What A Weekend

I feel like I need to write but I don't know if I can put what I need to say into words. Anybody ever feel that way? Have you ever had an experience so incredible that you feel like anything you say about it won't do it justice? That's how I feel today.

This past weekend, my fellow chix, along with about 20 other ladies from our area, traveled to San Antonio, Texas for the Living Proof Live Conference and Siesta Fiesta event. It was a weekend that I will not soon forget. The worship and teaching were absolutely incredible, as I expected them to be. But the element of the weekend that I did not expect was the amount of fellowship and relationship-building that happened with the women from my church, as well as their friends and family that came with us.

As relational creatures, we women desire intimacy in our relationships. And developing that intimacy is a good thing. It gives us the communication we crave, builds us up, and helps us to build others. It helps us learn, grow and expand our horizons. In short, it is important to invest in people's lives and spend time with them. I know for me, there are days when I would much rather curl up with a good book and not answer the phone than make a phone call to a friend or check in on someone who may need a personal touch. Now of course there is nothing wrong with that every once in a while! But as believers, we are called to be relational. And you know why? It's because our precious heavenly Father is the most relational of ALL! He craves relationships with us, desires to spend time with us and wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives. So as His children created in His image, it is important for us to do the same.

One of the most precious times that was spent this weekend was an impromptu gathering of us all in a hotel conference room just talking and sharing and getting advice from each other. Some of the ladies who came were a few steps beyond most of us in their parenting and life experiences, and they spent sweet, precious time sharing their wisdom and encouraging us in our journeys. It was a true example of an investment with unlimited returns.

It was also wonderful to spend time with ladies from different circles and get to know new friends. We talked about how important unity within the body of Christ is, and how we need to get to know each other at deeper levels rather than just surface "hellos" at church. In short, we NEED each other and I am so thankful that I now have a wider circle that I feel close to and can share this life with.

Lastly, I just had an awesome time with my Lord this weekend. He wrapped his arms around me and blessed me over and over. I needed it. I am refreshed and overwhelmed and thankful and emotionally spent all at the same time! My heart's desire is to know Him more and to spend my life giving glory and honor to His precious name. I want to dig so deep into His word that I can't ever climb out. I want to be a light to those around me.

And I know that anything else I pursue pales in comparison.

L