No thanks. That’s what I told my friend Emily who, last October, was signing up ladies in our area for the Women of Faith conference that was to be in Lincoln, October of 2014.
Fall is our busiest season, I have no idea what is going on an entire year from now, I’m not really big on conferences like this…
I was full of reasons I couldn’t and shouldn’t go, and even though my reasons were legit, Emily still pushed me. “I think you need to go to this.” Okay, fine. Sign me up.
A few days before we headed out last Friday, I told another friend who was leery about going, “This better not be some fru-fru chick thing. I want meat, and I want it to be rich.” I hadn’t even looked at who the speakers were going to be, what was on the agenda, and I really had not had time to even think about it. I just planned to show up with an open heart, hoping maybe I could gain a nugget or two from what was shared.
Well. There we were, in an arena filled with 8,000 women. I laughed, I cried, I was pricked to the heart, I was fed, I was convicted, I worshipped, I found refreshment, and I’m not sure how many ways I can say this: It was incredible.
Some of my favorite Christian sisters are in this selfie. :)
Nichole Nordeman was there, Matthew West was there (one of the only men, bless him), and the five speakers were amazing. Nothing about the weekend was fru-fru chick stuff. All of it was scripture-filled, hard core Truth. Did I gain a nugget or two? Oh my. I don’t think I can even measure how much I gained from sitting in that arena for the weekend.
I praise God for always putting me exactly where I need to be, teaching me exactly what I need to learn, and helping me hear exactly what I need to know. We serve an amazing God.
Fletcher R. says
OMGosh, I used to fly from Ohio to Arkansas to drive to Louisiana to go to Women of Faith with my college friends. It was the most awesome, incredible, amazing time I have ever had. I’m not crazy about giant gatherings like that either, but those conferences were some of the biggest blessings of my life. How I’d love to go to just one more with those favorite buddies of mine!
Sandra @ Sandra's Ark says
I am Thankful for God’s Word & His Love
Sandra @ Sandra's Ark says
I am Thankful for God’s Word & His Love
http://www.sandrasark.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/i-love-bible-its-gods-love-14-things-i.html
Amanda says
Heading to the Women of Faith in St Paul in two weekends. So excited to hear you enjoyed it as I too have been ho-hum about going!
Lana says
I am thankful that my parents are visiting from out of state this week. I have not seen them for a year.
ms.p says
My hubby my daughters and my church family. God giving us other bend in our road.
Beth says
I was there also! It was an awesome two days of worship and fellowship. Have my tickets bought for next year already.
Lisa Appelo says
I’ve been eyeing the closest Women of Faith conference for my daughter and I. I heard Christine Caine recently at another event and was beyond blessed. Still feeding off her messsage that night.
I’m thankful for re-newing some family traditions and rebuilding our family after our great loss. So thankful God heals and restores.
http://lisaappelo.com/rebuilding-family-31-day-series/
Michelle says
Today I am grateful for time with my husband and my son WHOISTURNING7THISWEEKOHMYGOODNESS!!!!
Stacey says
The first time I went, I had a similar experience. The last time, I came away saying I never need to go back. The worship times turn into a performance of each of the singers doing their own little thing, instead of leading in corporate worship. There was mostly fluff and little actual teaching. It was a big disappointment.
This year I have signed up for the Mom Heart conference, with Sa,ly Clarkson. It’s in January and I’m so excited! I can’t wait to go and learn from her wisdom. I’ve never heard fluff come out of her mouth :)
Melinda Johnson says
I totally understand you! I had the opportunity to go to a Women of Faith conference in Indianapolis, and it was amazing!!! I did not go to our Christian/Church of Christ women’s conference this summer b/c of feeling like I wouldn’t gain much, being a little too fru fru chick. I take my time seriously and it was better served elsewhere that week, however, I would encourage all women to go to at least one women’s conference in their lifetime, especially if it’s the Women of Faith. The speakers all have incredible stories and truths to share, and they’ve written numerous books. They are careful who they select as artists to entertain the women. Please go if you can!!
Carie W-F says
I have been able to travel back and attend with most of the women in my family- always enjoy their company and the energy at the conference is a great blend to recharge my spirit and lots to think about. Going both days has been a blessing, singing to the Glory of the Lord!
Heather @ My Overflowing Cup says
I have never attended a WOF conference. I hope to someday. I am so glad you hear that you were so blessed by it. Today I am thankful that even though we’ve had some colds going around, we really are so blessed to have our health. We do serve a great God!
Tehila - Women Abiding says
I am so thankful for beautiful resources that Godly women have invested in compiling, such as the Beauty In The Heart Bible Study that my daughter has been working through. It has made such a change in her life as she focuses on True Beauty in our beauty-obsessed world!
Giving away a copy (by Doorposts) in a Giveaway this week in the hopes that it’ll bless another sweet young lady out there!
http://www.womenabiding.com/giveaway-beauty-in-the-heart-a-study-of-godly-beauty-for-young-women-doorposts/
Jan says
I am so grateful to have been able to attend Women Of Faith conference again this year. It was time for me with girlfriends who love the Lord. The speakers were “real” and spoke the word of God powerfully . Praise & Worship in a large arena filled with women seeking Jesus is awesome! We made new friends, and were able to lend support to one another, even now.