Sunday, May 4, 2008

Live, Love, Laugh Thoughts

It's Sunday evening and I'm still absorbing what God did at the Live, Love, Laugh conference.

The women's ministry team at Dallas Bay out did themselves once again. These girls can pull together a wonderful weekend. :) It was obvious from the moment they asked me to come that they were already covering May 2nd and 3rd in prayer. They expected God to move and He did. I'm honored to have been part of it.

The worship team was incredible. They learned a couple of new songs and sang their hearts out for Jesus Friday and Saturday. Thanks girls (and guys!) for taking your role as lead worshippers with such grace and dedication. It was a precious gift to stand on that platform with you. Friday night when we walked up the steps and I got my first glance at the ladies in front of us, my heart skipped a beat. It took my breath away and I was overwhelmed and honored that God allowed me to be there.

Micca Campbell and Amy Carroll from Proverbs 31 were the speakers this weekend. God used each one to say very specific things to me. Friday night as Micca spoke, I thought oh Lord, thank you so much for giving me my word on Friday night! I was just blown away at how on target her message was in a specific area of my life right now. But He wasn't done.

Amy took the platform first on Saturday and she just added another layer to the cake God had prepared for me. I was blown away again at just how specific the message was. He was moving and stirring in the hearts of many women, and we were only halfway through the day.

As Micca shared during the last session, I couldn't help but think of my story. The road I've travelled and the way God has moved and worked in my life. Looking back, I see His hand all over the place, even in the times I'm not proud of. It's thinking on those times that I'm amazed at the way He loves me.

One thing that really stuck out to me on this weekend was that both speakers didn't come with a "feel good" sugar coated devotion. They brought the Word. God gave them life-changing truth to share. Don't get me wrong, they were funny, excellent speakers! BUT, they brought the Word and challenged us to leave as changed women. Women who would make a difference in their family, their workplace and their church. THAT is something near to my heart.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I'm honored that God saw fit to let me be part of this. Can I just tell you that it's on weekends like this that I feel totally complete...this is what God called me to do. Wow...that's the first time I've written that down. I've felt it for a long time, but to actually see it in print is very emotional.

I'm sad to say that I did not take one picture. I KNOW!!! Not one...I'm hoping that Angela (Refresh My Soul) will have a few up on her blog! Hint. Hint!

I'm off to catch up on some much needed sleep! Have a great Monday.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

It sounds like a wonderful weekend Stephanie! Glad you got to be a part of it! :)

BethAnne said...

I am glad you had a wonderful time, but no pictures? Really? I thought you were my friend......
;-)

Fran said...

I am so happy for all of you! Sounds like the Lord showed up big time! Don't you just love that?? Nothing better than a Word straight from Him! Praying that your heart continues to jump up and down from the weekend! :)

Big hugs~
Fran

God's girl said...

Oh girl! I had so much fun too. God really just gave us a great gift you know?! Well, I am so sorry to say I have no pics either! How sad.

I will post about it too later. Still processing.
Love ya!
Ang

Cheri said...

So glad you had such a fantastic weekend. It's always so nice to hear God speak right to your heart.

Carol said...

Wow! How awesome! I love to hear about that kind of stuff.

Micca said...

Stephanie,
I’m so moved by what you said about Amy and me. My passion is to bring about change! I couldn’t be more pleased that you put it that way. Yes, we can laugh and have a good time together as women. In fact, it’s a must because I like to have fun! But our ultimate goal is to encounter God’s presence and leave forever changed. That only happens when His Word is spoken. He is the true communicator!

Also, let me say once more, that you have a gift of leading women to the heart of God. Even though you were center stage, all eyes were on Him! It was an honor to serve along side of you last weekend. I hope we’re given the opportunity to serve together again!
Blessings,
Micca

Amy Carroll said...

Stephanie,
It was wonderful spending the weekend with you! I want to echo Micca in saying that your words about our words brought tears to my eyes. My journey has been from a girl that loves the sound of my own words so very much to a woman who values God's Word most highly because it's Truth (!!) and because it transforms.

I hope our paths will cross again. You led me to worship in the deep places.

In His great Love,
Amy

Amy said...

Hey My Sistah,
Thank you for listening to the Father and following His leadership in directing our worship time this weekend! What an awesome time in Him! As always, you bring a heart that is hungry and thirsty for Him to the women there, and they can't help but follow your example.

You are PRECIOUS in His sight and mine! Thanks for everything!

Much love,
Amy P.