Women of Joy Branson 2011

This year I once again attended the Women of Joy conference in Branson. It's a 3 day, 2 night event I look forward to each year and all year long until the next. This year my friend Amanda and I roomed together and she was a great roomie:) I got the first 2 full nights of sleep in 9 weeks, which was awesome! We still got up at 5:30 AM on Saturday and Sunday, so that we could get ready, eat breakfast, and get in line at the Branson Convention Center for a good seat! The speakers were phenomenal as ususal and a concert by my favorite Christian band Casting Crowns was truly a treat. As a side note about one of the reasons why this band is a favorite. After our 2nd misscarriage I was driving home from work and on my own Christian compilation CD the song Praise You In The Storm from their Lifesong album came on and tears started to fall from my eyes. I had been trying to stay strong and not become too emotional about the loss, but the lyrics just spoke to me and I heard exactly what I needed to hear. It provided me with new strength to get through our loss and continue to praise Him in the midst of it. I posted the lyrics at the end of this post. The stampede, an un-lady-like and unbecoming behavior, at the concert I could've done without. It was definitely scary running to the seating area in order to get good ones for the concert. That moment affirmed me that I made the right decision not to bring Alanna with me. I'm a little embarrassed to say that I was part of that stampede! We did have pretty good seats though;)

Amanda & I @ The Casting Crowns Concert

Amanda & I with the girls from First Baptist Church

I remember the 1st year I attended the conference and the person responsible for the event Phil Waldrep said that his prayer and hope is that each person there will leave with something from the experience. I have to say that each year I have been able to leave with a better and clearer vision of life and most amazingly, a message from God through the speakers or music or just a moment that weekend. Aside from my main worries being addressed, something kind of unbelievable happened. Prior to the conference I kept seeing the numbers 316 and thought it was odd. I of course immediately related it to the well-known verse John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. I didn't understand why that would be of special importance in this time of my life. Then during the conference it was mentioned and I thought to myself: We all know the verse, but how many truly understand the sacrifice??? Being a parent now myself, I am for the 1st time in my life able to really understand the pain behind God giving up his only son for us. And let me just say that I "understand" but I CANNOT imagine being able to give up my Alanna to be put to death for anyone, let alone in such a horrific and public way!!! That is more love than I will ever be able to wrap my head around.

I am refreshed mentally and physically in my walk with the Lord and in my everyday life. I cannot wait to find out what the conference has in store for me next year!

This is what the schedule & speakers looked like:

CASTING CROWNS
"Praise You In This Storm"

I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

[Chorus:]
And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to you
And you raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

[Chorus]

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

[Chorus x2]