What words can I use to describe such an experience! The Women of Faith Conference was the most awesome thing I’ve ever been to. My husband says I’m in the doghouse for saying that because it includes our wedding (oops!), but I don’t know that I can explain how incredible it really was.

Patti, Denise and Sonya

I was able to go to the conference in Tampa at the St Pete Forum Arena, with two friends, who I dearly love, on August 15-16, 2008 . The Pre-Conference on Friday, included Anita Renfroe, Patsy Clairmont, and Jan Silvious, along with the Women of Faith Worship Team. On Saturday, the packed arena hosted Sandi Patti, Sheila Walsh, Marilyn Meberg, Allison Allen, and Louise DuArt, as well as vocalists Natalie Grant and Nicole C. Mullen, who brought down the house. We also had a special guest, Steve Arterburn, the creator of Women of Faith.

They each brought their own unique talents and giftings to the spotlight. They shared humorous stories and heart-wrenching struggles, laying their hearts wide open. At times, our sides hurt from laughing so hard, and yet, our souls wept. We were drawn into the lives of these amazing women who taught us that God can bring you through anything. Learning about our emotions, the importance of wisdom, the power of prayer and how to focus our lives on God were life lessons to treasure.

Sheila Walsh

The praise and worship experience was beyond compare. Nicole C. Mullen and her group of teens that share the stage, rocked the rafters with joy. Natalie Grant’s powerful voice filled the room with a heavenly voice only God’s great skill could create. One of everyone’s favorite songs was “His Eye is On the Sparrow,” which Natalie did as an encore, without music and without a dry eye. Sandi Patti and Sheila Walsh not only shared their testimonies, but sang like beautiful angels.

And some men might be thinking – how can such a large group of women be in the same room and co-exist without conflict? The answer, of course is God. Never have I seen women come together so easily with grace and love. Though we were from different backgrounds, faiths and ideals, we shared a common ground as we worshiped together. The beauty of listening to 14,000 women lift their voices together in song was truly amazing. Tears streamed down my face as we all sang “How Great is Our God,” acappella (without music). It felt as though heaven opened up and God’s grace and love shown upon us like sunshine.

The experience was only made more sweet by sharing it with my two girlfriends. Our husbands couldn’t get a word in edge-wise when we got home, as we recounted our stories and laughter. I feel incredibly blessed to have been apart of such a magnificent weekend, and can’t wait to do it again. I encourage all women to find out more information about Women of Faith and become a part of it. It will change your life.

(Check out www.womenoffaith.com for more information.)

One of my first of the year commitments was to get in shape. Jon and I joined the YMCA and started working out. We did pretty good at getting a regular routine going. When summer hit however, our schedules got turned upside with the addition of our kiddos full time for 6 weeks. Somehow, we never did get around to going to the Y, and our routine was lost.

I didn’t know just how much I missed going to the Y until I returned yesterday. My work schedule had become a hopeless path of endless hours of work and stress. I finally broke down and decided I needed a workout and headed for class.

My favorite activity at the Y is Pilates, with my favorite instructor, Meredith. Every Tuesday and Thursday morning, between the hours of 9:30 – 10:30am, I can escape in a cocoon of joy. Meredith is an amazing lady, who takes her faith seriously. And thanks to the Y, she can not only play Christian music during our class, but she offers prayer when class is over. I admire Meredith for “taking her faith to the street” as it were, sharing Christ (even if just through music in the background) with those that enter her world.

When I began going to Pilates, my body was out of shape and it let me know it. But as I started to stretch those muscles something amazing happened. I found an environment of spiritual fulfillment. In that simple workout room, with the lights off and sunlight streaming through the windows, with soft music in the background praising my Lord and Savior, I found a place that I could share time with God. As my body twists and stretches, in my mind I praise Him, talk with Him, laugh with Him and share with Him. One move in particular always makes me smile, as we raise our hands up high and stretch towards the ceiling, I always feel like a child reaching up to my Heavenly Father, asking Him to “Pick me up!” And His arms embrace me with love.

By the time class is over, those that would like to, can stay and pray with Meredith. After spending time with my Lord alone, now I join other women like myself in a circle, and we lift each other up in prayer. Meredith begins our prayer, and with the voice of an angel, and the heart of one as well, she sweetly thanks God for all the blessings He bestows upon us. She lifts each woman up as a precious offering, asking His grace and provision over each of us and our families. The prayer passes around the circle, as those that want, lift their voice in prayer. The Holy Spirit is there within that small circle and cradles us in comfort.

Yesterday, as I stood in the circle, the walls came tumbling down. The barriers of stress and worry that had been built around me, crumbled. The emotions poured through me and rained down my cheeks. The Holy Spirit cleansed me and welcomed me back into my circle of joy.

I thank God for my time with Him every day, whether it’s at home in my quiet time, driving in my car singing praise songs, or in a small workout room at the YMCA. Our God is so great.