He Speaks

He went (with me), He saw (the plans he had in store for me), He spoke (in such a personal way). I'm just now able to formulate a sentence after an amazing weekend spent with 600 of my sisters in Christ from all over the country and a few from the world. Words fail to describe the atmosphere that surrounded us, like one speaker said, we are all gathered by the same man, we're in love with the same man, and we cannot wait to share this man with all the world - THAT is a miracle. Everyone arrives with hopes, dreams, expectations, and anxiety packed in amongst their clothing attire, and all leave just a little bit lighter in one sense, and a little bit more full in another.

This weekend, ladies from age 12 to infinity :), simply came. Some came to join the speakers tract, some for the writers tract, some for womens' ministry leadership, and some for the next generation (teenagers), many not knowing exactly why they came, but all with the desire to obey their Savior in taking the next step. This year, I felt the Lord ask me to focus on speaking. As you can see from the picture, we just had the most fabulous group there! Honesty, these ladies just blessed my socks off! We had a time of speaking on Friday in which we shared our testimonies, and time on Saturday in which we shared a short message based from a scripture verse. These ladies simply put themselves out there - transparency, hurt, joy, and peace, all spoken so elequently, uniquely, and honestly wrapped up in 3 minute segments - captivating. In fact, in our group of 11, the Lord saw fit to place a fellow sister who teaches at a Deaf residential school in another state! Two fist bumps up sister! We serve a big GOD!

My traveling companion was none other than my fabulous friend and neighbor, Robyn, who came to present a fabulous bible study all about our journey toward contentment. God has tremendous plans for her. She may seem small in stature, but she is a mighty warrior for the King! Look for her blog coming soon! I honesty can't think of a more enjoyable 8 hour drive in my life than my precious time spent at the feet of this wise lady. The Lord is using her as such a model of strength, and I'm not sure she even knows it. Her humble spirit would shrug this off, but my heart just longs to brag on the One who lives within her soul, obvious to anyone around her.

THESE fabulous ladies the Lord brought to me in the hall, actually. We spent some time together early in the morning... running around the parking lot. Yes in deed, we had us some church, and testimony time sweatin in the humidity and burning some calories for Him! Really, it was such an honor to meet these girls, Susan (lady on the right) has a fabulous blog called Running Mom and she offered this get together on line, so our hearts connected even before we arrived - technology CAN be used for some great things! Ladies, I look forward to praying for one another as the Lord walks with each step.


And speaking of technology... this is beautiful Chrystie. As you have a moment, you need to click on her link to the right, the light of Christ just jumps off the screen through her words, I'm serious. We had a chance to simply connect on-line just before the conference, and this sweet girl came right up and tapped by shoulder. I just love the way God works. Just spend a few moments with this girl, and watch the love of Christ shine as she's more interested in knowing you than in talking about herself. God has gifted her in writing His story in her life in a powerful way. Keep taking those steps of faith, he is with you always girl!

As for me, God never ceases to amaze. As I prayed for an encounter with Him, I could see it and hear it all around. I saw it in the faces of those he brought my way, I heard it through the team members of Proverbs 31 as they spoke, I felt his arms of peace and comfort in a room constructed for prayer. He met me as he spoke words of gentle reminders, words that ground me in my position with him, words and scriptures specifically chosen by him, given through human hands, words just meant for little me. He spoke, "Heather, I am here. I love you not because of your works, but simply because I AM. I have a plan for you. I have a purpose for you today, I have a purpose for you tomorrow. Trust me with the today. Don't forget to come to me and I will give you rest."

Lord, I thank you for being my ALL in ALL. As my name was placed next to your name as you reminded me of how you are my banner, that you are the one who gives me victory over the flesh and the evil schemes, I DO choose to rest in you. As Satan spoke words of doubt and failure over me Saturday night, you came in and spoke words of love and forgiveness. Jesus, I pledge to you my life with all my heart, with all my soul, and with all my mind. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14).