Monday, April 19, 2010

My weekend? I'm so glad you asked...

I've read some blogs from time to time where a blogger mentions they are going to hear Beth Moore speak and that they will have lots to say about it when they get back but then they never really do say too much about it and I always feel a little disappointed. I get it now.


My mom and I flew home from Tampa last night and I drove back to my house this afternoon. And as I drove I thought about how to put the weekend into words and decided there were two problems with that-

1. there are no words and
2. there are far, far, too many words.

I don't think words can really do justice to the experience which is perhaps why the LPM blog puts together a video/music clip without any talking points. The video seems to capture everything you see and hear and feel and think and hope and pray while you sit and listen to Beth Moore teach. I think I will just say if you ever have the opportunity to hear her speak in person, don't miss it. You're welcome.

I will however say a word or ten about the music. I was a fan of Travis Cottrell before the weekend and I have a couple of his cds but he and his band are just incredible in person. And I have to mention in particular a woman who sings with him who I think might be named Lici... my word, she can sang! I had to look her up when I got home because seriously she rocked the house. The music and the teaching and the whole weekend...incredible!

The event ended about noon on Saturday so after lunch my mom and I drove out to see a friend of mine who I met in England.


My friend V lives about 40 minutes outside of Tampa and it was so great to sit in her beautiful home and catch up in person. I haven't seen her in almost two years but it felt like yesterday. Don't you love friends like that?

Our flight home on Sunday wasn't until 2:15 so we went to a 9:30 church service. As I mentioned in an earlier post, the former Youth pastor from the church we belonged to in Maryland (almost seven years ago) is now the senior pastor of a church in the Tampa area. I'd been in touch with him on facebook and he said he wasn't preaching Sunday because their Youth pastor was preaching but he would be playing in the band so we should come on over. And may I just interject here and say that I think Youth pastors are some pretty special people...anyone agree?

I think there are times when God places a person in our lives at just the moment we are needing what that person brings. Such was the case with J. We all loved him and his whole sweet family but he sparked something in my oldest daughter's life in particular that was timely in a way that only God can orchestrate...our lives intersected for just a season but he helped set her on a path through her teenage years for which we are grateful. And sometimes it feels good to say to a person that you felt their influence, that they planted a seed that grew, and that you appreciate it more than you can say.

And while I was away my hubs took care of all the teak furniture, participated in a charity walk for cancer, and built a mini patio outside the garage door so the pup no longer has to trek thru mud when she comes into the garage and then the house. He has the energy of his younger self but unfortunately not the back of his younger self. He says it is aching today. Ya think?

I'm pretty sure he's a keeper.

13 comments:

  1. Oh, how I have missed you! But, I am glad you had a lovely trip! I had forgotten that you were off to see Ms. Moore, and I was beginning to fret that you had fallen off the face of the earth! :)

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  2. So glad you had a good time. Conferences like that can just leave you overwhelmed so I can see how it's hard to share specifics.

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  3. Sounds like a funfilled weekend and what a nice way to spend time with your mom.

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  4. I'm so glad you had a good time! You're making me anticipate this weekend even more! Maybe I should go finish reading the book...

    And I'm copying and pasting and forwarding on your next to last paragraph on to our youth pastor. None of my children are in high school, yet, obviously but I've no doubt he needs to hear those words.

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  5. I guess I will be in the same boat you are in after my trip to hear Beth in Atlanta with the girls this weekend. I can't wait!! But I will agree with you, it is hard to put into words the depth of a weekend like that. The Holy Spirit really speaks to your heart through Beth and it is always such an amazing experience. I am so excited! Plus, I so look forward to that time with my girls. I know you loved being with your sweet Mom. What a great picture of the two of you! Sounds like hubby was busy. I would definitely say that he is a keeper. Glad that you were able to visit with your friend and also see your former pastor. What an awesome trip you had! Have a great week. Love & blessings from NC!

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  6. I haven't had the privilege of hearing Beth Moore in person, but have done two of her studies-both of which have been life changing. I'm glad you had the opportunity to go; what a blessing!

    Thanks for sharing your mom, friend and former youth pastor with us. You described so aptly how one can feel about another person who has been there at the right time with the right thing for us (influence, whatever.) I almost got teary thinking about how much I dearly love some of the folks who have spurred me or held me up spiritually. Can you imagine doing life without the Lord or our sisters/brothers in Him? I couldn't fathom.

    Thanks for stopping by my blog.
    Have a great week, Joyce!

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  7. So glad you & your mom had such an awesome weekend! You mean to tell me that's all your hubs got done over the weekend? :D

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  8. I've missed your posts, but I'm glad things went so well. And sounds like your husband stays as busy as mine does!

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  9. What a wonderful weekend. I am going to have to try and get to one of her retreats. She sounds awesome. I watched the video and got teary eyed just from watching it. Glad you 2 had such a good time and am so glad that you were able to touch base with your friends!

    until next time... nel

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  10. Having seen Beth Moore a few times, I feel the same way...each time I walk away so full and yet there are no words to fully express what has taken place in my heart.

    I am glad you were able to see your friend and your former Uth minister.

    How awesome it must have been to share all these things with your mom! You are truly blessed.

    Sounds like hubby outdid Himself!

    Hugs, prayers, and blessings, andrea

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  11. Someday, someday, I hope to see Beth Moore in person!

    So glad you had such an incredible trip. I love going to conferences like that. You just feel so energized and on cloud 9 when you leave. Everyone should experience it don't you think!

    I love youth pastors too!

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  12. What a way to come home. He IS a keeper! :)
    Sounds like a wonderful weekend. I´m glad you and your mom had such a blessed time together.

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  13. So glad that you had a wonderful weekend with your Mother. And you're right, sometimes there are so many words that you can't even articulate how great a worship experience is.

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