"Women of Faith" Recap

NATALIE GRANT... LOVE HER!!!

ANGIE SMITH-LOVE HER TOO!!!

NICOLE JOHNSON

SHELIA WALSH

MY TRAVELING BUDDY!!!

If someone offered you free tickets to go to a "Women of Faith" conference what would you say? Well I hope that your answer would be a resounding "YES". Book Sneeze (Thomas Nelson Publishing) offered me 2 free tickets to a "WOF" event anywhere in the United States, and I gladly accepted. In return for the complimentary tickets I agreed to write a review of the conference.

I invited one of my good friends to go to the conference with me, and we headed to Indianapolis a couple weekends ago. Before this event, the last time I went to a "Women of Faith" conference was probably about 8 or 9 years ago. I had heard that the original team of speakers (or at least the team I had seen last) had divided up so they could cover more of the United States. Honestly I was a little sad because I wanted to see all the original "WOF" speakers together. However, it didn't take me too long to fall in love with the new "WOF" speakers and realize that nothing was lacking from the conference... NOTHING :)

The theme of this year's conference that I attended was "Imagine". Throughout the entire event that little word "imagine" popped up here and there as the speakers gave their talks. I forgot how much I really enjoyed the "WOF" events, and it didn't take me long to immerse myself in the atmosphere of love and encouragement amongst thousands of women. I laughed out loud and cried more times that I wanted to...Actually that is not true, I LOVE TO CRY :)

I totally love the "WOF" conferences and I highly recommend this event to any woman or man, although a man might feel real out of place :) But before I close I just want to give a little informal shout out to the "Women of Faith" event team.

-Shelia Walsh- Love her, and her rendition of "How Great Thou Art" brought the whole arena to a place of worship.

-Lisa Harper- This was the first time I saw Lisa. She is a wonderful story teller and she is funny (in a good way :)

-Luci Swindoll- Luci is fearless and her whole life has been an adventure. She is honest and she is a hoot. I laughed many times as she spoke.

-Nicole Johnson-I have always enjoyed Nicole as the dramatist of the "WOF" conferences. She is so talented, but I especially loved that at this conference she shared her personal testimony. Nicole Johnson as Nicole Johnson :)

-Angie Smith- This was the first time that I had seen Angie Smith and she was a new speaker to the "WOF" team. Oh my goodness, Angie was delightful and her personal testimony was heart breaking, but through her sorrow God's light shined through. She was witty and it was just a joy to listen to her.

I could go on and on about the conference, but I will stop here. I am already thinking of planning another trip to a "WOF" event in 2012. I need to start saving my dollars and may I suggest that if you are reading this blog entry you should save your money too.

Thanks again Book Sneeze. I had the most wonderful time :)

Tyndale Book Review-"Courageous"

Oh my goodness, I just finished the book "Courageous", and it was FABULOUS!!! If you are thinking, "hey isn't that the name of the new movie coming out in September from the makers of "Facing the Giants" and "Fireproof", then you would be correct. If you have no idea what I am talking about it doesn't matter because this book is wonderful, even if you never see the movie.

Tyndale provided me a complimentary copy of the book, and in turn I must submit a review of the book (Thanks Tyndale). I debated whether or not to read the book, as I was so looking forward to seeing the movie and letting the storyline unfold as I watch the movie. But, curiosity got the best of me and I decided to read the book first. I am so glad I did. Randy Alcorn (author of Heaven) is the author of this book, based on the movie by the Kendrick Brothers. Alcorn states that about 20% was actually taken directly from the script and then he came up with the rest in order to turn it into a novel.

I don't want to give any of the details of the storyline away because I don't want to spoil it for those that are waiting to see the movie first. However, I will say that this book has more twists and turns that will keep your head spinning (in a good way of course). You jump head into the drama of the story in the first few pages, and it keeps getting better and better. I pride myself on being able to figure out a storyline, but this book kept surprising me as the story progressed. Alcorn is a terrific writer, and the Kendrick brothers gave him a great script that he was able to turn into a great book.

If a book can make you cry, then this book will require you to keep a box of tissues near. Don't worry you will smile too as there are some funny moments scattered throughout the dramatic storyline.

The thing that I love the most about this book is that the gospel is presented clearly, and throughout the whole book you are pointed back to Jesus. The book portrays very difficult subject matter, and Alcorn never states that if a person believes in Jesus all his problems will be solved, but he shows that Jesus can walk with us throughout our most difficult times in life and give us peace.

If I had to evaluate what the main theme of this book would be it would be the awesome responsibility of "fathers" in society today. Although the focus is on the role of fathers, this book will speak to all people (women, children, single, married, divorced, lonely, hurting, etc). I highly recommend this book, and now I cannot wait to see the movie.

Thanks again Tyndale for the opportunity to read this book!

Headed to Indy to see Women of Faith

Hey Blogville,

I am beyond excited that I will be heading to Indy in less than two weeks to see the Women of Faith speakers. Book Sneeze/WOF have graciously supplied me with 2 free tickets and I am beyond thrilled. I will be blogging about my experience at Women of Faith and also will be using Facebook to upload pictures (maybe video snippets) of the event live.

I have been to the WOF conferences several times in the past, but it has probably been about 7 years or more since I have attended a conference. This year the Women of Faith speakers have split up (not the bad split up :) so they can cover more of the United States. What a wonderful idea!!!

There are 2 conferences this year: "Over the Top" and "Imagine". If you are interested in attending a "WOF" event, click on the video link above and you will be directed to their website. Or if you have never attended an event, but are interested in finding out what "Women of Faith" is all about click the video too.

Stay tuned for my recap of the event. Thanks again, Book Sneeze and to the "Women of Faith" organization...