Over the Top

I went to the Women of Faith conference this weekend (this year's theme was Over the Top).

This was my third year going (you can read about my experiences from past years here and here). Each year has been unique in what I've taken from it and the things God has taught me there.

The worship was amazing, the speakers spoke awesome truths, and I got to spend some time with some wonderful women.



Some of the big points I took away from this weekend were:

• Everything we do makes a difference to the world around us (kind of like the butterfly effect. Even something small that we think won't affect anyone, really will). It really made me think about how I spend my time.

• Our cravings will never be satisfied here on earth, but we will be completely satisfied in heaven (as in, we are constantly looking to the people around us or earthly things to make us feel satisfied in this life, but we will always be wanting more. Nothing is going to make us feel complete here on earth, no matter how hard we try). It really made me think about the things I pursue or chase after in this life, that really have no worth eternally.

• Change can be good. One of the speakers shared that she is one of those people that hates change...unless she's the one doing the changing. And, that is exactly how I feel. But, change can definitely be good sometimes. Without change, we just remain stagnant and can't see the things that God could have in the works for us.

• When we have dreams, and it seems like God is saying no to them, that is not the case. God isn't saying no to our dreams...He's just saying yes to ones we haven't had yet. How cool of a thought is that?

I also had a huge breakthrough on Friday night. Mandisa was up there singing one of her songs, Broken Hallelujah, and I just lost it... At first, I didn't understand why I was so overcome by that song, but God began speaking to my heart as I sat there, literally shaking and sobbing. He told me that I need to stop worrying so much about the people and situations around me, and just focus on Him. I have definitely had some situations in my life recently where I've been letting other things take my focus off Him... I've also been allowing fear to reign in my heart in other areas of my life...and I didn't really realize until that moment how much it was actually affecting me. I just sat there, with tears pouring out of my eyes, letting the words to that song, and the truths God was speaking to me, seep into my heart.

With my love and my sadness
I come before You Lord
My heart’s in a thousand pieces
Maybe even more
Yet I trust in this moment
You’re with me somehow
And You’ve always been faithful
So Lord even now

When all that I can sing
Is a broken hallelujah
When my only offering
Is shattered praise
Still a song of adoration
Will rise up from these ruins
I will worship You and give You thanks
Even when my only praise
Is a broken hallelujah

Oh Father, You have given
Much more than I deserve
And I have felt Your hand of blessing
On me at every turn
How could I doubt Your goodness
Your wisdom, Your grace
So Lord hear my heart
In this painful place

Hallelujah
I lift my voice
Your Spirit moves
I raise my hands
I reach for You
(Broken Hallelujah, Mandisa)

She then began singing Blessed Be Your Name, which, if you've been reading my blog for any length of time, or know me in real life, you'll know it is my favorite worship song. She ended by singing the Heart of Worship...which really hit me as well. At times, I let my worries of what people think of me hinder the way I worship...and I shouldn't. My worship to God is not about the people around me...it's about me giving glory to Him.

(Some of the beautiful women I went with)

There, of course, is so much more that God spoke to me over the weekend...but I will leave you with this:

Never give up.

God knows what you need, He knows all of your hurts and fears, and He loves you still. Never give up...because He will never let go of You.

Have a blessed week, my friends.

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