Deeper Still :: an overview

Over the weekend, I, along with the ladies of CATB, attended the Deeper Still conference. It was led by Kay Arthur, Beth Moore and Priscilla Shirer. These 3 women have a unique way of relaying God's word in a way that not only speaks to you, but that grabs a hold of your heart and lets you feel the word of God eminating through you. By the end of the 2 days, I had been moved to tears, laughed uncontrollably and been led to go deeper still in my walk of faith.

The weekend started off Friday night, with praise and worship led by Travis Cottrell. If you've never heard him before -- he is amazing! We sang well known traditional gospel songs as well as a few contemporary gospel hits. Travis and his team had such awesome talent and presence that even the songs that I'd never heard before felt familiar.

We also heard Kay Arthur speak on Friday night. She is clearly a women in touch with God's word. The common thread of her teaching was 'rest in faith'. She taught from the book of Hebrews and spoke of relying on the Bible in everything you do.

Bright and early Saturday, we were back for day 2. Again, the day started off with an amazing time of worship with Travis and his praise team...though this morning they had a special surprise. Beth and Priscilla came out and performed a rap. It was hilarious! For those who missed it, don't you wish you had left the hotel just a little earlier now?

Priscilla Shirer was the next to speak. She had me in hysterics! Her teaching style was funny and relateable while still incredibly thought provoking. She broke down Ephesians 3.20-21 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Her main point being that God is able! He can go beyond beyond!

We than had a break for lunch. Everyone pretty much went their seperate ways for that. Sarah was kind enough to take Beth, April and myself to her uncles local pizza joint. We ordered several different personal pans as well as some caesar salad and shared it all around. It was delicious! If I could remember the name of it, I would recommend it to anyone in Orlando.

After lunch, we re-congregated at the arena and settled in to enjoy another round of praise with Travis and the gang, where they unveiled the 'prayer wall'. There were glass panes set up friday night for all who attended the conference to write their prayers upon. During this worship session, they displayed the 4 panes and painted a picture of Gods hand holding a single flower over top. It was a great way of joining thousands of women together to lift up our prayers.

This was followed by the teachings of Beth Moore. This was the most anticipated speaker by our group and she did not disappoint! Her high-energy style was captivating, humorus and heart-pulling. She taught on discerning the voice of God -- how to listen to your spiritual gut.

After another rousing round of praise and worship we were then treated to a question and answer segment. Beth, Kay and Priscilla answered questions that were submitted prior and gave real-life, biblically-based answers. Overall, the conference was an amazing, God-filled experience. I am so blessed to have been able to be in the presence of these 3 awe-inspiring women.

Over the next few blog posts, I will be giving you my take on this conference. What I took from these 3 amazing women, what I feel God is saying to me through this, and how I am being led deeper still.

The ladies of CATB who attended this awe-inspiring event.

blogs i love

For those of you who don't know, I'm a total internet addict and an avid reader...so, naturally, I love blogs. There are several that I subscribe to that I thought I'd share with all of you.

Hal's Blog :: Hal is the lead pastor at Church at the Bay. His blog follows our church and his insights. They're great if you ever need a little spiritual awakening or a laugh.

Through This Lens :: A look at life and Christianity through April's eyes. It is one of the most insightful and humble blogs I've ever read.

It Happened Between Jersey City and Manhattan :: Written by Manhattan Chick, Rachel, this blog is a must for anyone living between Jersey City and Manhattan. She gives humorus and honest reviews on where to go, what to eat and what to do in NYC and it's surrounding areas. Non-New Yorkers can enjoy her clever anecdotes, DIY eats and money saving tips.

Neal's Blog :: Neal is the connections pastor at Church at the Bay. He encourages leaders with to the point narratives and challenges.

music. art. service. :: Blaine, the worship arts pastor at Church at the Bay, takes the reigns on this one. While his posts are few and far between, they are jam packed with wisdom and soul-reviving words.

Carmen :: One of the hosts on one of Tampa's christian radio stations, the Joy fm, Carmen chronicles her life as a dj, a mother and a christ-follower.

The Big Big Blog :: The big big house morning show can be heard on Tampa's other christian radio station, spirit fm. This blog is written by Carlos and Abby, and talks about topics they've covered on their show as well what's on their mind.

CATB Childrens Ministry :: Written by Don, the childrens pastor at Church at the Bay, this blog speaks of leading kids to Christ as well the going ons of the CATB kids.

These blogs are insightful, humorus and full-filling to read. Check them out and let me know what you think. Or if there's a blog you think I'm missing out on, please let me know! I'd love to expand my blog horizons! You can quick-click to any of these blogs on my sidebar.

revived

Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints.
psalms 149.1




So I've been feeling a little out of sorts lately. I mean, it's been a year of great highs and lows for me. My car was repossessed, I was fired from applebees after working there for 7 years and was evicted from my apartment. On the other end of the spectrum, I graduated from SWFC for Massage Therapy, got a job at Zen Massage and passed the national board for massage (i'm still waiting on the Florida board of health to issue me my license though...). Ryan and Joey were nice enough to take me in during this rough time. While it can be a bit cramped and I'm sure I get on their nerves quite a bit...I can't even begin to explain how grateful I am. I don't know what I'd do right now without Ryan's help.


Even with things beginning to look up, I couldn't help but feeling a little lost. Yes, I now had a plan. I knew what I had to do to get my life back together and get back on my feet. It's a daunting task. I've put myself in this position of financial despair, and while I know what I need to do get out of it, it's not going to be an easy task. Nor is it going to happen overnight.


So to combat this feeling of being lost, I knew there was only one place to turn. Jesus. I have always been religious and had a strong faith...though sometimes stronger than others. Since moving to Tampa over 6 years ago, I hadn't found a church that I felt 'at home' in. I honestly hadn't really tried that hard. It had somehow lost it's priority. I still read my bible, listened to my Christian cds and radio stations and prayed regularly...but that's not enough.


I've tried 3 churches in Tampa. The 1st was Idlewild. A girl, Mandy, who worked at Full Moon with me went there. It was a really nice church...but so big!! They actually have shuttles from the main service to sunday schools. It'd be really easy to go unnoticed there. I went a few times...but it was just too big. The 2nd was 1st Baptist of Lutz. I really like it there...but I tried it when I didn't have transportation. So I could only go when Lauren (old room-mate) or Josh (ex-boyfriend) wanted to go. While the congregation was friendly, I felt it may take some time before I made any real friends there or really felt at home.


That brings me to the 3rd church. Church at the Bay. I've only been once so far, but I loved it!! The music was a live band that played very contemporary music...like hillsong...one of my favorites. It was a very relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Pastor Hal is an awesome speaker. He's down to earth, funny and inspiring. I also met some awesome people. Everyone was so friendly. I went by myself and was a little nervous that I'd feel out of place because I didn't know anyone. Not the case at all. I met 3-4 people before I even got to my seat. It's a non-denominational church, which I love! Annnd it's in walking distance of Ryan's apartment. It literally took me 4 minutes to get there. On my checklist of what I like in a church, Church at the Bay met and surpassed each one! I can't wait to go back! If anyone would like to join me, I'd love to have you!


I finally feel fulfilled. I feel back on track. I want to be a good Christian. I want to better my life. I can do all things through Jesus Christ.




How many times have I turned away
The number is the same as the sand on the shore

But every time You've taken me back

And now I pray You do it once more

Please take from me my life

When I don't have the strength

To give it away to You, Jesus
How many times have I turned away

The number is the same as the stars in the sky

But every time You've taken me back

And now I pray You do it tonight.
-Take My Life by Third Day