Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Grace Remained



I am not sure what I was looking for when I went to the conference.  Probably more than anything I was seeking some courage to venture it alone.  I don’t think I found courage.  Rather, I left it by the door of the ballroom on the first night.
A late arrival to the hotel and an even later arrival to dinner made me feel like the new kid at school walking into the cafeteria for the very first time hoping to see a friendly face and an open seat.  Gratefully, I found both.   While courage may have left me to wander alone, Grace did not. 
I found it in the conversations at the dinner table.  I savored it within the smiles and laughter.  I pondered it in the devotions and prayer room.  I gathered it in the keynotes and breakouts. 
Find your voice.  Your voice is the thing that makes you special. – Sarah Markley
Your story matters.  You are the best translation of the gospel. – Lisa Jo
What are you beholding? – Laura Booz
Within your writing keep God’s mercy in view. – Shaun Groves
God appoints those who disappoint to point to the God who DOESN’T disappoint. – Ann Voskamp
We can’t give love to others unless you know how loved you are. – Ann Voskamp
It is never about applause, it is always about the altar.  – Ann Voskamp
I left Pennsylvania not much braver than I arrived.  However, the abundance of grace and mercy found is still waiting to be fully unpacked. 
There will be much reflection in the days ahead, of that I am sure.


© A Sacred Longing 2009-2011

9 comments:

  1. I completely relate to this! At times I felt scared, at other times bold, but grace was waiting around each corner, no matter my inconsistent feelings. I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts. It was certainly a deep and complex time.

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  2. Hi Christine! Isn't it wonderful that Grace is the constant when our feelings are all over the place! Thanks for coming by!

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  3. so thankful for the constant of grace in our lives. He is so amazing!

    Thank you for your support on my blog always. You bless me so and I thank you for saying sweet things about my precious grandbabies! I think they are amazing and adorable myself!

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  4. So true! I'm an introvert in most situations, but I came away knowing that's okay, that God can use that to his purposes. Amazing indeed!

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  5. Beth, you have been one I have followed since I started blogging. I always feel God's presence on your blog!

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  6. Hi Stacy...I am learning to love all parts of me...even the introverted parts! :o)

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  7. As a somewhat extroverted introvert, I know what you mean, exactly. I had a hard time at Relevant, even connecting with people I already knew from attending last year. God met me at every turn, and I am so thankful that he did! He knows what we need, and connects us together even when we're the only one in the room that we know. ;)

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  8. Ever grateful that He doesn't leave us alone! Thanks for visiting Dawn!

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