My heart is so full. It was a beautiful weekend full of God’s grace and love.
I went to the event with so much expectation (and anxiousness) about meeting my wonderful friends in person and hoping to share Christ’s love.
It didn’t take me long to figure out that He had brought me there to shower His love on me too.
I cried through the entire morning session. Sarah’s infectious smile and big Texas personality blew me away and when she shared her story, I knew that this day would be priceless.
Then Jane blessed us with her story of heartache and life and she truly has her Father’s heart. I am so blessed to have a new friend and sister in Christ.
And then there was Paige.
I am completely in love with Paige and her family. Those girls of hers? UNBELIEVABLE. And beautiful and sweet and so engaging. {I’m still a little hurt that SMK didn’t make the trip but I guess I’ll forgive her:) } And DAN is just as wonderful as she says! He’s a bookie like me so we could have talked for hours. He said the sweetest thing to Sibi and I after the conference and I quote, ” Thank you so much for loving my wife. She is an amazing woman and I love the people who love her.” What guy says that? Dan does, that’s who.
Paige has a powerful story but to hear it in her own words—-I am so blessed. She is beautiful and warm and funny and perfect in every way. I’m smitten!
I wasn’t able to bring any of my homies with me but my friends Charity and Michele took me in as their own and encouraged me and prayed for me and made the day even that much more special. And it was Charity’s 39th birthday so we embarrassed her a little. Michele is real life friends with the Nester and we’ve been internet friends for a few years. I was so grateful and excited to finally meet her in the flesh. She’s been such a tremendous encouragement to me and was even more beautiful and authentic than I could have imagined. Love you both! And thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the sacrifices you made to make the trip.
And last but not least, a big Southern hug for my friend Sibi. She IS the epitome of grace. I am so indebted to her and Eric for all their hard work, sacrifice, sleepless nights, prayer and fasting and vision to make this day happen. You are HIS pearl, my friend and I love you.
There will be some video available from the day so I’ll share it when it becomes available. And if I can ever get caught up in life, I’ll get you the transcript from my talk.
And how could I ever express my gratitude for all you pearl girls for coming and making this day so special? Your kindness and love and sweet words of encouragement blessed me so much and to see all your gorgeous faces in person made my day!
much love to you all 🙂
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Thank you for visiting life{in}grace girls and for all your submissions!!!
Julie is posting a DIY anthro-inspired spring jacket there today!
I new it would be a smashing success! So sorry that I had to miss out! I can’t wait to read your transcript and see the video!
oh edie, how i wish i would of come up to you and introduced myself and just to shake your hand. i sat in tears most of the day by what was being said and what the Lord was revealing to me. you are just as precious and beautiful as i imagine. such an inspriration! from one tennessean to another! blessings and continous prayers your way!
Sounds like an inspiring, rejuvenating weekend!!
I am excited to be going to allume social this year–my first ever blog conference! Will you be there?? (*fingers crossed*)
Hi Edie, it was so exciting to meet you in person. My friend Kim and I were sitting in the back, she was the one with the long, beautiful, curly red hair and you came back for a picture right before your speech. You are just as precious, gracious and beautiful in real life as you are on your blog. We were so excited to meet you and your speech deeply touched both of our hearts. Thank you so much for sharing your story and being you.
Dear Edie, Saturday at the Pearl Event was a precious, sweet time. I had run into you minutes before it was your turn to speak – we met in the ladies’ room! Afterwards, I had every intention of coming to thank you personally for what your words meant to me. However, I was such a sniffling mess, and at the time you were locked in an embrace with your friend Michele.
Thank you for your transparency,sincerity,priceless humor and truthfulness. It broke down barriers and touched hearts.
With blessings to you!
Tonja
I truly wish i could have been there with you, to pray with you and for you. I know that many were blessed to hear your story. I am looking forward to the transcript and video.
Hugs,
Ruth
wish so bad I could have been there…
thought about you all and trusted that God would shower the whole event and each person there with his grace.
I’m so glad to hear it went so well, Edie. I knew you’d be great at it! One day…
I did my Part I of the weekend. I made you sound good! You ARE! 🙂
Nothing, nothing, nothing like kindred girl time.
i hope you’re not all ocd about checking your site meter because even though you are , no lie, my #1 favorite blogger of all time, i will indeed be going back & rereading all i’ve read
& i will indeed be reading all i didn’t read
because my love for you burns even stronger.
we ALL have a major crush on you. even dantheman thinks you are awesome.
wish i could have met those baby girls & hugged big burly stevie.
can i just tell you that meeting you was a hugmongeous highlight in my little world.
now go forth & have a fabulous time in cali
love you friend
xo
Edie,
Still in the clouds after last weekend…. Oh my, what a fun, inspiring, uplifting time! I loved meeting you, and now my girls (they were with me) know who I am talking about when I say, did you see Edie’s blog today? Ahummm…… No, really, they read it too since I talk about it all the time….
Your testimony was perfect-heartfelt, serious, funny, and tender. Thank you for sharing you life with us.
teresa
aka ‘nonnie’
It was great meeting you Edie! Wish we had more time to visit! All of you just did a
spectacular job and the Lord was so glorified! Your cookie is THE BEST EVER Choc
Chip! Love your heart and passion.
BLESSINGS abundant from Birmingham!!
It looks like you had an amazing weekend. I am so thrilled. I joined you in prayer! Of course, how could it have not been wonderful with all of those grace-filled women… like my edie girl!