Infinite Grace

Infinite Grace 2008

Well, got back from our 3rd annual Women of Faith weekend... and it was amazing as usual.

I only wish I could share more of it with you.

It's always a bit overwhelming to be able to relay every nourishing nugget we are fed there through the Women of Faith 'porch pals'. But, this year, it's especially difficult for me to share because unfortunately, I don't think I actually retained much of it!

Don't get me wrong.

I was blessed every second of the time spent in that arena. And as previously mentioned; I laughed. I cried. And felt God tugging on my heartstrings with each and every single one of those precious speakers and singers.

Unfortunately, however; due to the medication I had decided to start taking Friday (w/out thinking about it), I observed half of the conference through closed eyelids! I could've just curled up and fallen asleep right there in my seat. It didn't occur to me until Sunday that that was probably the reason. (Up until that point, I just figured it was due to the high altitude of our seats!) : )

Thankfully though, I did take a couple of notes during the pre-conference Friday, so I am able to share SOMETHING of the experience with you all. And how it still spoke to me, despite my semi-comatose state... : )


Okay, let's see... my complete notes from Patsy Clairmont (Friday morning)... *drumroll*

1. Condemnation -vs- Conviction
2. "God has not forgotten you."

Tada!!

Okay, now let's see what I picked up from Jan Silvious, later that day... *drumroll*

1. "Do what you can or have to do. And leave the rest to God."
2. "Pray this prayer: 'Lord, I give everything I know of me to everything I know of You.' "

So, there you have it, Folks. My lengthy notes from an entire weekend of amazing speakers. Aren't you glad you had me to attend so I could now impart such wisdom for you on my blog?
Had I known I wouldn't retain the rest of the conference, I might've tried taking notes then, too! But, just trust me. It was an incredible weekend. One that may have momentarily bipassed my mind, but has left definite tracks on my heart. : )

Now, what still managed to speak to me, through my haze of remembrance was this...

No matter how long you wait to actually make the effort to 'pick up where you left off,

God is always there waiting... and on the same page.

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You know the part I had mentioned from Patsy's being : "Condemnation -vs- Conviction" ? I had just read that same thing in my Priscilla Shirer book "Discerning the Voice of God" Wednesday night of last week. The book I've had since May. I had picked it up in searching for some kind of peace and guidance about being in the housing market, feeling very pressured and overwhelmed by the whole thing. And Priscilla sweetly pointed out that "There's a difference between God's convicting voice and the Enemy's condemning voice. Condemn means to consider something worthy of punishment. Convict means to bring something to light in order to correct it." (Almost verbatim of what Patsy then spoke Friday.)

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And the part that spoke most to me about my situation: "The Thief's voice, unlike God's voice, threatens and intimidates on the basis of fear: 'If you don't do this, you'll be sorry!' It may order you or try to force you to do things. It is often urgent and pressing, sermonizing and demeaning: 'Do this now! If you wait, all will be lost!' " She reminds me that nowhere in the scriptures does God rush anyone into anything. He'd rather 'patiently and persistently give us clarity before requiring obedience'.

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Whew!

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Reading that by Priscilla already made me feel much better, but then to have Ms. Patsy reiterate?... well, every little reinforcement helps.

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And Patsy's sweet story of how she came about "God has not forgotten you." - well, that was just sweet and very encouraging. (Too long to include here, but I do actually remember that part, so maybe I'll share that one later down the line...) : )

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Then, Jan Silvious got up to speak and began speaking on the story of Moses, being placed in the basket, and ending up in the Pharoah's palace...

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On the way into the city Friday morning, Mom and her friend, Pam had just been discussing what they had been going over in their new bible study class on Wednesday mornings... and I bet you can guess what the topic of discussion had been for them... Moses, in the basket, ending up in the Pharoah's palace...

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On the same page...

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And her prayer of surrender just struck a real chord with me. And it's a great reminder for when I feel so buried under all my stress.

Oh, yeah. And she stated that modern science has proven that a large % of physical problems start in the mind... I can attest to that, for sure. But, good to know I'm not alone in that. : )

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Then, Saturday, their guest speaker was Max Lucado. It was a real treat to get to hear him speak. I had only read his books until now, but have always enjoyed them. But, the parable that he had used in demonstrating God's love for us was that of the prodigal son.

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Before I picked up Priscilla's book last Wednesday, I picked up John MacArthur's "A Tale of Two Sons" Tuesday night after bible study. The more indepth look at the parable of the prodigal son.

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So, there you go!

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I may not always be as in-tuned as I'd like to be, but at least I know that when I am plugged in, He's always right there with me! : )

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And, indeed, He truly does live.

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And if you ever doubt this, just watch Nicole C. Mullen sign this song while singing it in person. The chills that it brings to your skin and the tears it forms in your eyes will be all the proof you need. : )

Women Of Purpose One-Day Conference
March 8 at Eastridge Community Church
Doors open and registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

Relevant Breakout Sessions — Praise & Worship
Food & Fellowship

Guest Keynote Speaker: Marie Tittle
Marie Tittle is a gifted communicator and frequent speaker addressing the issues of women’s hearts. She is passionate about living a totally surrendered life to the Lord and for viewing everything in the light of eternity. Her message is effectively communicated through her keen sense of humor and down-to-earth spirit. She was on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ International for five years, where she led Bible studies, served on local ministry field teams, and worked as a national fundraiser in the Orlando campus ministry headquarters. She has led numerous Bible studies and enjoys coaching women at various stages of life. Marie currently resides in Woodstock, Georgia where she works alongside her husband Scott, in their financial advisory business. Marie and Scott have a six month old daughter named Suzette.

Other Speakers:

("Daisies in Disguise")

Laurie Baggett

Ronda Neff

Gay Nash

Jamie Savage

"Digging Deeper" w/ Tracy Moore

God longs for us to know Him and walk with Him. And He has graciously given us the tools to do that. This class, led by Tracy Moore, will help engage women in the pursuit of a lifelong adventure in learning to love God with all out heart, soul, mind and strength.

"got dirt?" w/ Renee Rutledge

Finding God's purpose for our lives by allowing Him to use us... 'dirt' and all. Presented by Celebrate Recovery director, Renee Rutledge. "God uses our dirt for His good purpose and plan! God's purpose for you is for YOU only!"

~And, these are just the sessions I made it to! There were many others offered throughout the day! I know I've said it before, but I thank God every day for this church. I have never known a more genuine, God-adoring group in my life. And I am so proud to be a part of it.

As you see, we had a women's conference yesterday, from 8:30 - 4:00 and it was so amazing. I can only imagine the work that went into pulling it all together, but it certainly wasn't in vain. It was a huge success. We had praise and worship, followed by a wonderful guest speaker to start us off. Then we were treated to snacks at the cafe. By then, it was time to break off into smaller groups and head to our first class. At the end of that, they presented to us a HUGE, wonderful lunch brought to us by our own Ms. Hilda. From there, we went back into main session for more praise and worship. Next, we headed off to our second class of choice - followed by more snacks and then on to class #3. To wrap it all neatly up, we had more worship and praise (so well done by our musically-gifted girls!) and Marie Tittle to close us out.

SUCH an awesome day for all who made it out! And I am just so thankful for each of the girls who made it happen. For all those who donated their time and energy. For all those who labored over the delicious food. And for all those who humbled themselves enough to bare their souls in order to glorify God and encourage each and every one of us participants.

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" The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence.

When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers."

~ Thich Nhat Hanh