An incredible long-weekend I will not soon to forget came to a close last night as a good friend and I boarded our plane and headed home from our mountain top experience. Quite literally.
We spent Thursday through Sunday soaking in God's indescribable beauty as we were at a conference nestled right in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
When the snow stopped and the sky parted for moments at a time, we attempted to catch our breath as we gazed at the high country and all the spectacular surroundings.
If you ever have an opportunity to do so, I would encourage every woman I know to attend this conference. It's called "Captivating" and is run by Stasi and John Eldredge.
I am still trying to find the words to describe the amazing impact this time spent there had on my heart. It may take a while before I can digest it to really be able to sum it all up.
Perhaps I can post more as it comes.
It was a mixture of laughter and tears. Good tears. These tears are the ones that come from the soul and leave you moved and changed.
To say that God met us there is a gigantic understatement!
God's rich, passionate and extravagant love for each woman there was made known in a very real and personal way to each of us. He met us where we were and took us along a journey to revelation of the depth of His soul -- where His unlimited, unbridled love for each of us abides.
Every session was filled with reminders of how God sees us through His gracious eyes -- NOT AT ALL as we see ourselves. It's a powerful thing to allow His view of us as His beloved princesses actually sink in and permeate our heart of hearts.
Through Him we are loved, lovely, precious, worthy, and forgiven!!
The worship was probably as close as I have ever come to feeling like I was amongst the choirs of angels in the throne room of heaven. 400 women all in harmony, singing from their souls. Simply worshiping this King of Kings as His princesses. Once again, beyond description.
On the last night as we worshiped and embraced the depth of His love and grace for us, we sang a song about the awesome power of the freedom found only in His love, you could tangibly feel the lightness in these women's hearts as we emotionally and passionately accepted His freedom as we sung each note.
It was SO beautiful!!
It feels great to be deeply loved and know that I am lovely to Him. Wow. That really is A LOT to take in. And believe.
Here's the link for the next conference:
My good friend, me and our precious new friends.
3 comments:
What a very great blessing. You so deserve that, esp. after everything you've gone through this year. Would love to hear more about it when you feel like blogging more.
I was just praying for a renewal (for myself). I caught myself feeling sorry for myself and everything that every Mom has to do in this season of life. I was wishing that someone would swoop in and relieve me of my Motherly duties so that I could replenish my energy. It's so easy to begin playing the poor me game, instead of being thankful for the things in my life that bring this busyness. So instead, I'm thanking God for these busy days. :) Whew. Hope that all made sense!
Take care today!
Oh Kristen! It's as though you read my thoughts this weekend!!
When I was away at the conference, I was not wanting to come back. Not that I did not want to SEE my little boys and my sweet husband, I did not want to come and have to DO any more "mom duties". The "decade of wiping" as our speaker called it! :)
In one of our times of quiet reflection, they asked us to talk with God about His special dream He has placed on our heart for us to live out.
I was waiting to hear something HUGE, new, a revelation I had never thought about as He answers the passions of my heart.
What came to me was a bit shocking. I felt as though He was whispering, "You are living your dream right now, you just have forgotten your dream."
Oh yes!! I have only wanted to be a mom since I was 3 and my baby sister was born! I HAVE dreamed about these days for 25 years before reality!
I felt like I needed to make a renewed vow that I would make every attempt to do it WELL for Him and for my family.
He then reminded me that He never gives us dreams and passions that we can not achieve. Without Him, of course. And THAT part is the key I think.
So, when Monday morning rolled around and I went in to see my sweet T for the first time since last Wednesday, and he began wailing since I was not Daddy and Daddy was now at work again, I took a deep breath and knew that it is indeed with His strength alone that I can do anything well at home with my kids. Sure, I can do it, but I want to WELL.
I will pray that you too can feel a renewed sense of strength and ability as a mom. Each moment IS worth it! :)
Hang in there, dear friend!
J, you are such an encouragement! Thank you for sharing how God is working in your life.
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