deeper still.

This weekend was a weekend full of surprises and fun adventures. I went to the Deeper Still conference in Birmingham with my Mom, my Mrs. Barb, and my Mrs. Angie. Yes, I was the lone college girl. But, I have to say, these "mommas" are pretty cool. I mean, they don't mind my "stopping every 30 minutes to go potty and stretch my legs" habit. And, they like P.F. Changs. Yep. I think I'll tag along! :)

Friday afternoon, we got to our hotel (We stayed at the Sheraton by the BJCC in room 1618. I feel safe posting that because we're already gone. Haha. I remember the room number because 16 and 18 are two very important birthdays. On one you can drive and the other you can vote!). Then, we walked on over to the BJCC to get in line. It wasn't too bad and by the time they opened the doors, we were one of the first through "our door". We didn't want to sit on the floor (because then you end up staring at somebody's head all night!), so we sat in the first row of the "stadium/auditorium style" seating. We had an amazing view and Kay Arthur (she talked that night) came and stood right in front of me. I'm for serious. I was on the jumbotron and everything. Haha. :)

We went back to the hotel that night and since we were there with 13,900 of our very best friends some things happened. The first was that I'm pretty sure we broke the elevators. They were being stuffed full. And while we were having issues getting ours to go up to floor 16 (it kept going up a floor, and down 2. And then up 3 and down 1. Scary), we heard the bell go off in the other. And since the elevator in my dorm Freshman year frequently malfunctioned, I know what that bell sounds like and what it means. It means most likely the other one broke down. So, when we finally got up to floor 12, we just took the stairs up to 16. It was safer. Trust me. Another thing to know about staying in a hotel with that many women? The hot water is gonna run out. I have to say though. Beth Moore's hair still looks better than mine even if she wasn't able to wash it. Some of us just don't get the genes. Or have the time. Or the effort. Or the attention span.

Saturday morning, we started with an "early bird" devotional with Kelly Minter. I love Kelly Minter. Then, we heard Priscilla Shirer (who was phenomenal!). When lunch time came around, that was when the real excitement started. Angie Smith, one of my favorite bloggers did a book signing of her book I Will Carry You. It's the story of her daughter, Audrey Caroline, that died shortly after birth. It's a really sad story, but what I find amazing is the way Angie has handled it all. While I hope and pray I am never in her situation, she still ministers to me by showing how there can be good in every bad situation and how God can use everyone (even the little babies!). I was very excited to meet her. Excited is probably an understatement. But, I have to say, she is every bit as sweet in person as she comes across on her blog. I was the first in line (overachiever), and she walked up to me and gave me a big hug. Then, she took the time to have a conversation with me while she signed my book. I was a little worried about taking too much time...but she was too sweet to walk away from. She shared with me how this was going to be her first time hearing Beth Moore speak (just like me) which was really neat. Oh- and her precious children came in with her husband and I have to say- they are every bit as cute as the pictures she posts on her blog. Presh.

The awful picture quality? Would be because these were taken on my phone, posted to twitter, and then copied to my computer. I was in a hurry to get this post up! :)

I also did something I've never done before. You see, I didn't feel super stalkerish getting a picture with Angie (we are totally on a first name basis now, btw). But, when I saw other blogger people I knew, I felt kind of funny asking to get a picture with them and talking to them and all. But, my one goal (outside of Beth Moore and Jesus stuff) this weekend was to meet Kelly. She's my all-time favorite blogger and she is a role model of the kind of mother I want to be someday (apart from my own Mom). I love reading her blog. Love it, love it, love it. So, when I saw her walk out of the "super secret, special people tunnel", I knew I had to find a way to talk to her. So...I did it. I got out of my seat and walked across the floor and said hi...and she was really nice and sweet. I'm serious, yall. Most of the people at this conference were really nice and sweet. And it was the icing on the cupcake to get to meet Kelly and talk to her. I know I sound crazy, but she's one of those women I admire. Her genuine faith and love of her family and the example she sets (especially to us single girls!) is really neat. So yeah, I got to meet two of my "spiritual heroes" today. I'm pretty sure that was a God thing. :)

So, after I met these awesome two women, I got to hear Beth Moore speak. And let me tell you- she can preach the word. And it was something amazing. And I'm still chewing on things that I heard this weekend and processing...but it was something special. I'm really glad I went and was able to hear messaged about growing deeper in your relationship with Christ. Were some toes stepped on (literally and figuratively)? Yes. But sometimes toes need to be stepped on so that we can evaluate where we're at. And that's the only way things will ever get better!

We left after Beth Moore spoke and skipped the Q and A session. We were tired, the SEC Championship game was on, and I later learned they talked about sex (awkward!). So, we got in the van and headed home (and listened to the game). And, as I'm sure you all know by now....

AUBURN WON! WAR EAGLE!

So, while all is not official and the BCS results are not in...we're going to the National Championship game! I think that shows how big of a deal football is in the state of Alabama. I'm not counting my eggs before they're hatched, but I think it would be cool to have the National Champion from the same state, different colleges 2 years in a row. :) Now, if only it wasn't on my first day of classes for the Spring! I hope I don't have any night classes so I can watch it! Let's just say...we Auburn fans are VERY happy. We haven't had a stellar season in awhile...so this change in pace is fun! War Eagle! :)