WOF pt. 3

the ladies who speak at wof sure know how to laugh. i think that is one of my favorite parts as well. they can laugh at themselves, at their situations, at each other. it's just refreshing. patsy clairmont, the third speaker is funny. i enjoyed listening to her. she shared in luke (i didn't get the reference) how God saw this woman in her spirit of weakness. Jesus SAW her just like he sees us. often times when we find ourselves in less than perfect situations or experiences we disconnect from the situation. i learned that we can miss out on a lot when we are not present in our circumstances. pasty had a friend who was suffering from cancer. she went to the doctor and wasn't pleased with what she was hearing so she tuned out and stopped listening to the bad report. God placed a verse on patsy's heart to share with her dear friend. it was found in genesis when God said, "Let there be light." patsy had no idea why God had placed this verse on her heart to share with her friend, but He did so she passed it along. one night her friend couldn't sleep. she was wrestling with God and her present battle with which she thought she was losing, when all of a sudden it clicked. she realized that the doctor had said the x-ray had shown lots of light in her bones, which is good because it means that the treatment is working and getting rid of the cancer. she hadn't heard this before, or didn't realize the power of this because she had tuned out and wasn't listening. then the verse popped into her head that patsy had given her...let there be light. God can give us a new perspective and helps us find our voice in Jesus when we behold our current situations. our hardships can help us grow when we lean into the lessons. it was amazing to me to see how this story unfolded and to see God's hand at work. i was definitely challenged to be present in all situations, the good and the bad. LET THERE BE LIGHT!

sandy patty was also there. she sang for us, but she also spoke. she shared how she has struggled with her self-image and has tried every diet possible. she had put on so many layers that she was not happy with who she was, on the inside or the outside. she finally learned that we have to love ourselves from the INSIDE out in order to be truly happy. she sought help and slowly removed the layers that had built up and now is content with who she is, pounds and all. this reminded me of something that has stuck with me from bible study. God created us, and when complain about our bodies we are complaining about God's workmanship. i'm not saying i never struggle with my self-image, but i'm learning to be happy with my image. after all, i'm beautiful in God's eyes, and He loves me just the way i am.

lucy swindoll talked about how God shows himself faithful- even in the small things. what a great reminder that God is interested in every detail of my life and i need to be more aware of what He is doing around me. He loves it when we ask him for things, even little things. she challenged us to always look for the little things in life to be happy about. God's blessings are all around. job 8:7 (nlt) says "and though you started with little, you will end with much." how true is this of God's blessings! as i reflect on what she shared i can't help but ask myself how many blessings have i missed because i'm expecting mountains to be moved? how aware am i of God in my daily life? do i see his beauty and blessings even in the small things?

i have just a little more to share, but i'll save it for tomorrow. sorry to those who are saying, okay, we get the point. you had a great time. i'm doing this more for me than for you. i want to remember what God was and is saying to me through this amazing weekend. thanks to those of you who actually made it through this long post! :)