Just Give Me Jesus

On September 11-12, my mom and I attended the Just Give Me Jesus revival at the Ferrell Center. It was put on by Angel Ministries and the main speaker was Anna Graham Lotz. Now, I have to confess to wondering, at first, if I would really like anyone other than Beth Moore. 

You see, I learned about Beth's studies right around the time my life hit bottom (aka The Dark Period). I was starting over in a new career, climbing out of the debt accumulated when I took off 6 months and my marriage was hanging on by a thread (and that's putting a positive spin on what the relationship was actually like at the time). 

I have since done many of her studies and can say, without reservation, that my family has been immensely blessed by her teachings. So, yes, I'm a bit of a Beth snob.

But can I just tell you that Anne Graham Lotz blew me away? She's amazing!

The first night she taught on the crucifixion of Jesus and it was the most powerful telling of the story I've ever experienced. She brought out so many details I'd never thought of but brought the house down when she said, "No one TOOK His life. He willingly GAVE it."

Wow!
The next morning began with a great lesson about the resurrection of Jesus and, yes, it was just as fabulous as the lesson taught the night before. You know what I didn't expect, though? She was funny. Seriously. I didn't expect someone so stately and classy to be funny. But I was once again proven wrong.
Next up was a prayer session led by Jill Briscoe, who seriously makes you want to pray. Like, all the time. What an amazing woman with an amazing gift!
This guy is Fernando Ortega. While several of my co-workers had already heard (and fallen in love with) his music, I had not. He has this uncanny ability to lead you to the foot of the cross with his quiet, humble, powerful music. And by 'uncanny,' I mean 'it could only come from above.'

We broke for lunch after the prayer session so Mom and I headed to Chili's Too @ BU. It was great because we were able to get out of the rain (it STORMED all weekend - I likened it to healing rain :-) because the restaurant is under one of the parking garages. Front row parking was also a fabulous surprise. 

Before returning to the Ferrell Center, we treated ourselves to Starbuck's. While my mom's cafe mocha was yummy, it was nothing compared to my first experience with the Pumpkin Spice Latte. It was a magical experience that I hope to repeat often once the humidity leaves Central Texas for good this year. Yes, I know that will probably be December.
The next session was a workshop in which Anne taught how she personally does her quiet time each morning. She explained how she draws life lessons out of each verse and then turns them into personal questions. Life changing does not even begin to describe that session!
The final session was on Jesus reigning on the throne in anticipation of the second coming. She really knocked it out of the park and it was such a wonderful experience. It was also nice to have an entire two days where I didn't have to worry about laundry, snacks, making sure I spent enough time with Tay, etc. To dedicate that time to recharging was amazing. And it was super fun that my mom was able to come with me. Thank you, Boppy, for hanging out with Tay so we could go!
The foot of the cross. No more powerful place on Earth. Or beyond. Amen.