Jacksonville FBC Pastor/PW Conference!
Okay, so I know you thought I fell off the face of the earth but really I just slid south a state or two. Friday I flew to Jacksonville, FL to be a part of the Jacksonville FBC Pastor’s Conference. Like I heard one of the staff say on my way out of the church today, don’t ask me any hard questions because my brain is wrecked. It’s funny how purging your heart only seems to fill it right back up. I am absolutely smitten with the pastor’s wives I had the privilege to serve this weekend and won’t soon get over it.
I can’t say enough about my new friend Marilyn who is the director of women’s ministry. Man, does she love Jesus and the women she serves. She also must love (or hate) me since she was my live gps when I continued to get myself lost driving around down town. (In a Kia Soul! You can get with this, or you can get with that! It’s my new favorite. I was so sad to turn it back in. Mostly because it was clean. And my car, after 8 years and 4 kids is not.) I also had the privilege of meeting Debbie Brunson (Mac Brunson’s wife). I am still coveting her shoe collection. Alabama girls, you would have loved her houndstooth stilettos. Had lunch with Lauren Chandler and was just blown away by her faith as she upholds her pastor husband as he battles cancer. I should mention girlfriend can sang. And play the piano. Met adorable Alicia who works for the North American Mission Board. She changed my life by teaching me how to use the navigation app on my phone. Marilyn wishes she had changed it before having to talk me down every street in Jacksonville. Also got to be a part of a hysterical PW Panel on Saturday. The best piece of advice we heard that day was from Nancy Sullivan (adored her!) but in the interest of keeping some things sacred and because I’m the biggest prude you will ever meet, I’ll let that remain between us girls who were there. You can just imagine the topic.
I know I’m leaving out so many wonderful people who were nothing but gracious. It’s an amazing thing to be behind the scenes at an event like this and see the logistics of what has to happen to pull the thing off. I’m telling you people, you don’t do all this work unless you really care about the people for whom you are working. This church loves pastors and their families and I for one can’t thank them enough for the privilege of encouraging our kind.
So much more to say, but the plane is about to board. And as you know, I STILL DON’T HAVE INTERNET AT HOME. And yes, I’m freaking out about it. Hopefully we’ll be remedying that soon. I thought I could live but alas, I can not.
If you attended the conference, please keep in touch with me and remember CONNECT and ENDURE!!
Oh my. I could totally love me some houndstooth stilettos. If I could wear stilettos that is. Since I sprained the ankle a few years ago, I don’t do heels very well.
As for no internet …. I would be a basket case and the data charges on my smart phone would be out the roof!
I hope you get internet soon. I’m a new reader, but I’m really enjoying your posts.
Jacksonville, FL, such a changing and moving city. Spent 9 years living and serving in Jacksonville. So much has changed since I left yet so much is still the same. Glad you had a great trip. Since it is so close to my South Georgia roots i am a little partial the city. Love ya girl and glad you had such a great trip.
So My hubby got to meet you and I didn’t…..lol…..Hi Lisa….so glad you got to go FBCJAX…we have done that trip/Pastors Conference for @ 15 years…our children have known that as a regular family vacation through the years….. It is such a great time of refreshing…you and your dh need to do to Johnny Hunts Timothy Barnabas, there is nothing like being taken care of by those two ministries!
Prayers and Hugs and maybe our paths will cross one day!…
Lisa, we were stationed in Jax for many years before transferring to SC two years ago. I have been lost in down town Jax way to many times to count. I still can’t get the layout straight in my mind. Many Jax people get lost down there so know your in great company. The body of FBC are wonderful people who believe in doing Gods work!! Hope you got to see the Landing and other area’s of DT. It truly is a beautiful area and a need for ministry. :)
So glad you had a great time! You were missed around here…
Just wanted to thank you for your message at the pastor’s conf. I really enjoyed hearing you and what you had to say was so relevant and for me. I was set on buying your book and then it was given to me at the first session! I’m looking forward to reading it…. it has to be good with a title like that!
ps.. I was the one wearing jeans and sneakers to the last session because I wore heels the previous 2 days and my feet were KILLING me! God bless you as you serve Him!
I bet you were great!
I met you at the PC!! You inspired me to start my own blog! I REALLY enjoyed the talks you gave @ the Women’s Conference.
Keep on keepin on sister!
Hi Lisa:o)
My hubby and I attended the Conference. LOVED It and LOVED YOU!!
AWW yes, Mrs. Nancy…wasn’t expecting that, and yes, I am a bit of a prude too! And Debbie’s shoes were Amazing!! She is so sweet and encouraging. I also, was inspired by you to start a blog (I have been praying about it for sometime). In fact, I haven’t even wrote a post yet, b/c I wanted to stop by here first:o) Also, I want to thank you for the words of encouragement you shared with us. They did NOT Fall on deaf ears. God is using you, Lisa, to encourage many. Thank you!!!
lisa,i was at the pastors conference in Jax, my husband and i have been going since ’97 and love it every year! I so enjoyed hearing you speak! Thank you for all you said! I read your book on the flight home and loved it. I told my husband that if we knew each other we would be friends! As soon as you said you had a like for lines from 80’s songs i knew we would get along! I get teased because I have a 80’s song line for every situation! thank you for your words of encouragement and may God continue to bless your ministry! I LOVE being a pastors wife and I adore our church family! We minister in a church the same size as yours so many things you said I related to! And by the way…. my husband loved, Nancy Sullivans advice! :)
Lisa – I wanted to be with you so MUCH it hurt my heart! I prayed for you and I’m so thankful you were an encourager and that you were encouraged too. I love you to pieces.
My Dad is recovering well from surgery and Gary and I just got home from a conference in Birmingham, AL for worship pastors and wives. It was wonderful and we stayed at this beautiful place called Ross Bridge and all the wives had “spa treatments.” Glory be.
I love you – gotta run. The laundry calleth.
Love you – will talk to you soon,
GA JAN
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