Revolve 2007

I have shared quite a bit about my Women of Faith conferences but this weekend I got to go to Revolve- a teen girl conference. I went with Shelby and 2 other moms with 3 other girls up to Hartford for Friday night and Saturday. The conference allows the girls to experience a greater Body of Christ than in their church- it is really cool to sing praise with 7,000 other Christian girls and their moms all at one time. There are also some incredible speakers and performers who all share the message of God's love for them and how precious they are. They talk about a lot of the issues the girls face every day and give them a message of hope. Who doesn't need that? I was just so glad to see the 4 girls we brought participate and enjoy being there. I can't wait until next year's program.

They Guys of Revolve

One of the things the people at Revolve realized over the years is that if you get some guys to perform in the program the girls will come. So this year they booked some amazing music artists- KJ-52, Chad Easthamand Hawk Nelson. Add a couple of guys into the drama team and you have a recipe for success.

KJ-52 is a Christian rapper- quite the experience. I actually liked his music but refrained from doing the hand pumping and jumping- I think shelby sppreciated that.

The drama team presented important issues in a way that made it easy for the girls to hear. The great thing about it is that their skits open up opportunities for conversation later on.

Chad Eastham talked to the girls about guys. This year his message was are you a treasure or a target? It was great to see how focused the girls in the arena were on listening to him speak and how clearly he shared his lesson.

Hawk Nelson

Picture this, you are in an arena with over 7,000 teenage girls. The host announces that next up is Hawk Nelson. All of a sudden it seems like the whole arena seating area empties out as all the girls run to the floor and up to the stage. What a trip! This group certainly has its share of fans among the attendees at Revolve. Their music is a little rock a little punk but very fun. It is embarassing when you realize that you are a 45 year old mom, standing on the floor photographing a band and you are bouncing along with all the teens. Actually I think that if Shelby could have seen me she would have been embarrased. But all is good- she is thrilled that I got so many photographs of them, especially the bass player.

The Women from Revolve

While most of the excitement (read screams...or should I say...SCREAMS!!) were reserved for the guys at the conference there were plenty of women there too. These ladies were so talented.. some musically, some athletically, some artistically, but all communicationally (is that a word?) I loved how they held the girls' attention for 2 days as they shared their stories of how faith has worked in their lives. Their ability to simply share their stories and speak so clearly about their belief in Jesus was inspirational.

This is Jenna Lucado. She is Max Lucado's daughter and her message about searching in all kinds of places for fulfillment that can only be met by having a relationship with your Creator was awesome. Apparently her dad is not the only talented preacher in the family.

Ayiesha Woods' music was really powerful as well as fun. Shelby felt the most moved by her songs. I think the first thing she did when we got home was download some of her songs on her computer.

Brie Reed was our host for the weekend and was way too cute. An Australian with a unique accent, Brie kept the girls involved in the event and all of us laughing.

This program packs some amazing speakers as well as voaclists. Each person has their unique story and shares it so openly with all the girls in the arena.

Laura Wilkinson is an Olympic medalist in diving. She spoke with the girls about her experience in stepping out in faith when she took on training for the Olympics.

Rachel Hockett is so adorable and has a beautiful voice so we all enjoyed her singing and hearing her witness.

Natalie Grant has so much to share as well. Her story about self image and self esteem had the moms crying along with more than a few girls.

In retrospect this weekend was a wonderful time for all of us. The girls had fun, laughing and singing and even a little dancing. We moms had fun watching our daughters participating in a celebration of the girls. I wish someone had been around sharing with me the wisdom these people did with all the girls in the arena when I was a teen. Actually a lot of it was good for me to hear too at my age. I hope that everyone walked out of the event with at least one message spoken about so much this weekend- We are all children of God- He loves us and we are precious to Him. We are all treasures and should be treating ourselves accordingly and expecting others to treat us that way too. Can I hear an AMEN!!?

Meet my future son-in-law

OK, I really have a teenage daughter in my house. After watch Hawk Nelson at the revolve conference this weekend Shelby has announce that she is going to marry Daniel from the band. Luckily when I was taking photos I got a lot of him so I scored big time with her. I am glad that I don't have issues with piercings and tattoos because I thinkwe would have a problem here. I didn't see any tatts but I am assuming since the other guys have them Daniel has them too. I have to admit I think he is a cutie too. Welcome to the family Daniel ;)

Reality check

Last night I had the opportunity to be one of the night time hosts to a group of homeless people in my area. Every Wednesday night in September my church served as a shelter for people from our area that are homeless. We have dinner together, watch a movie and visit with each other. I have done this through out the years and feel so lucky to have been able to do this. I have learned so much from my visits with these special guests. When we first started in this program I had many misconceived ideas about people who are homeless. I was not the only one. I remember so many people from the congregation that did not want us to participate. There were all kinds of fears. Looking back now it seems so pathetic those fears... this program has been such a great blessing to those of us who have been able to serve. The thing that is hard for me is that I will probably never see these people again, they move on from this program to something else. I won't know how their story grows. They have made me far more aware of how easily anyone can slip into their situation. I wonder if I could handle it with as much grace as they seem to. Their openness to share bits of their life stories with me humble me and at times embarass me- I have been so spoiled and take so much for granted. They thank me for all that I have done when they visit but it is really I who need to thank them- They have been great life teachers to me. I pray that God will bless them on their way.

Fireworks display

Whooo Hooo

You are all in trouble now that I have figured out how to do one off these slide show thingies from aol. This blogging stuff is way too fun

something new

Brag Alert

I know I already posted about Jay's wonderful work but I had to add to it. Last night we went up to the house with the pond to photograph everything at night. Jay does a lot of creative "Lightscaping" and this home's property was a dream to do for him. It definitely seems unreal when you walk up to the pond, the lights create such depth and beauty. There are lights that simulate moonlight shining down on the lawn, specialty lights shining up, Level of brightness, color of light...it goes on and on. All that this means is that when you walk up to the pond you feel like you are somewhere magical. Wish I could bring you there but the photos will have to suffice


This is a shot from the home's driveway. Even from out in the street you can see a little bit of the feature.

Jay seems to know which trees to feature and then designs around them. Here he added a softer light to the rocks at the base of the tree as well as some lights going up the tree. It just looks amazing as you walk up on it.

This is one of my favorite shots and spots. Just sitting there in the evening would be a joy. I don't know, maybe the homeowners will find me out there every once in awhile LOL. The landscape designer's pond stalking wife.

Uppercase living alert

I finally got a chance to go through my starter kit for Uppercase living and decided to play with a word for my front door. UL has a pack of transfers to use on your door for each season of the year. There is a Happy Harvest for Fall, an Enchanted Spells sign for Halloween and so on. I decided to put the Welcome on our main door. I was amazed at how easily it went on and how great it looks. I can see this is going to be dangerous... don't stand still next to me or you may end up with something rubbed on to your forehead ;)

Boasting Post

Ok, If you don't like smarmy boasting posts just pass on by. I am so impressed with Jay's creativity and skill in design. The other day I went to visit him on a job. He had designed a pond and series of waterfalls for a client not too far from home and I wanted to see them. I could not believe that this pond was not naturally in this backyard- It was just so well laid out. He has also been working on the lighting and I will head there one evening once he is done with it to get some night shots. But just look at how beautiful this project is- jay you are awsome!

Andiamo Bike Ride

This morning was the Andiamo Bike Ride heading out from Creskill. Jay is one of the sponsers of the ride and her always gets a group to meet up at his shop before heading to the ride. This morning there were over 30 motorcycles there before 8:30. A quick bite of a bagel, sip of a coffee and they head off to meet up with the thousands of other riders. This year SHelby rode with her dad and I grabbed a few shots before heading to church.

Women Of Faith- Philadelphia

Its that time of year again... the time when I pack up with a group of friends and head to some city to attend a WOF conference. This year it was Philadelphia again. We went to the Franklin Institute of Science to see King Tut- see if you can recognize my friends on the pendulum staircase..You win a prize if you do. This weekend is really about Christian Fellowship with these ladies and I am so thankful I am able to make it.

Those little blobs up there really are my friends

Carol and Leah enjoy a wonderful, strike that, nutritious, strike that, edible?, box lunch

This weekend isn't about the food, its not about the museum, its not about anything more than spending some time with friends learning more about our relationship with Christ Jesus, Amen!

Downtown South Philly

On Friday, after the daytime class but before the Conference start there is a few hours to kill. We have learned to jump on the Broad Street line of the subway and head out for an early dinner. We found a great Italian restaurant Called Crimiti (I think) that is in a building that once had been a church. There is a beautiful stained glass window in the dining room and they serve wonderful food. Before heading in for dinner we took a walk up broad street. Not sure what is in the water there but we found a hospital and 6, count them 6 funeral homes... does not speak well for the hospital that 2 of them were just across a street from them. Here are some shots from our walk...

 

2 of the funeral homes were right next to each other

 

 

There are always guests who come and speak or perform at each conference. This year there were a number of them. Dr Henrey Cloud spoke about achieving the dreams that God has given you, Mandissa shared her testimony and sang (can you say WOW?), Nichole Nordiman sang (What beautiful music and meaningful lyrics, "I Am" just about cried me out it was so beautiful), Sandy Patti, and Anita Renfrew( A Depends moment girl) what an incredible lineup this weekend

 

Dr Cloud

 

Mandissa

 

Nichole Nordiman

Patsy, Marilyn and Luci

It is no secret that these three women are some of my favorites from the whole conference- Patsy is just a tiny bundle of amazing energy. Her story of breaking free form the fears that filled her life is so inspiring. Her recollections are so funny, her mannerisms are hysterical and yet her message hits home hard. I have learned so much from her - like don't drink a lot of water prior to her session- you just might laugh too hard.

 

Marilyn is a brilliant woman who has a quirky sense of humor. You just know I have to love someone with a quirky sense of humor. But in all her off beat anecdotes she really teaches you great lessons. Her understanding of people make her sessions so worthwhile.

 

And Luci... Wonderfully adventourous Luci. As much as I would like to spend time with any and all of the women from Women of Faith, Luci is the one I think I would have the most fun with. She is creative, a photographer and a great traveler. Her ability to teach you with simple but funny stories makes it worth the wait for her session. One might wonder why I chose this seemingly unattractive shot of her but if you were albe to listen to her story this conference you would quickly recognize her imitation of a man she met at a meeting.