I slept until noon yesterday.
And I am not going to lie, it was glorious.
The weekend was so incredible, but it started at 3:30 a.m. Friday morning and didn’t end until I walked through my back door last night at midnight. And then I was so excited to tell P all about it that we stayed up until after 1:00 a.m.
God bless him for getting up with Caroline and taking her to church yesterday morning. He is a gem.
On Friday morning at 5:00 a.m. my dad picked me up to drive me to the airport. My flight didn’t leave until 6:30, but he wanted to pick me up a little early so he’d have time to go home and work out on his elliptical machine before he went in to the office.
The early morning workout gene seems to have skipped a generation.
However, I was never so glad to be somewhere early because when I arrived at the airport, it was totally packed. In fact, it was the longest security line I have ever waited in. I’ve never seen anything like it.
It was like discovering a whole new world that I never knew existed, like people who don’t enjoy cold Diet Coke over ice or chocolate. Weird and unusual. Who are all these early risers and where are they going at 5:00 a.m.?
And then, as I was waiting in the line at Starbucks to see if they offered caffeine with any sort of I.V. delivery system, I overheard a couple in front of me talking and the wife was trying to explain to her husband who Faith Hill and Tim McGraw were and it was taking quite a bit of effort because she wasn’t really sure who they were but thought that they “might do some singing on stage together”.
Lord have mercy.
This is why I don’t need to be around people who wake up at 5:00 a.m. Clearly, we are from two different planets. How do you not know who Faith and Tim are? Even if you don’t listen to country music?
I’m sure it’s because this couple is very sophisticated and well-traveled and would never try to beg a security guard to let them go through security with their flip-flops on because they forgot their fungus-preventing security socks (I haven’t actually trademarked that name, but I will eventually) and have phobias about their bare feet touching the place where thousands of other bare feet have walked.
Anyway, I arrived safe in Atlanta where the lovely Annie not only picked me up from the airport but took me to eat breakfast at The Flying Biscuit. Eating that biscuit was the first time I saw the face of God this weekend, but it wouldn’t be the last.
Annie dropped me off at The Omni. I checked in and got in the elevators to head up to my room, but I punched the bottom on the elevator and nothing happened.
Punch again.
Nothing.
Again.
Nothing.
I stood there for five minutes in a non-moving elevator until I realized you had to insert your room key to get the elevator to take you to your floor. They don’t have that at the La Quinta.
Sophie arrived around 1:00 and we went down to the arena to watch sound check. We had no idea what exactly that entailed, but Travis had told us we could come down to sound check and it was either that or watch some old episodes of “Sanford and Son” in our room, so we chose sound check.
As soon as we walked in we saw Amanda and Janelle. It was so great to finally meet them in person. I also got to meet Travis’s sweet wife, Angela, for the first time which was so fun after hearing so much about her.
We all stood around and visited for a few minutes because they were all very busy doing official sound checking things, and then Beth Moore came walking up to us. I could have died.
I got to meet Beth, we hugged and I was pretty much speechless because I knew if I said anything I might go straight into the ugly cry. I think I may have said something like “You have no idea”, which is really so profound and eloquent.
I am quite the wordsmith.
I’m also pretty sure I introduced myself as “Big”.
Nice.
Everyone had places to be and things to do, so Sophie and I went back up to the room to catch some “Sanford and Son” and possibly a nap. That’s the benefit of not having any real talent, you’re able to just hang out in hotel rooms and watch Aunt Esther and Lamont. “Hey Dummy, here comes 5,000 volts of ugly”.
Finally, it was time to wade into the sea of 19,000 women to get into the arena. I have never seen anything like it.
We finally arrived at our seats and a little while later Travis and the Praise Team started singing. And that’s pretty much when I started crying.
I was just completely overwhelmed by the presence of God. Not to mention that I was sitting directly behind Beth, Kay Arthur and Priscilla Shirer. It was honestly one of the most surreal moments of my life.
And I just kept thinking, “God, how did I get here?”
But there was no where else I would have rather been.
I’ll tell y’all more tomorrow, because, seriously, could this be any longer?
That’s a rhetorical question, by the way.
Kim aka GoofyMamma says:
Oh man! How awesome. That sounds like quite the trip. I wanna go! I love all 3 of those woman. I’m with you on the whole speaking thing. I probably would have introduced myself as Goofy! And it wouldn’t have taken them long to figure out why I’m afraid. I loved reading about your trip. Glad your back safe.
Blessings,
Kim
June 30th, 2008 at 4:45 am
Slacker Mom says:
Loved reading the first of hopefully many posts about how you saw God during your trip to the ATL. I can see me now, I’m slacker mom - well I’m not really a slacker - it was a joke….apparently on me!
Be blessed for being such a blessing!
June 30th, 2008 at 5:17 am
Kerry says:
I’m glad my hubby is already at the gym (I don’t have the early morning work out gene either…it must have skipped multiple generations), because laughing out loud this many times so early in the morn might have just disturbed his beauty sleep!
June 30th, 2008 at 5:50 am
Cindy-Still His Girl says:
What a precious weekend! Sounds like Bethie was- what word did she use? Starstruck?
Looking forward to hearing more of what God did in your heart this weekend!
June 30th, 2008 at 6:26 am
Big Nanny says:
Yes, I felt this way on Saturday when I introduced myself to you as Big Nanny. It was during that moment that I thought…I can’t believe that I just introduced myself as Big Nanny to two adult women. And it was also during that moment that I thought, Big Mama has that really cool shirt on that she wrote about just a few months ago.
June 30th, 2008 at 6:35 am
suburbancorrespondent says:
I still cannot believe how stupid I sounded when I finally got to meet the Yarn Harlot. It was as if I had left my brain at home. And my tongue.
June 30th, 2008 at 6:46 am
room for grace says:
Loved hearing about the weekend, sounds wonderful.
It’s got to be weird to be Beth Moore, good weird I mean. But people must just be floored when they meet her.
Thanks for letting us in on all the fun.
June 30th, 2008 at 6:48 am
Gayle W. says:
I tell ya, when she simply walked up on stage (we had pretty nice seats that first night), I seriously got choked up.
I felt pretty stupid, but I really love that lady.
June 30th, 2008 at 7:08 am
Gabby says:
I really understand. There was something about that weekend, that transformed me. I mean in a very real and deep way.
I could not even get all the words out right to my hubby about why it was what it was.
I just kept babbling on about pancakes in the trash and the Holy Spirit raining down, and then I just laughed and smiled…then I did my Deeper Still devotion this morning and asked God to keep it real for me. To rain down the Holy Spirit until it quenched the thirst. And left me wanting more.. again.
I am so happy you got to meet Beth and Amanda, and all the rest. How cool that God just knew when you started all of this… He knew! Amen
June 30th, 2008 at 7:46 am
Darlene says:
I couldn’t even imagine how that must have felt.
I’m so glad you got such an awesome opportunity.
June 30th, 2008 at 7:49 am
Spiritmom says:
I’ve always wondered what I would say if I ran into Beth. You summed my feelings exactly. I probably would go into the ugly cry. But, you know what, she says she loves us and I believe her!
June 30th, 2008 at 8:15 am
Kit says:
First, I LOVE The Flying Biscuit. When my husband and I lived in Atlanta during dating and first year of marriage, that was one of our favorite places.
What an amazing opportunity! What an amazing journey. It’s fun to watch you walk through the doors that God opens!
Have a great Monday!
June 30th, 2008 at 8:21 am
Katrina (Callapidder Days) says:
Love hearing about your weekend!
June 30th, 2008 at 8:21 am
Amy Beth @ Ministry So Fabulous! says:
I almost started crying just reading this. I’m so happy you got to have this experience.
June 30th, 2008 at 8:23 am
Kelley says:
Glad you had an awesome weekend! : )
June 30th, 2008 at 8:29 am
Karen says:
My favorite part of this post is when you introduced yourself as “Big.” Too funny! And I’m sure I would have said something equally eloquent if I had met Beth Moore!
June 30th, 2008 at 8:30 am
Jackie Sue says:
I am so glad that you had such a great time. Your post brought tears to my eyes b/c I feel the same way about my life, “God, how did You do this? How in the world did I get here?” I understand your emotion and touched. Can’t wait to hear more.
June 30th, 2008 at 8:32 am
Lesley says:
I like hearing the account of your weekend. I was there but didn’t get to meet everyone — just a little jealous. However, I did encounter the Holy One and it was all good.
I figured out you and Sophie when Beth went to the steps and taught straight to Sophie. How awesome.
June 30th, 2008 at 8:34 am
Julie says:
I KNOW IT IS A SIN, BUT, ENVY X 1000!
June 30th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Yoli says:
Oh My! You lucky thing!! I need a catchy-er blog name!! Thx for sharing!
June 30th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Fran says:
Oh Melanie…I’m about to cry just reading this! I’m so happy that the weekend went so well! Prayed y’all up my friend. God did His glorious thing and I’m so so thrilled for your heart! Nothing like it!
Hugs~
Fran
June 30th, 2008 at 8:59 am
brenda says:
I share your shock….HOW did this happen to you? By blogging about your neighborhood pool, your daughter’s outfits, P’s car care product problem???? Does any of this make sense? But how cool!
June 30th, 2008 at 9:05 am
Jennifer (Et Tu?) says:
“This is why I don’t need to be around people who wake up at 5:00 a.m. Clearly, we are from two different planets.”
You are also not a morning person? Truly, we were separated at birth.
What a great event, by the way! I can’t wait to hear more about it.
June 30th, 2008 at 9:07 am
Beth (A Mom's Life) says:
This is all so exciting! I can’t wait to read more! I want to know what all the crying was about because Sophie seemed to have done a lot of crying too!
June 30th, 2008 at 9:08 am
Sister Honey Bunch says:
I want to be you. Or just be sitting beside you behind Beth Moore and Kay Arthur and Pricilla.
June 30th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Joni says:
I cannot think of a more perfect day than eating at the Flying Biscuit followed by a Deeper Still event with seating behind Beth Moore.
Except for maybe eating at the Flying Biscuit with Beth Moore.
The Green Eyed Monster,
Joni
June 30th, 2008 at 9:35 am
cindi weber says:
ok, so let’s do the math…i knew P way back when. i read your blog. you hugged and talked to beth. that makes me beth’s BFF–twice removed, right?
it sounds so amazing, and i hope you have already seen that she talks about you on the LPM blog.
you got to this place through obedience, surrender and the gracious hand of God who wants and lives to bless the socks(or wedge heels) right off of you!
way to go, girl.
June 30th, 2008 at 9:41 am
Leslie Ruth says:
Did you see that you and Sophie got a shout out on the LPM blog?! Very cool…
And y’all have inspired me. I am bound and determined to be there in Vegas for the next Deeper Still. I’m thinking taking a gaggle of my girlfriends with me will make it even MORE fun.
Thanks for sharing and keep it coming!
June 30th, 2008 at 9:47 am
Betsy says:
oh my gosh ~ i am crying as i read your words….my sister, amy, called me during the conference and i automatically started to cry. and then i cried again when she told me she had met you and boomama!
June 30th, 2008 at 9:52 am
Alana@A Kiss, A Hug, and A Squeeze says:
What an amazing wonderful experiences God has been blessing you with!
June 30th, 2008 at 9:57 am
Shalee says:
“And I just kept thinking, ‘God, how did I get here?’”
It’s right where He wants you to be. You’re there by the grace of God. Enjoy it and use it for His Glory, as usual.
June 30th, 2008 at 10:01 am
Cassandra Stafford says:
Ok. I am totally sinning right now. As in full blown envy and jealousy that you got to meet Beth Moore.
June 30th, 2008 at 10:05 am
Gabby says:
Oh, we did the elevator thing at the Omni, too. My Mom and I kept punching, punching, for about three or four minutes, and then a man got on, put his card in, and looked at us like we were from another planet… We felt like hillbillies.
I just had to think, listen Mister, you better get used to it, there are A LOT of women on the way!
Friday night we got all crammed in the elevator and we were all talking and chatting, and this one man was squeezed in at the back and he missed his floor. He was so upset. I guess we were talking too loud to hear him say he needed to get off. He just got off at the next floor to take the stairs down three floors. When he left, we all just about died laughing. Poor guy. Poor, poor guy!
June 30th, 2008 at 10:05 am
Jessica says:
Beth Moore AND Kay Arthur?! That’s like meeting Billy Graham AND Mother Teresa at the same time!!
Is that even legal?
June 30th, 2008 at 10:18 am
Dionna says:
I am SO jealous! And not in a vengeful kind of way but in a “I’m so excited for you girlfriend!” Kind of way!!! Wow. I would have uttered about the same words as you to Beth…
“Moment of a lifetime.” Oh yah - I’m jealous.
June 30th, 2008 at 10:25 am
Leslie says:
I understand the ugly cry. I went to Beth’s Sunday school class for a while (not your regular class - hundreds of people), and my life was forever changed. The last time I attended I went up to the front to thank her for her ministry and to tell her how much it meant in my life. But the minute she looked at me I burst out crying and pretty much don’t remember much after that. I think I said thank you somewhere in there. She hugged me and I walked away, hanging my head in shame. Oh my.
June 30th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Natalie @ I AM (not) says:
did you get her number?
June 30th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Rebecca says:
I’m pretty sure if Beth Moore walked right up to me, I would faint. She’s just the definition of awesome.
Sounds like a life altering weekend and I can’t wait to hear more about it.
Have a blessed day.
June 30th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Susan says:
The Flying Biscuit is just down the street from our home here in Atlanta - so glad you got to enjoy it! It is amazing to see God’s hand at work: building relationships via the internet of all things, bringing women from near and far to Deeper Still, and spreading His encouragement through gifted writers such as Big and Boo!
June 30th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Brickhouse says:
I love your life!!! Tell us more. By the sound of the comments, we all want to hear about the weekend. You can write without worry. Put in every detail that you want, and no one will be bored. We are all anxiously waiting for it!!!
June 30th, 2008 at 10:55 am
Janet (aka JT) says:
Mel, I am so incredibly jealous of your life right now. She Speaks, Deeper Still, MEETING BETH MOORE…I’ve been in my hometown visiting my parents for a week, and the closest I’ve come to seeing a celebrity was at Walmart, where I was certain I saw some of the mountain people who were in “Deliverance.”
Not the same as meeting someone of Beth Moore’s caliber, for sure.
Your life has taken such an amazing, productive, doing-things-for-God turn, that it really makes me jealous that my big decision of the day seems to be “do I try to repaint my toenails tonight? Or as soon as they’re all wet, will the baby cry and the dog need to be taken out back to potty all at the same time?”
Your life has become amazing, Mel. I am very happy and proud for you. And jealous.
June 30th, 2008 at 11:02 am
MooBeeMa says:
Clapping hands and jumping up and down for you! Tell us more! Tell us more!!
June 30th, 2008 at 11:11 am
Becca at the Stanley Clan says:
Thanks for sharing!
I wish I was there!
June 30th, 2008 at 11:19 am
Annabelle @ Christian Momma says:
How exciting!
June 30th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Jenn says:
This just makes me wish that I had been there this weekend! Thanks for keeping those of us who didn’t go up on the details.
And I fly the early bird flight about twice a year and must concur that the “regularls” are a french fry short of a happy meal. They seriously need to read the inflight magazine and catch up!
June 30th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Holly at Crownlaiddown says:
…now the bandit song is stuck. Ahhh! Hee hee!
I love the La Quinta comment. That cracked me up!
And God, He is so wonderful to bless you with more of Him this weekend. Let it be so! I love how you got to sit with Janelle and Amanda and meet Beth. How very much fun!!
June 30th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Emily says:
And to think that you used to sell drugs to anal doctors. (That sounded better in my head, but you get the point!) I think that everything has come full circle!
June 30th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Emily says:
I just read the LPM Blog…
“Guess who else was there? Big Mama and Boomama! (Don’t tell me you haven’t ever checked out their blogs. They are a blast.) I’m not kidding - I was totally starstruck.”
Written by none other than Beth Moore herself.
June 30th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
k&c's mom says:
Wooo Hoooo! God’s hand of favor is on you and we are all so thrilled! Thanks for the posts: felt like I was there. Can’t wait to see where this all leads for you. Continuing to pray….
June 30th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Lisa@blessedwithgrace says:
Oh, what a blessing. Isn’t God awesome that he has given you such an opportunity? I am so impressed that I get say, I read your blog. I “knew her” when…. ha ha ha.
June 30th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Kim says:
Melanie,
Sounds like you guys had a blast!!
Too bad you did not get to meet Connorcolesmom I heard she is a blast and she wears great shoes - LOL!!
Seriously though you are precious and I LOVED meeting you and Sophie!
I look forward to seeing you again in SA!
Much love
Kim
June 30th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Rhoda says:
I know ya’ll had some prime seats & must have been in hog heaven! Fun to read your recap & I sure would have loved to meet Beth in person too. I just love her.
I did a recap today too! Words can’t express…
Rhoda
June 30th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Emmy says:
I loved getting to meet you all this weekend! So fun! Such a treat! I felt as if I already knew you after reading your blog… and now I really do! Can’t wait till San Antonio! : )
God Bless! Emmy
From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another!
P.S. Work on jmom for us to come to San Antonio!
June 30th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
amy says:
Really..this sounds so incredible! What a neat opportunity !
Also, I wanted to tell you that, because of you, I purchased a quart (or something) of Dreyer’s Peanut Butter Cup ice cream. It’s so dangerously good…I’m having a hard time keeping myself and a spoon out of the freezer door! Thanks for the recommendation.
–Amy
June 30th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Michelle Bentham says:
Melanie,
How wonderful that you got to meet so many wonderful ministers of God’s Word this weekend. I was hoping you asked for Beth’s phone number when you talked to her, but alas… I guess you responded much the way I would have - ‘cept I just use my name on the Blog-o-sphere cause then I don’t have to explain my nickname…
Beth gave you all a shout out over at LPM which just blessed my soul to pieces. You are a blessing to us and obviously to others as well. Lifeway is doing a good thing with all ya’ll!
Blessings.
June 30th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Shelly McCabe says:
I’m so glad you had such a wonderful, moving experience. And, it is so cool that you’ve met friends you’ve made through blogging.
June 30th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Missy @ It's Almost Naptime says:
You ready to move to Houston yet so we can see Beth together every Tuesday?
Beth covers over a multitude of humidity.
June 30th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Myriam says:
That was a glorious weekend.
I am probably the second person who is clueless about who Faith Hill and Tim McGraw are.
I have had the privilege of seeing all these wonderful women at different times.
And Kay hugged me back in December at a women’s event in NY. Perhaps because I stood there to have a book signed and looked like cat had my tongue and she hugged me. Such a sweet lady - all of them are.
Please share the messages with us when you settle in.
June 30th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Christie says:
I’m pretty sure I would have stood in the elevator too!
And Beth…Oh My Heavens! I would have completely melted. right there. in front of her. on the floor.
June 30th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Lindsee says:
What a fun experience!
Ummm…and can we say hilarious about the elevator? It’s kind of like the first time I ever pumped gas and I stood there for literally 30 minutes because I didn’t realize there was a lever that needed some lifting. I looked ridiculous, I am sure!
I loved the La Quinta comment!
Can’t wait to hear more!
Lindsee
June 30th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Natalie C says:
My big question is when you asked to not remove your shoes, did the security run around and freak out and pull you aside to be felt down (like happened to me!!) Because clearly if you don’t want to remove your flip-flops, there must be a bomb in them.
June 30th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Jen says:
Very cool! What a blessed experience. My thoughts as I’ve been reading your posts lately, though, are how is your husband handling your busy new schedule? You’re incredibly blessed to have someone who will hold down the fort while you take time for yourself. I run a mothers ministry at church and have seen firsthand how many women do not have husbands who support their wives and her calling. I read about your experiences and I’m happy to hear that this is not the case for you.
June 30th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Valerie says:
I’ve never been to your site. I was on All Access and reading about the weekend there.
Girl, you are hilarious. I laughed out loud and shared all your joy. I know it meant so much to you, but you were HILARIOUS. I know, I said that already.
I’ll be coming back again.
June 30th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Janelle says:
Yes and Amen! One of my favorite moments of the weekend too was seeing Beth meet “Big and Boo”! I was cracking up when she yelled, “y’all are celebraties”!
I told Heath this afternoon that in the first hour I was in Atlanta I got to meet Kay, Priscilla, Mandisa, Travis, Big and Boo! Seriously, how did I not just go to heaven right then and there.
I have goosebumps this very second thinking about all the surrealness. (Is that a word?) I was very overwhelmed Friday night also as we worshipped right behind Mrs. Beth, Mrs. Priscilla and Mrs. Kay!!! It was trully incredible.
AND I got to meet BIG and BOO!
June 30th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Jamie @ Purposeful Pursuit says:
How cool is that?!?! What an amazing experience. Can’t wait to read more about it.
June 30th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Troye says:
The Flying Biscuit is definitely one of the best places to meet with Jesus in the morning (or the afternoon or evening for that matter). Creamy Dreamy White Cheddar Grits make my mouth water just thinking about them.
July 1st, 2008 at 6:47 am
Renna says:
I love the way you make us feel as if we are right THERE when you share!
July 1st, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Jessica Little says:
As I read this post, I realized that I was in the group of people who don’t drink chilled Diet Coke over ice. Well, my friend, today I tried it. YOU WERE RIGHT! SOOOOOOOOOO much better than the alternatives!
July 1st, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Kristin says:
You are TOO funny!! Thank you so much for taking the time. I was in the nose bleed section across from you!
In Him,
Kristin
July 1st, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Elaine says:
What an amazing experience!! I can only imagine how powerful of an experience that was.
July 6th, 2008 at 2:14 pm