.
Many of you are aware of the tragic accident that happened in their family last year with the death of their 5year old daughter Maria Sue. He began the concert with a song he had written for Mary Beth (his wife) and that was the first point of the night that tears fell from my eyes. God spoke to me through the words of that song and I realized what a joy and priviledge (sp?) it is to be a mother/wife and how at times when it seems that all we do isn't appreciated or worth the effort, we are impacting the lives of our children just by wiping away the tears or rocking them to sleep. Well of course, Steven spoke a little bit about the tragedy and there wasn't a dry eye in the place. Then he sang for us the song he had written for STevie Joy and Maria Sue, you know the one, "Cinderella"! Wow! I've heard this song many times since it was released and never have I cried so hard and really felt the words and how Steven must have been feeling as he stood there singing this song.
I found it very cool that his sons Kaleb and Will Franklin were there with him playing Electric Guitar and Drums. Thank You Steven Curtis Chapman for a night full of tears of joy. I haven't cried that hard or that much in a long time. Thank you for letting God use your life to minister to me.

That pretty much put an end to the evening, which was good, because I didn't really know how much more I could take. My cup was empty but overflowing with joy!

Saturday morning began with a very hard, but honest journey from Sheila Walsh.
Sheila and her family have had a rought couple of years recently and at a point in her marriage she was through. To hear her talk about that and what it did to their family and then to hear how with God's help she is overcoming the way she felt and was. Sheila encouraged me that in the hard times, never give up, but LET GO and Let God handle it. Thank You Sheila for your bravery in sharing something so personal.

After Sheila was a sweet young lady many of you may remember as Blaire on the Facts of Life, Lisa Welchel. When I first heard her name I wasn't sure who she was. You see I was not quite 10years old when her show was on TV but for some reason I recognized the photos of her. Lisa did share about her time in California and being on Facts of Life and how she struggled with her weight. Lisa has a very sincere heart and she is glowing she is so full of love. I loved the way, she loves her family. Lisa, thank you for that example that you set for us moms out there.

Next up, Marilyn Meburg. I think that if one could just sit down with Marilyn for one hour, one could learn more than they probably ever wanted about themself. Marilyn's gift as a Shrink has come in handy as she serves the Lord and helps those around her to become better people. Marilyn is so technical (well she is a doctor) and I love how that comes through when she is speaking. She is about 70 years old and I can't believe how independent and strong willed she is. If nothing else, the gusto she has is going to get her to at least 90. You go Marilyn! I love to hear from you and how God has used your mind and education to bring others to peace through Christ.

Then, the one and only, Mandisa! WOW! What can I say! First off, I am not a fan of American Idol. So, I did not really know her before this weekend. Mandisa CAN Sing and that girl knows how to shake it! Madisa too has a phenomenal story about her struggle with weight and the issues she faced as a child! That girl's heart is so big, it just seeps right through her blood into her feet and hiny! When she sings she lights up the room! She has such a beautiful face and a sweet, sweet spirit! SHe is also very fun and lively, keeping us on our toes and helping us sing our hearts out to God! Mandisa, you are a new favorite for me. Thank you God for putting her in path this weekend!

AND Last but definitely not least, Luci Swindoll, a favorite of many. Luci began this year by singing a lovely jazz song by Louie Armstrong, "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen, Nobody KNows but Jesus, Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen, Glory Hallelujah"! Luci, was singing right along with you! What a wonderful song and I love how you brought up the part about Glory Hallelujah and why/how did that get in there. Thank you for reminding me that even in the bad times, we need to say Lord, Glory Hallelujah for what He has done!

If you've never been to Women of Faith or if you didn't get the chance to go this year, I beg of you to find a group of girlfriends from church, work, your family and GO! Like I mentioned in the beginning of this blog, this was my 5th year and let me tell you it gets better and better each year! If you live near me and would love to go with us to the Dallas event next year, please let me know and I will add your name to our church group ticket list! May the Lord bless you and keep, may His face shine upon you, may He be gracious to you, and give you Peace!