WOW! What a week! What a weekend!

I always look forward to WOJ! Every year, a few friends from church and I attend the Women of Joy conference in Pigeon Forge, TN. I always look forward to this weekend because it is a a chance to unwind and recharge. You know, let go of everything that is weighing you down and then let God renew you soul. As a teacher and mother, this time of year brings it's challenges, with the end of the year teacher responsibilities and the special education transition meetings, state testing and then closing up and partying with the outgoing students. I also have an 8th grader, who is very involved and has a boy friend, very involved, so life is busy!! When I left for the conference, I was excited, but couldn't help but think of all I needed to be doing at home, and all I could get done if I had stayed home from the conference. BUT GOD! Yes, like He always does, He stepped in and got my attention, opening my mind for Him and Him alone.

The first night we were in Pigeon Forge, we had a great night of fellowship with God in the living room of our condo. You know, there is just something about being with friends and having the time to just sit and talk, that is just medicine for the heart. I was able to announce my "new website" to the girls and they were so supportive. They have known for a while that God has been calling me to speak to women, but they also know that I have given God every excuse in the book about why I shouldn't, or in my mind couldn't. Y'all, I have too much going on in this crazy life of mine to keep fighting God, so I gave up and gave in. I surrendered to God's will for my life and that's why I started this webpage. This allows me to get to know you all and share little pieces of what I have to share and give you an Idea of what you are going to get when I speak to your group. The funny part of this whole journey, is that as I talk to you and stay in God's word, He shows me so much more than I have ever noticed before. This whole teaching process has become a major learning process for me as well. You see, because of the free will God has allowed us in our lives, I mess up daily, I sin, I make things happen that I shouldn't have to deal with, I face tragedy, heart break, sadness, pain and the unthinkable. BUT GOD, He turns all my failures into blessings. As Matthew West sings, He turns my mess into His message. But it's not until we dig into his word, and spend intimate time in prayer with Him, that He reveals those blessings to us.

So ladies take that 21 day challenge I posted, no matter how tired, busy or stressed, and jump into that deep intimate relationship with your heavenly father. Then, and only then, will you see His purpose for you and your life.

Love and Prayers,

The Faithful Farmgirl

Job 21:2