Carrie-d Away

Seven thousand women flooded Sevierville, TN this past weekend.

3 days, 2 nights, 1 purpose—encouraging women with the Word of God, the joy of music and the spirit of friendship.

“But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another.” – 1 John 1:7

The third Women of Joy conference at the new Sevierville Events Center in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains was truly a weekend of fun, fellowship and worshiping the Lord. It was a weekend designed to bring together the women of Christ to celebrate the relationships we were created for. Packed with musical talent and entertaining speakers, the Word of God was brought to life in a new, refreshing and inspiring way.

Sometimes all it takes it to get away from it all to bring a sense of renewal in our lives—to help us refocus and understand what it means to live for God. It is through conferences like these that we as Christian women are reminded the important truths that make our journey of faith even more exciting than we had realized before.

Music has always been a passion of mine—whether by listening or by singing, the words of a song can often touch my soul deeper than by any other way of communication. This weekend was no different. With a voice truly touched by God, Charles Billingsley led praise & worship. Filled with some of the best-loved worship songs our time of singing was high energy worship at its best.

Donna Gaines, wife of Bellevue Baptist Church’s pastor, Steve Gaines, teaches women the only way to satisfaction is through Jesus Christ. In an age of materialism, women find it hard to discover true fulfillment, as they succumb to the lies of Satan through pop culture.

             Donna’s inspiration to me: “We must choose”

Every day is a choice. The choices we make not only affect us, but our descendants. The Bible is full of stories and situations of choice. We must choose to free ourselves from our flesh/sins in order to run the race (Hebrews 12:1-2) with endurance. When we are free from our flesh, we can fix our eyes on Christ to run the race.

Liz Curtis Higgs is an award-winning speaker,best-selling author, Bible teacher,and radio personality. Articles about Liz have appeared in more than 250 major newspapers and magazines, and she has been interviewed on more than 600 radio and television stations. This funny lady uses humor to capture the hearts and minds of those with whom she speaks.

            Liz’s inspiration to me: “Flawed Women Are Loved by a Flawless God”

Genesis 16 tells a story of a flawed woman, Hagar, a maidservant of Sarai, conceived a son with Sarai’s husband. Turning to a human solution, the situation became violent. Fleeing from her circumstances, Hagar finds herself being sought after by the Lord. God sought after the insignificant, and still does. Once submitting to God, she was blessed. Turning our eyes to God and seeking Him in our times of trouble reaps blessings beyond our imagination and understanding.

Becky Tirabassi speaks to women on a variety of topics, including prayer,leadership, and worship. She frequently appears on television and radio, empowering people with her message of how to live disciplined lives in an “out of control” world. Her energy is as full as the message she brings.

Becky’s inspiration to me: Let God Change You

A relationship with God takes work and commitment. We must believe that God has a Word for us, and we must diligently seek it out. It is vital to be intimate with God—not only talking through prayer, but listening through the reading and studying of His Word.

When you need motivation, remember how quickly God came to you when you were desperate. Worry about nothing, pray about everything.

A concert by Casting Crowns was the perfect end to an awesome Saturday. This band is nothing short of amazing. Touring only on Thursday-Saturday, every member of the band is still firmly grounded in their home churches in Atlanta, GA. Remaining true to the things which are just and good, the members of Casting Crowns are a true testament of what faithful Christians really are – the more I learn, listen and follow this band, the more inspired I become.

What a weekend. What a blessing. What a Savior.