What Did This Weekend Mean To Me?

Well....some of you weren't there so I will tell you. And those of you that were there, I had much to say that wasn't said so read on.

My name is ....... and I sat at the table Kjaerlighet. (Love in Norweign) pronouced char-lee-het.

This weekend was awesome in many ways. I sat at a table with some incredible, beautiful ladies. Together we listened to talks on the Christian Faith, we sang, we laughed and we prayed. We opened our hearts. Our joys, our hurts and hang-ups. We broke down walls and let go of things that have been holding us back from a fuller relationship with Christ.

For me this weekend meant living by the spirit and following his leading. He called me for a very specific purpose for THIS weekend. There were things I needed to say, things I needed to do and looks I needed to give. Prayers prayed, hugs offered. Even dances to be danced (though my calfs are crying out to me today AHHHH) When the spirit leads we have a choice. We can obey and do what it is that he is calling us to do OR we can look away and say no Lord...not gonna do it. How blessed I have been in obedience. Sometimes we never know to whom or for what reason God calls us to do something. Yet everything that is done in his name...bears fruit! I was blessed many times over the weekend with a "thanks...that was for me" and it is nice having that affrimation. That yes it was what you were suppose to do or say. i may never know (this side of heaven) how God used me. But I know He did. It was Him working through me...for His Glory.

Laugh with those that rejoice. Weep with those that mourn.

This weekend also meant remembering. Rembering where I have been, how far I have come. You see I took my flight 11 years ago. I was a Senior in high school. I was broken, empty, alone and ashamed. That weekend 11 years ago...was my setting free. I remembered the things I nailed to the cross. The talks with Spiritual leaders. The snot that poured from my nose as I cried and cried. I remembered thinking...this is good...I need to get this junk out. I remembered the kindness of my table leader. The fellowship with those girls... the acceptance. I remembered my candle light. How my mom had come from over an hour away. This was signficant in that when I left for the weekend she was in the hospital. She had been released and she had come...just for me! God used that to show me the expectations I placed on myself and the burdens I carried from my mom being sick. I let it go. I remember at the time I was afraid she would not live to see me graduate. Let alone see me marry and have my babies. She is still alive..and well. She plays such an important role in my life and the life on my kids. Needless to say I am thankful. I also remembered the closing. The words I said. How I had followed up on those words of what I said my next steps would be. I said I was going to go home and sponser someone for the flight. I was going to take what I learned and apply. To live my life for Christ. And that is what I did. I have been challenged. Sometimes I fell short. But this faith journey over the last 11 years has been incredible. How great is our God! He has taken me from a person that didn't even love herself to one that is able to love all. He has healed me, forgiven and set me free. And so I remember and live for him.

One other thing I learned was that I am not just a mom. I left my kids at home for those three days with their daddy. It was a time to be me. Not a mom or a wife but me. That was a good thing. Sometimes I forget.

Upon returning home I have a deeper admiration for my hubby. You see while I was enjoying life, he was stuck in our home. The kids both had the flu. high fevers and other unplesantries. Whining, crying and crankiness. He prayed for our kids, he met their needs. My kids learned that their daddy could take care of them. Today they are still emotional (but hey so am I) and needy. Welcome back to the world.

There you have it. That's what I have learned.

Those of you that were on the weekend. You have your own stories. Some of you shared. Others for whatever reason did not. Feel free to comment here! Remain anonymous if you like. Come up with a code name or "whatever" but please refrain from using your last name...for your safety.

I love you all!