Forever Beloved

this past weekend two girlfriends packed their luggage and themselves (along with a road trip mix cd) into a car and made the two hour trip to pittsburgh for the women of faith event.

i knew it was going to be good from what i had read about others that had attended.  but honestly, i had NO idea just how good it was going to be.  it absolutely and totally exceeded all my expectations!  honestly, it was so amazing it’s almost beyond words.

this years theme was “celebrate what matters” based on Psalm 33:20-21  Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield.  For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name.

the speakers were all amazing but the one that touched me the most was brenda warner.  what a truly beautiful life testimony she has.  and believe me, while she was speaking there was not a dry eye in the arena.      she had her son zack with her, who had a traumatic brain injury when he was just four months old.  when she read a letter that she wrote on his behalf, oh my, this mama’s heart was so touched.  and yes, many tears were shed.

i’ve also never worshiped quite that way ever before.  in the churches i’ve been in, when someone sings you sit and listen.  not at women of faith, oh no, you are on your feet with your hands in the air.  it took a bit for me but once i did, wow, let me just say it’s something i’ve never experienced before.  it was almost as if every song was a prayer and you could just feel the Lord there in the arena.  it was powerful, breathtaking and life changing.

one thing that really resonated with me this weekend was we all experience good times and bad times, triumphs and tragedies.  there isn’t a single one of us that has a perfect life.  but no matter what life throws at us, what matters is that God loves US.  He always has and always will.  isn’t that such a comforting feeling?

i’m already super excited to go back next year.  God is good and worthy to be praised  🙂

out for now
~kisses