I took notes today but I’m not posting them up tonight because of a million factors (one factor being Craig Groeschel kicked my booty across the room… twice… so I need to just let that sink in first), but I DID Twitter a lot of it.
However, today, I want to focus on the people portion of the conference. I have gotten the privilege of meeting some really AWESOME people. Most of them, I have been following via Twitter or blog for quite some time… so it’s more like reconnecting with an old friend.
I got to meet Dave Ferguson (@daveferguson). First thing he did was come up and give me a hug. Second thing, he says: “You Twitter a lot about food!” HA! He’s right, ya know. I think that’s how he’s been introducing me to people too. HAHA!
Also met Mary Beth Stockdale (@mbstockdale), who is just about as cute as a button. Ever met a person who just has the “glow-of-Christ’s-love” on them? Yeah… that’s her. When she talks to you, she makes you feel like you’re the only person in the room. I need to learn how to be more like her when it comes to people.
Then, there’s Eric Bramlett (@billshazzar) who is SO funny, he just about makes me pee my pants from laughing so hard. Seriously… every time he opens his mouth, only KUH-RAZY comes out. There is something NOT RIGHT about him…
But the coolest couple we’ve had the privilege of meeting is by FAR are Justin and Trisha Davis (@justindavis33 & @trishadavis23). It started with me standing in the main worship auditorium. Justin and Trish walk by and Justin stops, looks at me for a minute and says something like:
“Hey… you’re Jenni Clayville?”
I think I started to sweat. I was, like, um… ruh-roh… what did I do now? But I replied, “Yes…” Was I supposed to know him? Cuz seriously… the babies took away ALL my memory brain cells… every last one. Could have been a REALLY awkward moment!
Long story short, they went to high school with Matt Payne (@mlpayne) and are also good friends with Pete & Brandi Wilson (@pwilson & @brandiandboys) who are friends with Brent & Tammy Hodge (@inworship & @inprogress) who are my friends frienemies enemies people (whatev!).
Nice full circle, right?
Their story of how God has restored their lives from a place of complete brokenness humbles me. You can read their story HERE!
Brian and I seem to be surrounded by friends who are calling it quits in their marriage. The sin that has crept up in their lives or the brokenness that seems to be irreparable looks too difficult to conquer. Forgiveness and redemption appears impossible. Then, we meet Justin and Trisha… a couple who made is making it. A couple continuing to CHOOSE to make it every day after pain and brokenness beyond any describable words.
I think that may be my next tattoo: CHOOSE LOVE.
I don’t know you.
And please stop leaving your crap on my porch.
what?
who are you?
im new here. nice to meet you. i like your eyes.
Brent – stop calling your wife crap!
Tam – oh geez… you guys are sitting in you living room working out what to say, aren’t you?
youre stalking us arent you?
how else would you know that?
i want my mommy.
Hey, at least tam said something nice
Brent… it’s cuz Tam’s the nice one. Oh… and she wants her mommy… would you call her up for her?
Glad you got to meet Just and Trish. Couldn’t ask for better friends.
And you think I’m weird?????
Thanks for all the cool new tweeple for me to stalk now though.
(donning serious hat)
Tattoo : awesome choice – do it.
Chose Love : today
Jenni – you are too kind! Loved meeting you, hubs and especially Paxton. You are a darling and your passion for Jesus is contagious! I am humbled by your tweeting prowess – my coworkers can’t believe someone actually twitters more than me.
Pete – absolutely. Trish & Justin humble me!
Mary Beth – it was AWESOME meeting you. And about Twitter… yeah… I tweet a LOT
HA!
your full circle explanation just made me smile… i love “small world” connections! can’t wait until i get to meet you in person!
Ahh, the circle grows smaller. We’re friends of Justin & Trisha Davis. Great people. So bummed they’re moving to Nashville but oh well.