A Blessing...

What a blessing this weekend has been- an absolutely amazing opportunity. It seemed almost too good to be true, except it was true. I was offered an opportunity to come down to Newport Beach to join 140 women for a ladies conference, and be a guest speaker on health & nutrition- my favorite subject!

I was so nervous at first- completely over thinking it and trying to make my presentation ultra professional - when in reality that isn't me. I'm silly, real, goofy, I like to laugh and have fun ... And the best part - is that is exactly what these women really wanted.

I had no idea what to expect of the demographic - but I was so very pleasantly surprised. Each and every woman I had the pleasure of meeting and engaging in conversation with ended up being purely fabulous. I learned so much more from each of them then I would have ever imagined possible in such a short time. To experience a group of women that large come together for a common cause and just enjoy themselves and each other for every minute of the occasion was profound.

I know I was extremely lucky this year and I was allotted this opportunity as a fill in for their regular speaker. I found myself thinking, "Sheez, I need to get into landscaping so I can come back." I can honestly say that I will miss several of these ladies.

In addition, I am extremely proud of myself this weekend and my willingness to allow personal growth. Normally when put in a situation with a group of people so large, whom of which I do not know, I close off and get super quiet and shy. I never initiate conversation or engage in conversation unless otherwise initiated. I would always make sure to be the 1st to sit at a table so I don't feel like I am interrupting a group of people already sitting together. This weekend was exact opposite. As hard as it was - I forced myself out of my shell and openly would sit next to people and ask to join them - introducing myself and engaging in conversation. Also, instead of just gravitating to the 1st few women I met and felt comfortable around, as I would normally do, I forced myself to sit with new people on every occasion, thereby opening the scope of lovely ladies I had the opportunity to get to know! And in the end what I learned was that I have nothing to loose by being more outgoing and initiating conversation, and only plenty to gain! I wouldn't change this weekend for the world and I am extremely grateful to God for blessing me with such an amazing experience. Amber could have offered this to anyone and this time I was the lucky girl!

In addition, as if this whole conference experience wasn't amazing enough, I was even luckier to meet one woman in particular, Ruthie, who is a member of Saddleback Church. Through our discussions this became known, and she so kindly invited to take me this Sunday morning. This in and of itself was an experience of a lifetime. I was speechless! She is so kind, and words can't express how truly wonderful this morning has been, as a perfect end to a wonderful weekend.

I just wanted to send a special shout out to Amber, because she made this whole event happen, and thought of me, when she could have chose anyone.. And also to Ruthie, for being such a wonderful, kind, compassionate, and generous woman!