This past weekend several of the ladies from Spirit of Grace, along with many from Spirit of Life, had the opportunity to attend the Women of Faith conference at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. From the opening praise and worship to the final amen we were blessed beyond measure.Patsy Clairmont and Anita Renfroe made us laugh - hysterically - and made us cry. Lisa Harper made us realize that "flu" pants should never be worn out of doors but God always does meet us right where we are . . . ask someone who was there . . . sorry guys, no men allowed! Marilyn Meberg taught us "What To Do When The Roof Caves In" with practical lessons from her new book about what to do and say in difficult situations in our own lives and those of others. Steve Arterburn, founder of both Women of Faith and Real Family Life and award-winning author of books like "Healing Is A Choice", shared the pain of growing up invisible and let us all know that God sees us - again, right where we are.
We heard from Rich Stearns, president of World Vision Inc., how God called him from his cushy job as CEO of Lennox Collections to obey - whatever the cost - wherever it might lead. His new book, "The Hole in Our Gospel" is a compelling message about changing our world by actively living out our faith. Former 'Facts of Life' actress, Lisa Welchel, talked about becoming real - about peeling away those protective layers we build up that hinder our personal relationships.
Grammy nominated, Scottish accented Sheila Walsh shared the pain of financial betrayal and near ruin by her husband of 13 years and the struggle to forgive and move past the pain it brought about in her marriage. She told us how God miraculously rolled away the weight of unforgiveness, brought healing and gave her and her husband freedom to live and love again.
As if all that weren't enough, there really are no words to tell how wonderful listening to Sandy Patty, Nicole C. Mullen and, yes, Steven Curtis Chapman, minister in song. If you have never been to a Women of Faith conference, I would strongly encourage you to consider attending next year's conference.
Along with many of the regulars, Steven Curtis Chapman will be joined by his wife, Mary Beth, to talk about how God has carried them through the loss of their precious adopted daughter, Maria.
The conference will be October 23-24 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.
