Thursday, September 21, 2006

Here...finally

For now this will be low tech w/ no nifty links or anything just the basic facts.
We (those going to the MOPS convention) left Norwalk Alliance about 6:10 or so. After a few delays we made it down to just outside of Louisville Kentucky. We stopped for lunch and then pressed on to Nashville with no more stops.
It was a interesting trip for me because I grew up just north of Nashville in the Bowling Green Kentucky area. As we were driving today I saw so many familiar landmarks that I haven't see for ages. It was all I could do not to take a detour of the interstate and go see my old house.
We arrived at the Opry Land Hotel...with no detours thanks to my great direction skills and the wonders of modern technology(my cell) and Dad at the other end of the line. hehe...thanks Daddy.
After waiting in lines registering and checking in and lugging tons (literally) of luggage, mostly Aria's, to our rooms we finally made it to tonight's general session.
Let's just say, thanks for the tissues Traci. I cried at least 5 times tonight. The first started after I was called out to feed Peanut. I got back during the worship session and they were singing the hymn Holy Holy Holy. Hearing all 5,000 mothers of preschoolers worshiping God was awesome. After a few announcements Elisa Morgan, head of MOPS Intl, came to speak. She shared about the theme for MOPS this year...Fresh Air. Our theme verse is John 10:10 "I have come that you may life, and life to the FULL!" She talked about different meanings of the word full. I have lots of notes if anyone is interested.
I had tears rolling down my face several times as I realized how "out of breath" I have been in my daily life. With the constant demands for my attention from so many directions I have lost my focus and found myself completely out of breath. As Flylady would say, "Tonight was definitely a God Breeze."
There were a vew more announcements and then Nicole Nordeman took the stage. I didn't realize that she is the mother of a 3 year old boy as well as writes all her own songs. She gave a mini concert and shared about her life and the things that really affect her. One song of hers that I have never really cared for, Legacy, was one that she sung. Before she did though she shared about space bags, the ones that you suck all the air out of with a vaccum cleaner and you can make a down comforter the size of box of macaroni. She compared it to taking everything from our life, our characteristics, talents, emotions, feelings, thoughts, evereything and placing it in one of these bags. Then you suck all the hot air...the things that don't matter and what are you left with?? That is when she wrote that song. Then she sang it. Wow, I'm definitely a basket case this weekend with lots to think about. But I'm sure I'm not the only one.
I've now been awake for 20 hours with only 4 hours of sleep last night. I must sleep. Feel free to leave a comment.

2 comments:

Heather said...

Glad you are getting so much out of it! And thats just the first night! So wish I was there. Enjoy your trip and take lots of notes! There is so much to take in, but it is so awesome to see that many moms! Amazing:)

Karen said...

I'm so glad you're having such a refreshing time! You'll have to share with me when you get home. LOVE YOU