Women of Faith

This weekend my mom, sisters, and I packed our bags and drove to Des Moines for a Women of Faith conference. It was an amazing experience and I wish I could bottle up the energy and enthusiasm to save for a rainy day. Allison Allen did an amazing monologue about the struggles woman face when trying to live up to the standards the media places on them to be thin & outwardly beautiful. Steven Curtis Chapman had everyone in the auditorium crying when he sang, especially when he sang Cinderella. He also asked for prayers as the one year anniversary of his daughter, Maria Sue's, sudden passing approaches. Mandisa blew the roof of the auditorium when she came onto the stage. That woman can SING. Not only does she have an amazing voice, but she sings with such passion and conviction. She also shared her personal story of molestation and rape. Lisa Whelchel spoke about her years playing Blair on the Facts of Life, her life as a wife and mother, and her passion for World Vision. Patsy Clairmont had everyone laughing when telling her story of learning to ride a motorcycle. Sheila Walsh shared her personal story of financial and marital problems and how God remained faithful and pulled her through. Marilyn Meberg spoke of her father's amazing journey to know Christ and encouraged those people in the auditorium who did not have a personal relationship with Jesus to ask Him into their heart. Luci Swindoll shared a story about how God healed her eyes and how He taught her to trust Him with her money when she lost it all. In between the speakers and performances theWomen of Faith Worship Team lead us in worship. All of these women (and Steven Curtis) shared some deeply personal and tragic stories with one purpose in mind; to give glory to God. I laughed and I cried. Sometimes I could relate to the stories, other times I was completely humbled by what I was hearing. It was an event that I will never forget.

Now for some pictures:

Steven Curtis Chapman
A Self Portrait of Natalie & I

A picture of Mandisa & I (she is in the back having her picture taken with some other people). I actually got in line to meet her, but a grumpy security guard said no more people were allowed in the line. So, I had my mom take this picture. I was still pretty darn close. :)
The adorable pregnant woman in this picture is my cousin Erika. It just so happens that she lives in Des Moines and met us at the conference. A big highlight of the trip was being able to visit with Erika and meet her sweet baby girl, Lucy.
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While I was Away

While I was in Des Moines, Steven and the girls had a fabulous time. Steven did an awesome job of holding down the fort while I was away. He took Madeleine to dance class and even managed to put her hair in a bun (something I have never done).

He took them to a movie and to the zoo where they got to ride the train and feed the goats (something I never let the girls do because it costs extra. hmmmm, the girls are going to like him better than me). :)

Feeding the goats

Petting a rat (something else I usually try to avoid)

This picture was taken by Madeleine