Okay, so where did I leave off?
Friday night. Philips Arena. Crying.
Change Friday night to Saturday morning and that pretty much sums up the whole weekend.
I went into the weekend really wanting to hear from God and it’s funny how He responds to that. I think He was serious with that whole “Ask and it shall be given, seek and ye shall find” stuff.
Priscilla Shirer began her talk with Exodus 19:9. The minute she mentioned the wilderness I knew I was going to hear something powerful. I’ve spent so much time in the last few years feeling like I don’t know what I’m doing or where I’m going. I’ve watched our lives take some crazy, unexpected turns that have left me breathless.
I was so moved to hear her talk about how God often calls you while you’re still in the wilderness. He brings you there to show you who He really is and I can say without a doubt that the last two years of my life have taught me more about God’s power and provision than any other time in my life.
On Saturday morning I woke up at 6:30 a.m. BEFORE THE ALARM EVEN WENT OFF.
This has never happened in the history of my life.
I was so excited about the day that I was actually up and dressed by 8 a.m. AND WAS HAPPY ABOUT IT.
Saturday was another awesome day. And, yes, I pretty much spent the whole day wiping tears from my eyes.
By the afternoon I looked as if I had a bad case of the pink eye.
Note to self: Don’t be afraid to bring some Visine next time
Another note to self: Also, some Kleenex might be a good idea.
The only thing that wasn’t fabulous about Saturday were the real issues that arise when there are 19,000 women in one arena who all need to go to the bathroom at various points throughout the day. I, myself, can go about ten times before noon on a good day.
However, I didn’t want to miss one minute of anything so I just tried to focus on other things that were unrelated to water or flowing rivers.
Finally, it was lunch time. Sophie and I planned to eat lunch with Annie who offered to bring us lunch. She met us down on the floor so we could follow her to the designated lunch spot. We needed to go to the bathroom, but took one look at the lines and decided we didn’t have 58 minutes, or the better part of my life, to spare.
After lunch, I thought my luck might be better.
I am so naive.
Did I honestly think that the restroom situation was going to improve after 19,000 women spent an hour drinking Diet Coke and assorted Starbucks beverages?
I started to wait in a line, but I could tell that there was a good chance I was going to die from old age or a bladder explosion before I actually made it to a stall, so I just headed back to my seat. I figured if I was going to die I might as well be enjoying some good praise and worship music.
Thankfully, I was able to get to a restroom located backstage. Otherwise I shudder to think at how badly it all could have ended.
At one point I was even considering the purchase of a Stadium Gal for my next Deeper Still Event.
Stadium Gal, for when you’ve gotta go, but you wanna stay.
I am not kidding. It’s a real product.
Maybe someone could make a special Deeper Still Stadium Gal.
Oh, there are so many multiple meanings in that title.
Kim aka GoofyMamma says:
I can completely relate to the 19,000 women and 10 stalls lol. But the last time I did go to a Woman of Faith gathering they actually opened up the men’s room for the women which was a bit weird trying to get into those urinals, but hey when you gotta go you gotta go! (Just kidding about the urninals lol). I think there was one poor guy working the thing and we had to clear out when he had to use it lol. It was quite funny.
Sounds like you had a great time.
Blessings,
Kim
July 1st, 2008 at 4:49 am
Kim Hill says:
Looks like a must have! Top of my Chirstmas list!
You’d think after spending 2 days crying there’d be no more water left for peeing. Hum, now there’s a thought. HeeHee!
Love Pricilla shirer! Just finished a study by her! And “doing” a Beth Moore right now!
It looks like you had a great time
July 1st, 2008 at 6:50 am
suburbancorrespondent says:
It’s all strategy - you gotta beat those crowds…
July 1st, 2008 at 6:52 am
Melissa says:
Oh my stinkin’ goodness! Trey and I have had many many conversations about the benefits/revoltingness (I know it’s not a word) of the Stadium Pal, Stadium Gal and the other assorted products offered.
Glad you had a great time.
July 1st, 2008 at 7:03 am
Lisa says:
Liked your post. I think so many times we are in the wilderness to see who WE are. He doesnt need to test us to show us who He is ( He is still the same) and he already knows who we are. It is us who forget who we are and how we would handle things. At least that is the way it is with me.
Sounded like everyone had a nice time.
July 1st, 2008 at 7:20 am
Edelweiss says:
I have lurked around your site for a while, but just had to comment on this post. It totally made my day.
First, the link to your post on LifeWay was much needed. I’ve been in the wilderness for a while now, and am just starting to realize the path I need to take.
Second, though, the link to the Stadium Gal cracked me up. I don’t think I’ve laughed that hard in a while.
Thanks for some much needed levity.
July 1st, 2008 at 7:46 am
Cindy-Still His Girl says:
Thank you for doing some of my Christmas shopping for me. My girlfriends are going to LOVE the Stadium Gal.
I’ll tell them they have you to thank.
July 1st, 2008 at 7:51 am
Marla Taviano says:
Oh, yuck, yuck, yuck!
July 1st, 2008 at 7:51 am
r r mama says:
I think I have seen it all!
July 1st, 2008 at 8:05 am
julie says:
Oh my goodness….did you really find that thing on the internet? You know the scary part? After seeing those lines along with you I think I’d have bought one too. What a riot! Bet we could have sold some this past weekend, huh???
julie
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/juliestew
July 1st, 2008 at 8:06 am
Gayle W. says:
** Hey Cindy, I’m holding you to that Stadium Gal for the S.F.
**
Anyway, Kim~ I’ll give you a little inside info for your Tuesday morning about those bathrooms:
They stank.
Yup, several jillion women never leaving a single stall unoccupied became quite the sensory nightmare.
The devil was in those bathrooms, just in case you wondered.
July 1st, 2008 at 8:08 am
Lisa D. says:
I hear you. While I was waiting in line for one of those bathrooms, I was trying to find something to be thankful for and the only thing I could come up with was “at least we don’t have to use Port-A-Pottys.” I had no idea about the Stadium Gal. That is just plain frightening, but so funny I’m still laughing about it. Good thing I didn’t know to laugh about it then, so there might have been an embarrasing accident.
July 1st, 2008 at 8:26 am
Shalee says:
“Oh, there are so many multiple meanings in that title.” That caused a nice chuckle in my area of the office.
July 1st, 2008 at 8:33 am
Susan Boland says:
I cannot believe what they will market. However, I have been in a situation where I would have gladly paid twice that for some relief! In fact, just thinking about it makes me need to head down the hall!
July 1st, 2008 at 8:50 am
The Lizness says:
you could bedazzle it to match your outfit.
The ladies conference I attended in February - I was 5 weeks out from having a baby and the lines were that long too. But kind souls took one look at my strained face, then my strained belly, and let me cut in front of everyone. God bless them.
July 1st, 2008 at 9:09 am
Jai says:
eeewwwwww, why did I click that?
Go back to the post, go back to the post .. hurry think Priscilla, Beth and Kay .. think Travis and Mandisa .. praise and worship ..ok ..there .. much better ….
Thank you for your notes. I have a blast reading through the notes and seeing the photos …
July 1st, 2008 at 9:10 am
kellie says:
Thanks for these updates. They have been so fun to read!
About the Stadium Gal…who knew?
This is why I read you: A little fashion advice, a little spirituality, a LOT of laughing!
July 1st, 2008 at 9:10 am
Jenn says:
I actually looked at what a Stadium Gal was… and all I can say is wow.
I am however, going to see NKOTB in October in Atlanta, and for fear that I may miss some OOH-OOh, or WOAH, it may be worth considering the investment. I also am getting to meet them afterwards, so I hope that thing drains quickly. I mean, I don’t want to meet Donnie with “Me” strapped to Me. LOL!!
July 1st, 2008 at 9:13 am
erin says:
that was funny! i looked it up i cant believe that is real. i need one of those! having a baby and having to pee on the way home is not fun, now i can just let it go in the car and not worry! sure beats finding an old cup and a corner behind a building
July 1st, 2008 at 9:17 am
OhLookADuck says:
Stadium Gal? How on earth do you *find* these things?!!
I clicked on the link–It’s like finding “Crazy” and then seeing there’s already a fan base!
July 1st, 2008 at 9:53 am
Melanie says:
OHMY! I clicked and read the description of the Stadium Gal. According to the directions you can wear loose fitting jeans, so I guess you could wear trouser jeans and still be quite in fashion. :>)
July 1st, 2008 at 9:55 am
Jennsational says:
That Stadium Gal thing is hilarious!! I’m not sure I could ever use something like that….wouldn’t we walk around smelling like pee?
Glad your Deeper still conference was such a blessing to you!
July 1st, 2008 at 10:04 am
Jamie @ Purposeful Pursuit says:
Stadium Gal…who knew? I’m wondering how you discovered such a product?!?!
Sounds like the conference was an amazing time spent with an amazing God!
July 1st, 2008 at 10:57 am
Natalie @ I AM (not) says:
I just threw up in my mouth a little bit.
July 1st, 2008 at 10:59 am
Brickhouse says:
I am really scared of the Stadium Gal & Stadium Pal. Since I work at an Entertainment Venue, we received an email warning us to be on the lookout for this Beer Buddy thing. It straps onto your waste, and when you wear it under your shirt, it just looks like a beer belly. You can fill it with a six-pack worth of beer, and it has a clear straw that can attach to your shirt. I giggled at the thought of our staff at concerts poking various patrons in their gut trying to figure out if it is a real beer belly or if they are smuggling in beer. Now I fear that the same guy sporting this contraption will also have on the Stadium Pal.
What will they think of next?
July 1st, 2008 at 11:25 am
Michelle says:
I clicked and saw the picture of Stadium Gal. Yuk! I shudder to think of the ads that might appear on your blog.
I wonder if they’ve thought of marketing Stadium Gal to female law enforcement officers on surveillance.
July 1st, 2008 at 11:27 am
Daisy Girl says:
I wonder if they have a Stadium Kid? Now THAT would come in handy on a long car trip!
July 1st, 2008 at 11:44 am
Stephanie(ocean mommy) says:
oh gag. That is the strangest thing I’ve ever seen!!!!
But sersiously…your post today over at AllAcess was great. Thanks for sharing.
Several of the things you said were very timely. Man our God is good.
After looking at the pictures of last weekend, I can hardly wait for August in San Antonio!
July 1st, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Way More Homemade (Donna) says:
Ok - I’m weird - but follow me here…
It doesn’t gross me out now that I’ve seen a picture. Primarily because this is basically the same thing that we repeatedly had to put on my dd & ds to get a urine sample to check periodically for infx. So, I look at it clinically I guess and figure it’s a testament to our free market society if someone can make a buck commerically by adapting a product that’s already been on the market in medical circles.
OK - see, I said it, I’m weird.
I’m going over to All Access now to read there… I thank God for my wilderness. He brings us to amazing things out of the wilderness if we let him.
July 1st, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Ivy Six-Pack says:
I am so thankful God raised up such amazing women who were willing to be obedient and share His Word with us!!! I am so glad you got to experience that. i went to one in Indianapolis three years ago - spend most of the time in tears, but still refer to the stuff Beth shared. And Travis - oh my, can he point you to God in worship or what??? Now that we’ve moved I have to wait until Sept. to hear Beth - wanna come????
July 1st, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Sam says:
Ha ha - I will have to tell my Mum that there are other women in the world who have the same tiny bladder as me!!! (it’s a bit of a family joke!!)
July 1st, 2008 at 1:25 pm
lori behr says:
So Glad you got a word. I love the thought of him calling us in the wilderness
July 1st, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Superchikk says:
The Stadium Buddy has been the punchline for many a joke around our house for a long time, and I’m glad they finally made one for the ladies and became equal opportunity weirdos.
July 1st, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Kerry @ Colored With Memories says:
Reminds me of a similar experience at Women of Faith.
They did open up the men’s potties, so I quickly got in that line b/c it was shorter…soon learned that although that was the shorter line, the wait was 3x as long b/c there were only a few pots among the urinals!
July 1st, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Holly at Crownlaiddown says:
Chris read the book, “The Marketing of Evil.” He got it from the library here. I think he liked it. I’ll have to ask him about it.
Blessings and His rest on you!
holly
July 1st, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Joni says:
Apparently, the company sells this genius product as well: http://www.thebeerbelly.com/?Click=1522
While you would be wired down like an undercover agent, you could drink diet cokes and starbucks to your heart’s content without ever having to leave your seat.
July 1st, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Kelly Anne says:
And I’m thinking about how fashionable (and discreet) it would look with a pair of capri’s…
July 1st, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Dionna says:
That Stadium Gal thingy just isn’t right.
July 1st, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Cindy- Still His Girl says:
On someone’s blog I saw a picture of you in about the cutest shirt I’ve seen. Black with green? LOVED it.
July 1st, 2008 at 9:04 pm
Smockity Frocks says:
Okay, now I’m going to be VERY suspicious about any gals I’m with who don’t need to visit the ladies room along with the rest of us. Could that be a Stadium Gal strapped to her calf?
July 1st, 2008 at 9:17 pm
julie schaal says:
OMG!
July 1st, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Gayle W. says:
Hey don’tcha just love it when someone calls you the WRONG NAME?
I totally called you Kim up there because I am forever mixing you and connercolesmom up.
Sorry Charlie…er, Melanie.
July 1st, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Tracey@Show Me State of Mind says:
Oh my heavens! That is hilarious! I had to click to see if it really was a product!
And I had tears welling up as you described the wilderness…I’m there now. Thanks for the encouragement.
July 1st, 2008 at 11:27 pm
hannah r says:
hmmmm, I don’t suppose you got that Stadium Gal revelation from the most recent David Sedaris book, now did you?
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Lisa says:
If you haven’t seen David Searis’ take on this, you MUST.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBdymtyXt8Y
“Thanks, Stadium Pal!” has been an inside joke in my circle of friends for a year or more thanks to this essay.
July 2nd, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Janelle says:
I am cracking up on the couch with Heath about the Stadium Gal! I have never heard of that. It is quite possibly the sickest thing I have ever heard of!
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:35 pm
Tina Vega says:
Okay, now that’s just scary.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:47 pm
Amanda says:
Ooo boy, the Stadium Gal is one gross product. Did you know about it before, or did your restroom experience prompt a serious search for options? Now that I know about the Stadium Gal, I’ll never be the same at any event.
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Julie Todd says:
I was at the Gwinnett Arena with 19,000 (or somewhere around there) teenager girls, and their mother’s last year..for the Revolve Tour. I remember the Bathroom lines…. Maybe I’ll check into the Stadium Gal for this year’s tour! : )
I haven’t read the notes on the Wilderness talk yet, going there next. But I love Hosea 2:14-16. God has allured me into the desert several times to speak tenderly to me. I will never be the same.
Thanks for sharing,
Julie
July 6th, 2008 at 6:47 pm