A renewal...Of purpose, of spirit, of hope and joy, of a clear direction to move in...
That is what I felt this weekend as a result of attending Time Out For Women in Rochester.
IT WAS WONDERFUL!
The process started for me a long time ago when a good friend from high school asked if I wanted to be a team leader... how could I turn her down? I got to help find women to spread the word about the event and at the event helped in small, but important ways. I love being with other women! I loved greeting these women, taking photos of them, feeling of their spirits, not even knowing who they were.
On Friday evening I watched excited women of every age line up at the doors for this very unique event. Their eyes were aglow, their excitement was sure, and they came really early!!! As the event started I walked up the stairs to say the opening prayer. As I bowed my head, with over a thousand other women, and started to speak to our Heavenly Father a wave flooded over me. My heart pounded, the tears fell from my eyes and my body tingled from head to toe. Not one of them was speaking, but I felt their energy, their spirit. There is a power in faithful, beautiful, virtuous women who seek their God and His will. This power is sustainable, it is one that will be with us as long as we will seek it. It clears our mind and hearts, it empowers us, it guides us on our journey. It was such a treat to bathe in that power for a day and a half, truly rewarding and a wonderful renewal.
Friday night we listened to Dallyn Bayles and John Bytheway. Certainly each of us that attended got what we needed from it. I really didn't want to leave. As I sat there I thought that I want my home to feel like this all of the time. It is me who will bring it in. Am I making effort? Sometimes it seems so big and daunting to do on my own. I CAN! I will! Priorities!
We were up way too early to get ready for the day. As I was waiting for the elevator I heard voices approaching, and round the corner came Hilary Weeks and Kris Belcher. I was a little star struck! They are beautiful women! I loved rubbing shoulders with them and getting to know them a little. Great women!
We got our assignments for the morning and prepared to start another wonderful day. We got to hand out the fabulous tote bag, there was much excitement about that! I took more photos, helped out, talked to ladies. Loved it! We had wonderful presenters: Hilary Weeks, DeAnn Flynn, Kris Belcher, Mary Ellen Edmunds, Wendy Ulrich, and Anthony Sweat.
I had to help out and didn't get to sit through all of them, but here are a few things I came away with from Saturday:
- A BIG fat tummy ache from laughing so hard. Kris Belcher is so funny!
- As I sat and watched this beautiful woman I wondered if she got tired of the jokes, her schpill to all of us. She is very honest about how much it brought her down to lose her sight. I appreciate that. I'm sure that it still stinks from time to time, and like the struggles I face right now, it's ok and I can laugh about it and feel fine about it... I can't change it, but then it stinks again, and it may over and over again. BUT, as long as I can feel the love of the Lord through out the journey I'm ok. Keep seeking Him.
I loved this weekend. My heart and soul needed it. I feel renewed. Thanks TOFW!