I just got home from a quick girls get away weekend. It was a Beth Moore series with some great friends just an hour away at the most beautiful lodge style hotel. I am so thankful that I have "people" in my life. We can steal away and just love and be loved. 
If you have not had a chance to enjoy a slumber party with 10,000 closest girlfriends you need to attend a Women of Faith and experience it. It isn't as scary as it sounds, in fact there is nothing like laughing in an arena full of amazing women, or worshipping to Awesome God sang acapella. Thursday nite Traci, Mom and I took off for Spokane. We power shopped the Northtown mall and finally checked into the Davenport at 10pm. We ate some fun appetizers in the Safari lounge and fell into bed around midnite.
Friday morning I took the Davenport town car (woohoo) to the arena to begin my volunteer time for Women of Faith. I had the opportunity to spend the day with Jan S, and Anita R. Two amazing women, they made me laugh and they made me cry. If you have not heard Anita Renfroe you have to see her on YouTube. She is a scream! Coupled with Patsi Clarimont the pre conference was amazing. We spent the day understanding emotions and how they shape our perspective. As always the Women of Faith worship team was rockin' and helped open each session.
That evening, the real conference began, Patsi Clarimont, Sheila Walsh and Aeyshia Woods were on that nite. I was on charge of all the hostesses for the conference. That meant that I needed to ensure everyone was doing their job and on time. A new addition to the event was security. We had them wherever we went. It was really interesting. I have to say that Sheila Walsh really shared her heart about losing her dad as a young child. It was amazing, she also shared how she had been through some tough times and God really stood by her. She has a new book out and I am hoping to get my hands on it.
As always each session was filled with tons of laughter! We fell into our hotel at midnite again and I was spent! I could hardly form words, poor Traci I think she was hoping for some girl talk and I was fast asleep. Saturday morning mom and I took the town car again to the arean and waited for the speakers to arrive. There were book signings, and sound checks, then the sessions began, there was a drama from Alison Allen, and talks from Sandi Patti, Marilyn Meberg, and Luci Swindoll. Nicole C. Mullen gave an amazing concert. There was a funny Q&A time and awesome worship.
It was a great experience. I had the chance to catch up w/Andrea M. its amazing we live in the same town and yet can't find time to see each other, she is selling her home and moving all while being a devoted wife and mother to 4 (count 'em) kids. Someday we will get together again, its not for lack of trying on both our parts. I also got to see Cheri D and Kerry S. What great women!!
I was glad to fall into my own bed Saturday evening late. I do love going and serving but I was exhausted. Sunday was a day I didn't even want to get dressed. I could have stayed in my pj's all nite but instead I went to Savan's dance performance. WOW. Danceworks was amazing! I loved it! I actually understood it. It was based on a Billy Joel song and it was GREAT. It is always fun to see Savan dance and for her to enjoy it!!
Sunday nite I hung with Mike and played a few video games. It was nice. I am glad I get to have all these experiences. Its not often you are in such great company and around such amazing women. Add WoF, the Davenport, and great friends, how can you go wrong?
It's Saturday, what a fun day!
-no work, okay the store but thats what I love
-no alarm clocks
-dogs slept in past 6am
-fun people coming in the store
-diet coke is on sale -now thats something to talk about!
-Jake is working for dad, (more money for fireworks)
-mom has a much needed day off
Too many this list is just normal to me they are small blessings that make me smile and remind me life is good. You know that's what scrapbooking is about. Reminders that life is good! Its a chance to document all the blessings God has given us. I made a shadow box this week and its a picture of my husband and I in the backyard. The quote says it all..... "We live by Faith and not by site" thats what this life is about.
Step out in faith, get married
Step out in faith, open a store
Step out in faith in friendships
Enough sap, as always I link to link to a favorite blog or site I frequent. Check out the girls near us at www.paper-pals.com.
