ACFW Journey (complete with pictures!!)

It's crazy what can happen when you trust your life in God's hands. Two years ago I had a dream to attend the national ACFW conference.

But God's timing wasn't my timing and He kept telling me to "wait". Not. Easy.

But I can now say, 2 years down the road with my first ACFW conference behind me, God's timing was perfect and in the waiting and growing in Him I have been exceedingly blessed.

In the people I have met. In the experiences I had. Even in the moments of God-ordained meetings and appointments. I've laughed and loved, grown and challenged.

I have too many photos to show in entirety in one post, I will probably break them into two or three. Just tell me if you get tired of them. ;-)

My dad and I leaving early Monday morning. It would take two and a half days to reach St. Louis, Missouri. That is how commited my family is.

I got to meet 9 of the lovely 15 Seekers of Seekerville. Let's just say these ladies are larger than life in person

Back L-R: Debby, Sandra, Mary, Myra, Audra, Janet

Front L-R: Julie, Me, Cara, Ruthy

The sweet and uber funny/talented dynamo, Mary Connealy. Woo-hoo, where's the celebrity magazine to sell this baby to?

Julie. Lessman. Two words, 'nuff said. Well, not really. Julie and I got several chances to chat over the weekend and I miss her already!!

What a moment from God! I walked out of the ACFW bookstore, reminded I needed to watch for Laura Frantz...and there she stood! Seriously...this moment was a gift from God, like the lovely woman herself.

Keli Gwyn and Candace Calvert! Both were such an encouragement to me that weekend. Both inspire me and I'm eager for BOTH of their books soon to be released. :D

 I met our lovely Renee Ann Smith of Doorkeeper! I would know the woman anywhere and when I saw and met her in person it was fantastic! A true keeper, she is! :)

 But the biggest highlight of the weekend was this picture. 6 of the 10 Alley Cats were able to make it to the conference and I treasure their friendship, now deeper because of our face-to-face meeting. God is SO good and we saw His amazing hand in these women's lives all weekend long.

 One of the people I was most anxious to meet was the lovely Beth Vogt. My heart fills to overflowing when I think of Beth. Her hugs warmed my soul and I'll be craving them--I just know it! A prayer warrior, she stopped and prayed with me twice. I know those prayers kept me calm during my agent appointment!

 There is such a spirit of God through the entire conference. I ran into Kim Vogel Sawyer in the appointment waiting area. Once she found out why I was there, she pulled me aside to pray for me. Not a single moment have I taken for granted, each one is a treasure I hope to pull out again and again like a faithful friend. There was not a single person I met that did not totally live up to their glorious expectation. Kim is just one of them. I am blessed!

 Pinch me now! I attended Tamera Alexander and Deborah Raney's workshop and learned much, but it was the warmth of the ladies themselves that blessed me. I told Deb I am *this* close from idolizing them (not that I can since it's not biblical) and few people make me star-struck.

I was star struck! ;-) I treasured those few minutes chatting with them both.

The Frasier Finalists and our inspiration, Susan May Warren. There were 6 finalists but we never could seem to track them all down for a photo. These ladies inspire me!

I've got more if you're interested! The story isn't over yet. ;-)