The Pre-Conference Weekend Getaway

When my friend Heather first asked me to help with her recent big adventure, I hesitantly agreed but took a deep breath knowing it was merely days from my own next big adventure. There wasn't any available free time as preparations were being made for our first Mom Heart Conference but; yet, I could hear the excitement in my friend's voice. This was really a big deal for her. And she asked me to give two devotions. That was a big deal for me. So, I said yes. And boy, am I glad I was open and available for the unexpected.

Recently, I discovered Heather and I share a dream of owning and operating a bed and breakfast. This weekend adventure deemed "Heather's Eat, Drink, and 40 Wink Craft Sleepover" was to be a beginning of her dream. About fifteen women had paid money and signed up to sleep over to create and share fellowship with one another. Little did any of us know what we had in store.

 I was the first to arrive that morning. The farm dogs chased me up the long driveway, which hides the homes of both Heather and her sweet parents, Mike and Nell. As I topped the hill of the driveway, I felt as though I was entering some sacred place of rest. The cows were grazing on the left. Nell was heading to the barn on the right, with that winsome smile of hers, and I believe I passed Mike on the golf cart as I drove in. Realistically, I don't think any of them purposely intended for things to be so picturesque. They were simply handling daily chores, subduing, or bringing to productivity,  what's been given them. Because God's given me eyes to behold beauty, it was truly an inviting entrance.

After literally being threatened by Clem, the blue tick hound, I safely made it to the door. God, how I long to have a  male protect me, in that manner. That blasted dog worships Heather. And she treats him like another child. That dog reminded me of Ruth...wherever Heather goes, Clem goes.. Heather's people are Clem's people...although that took a lot of settling into.

Once finally inside safely, before even seeing Heather, I noticed how bright and lovely everything looked. There was light streaming in every window on the east, color splashing, and beauty abounding. Although, I had never seen Heather's home a wreck, it was almost as if there was an anointing pouring out of every room. Sometimes I think, as a believer, you've just got to be looking for God and you will find Him. The ancient prophet Jeremiah says,

  "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your  heart."

Heather promptly reported she didn't lay down til 5am...it was 8:15. I could sense a teensy bit of anxiety or fretting, but only a teensy bit. When you are doing what you love, it's empowering, although; it can boost our adrenaline levels sky high. So I prayed for her. What a privilege to invite God into our day, knowing and believing He only had good in store for the day.

Jeremiah 29:11

"I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out--plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for."

Women began trickling in slowly, relationships began forming, and beauty began increasing. I slipped nextdoor, stepping over the dog barrier, to experience a different kind of beauty, Heather's mom's kitchen. Once I saw Nell's home, I understood where Heather acquired her love for creating beauty in her home...from her Momma, right next door. Nell was finishing up the chocolate gravy and homemade biscuits, which we carried over together to the ladies.

The remainder of the day is to be experienced personally but my story is simply to give you a little peek into what happens when a woman leans into God and her dreams. 

Heather gathered us around to share her heart about our time together, allowing each lady to introduce herself. Afterwards, we headed downstairs to begin creating. Her daddy Mike was ready with the jewelry tools in hand to help us ladies. By the way, Heather, along with her family and friends, had transformed the basement, adding a vintage bathroom complete with a trough shower stall and metal walls. She had made space for eight vintage beds, covers, canopies, you name it. It was literally like entering a fairly tale land.











We shared delicious food and drink. too many snacks, and created til our hearts were overflowing...well after midnight. During the meal times, I was privileged to share my heart about having a life giving home...a place for our families to become and belong. It was a rich time for all of us, to welcome the Bread of Life into our conversations as we broke bread together with shared fellowship and prayer.

Acts 2:42-47

"They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers."

In hindsight, it was as if in my perspective, God took his mighty hands, pulled back the clouds a little, and gave each of us women in Heather's home a view of heaven. Through shared time, tears, and laughter, I believe we each left with hearts full and hungry for more of the good life God's promised to His children.

If you ever need a beautiful space to get away or want to join an upcoming event of creating in Heather's home, take the initiative to sign up and go. God is there. You can meet Him, enjoy Him, and leave a better person. Saying yes to Heather to participate in her adventure not only enlarged my heart, but better prepared me to minister the following weekend at the Mom Heart Conference. As shared recently by my mentor Sally Clarkson,

"God has friends for you that you don't even know you need."

Heather has been one of those friends. Are you open to learn from the people God keeps bringing across you path? Will you ask God to help open your heart to invite others end. I promise the rewards are great.

How are you using your own gifts and abilities to draw others in that they too might better know the love of God? I would love to hear from you about ways you are seeing Him in your daily arenas of life.

Love,
Pam