and spirit...encouragement for your soul.

Hopefully this will be a place of resources and information for living a healthy lifestyle while feeding your soul. Recipes, links to helpful sites, words of encouragement and scripture....all to help you and your family make wise decisions for your life.

Monday, October 15, 2012

Women of Faith weekend: What a blessed experience!

This past weekend I had a wonderful experience with thousands of women at the Women of Faith event at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida.  Our group had 49 fabulous women in attendance.  We laughed and cried, sang and danced together through a day and a half of inspiration, Bible truths, heart rending personal experiences and comic relief. 

We had a spectacular "slumber party" at the Courtyard at Lake Lucerne.  The gardens and grounds were beautiful and peaceful.  The staff couldn't have been more accommodating and we were able to enjoy the very interesting music from one of the afternoon weddings taking place on the grounds. 

Nothing could compare to the music of Sandi Patty, Amy Grant, Mandisa and the worship team of the Women of Faith organization.  I had never heard Amy Grant in person before.  I had never heard of Mandisa.  (I'm probably the only person in America who hasn't!)  I had heard and seen Sandi Patty many times before but her voice gets better and better as she gracefully ages.  All of the music was amazing! 

All those in attendance were moved by the life story of Brenda Warner, laughed uncontrollably at Andy Andrews and Patsy Clairmont, were inspired by Marilyn Meberg's "Think, Believe, Do!" and Elisa Morgan's, "What if we all did what we could?"

"Ballet Magnificat" was the crowning glory of the weekend.  Through interpretive dance they told the "Good news of Jesus Christ!"

I'm not sure how it could have been any better!  I am so looking forward to attending again next year.  I was so inspired I signed up to co-lead a group of 75 next year! 

We already know some of the speakers for next year:  Max Lucado, Sheila Walsh, Priscilla Shirer, Third Day, Lysa TerKeurst, Christine Caine, Patsy Clairmont and many more to be announced! 

I can't wait to write my "Women of Faith" story!  I know this is only the beginning.










Thursday, August 23, 2012

A Blessing in Numbers, A Blessing of Fellowship!

Our Pastor's wife, Crystal, sent an email to everyone for whom she had email addresses regarding the "Women of Faith" event in October, near our home, in Orlando, Florida.  The response has been amazing!

I have heard about the "Women of Faith" events for many years but have never had the opportunity to attend.  I can hardly wait!  Some of my favorite speakers and singers and performers will be there:  Andy Andrews, Sandi Patty, Amy Grant, Mandisa, Patsy Clairmont, Marilyn Meberg, Brenda Warner, Ballet Magnificent.....

The line up is fabulous! 

When the email went out we thought 30 women would be a good "stretch" goal.  We are currently at 37 women and counting!  What a blessing for our church, our community and our relationships!  There is no telling what will happen when 40 women get together "in the spirit!"  I predict changed lives and a changed spiritual community! 

I recently read the very short, very powerful book by Andy Andrews, "The Butterfly Effect."  Though short, the book was extremely powerful!  Andy's message is that everything we do matters.  If you haven't read it I highly recommend it.  It's about a 15 to 20 minute read that can change lives. 

I am so much looking forward to the fellowship of my sisters in Christ!  I'm looking forward to the speakers and entertainers and mostly, I'm looking forward to being with thousands of like minded women! 

If you would like to join our group please let me know.  There are still tickets available and a few rooms left to share.  Just think of it as a "girls night out!"  I just can't wait!