EWomen '09 conference - Charleston, WV

I went to the Extraordinary Women's '09 conference in Charleston, WV this Friday and Saturday and wanted to say what a true blessing I received. I heard about it through K-LOVE and debated for several weeks on whether I wanted to attend or not, because I didn't know of anyone else that was going and I would most likely be going by myself - which I did - but, it was totally worth it. Besides, the way I see it, when you attend any kind of Christian event, you are never truly alone. God is always with you, as well as, your many brothers and sisters in Christ, whom we will all meet in Heaven one day. :) On Friday - 11/20 - the event started at 7pm & went to about 10pm. Michael O'Brien lead out in a few Praise and Worship songs, followed by Julie Clinton, who is the President of Extraordinary Women. She gave a brief announcement about who will be performing and what to expect. After she was finished, comedienne Chonda Pierce came out and gave a very funny stand-up routine. Then, there was a 30 minute intermission, at which time I had the opportunity to meet Chonda and get her autograph. After the break, the evening concluded with a mini concert from Matthew West. I really loved his new Christmas song, which will be featured in the newest Christmas movie from the Veggie Tales called, Give This Christmas Away. The video is posted on the Veggie Tales website, on the right hand side of the page. Just a quick warning - it's a tear-jerker. :) When the concert was over, Matthew came down and stood near the stage to sign autographs, so I was able to have him sign my program. I also got my picture taken with him. To see pictures from the first night of the event, you can click the link below where they're posted on my Facebook profile. It is set to public, so you should be able to view them without any problems. http://www.facebook.com/tabrownwv?ref=profile#/album.php?aid=2037747&id=1060962851 The event continued yesterday morning at 8:30am. Michael O'Brien led out again in some more Praise and Worship songs. Afterwards, Julie Clinton read a short devotion written by her daughter, Megan, from her book, Totally God's, followed by a quick prayer. Then, Karen Kingsbury came out and spoke for a little bit and read from 2 of her newest books - Princess and the Three Knights and Let Me Hold You Longer (which was a definite tear-jerker). Afer Karen was finished, there was a 30 minute intermission, in which I took the time to meet Stormie Omartian and get my picture taken with her. She also signed her book, The Power of Praying, that I brought with me. I also decided to wait in line - about a 40 minute wait - and meet Karen Kingsbury. I bought 2 of her books while I was there - Miracles (which is a devotional) and Shades of Blue, which she signed. I got my picture taken with her as well. While I was waiting in line to meet Karen, the intermission ended and Michael O'Brien came back and lead out in a couple more songs, then Angela Thomas came out to speak. I only got to hear her during the last 10-15 minutes, which I believe she was leading out in a mini bible study about God's miracles. After she finished speaking, they broke for an hour and 1/2 lunch. I walked over to the mall, which is across the street from the auditorium, and got something to eat. Also, before I left to go to the mall, I was able to meet Angela near her booth and had my picture taken with her. I didn't have any of her books, so she signed my program for me. After lunch, Michael sang some more and opened up for Mandisa, who did a 30 minute mini-concert. She wasn't feeling well . So, as far as I know, didn't stay around long after the event was over. I was unable to meet her, but it was understandable. Even though she was going through a rough time, she did an oustanding job & I commend her for being 'real' with us about her struggles. The event concluded with Stormie Omartian, who shared her testimony and the power that prayer had on her life which inspired her to write her first 2 books - Power of a Praying Wife and Power of a Praying Husband. I really enjoyed listening to her speak. Prayer is one area where I am not very good at and I have several of her books. They have really helped me on numerous occasions. If you're like me and struggle in this area, I highly recommend her books to anyone needing a prayer boost. You won't be disappointed. :) Here are the pictures from the second day of the event. http://www.facebook.com/tabrownwv?ref=profile#/album.php?aid=2037837&id=1060962851 I really had an amazing time and I'm glad I went. I'm already planning on going next year and hopefully bring some people with me to enjoy it with. :) OK. Well, this pretty much concludes my recap of the event. I'm pretty sure I might be forgetting something, but I'm really tired right now and have a horrible headache. So, I will leave it at this for now and if I remember anything else, I will add it later. Bye for now.