He Put a New Song In My Heart

Hey there! I'm at a women's conference this weekend. It is amazing. It is my first conference since God put a new song in my heart and enlarged my understanding of Him and His sovereignty. It is like I have a new set of ears. I am hearing things in a new way as though I've never heard them before. I am enjoying myself, but that would come as no surprise to those who know me. Spending all day long listening to amazing teachers is sort of my idea of a great cruise vacation if you throw in some beach, fun in the sun, time too. All day yesterday I listened to some brilliant teachers. I heard John Piper! A big name in Christian circles. A phenomenal writer and communicator, but not someone I had ever seen or heard. He was amazing. I really liked him and though he spoke truths that deeply challenged my heart I was most challenged by a breakout session today by Paige Benton Brown. She spoke on the kingdom. What it is, what it isn't and how we are to affect it. I am a simple thinker and pretty darn literal and so when someone speaks plainly I like it. When they are straightforward and direct I like it. She was entertaining, extremely knowledgable, and direct. I highly recommend this session. She spoke for an hour all about the kingdom of God. The last thing she implored us to do was to go home, lay out on top of our bed all the resources God has given us and then ask God what He wants us to do with them for the kingdom. She said we aren't given the talents or resources we have so our families can be blessed. God gave us all that we have for the benefit of the redemption of the kingdom. She asked us to think about what we are doing that would distinguish us from the nice neighbor who isn't a follower of Jesus Christ. She asked us to pray over all that God has given us...money, children, talents, abilities, jobs and gifts, and ask God what He wants us to do with them in the kingdom. I must be getting older because I broke the "rules" and didn't go to any more break out groups, but instead I sat down to make my list. It's an interesting list...I'll try to post later when I figure out what He wants me to do. I hope you are leaning into God and sensing His passion for you in new and exciting ways. In His grace,