I had the opportunity to attend the Extraordinary Women Conference this past weekend with a group of girlfriends.  It was great getting a chance to get away for awhile.  I am thankful for Jake being willing to watch the girls so I could go with friends.  The neat part is I have heard several songs from the musicians but had the privilege to see them in person and meet them.  I was familiar with most of the speakers because I had either read some of their books or seen them on TV.  The theme of the conference was “HOPE”!  Each speaker and musician centered their message around the theme.

Here are some of the pictures from our weekend adventures:

Michael O’Brien lead the worship and singing several times throughout the weekend.  He used to be the lead singer for Newsong and now has a band of his own.  He has written several songs and did a wonderful job leading the group in worship.

Julie Clinton is EWomen’s president and host.  She did a great job coordinating the speakers, musicians, and attendees.  Her daughter was able to attend the conference this weekend with her.

Thelma is turning 70 this week and Michael had everyone sing her “Happy Birthday” when she first got up on stage.  This is a picture of her right after the song.

We got to hear Casting Crowns in concert at the conference.  I was fascinated by the group, they are all youth pastors or workers during the week at their local churches.  Several of their songs were created from life experiences they had through ministry at church and with their families.

Jennifer’s testimony was amazing.  She became legally blind at the age of 15 yet she continues to make an impact on the lives of people around her.  Jennifer shared some of the struggles and adjustments she had to make with the blindness.  She encouraged the group that we do have hope in Christ and he never gives you more than you can bare.  Great testimony!

It was wonderful hearing Lysa speak after reading a couple of her books.  She was genuine and it was neat to hear what God brought her through before getting her attention and using her gift of writing to make an impact on many people.    “The Messiah can take my mess and turn it into a message of hope to share with others”  Notice Messiah, Mess, and Message all have the letters “Mess” in them.

We were able to hear Candace give her testimony at the conference.  It was very neat hearing how she developed her relationship with Christ and was able to see her husband get saved as well.  Glad to hear that Christians have a voice in TV industry.  She gave a very clear salvation message at the conference.

Lysa was the only arthur and speaker that was allowing “posed” photo’s.  Thrilled that a group of us were able to get our pictures taken with her.  I was able to get my books signed by her too!  Over the weekend I was able to meet all the speakers and musicians as well as  get all the books / cds I already had signed.

Chonda was a hoot!  Loved listening to her sing and speak!  She was the very last speaker at the conference but the time flew by while listening to her.  It was great to laugh!

I was able to soak in some amazing information and was encouraged by the testimonies of so many people in attendance.  The biggest phrase that stuck in my mind throughout the whole weekend was said by Lysa Terkeurst – “The Messiah can take my mess and turn it into a message of hope to share with others”  My life isn’t perfect and I make mistakes daily, however, God uses me despite all the those failures.  He can make an impact on many lives through me. All the speakers and musicians had so many wonderful messages to share.  I am thankful for the privilege to attend the conference.

The weekend was busy but it was a great experience and refreshing time of fellowship!  I thoroughly enjoyed the conference!  Although I was ready to come home and spend some time with my family by the end of the day on Saturday.  So very thankful for the opportunity to go and hear the musicians and speakers testimonies.  Awesome weekend away with friends!