My IF:Experience 2016

IF:Gathering

I love IF:Gathering.  I've loved it since before I even knew what it was in 2013.  I love that it exists to Gather, Equip, and Unleash women.  I love that it lasts all year, encouraging women to continue digging into God's Word and then moving out from their own lives and into the lives of others around them.  I love that it is Intentional, Relevant, and Honest.  And I love that neither the event nor the women leading it ever claim to have it all together.

Although it is not in their mission, year after year, I walk away from IF:Gathering feeling empowered!  I feel stronger.  I feel encouraged.  I feel bold.  I feel excited.  I feel motivated.  I feel capable.  I feel ready to move.

And I love that I get to share these feelings with the women around me.

For the past three years my husband has graciously allowed me to host an IF:local in our home.  The first year it was a small group of friends - some that were really more of an acquaintance than a friend (who is now so dear to me I can't imagine life without her).  The past two years it was our Women's Council members who participated in order to watch and experience the event, and then use parts of it in our Women's Retreat a few weeks later.  Each year, I get to watch the Lord move in powerful ways, forever changing our hearts and our lives.

It was obvious this year that God had already started moving through and preparing us for the event when the tissues came out during the first discussion break.  We weren't wasting time, and ladies spoke from their hearts, confessing darkness into light.  It was beautiful to see how much these women were trusting others with their past and present hurts and struggles.  This is not always the case in a circle of women, but they spoke with freedom and not fear, and they were embraced in love and not judgement or condemnation.

I am still processing everything.  I'm rereading my notes.  I'm praying over my domino.  I'm sitting still and listening.

Last year I wrote: "Trust" on my rock.  That was about me.

This year I wrote: "Publish" on my domino.  That is about someone else.

Jennie Allen's words are lingering..."You have been made to give away God in some way."

I've been really good at making excuses for not writing and publishing my posts.  But I know this is the place God has me for a reason.  So I recommit my time to Him.  I will work hard in obedience.  And I will trust God to use me how ever He sees fit to disciple others.

And if you think I'm all cool as a cucumber, you don't know me at all.  My stomach is in knots and I'm getting all kinds of sweaty.  Yay....