I'm Home! ~ She Speaks Conference Update

Woo Hoo! What an amazing time I had at the Proverbs 31 She Speaks Conference!

I have lots of fun highlights and insights to share ~ like I now know my calling (yippee!), I spent Saturday afternoon at Urgent Care (asthma related), and many amazing things I learned from such a dynamic group of women.. ~

But unfortunately... I came home to a horribly sick husband Sunday night (after flight delays and luggage back-ups), and was woken up early Monday morning by my son Benj who started throwing up. Jake came downstairs as I'm rubbing Benj's back (while he's throwing up) and said, "Welcome home, Mom! Welcome home!"

Needless to say, the insights will have to wait...but I couldn't resist sharing a quick photo recap...

Here I am with my dear friend Julie getting ready to head from Grand Rapids, Michigan to Charlotte, North Carolina.


Once we arrived at the conference, I had the opportunity to connect with many friends ~ like Julie Sanders from Come Have A Peace.

Julie and I have been "blog friends" for quite some time now, so it was a huge highlight to actually share a meal together! She is every bit as sweet as I knew she would be! And, Lord willing, I'll see her again this November ~ I've been invited to share at her church in Knoxville, TN. Woo Hoo!

I enjoyed meeting Marie (shown below on far right) ~ who attends my home church in Grand Rapids (although we've never met prior to the conference!). Now I can't wait to see her again ~ this time in Michigan!

It was a blessing to meet Lisa from Glad Chatter. We've been on-line friends for over a year now ~ what fun to finally chat (and to hear of her clean bill of health)!

Another highlight was meeting with author Mary DeMuth. She shared great wisdom and insights to help me with my book project. Thanks, Mary!

I loved getting to know Stephanie from North Carolina! We were introduced prior to the conference via Facebook by Becky Turner (a friend who lives in Houston, Texas!).

Don't you just love the Kingdom of God??!!

In the picture below, I am with my "home" girls....the new friends I shared many meals with at our "home base" ~ while we heard from speakers Lysa TerKeurst, Beth Moore, Angela Thomas, and Karen Ehman. Trust me, these gifted speakers know how to "bring it!". Powerful stuff!! :)

And then lastly, here's a picture of me at the end of a very long day, holding my speaker's evaluations. I made it through 2 critiqued presentations, and was still smiling! :) Thank you for praying me through!

My speaker evaluation time was actually pretty fun! I loved getting to know my group leader Micca Campbell and the other 11 talented women from all across the United States! What an amazing opportunity!!

Well, dear friend, if you have made it to the end of this post, bless you!

Now that I've shared my weekend, I'd love to hear from you! Won't you please share one of your weekend highlights?? I'd enjoy hearing what you have been up to!!


Thanks for stopping by *She Sparkles*! May your day be filled with much joy, laughter, and peace-filled moments!

Blessings to you!

P.S. If you're looking for some great summer reading, I have lots of great books to GIVEAWAY this week ~ including authors Priscilla Shirer, Sheila Walsh, and Lisa Welchel! Stay tuned!