Thursday, August 6, 2009

Among the Storytellers


Dear Friends~

I have just returned from the most amazing conference! It was my fifth year to attend the Proverbs 31 Ministries She Speaks Conference. I must say that this particular event was my very favorite. 

When I received information that registration was open to sign up for this years event I wanted to sign up immediately. I waited and prayed, asked my husband who gave me the go ahead nod, and continued to wonder if I was making the right decision. It would be my fifth time. There would be a waiting list of people who would not get to attend, perhaps there was someone else that needed to attend more than I. 

However everything seemed to be pointing to a go.
I have always gone by myself, a day early, and stay room by myself so that I can soak in prayer. It has been a precious tradition. 

It didn't take long for the Lord to confirm the fact that I was supposed to be at this years conference. His hand of blessing met me everywhere I turned. The memories are fresh and some of them even feel sacred, too precious to share at this time.

I got to meet the most wonderful people. I was on the look expecting to find lifetime friends. New friends. I was certain that the Lord would provide this for me so my heart was in expectation.  I am in awe of His ways! He knows how to pair us up when even when there are 600 women in attendance. Once again, I was treated with the blessing of meeting sisters with kindred spirits, that I believe, will continue to share my eternal journey. Thank you, Jesus! Thank you, thank you!

One of the most special hilights for me was getting the opportunity to hear Jennifer Rothschild speak and meet her. I even got to have my picture taken with her. I won one of her books and she signed it for me! It was a very tender moment. She is a beautiful, beautiful woman! I have just finished leading her study "Me, Myself, and Lies" and think it one of the most powerful studies ever. Hearing her in person and talking to her, only increased my admiration of her. 

At such a conference you have the opportunity to hear many, many stories. Testimonies that bring tremendous glory to the Lord. I wanted to share my very favorite story from the conference, the one that I don't ever want to forget. I began to write it out, but the Lord stopped me. Let me wait on that for a while. 

If you are one of my She Speaks friends that did not get to attend, I missed you. I do not know if I will get the opportunity to attend next year, but I pray so. In the meantime I want to put into practice some of the things that I learned.

I experienced many flight delays both going and returning home. I left Charlotte on Sunday and did not arrive back at home until 2:00 Monday afternoon. Tomorrow, Friday, my husband and I will be leaving on a two week vacation. I have not sorted everything out from my last trip so of course I am not ready.

I don't know if I will have the opportunity to write while I am gone, so I might need to take another little break. However, the Lord has given me so much to write about. So please check back in after August 21st. Being among the storytellers has stirred up some stories in me.

Blessings to all! I shall return soon!

Cheri

4 comments:

Shanda said...

Cheri,
I was so sad not to go this year. It is a little difficult hearing how wonderful it was to so many; but I do know that I walked in obedience by NOT going.

I pray your trip with your husband will be wonderful and refreshing and that God would increase and protect the lessons and friendships that He has begun through your time at She Speaks!

Blessings to you!

Joyful said...

Cheri, it was so wonderful to be in contact with you while you were at She Speaks. Almost...almost...felt like I was there! So thrilling that you were able to meet Jennifer Rothschild...and win a book signed by her...WOW!!!! I really want to do that study, "Me, Myself, and Lies" some day. Sounds powerful.

Praying you'll have a wonderful holiday and I look forward to hearing more whenever you get the opportunity. I know I sure am glad you were there in 2005 and 2008. You are a precious friend.

Hugs,
Joy

Marilyn in Mississippi said...

Looking forward to hearing more about what you heard at the conference this year. I have never been. Yet. Maybe some day.

Hope you have a good vacation!

Marilyn...in Mississippi

Paula V said...

Great post. So glad He had you go again. Maybe one day He'll have me go. I feel more at ease knowing you took a room by yourself. One of my fears was wanting a room to myself and it appearing like I was a snob. I do much better sleeping on my own and being able to have the quiet time like you said to soak it all into my mind/heart.

I love Jennifer R. I heard her at a conference years back...that might have been when she was just starting. I have her book "Lessons Learned in the Dark" from that conference. She has many books and studies now. She IS an amazing woman, for sure.
Miss you, love you,
Paula