We were so tired the last leg of our trip home from She Speaks. Our plane had been delayed and we were arriving an hour later than planned. My sister Jami shares our last "adventure" quite well here. She makes me laugh. I remember at one point during the plane ride looking over at her with her eyes closed, her hands folded and a very worried expression on her face.
But that was not the only way she inspired laughter on that fateful trip home (and yes I do haver her permission to share this - it is just one more example of what tired can do to a person).
We were looking out the window at all the pretty lights shining from the earth below us. And she made the comment, "Oh we must be getting lower."
"Why do you say that?" I questioned
"Because we can see the lights." she answered back.
"Jami, that is because there are no clouds out tonight."
"You mean we can always see the lights when there are no clouds?"
Some questions are better left unanswered.
Showing posts with label She Speaks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label She Speaks. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Stories, Pictures and New Friends
I'm not sure where to begin. I came away from She Speaks full of information, friendship and an excitement for the future. (And to think I almost missed it by miscalculating what time we should be at the airport Friday morning - picture me running through an airport parking lot hyperventilating at the thought of missing our plane!)
One of the highlights of the weekend was the focus on blogging. Not only did I get to meet people who love to blog and whose blogs I read, I got to sit in on workshops led by Boo Mama, Big Mama and Rocks in My Dryer! (If you are interested in growing your traffic or learning about blogging boundaries, etiquette and privacy check out their blogs, they have posted their material from the weekend!)
All of the workshops I attended were full of good information. I have a lot to process and sift through.
The best part of the weekend, however, (besides getting to share it with my sister) was the friendships that I made. I love it when God provides a kindred spirit. Even when you are not looking for one.
Pictured below are Karla, me, Jami and Emily (not pictured is Samantha). These are women I laughed with, cried with, connected with, ate with, and stayed up late with. Our time together was entirely too short. Thank you for making She Speaks extra special. And, for sharing your hearts and time with me. I can't wait until we meet again!
One of the highlights of the weekend was the focus on blogging. Not only did I get to meet people who love to blog and whose blogs I read, I got to sit in on workshops led by Boo Mama, Big Mama and Rocks in My Dryer! (If you are interested in growing your traffic or learning about blogging boundaries, etiquette and privacy check out their blogs, they have posted their material from the weekend!)All of the workshops I attended were full of good information. I have a lot to process and sift through.
The best part of the weekend, however, (besides getting to share it with my sister) was the friendships that I made. I love it when God provides a kindred spirit. Even when you are not looking for one.
Pictured below are Karla, me, Jami and Emily (not pictured is Samantha). These are women I laughed with, cried with, connected with, ate with, and stayed up late with. Our time together was entirely too short. Thank you for making She Speaks extra special. And, for sharing your hearts and time with me. I can't wait until we meet again!
Monday, June 23, 2008
He Speaks, I listen (sometimes)
What a weekend! I had the opportunity to travel to Charlotte, NC with my sister this past weekend for Proverbs 31's She Speaks conference. I went expecting a "message from God." I went expecting to hear from Him at the conference. And I did, although not in the way I expected.
On the first day of the conference I felt Him prompting me to do something outside of my comfort zone, it was not a big thing. It was not even that far out of the zone (like maybe an inch outside). But I said no. And it bugged me the rest of the weekend.
On Saturday night, I visited the prayer room. In the prayer room tables were set up that held papers with the different names of God and the names of all the conference attendees. I went to look for my name and walked right to it. It was on a page that said "The Lord of the hosts of heaven will always fulfill His purposes, even when the hosts of His earthly people fail." It spoke peace to me immediately.
Today during my quiet time I looked up the verses that were listed underneath those words. Malachi 1:10, 13 spoke to me. They say
Oh, that one of you would shut the temple doors, so that you would not light useless fires on my alter!... When you bring injured crippled or diseased animals and offer them as sacrifices, should I accept them from your hands?, says the Lord.
I think that is the state of my heart. I offer "sacrifices" that don't inconvenience me or make me uncomfortable. I offer only the things that I can give while still keeping up "appearances". But, I am not willing to give the best offerings, to make the true sacrifices and so I light a "useless fire" and offer him the "crippled animals." I obey Him when it is convenient and when I don't look like a fool in the process.
That is not how I want to live. I want to experience God in big ways and small ones. And that involves obedience. Honestly, I don't have a lot of confidence that I will obey him the next time he nudges me. So I will just plead for mercy and grace, which He always seems to have enough of, and rest in the knowledge that His purposes are always fulfilled, even when his people fail.
And now I am feeling very tired, so I think I am going to take advantage of my quiet house and take a nap. I will be posting pictures later. And telling stories. And introducing you to my new friends (one of the biggest blessings of the conference!).
On the first day of the conference I felt Him prompting me to do something outside of my comfort zone, it was not a big thing. It was not even that far out of the zone (like maybe an inch outside). But I said no. And it bugged me the rest of the weekend.
On Saturday night, I visited the prayer room. In the prayer room tables were set up that held papers with the different names of God and the names of all the conference attendees. I went to look for my name and walked right to it. It was on a page that said "The Lord of the hosts of heaven will always fulfill His purposes, even when the hosts of His earthly people fail." It spoke peace to me immediately.
Today during my quiet time I looked up the verses that were listed underneath those words. Malachi 1:10, 13 spoke to me. They say
Oh, that one of you would shut the temple doors, so that you would not light useless fires on my alter!... When you bring injured crippled or diseased animals and offer them as sacrifices, should I accept them from your hands?, says the Lord.
I think that is the state of my heart. I offer "sacrifices" that don't inconvenience me or make me uncomfortable. I offer only the things that I can give while still keeping up "appearances". But, I am not willing to give the best offerings, to make the true sacrifices and so I light a "useless fire" and offer him the "crippled animals." I obey Him when it is convenient and when I don't look like a fool in the process.
That is not how I want to live. I want to experience God in big ways and small ones. And that involves obedience. Honestly, I don't have a lot of confidence that I will obey him the next time he nudges me. So I will just plead for mercy and grace, which He always seems to have enough of, and rest in the knowledge that His purposes are always fulfilled, even when his people fail.
And now I am feeling very tired, so I think I am going to take advantage of my quiet house and take a nap. I will be posting pictures later. And telling stories. And introducing you to my new friends (one of the biggest blessings of the conference!).
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
She Speaks Writer's Conference
I have recently discovered Lysa TerKeurst's blog. I think you would enjoy it. It has been an encouragement to me (including some laugh out loud posts!). Tuesday's post got me excited!
Every year Proverbs 31 Ministries hosts a conference for women called She Speaks. I have heard about She Speaks through my involvement with Hearts at Home and have always been intrigued. It is geared towards women who wish to partner with God through speaking, writing and/or women's ministries. I would love to go and Lysa is hosting a major giveaway on her blog - a scholarship covering all conference expenses (except travel) to She Speaks!
Why do I want to go? I'm glad you asked...
Reason #1 When I was young I wanted to be an author. It is a dream that has resurfaced in the past two years (thanks to the gentle prodding of a good friend). I am slowly moving down this path of writing. I hope that through writing, God can use me to minister to others. I have had a few articles published and want to grow as a writer. I want to learn more about publishing and how to maneuever effectively in this industry. The opportunity to attend She Speaks would be a huge step towards pursuing this dream.
Reason #2 My blog is one of my ministries - a way to encourage, connect, and share life with other moms. I want to learn how to expand this ministry and do it more effectively.
Reason #3 I live in a house with 4 children. The oldest is 4 1/2. I NEED a vacation. A weekend spent with other women pursuing God's call on their lives sounds GLORIOUS!
Thank you Lysa and friends for giving me a shot at attending She Speaks. I hope I see you there!
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