Thursday, June 12, 2008

Trying hard not to freak out...


Next Thursday morning at 6am pacific time, I will be flying cross-country to North Carolina for the Proverbs 31 Minsitries-She Speaks conference. As much as I was looking forward to attending a few weeks ago, like clockwork, days before any long trip away from my husband and children, those seeds of concern are beginning to return a harvest of gentle worry. For starters, I am not fond of being shot into the air at 400mph and dropped off in a state that I have never set foot in. I get lost walking to my own mailbox. And did I mention that I have to change planes in two different airports...TWO! Usual conversations with my husband about what I will be making for dinner or what the kids have surprised me with that day have turned into conversations about what I want him to know if my plane went down. Not to mention that I am having a very hard time remembering just exactly where I have secretly hidden all of my candy stash. I wouldnt' want to have my husband grieving my death and find out that I was a sweets stasher! These are now the tasks that are finding their way into my day to day happenings around here.

But every time I let my mind go back to how this trip has come about, well, that just brings me back to the confidence that I have in knowing that the Lord's fingerprints are all over this and that He is doing a work.

My going to this conference at all has been nothing short of miraculous.

So would you mind doing me a huge favor? When you say your prayers tonight or during your quiet time in the morning, or even right this very moment...will you send up a quick prayer for me and my family?

It would mean so much to me.


21 comments:

Beth Cotell said...

Oh how I wish I had the nerve to sign up for She Speaks when I heard about it back in the winter. I chickened out! I live in NC so getting there wouldn't have even been a big deal.

I'll be praying for you and all the other ladies that will be attending this weekend.

I can't believe I'm going to miss meeting everyone and hearing all the wonderful speakers!

Can't wait to read all about it!

Jonatha said...

I will be praying for you. Enjoy the time you have there - what a fountain of blessing it will be! I would love to go!

Suzanne said...

Praying for peace for you and that you will have an incredibly blessed time. Enjoy!

Cheri said...

I don't like traveling alone either and would be nervous, however, I'm willing to bet that God will give you peace for this trip when it comes time.
I'll be praying for you and your family~

Angela said...

Listen, when Nathan kissed me goodbye a few years ago when I flew to NY to visit with a friend, any on looker would have thought that one of us was terminal. I was hysterical. I had left notes everywhere for the kids. I had explained to Nathan that, with all of our children being so young, he would have to find a female role model for them quickly. OH! How funny those conversations seem to me now!

I cannot tell you how happy I am that you will be right here in NC and attending the She Speaks conference! You are going to be GREAT and are going to have SUCH a great time! This morning, my 3 yr old Ella (out of the blue) said this to me, "Mama, even when it is very late at night and the sky is very dark, God STILL love us." Her words seem fitting for you sweet friend. Even way up in that plane and all the way over here in NC, God still loves you and will keep you :o)

Take care and TAKE NOTES!!! It has been MY blessing to know that you are going :o)

Have Fun!

Paula V said...

I wish I had known about She Speaks earlier. I only found out in the last couple months and I still don't know all that it entails but from what people have said, I'm envious of those attending.

Before I clicked to type you a comment, I said a prayer for you...a prayer of confidence that the Lord is in this and there indeed is NO reason or benefit to worry. To repeat words of a prior post of mine...faith begins where worry ends. My friend, there is no need for you to worry...that IS Satan. Each time worry comes across ponder on the ridiculousness of worry and how useless it is. Not only useless, but it can be inhibiting as it takes away from our faith in God to provide.

Soak up this blessing, even in the midst of the little headaches that come now and time of departure. Trust the Lord in those two airport layovers...even if delayed or obstacles within them, trust God to be in those hassles also. You never know what He may be saving you from with a delayed departure or missed flight! Consider that one! I always ponder on that idea when I am behind a slow driver. Instead of being aggrevated I try to consider God could be preventing me from being involved in an accident.
Blessings,
Paula

Chelle' said...

You know I'm praying...

connorcolesmom said...

Praying for you :)
May God surround you with His peace and comfort as you prepare to leave
God please be with Joanne's family in her absence
May God protect your candy stash so that it is still waiting for you when you return :)
HAVe a great day
Kim

Sheryl said...

God is amazing...He woke me up in the night and guess who I prayed for? You! And what was I praying about? You going to the conference. You're covered, girl! And you know He is the one sending you there, so all will be fine. (but do get that stash of sweets out of your home and take them with you)

Love ya,
Sheryl

Melissa said...

Joanne,

You will do great on the plane!! I will be praying God's peace over you the whole way. I am directionally challenged as well and somehow God always gets me to my destination. :-) I was on Lysa's blog yesterday and left a comment. You said that you had some words of encouragement for Melissa. If that is me (and it is OK if it is not) my email address is melissa.white@intouch.org.

Please let me know how She Speaks goes for you!!

Blessings,
Melissa

Amy said...

I'm saying some extra prayers for you!

AlaneM said...

I'll be praying!!

Mrs.Naz@BecomingMe said...

I'll be praying and I am so excited for you

Mari said...

I'll be praying for sure. You know that the same God who made it possible for you to go, isn't going to let you down now!

Fran said...

You better believe I'll pray! We all will. And..God is so excited about the new fingerprints He's got ready to put His hand on!

Much love Joanne...Peace be with you!

Terri said...

I see that you checked out Cheri's blog about me playing ball - she gives me reason to be concerned. I never know what kind of picture will be taken when I'm out there and can't stop it. At least she was kind and put somewhat decent ones up!

I'll be praying that everything goes well for you while you travel. It can be scary when you're by yourself.

Leigh Ishee said...

How exciting! I have always wanted to go to this conference! Let us know how it goes.

Anonymous said...

You will be in my prayers for sure sis! love... dana

** H ** said...

I'm a baby blogger, going to She Speaks for the first time...
just sent up a prayer for your family and for you.

It's going to be wonderful, I'm sure.

BTW... your "Blessed Moments" over there on the right > > > about Grace being a missionary... my word, I'm so glad I didn't put on makeup yet! Where are these tears coming from?

**H**
(Heather)

Wanita said...

I found your blog through Laced with Grace. I'm going to She Speaks and will be flying in from Minnesota, fortunately with no change of plane. I'm very excited, but like you, some nervousness has crept in.

I've prayed that God will give you peace and that all will go well as you travel.

Melissa in Mel's World said...

Consider yourself prayed for...you will have a fabulous time...I can't wait to read all about it!

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