Joyce Meyer Conference

Last weekend I got the pleasure of going to the last day of a Joyce Meyer conference. She comes to the area every year, for free, and I have never gotten the chance to go. This time I wasn't sure I was going to get to either. I had been dealing with an illness which would have made sitting in a conference very uncomfortable. But God wanted me there and I really wanted to go. So go I did!

And let me tell you, I am so glad I did. It was short but I was refreshed and renewed in the couple of hours I was there. Amazing! It started with worship with Matt Redman and Kristi Nockels. It was pretty cool to see all those grown women rush the stage like they were at a rock concert.

Then they took up the offering which is going to be set apart for orphans. Oh boy. Then Joyce gave some statistics about orphans in the United States. I was very impressed with this because every time I hear of people wanting to adopt or help children the children are usually from other countries. Now, I know that they need our help but I am a firm believer in taking care of our own children right here first. If you can't take care of your own then how can you help someone elses?

Did you know that there are approximately 400,00 orphans in the US? Joyce said that there are just as many evangelical churches here as well. So if every church took care of just one child there would be no orphans. But we know that's not going to happen. Well, at least I do. So who issupposed to help these children? Who will step up and help the 17,000 she said were in my area alone? She confirmed something I have had on my heart for several years. That in itself was worth going for.

When she took the platform she spoke on "Always Believing". She provoked us to turn off our minds and check what was in our hearts when we were faced with unbelief. Thinking versus knowing. Good stuff. What do you know? The believe it!

The conference ended on "Enjoying Everyday Life". I was personally challenged to stop being so complicated and stop worrying so much. I tend to get really intense with my husband and oldest daughter. I become a great big party pooper. Which is terrible because I love a good party!

All in all, I am so glad I went. I felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I am so grateful for my family, our home and our friends. I don't deserve all that I have and I know now what it is that I am supposed to do. Plain and simple!