You have no idea what Monday and Tuesday meant to me at Evolve. On this blog, and in person, I have always tried to be real and very transparent. So... here is my story.

I know with out a doubt that God has called me to plant a church to make a difference for Jesus in Florence, SC.

Over the past month... the devil has had a hay-day (southern for field day) in my brain. He has told me often that I am not good enough to lead a church. I have had a hard time dealing with this. Upon examining myself, my weaknesses showed up in an awful way. It is hard stuff to hear and realize!!! Since that time... I have been really defeated.

This week, I have realized (little slow sometimes) that I am not good enough to plant a church!

BUT GOD IS!!!

I met so many great people this week that truly ministered to me and probably have no idea how much! I want to take just a few minutes to share how...

On Monday morning, before the Evolve Conference even started, Susanne and I went to the Waffle House to get some good quality breakfast. Our waitress was a hoot. She was so happy to be alive. Her coworker received a phone call... evidently she had man issues. Our waitress looked at her in a stern voice after a little bit of chatting with her... "Girl, you need to put your faith in God up in Heaven, not some man". It hit home... I cannot put my faith in some man (me), Susanne, or a core team... My faith belongs in God alone! Through Him I can do all things!

When we arrived, we were greeted by a great bunch of volunteers. Thanks everyone for making us feel so welcome! While walking around, Shawn Lovejoy and wife Tricia stopped us to chat a little. What great people! I see a lot of myself in him. He is even an Alabama Fan! Thanks so much Shawn for allowing us to come and get ministered to!

Later Monday, I spoke to to Steven Furtick and shared a little about how the devil was messing with me and that I did not feel good enough to plant a church. He shared from his heart with this comment: "Florence needs you!" Please note what he did NOT say... He did not say God needs me. God does not need me but He wants me! Florence needs people to show LOVE and GRACE and live the The Gospel in front of them.

After speaking with Steven, we ran into Mark Batterson. I had to share with him how much his book In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day changed my life. (He is probably one of the most humble men I have ever met.) He shared with us how much he needed to hear that. He mentioned to us that he was struggling a bit with his new book. God told me pray for him right there. I reasoned with it... my mind kept saying, "That is Mark Batterson, he has places to go, people to talk to"... so I was disobedient and did not pray. God cleaned my clock about it while heading to the hotel. Needless to say... it was a little late, but he did get prayed for. God spoke to me that I was to always pray for others! Always... even when I don't feel like it, or question the timing!

Yesterday evening, I spoke with Bil Cornelius after his sermon in the final session. I shared how discouraged I have been, and how I did not feel like I had what it takes. He told me a quick little story about Saul. Saul had all the great markings of a leader (in man's eyes)... There was one problem. He was not the man God wanted and called. God called the young, unqualified, clueless shepherd-boy, David. That is so me! Susanne has been telling me that God does not call the equipped, but He equips the called! Man... That has never resonated so strongly.

So, here I am a day later... conference is over... I have finally accepted what the devil told me... I cannot do this nor am I good enough...

But my God is! I am trusting in His calling!

I will share my notes from Day 2 of the conference over the next couple of days... If you missed day 1, check it out here.

I did want to send a shot out to some other great people I met: Paul Peterson and his wife (he called me astute... had to look that one up...), J.R. Lee, Rindy Walton, Chris Elrod, Tadd Grandstaff, Boyd Bettis and his wife, Jamie Limato, Gary Lamb, Casey Graham (BAMA FAN... he even knew where Opp, AL was located!), David Putman, Dave Anderson, Adam Walker (check out the video he posted here... WOW).

I know I am missing some and I am very sorry... I want to thank you all for spending time to encourage me and lift me up!

You all were matches that helped ignite the fire! Now I am ready to burn for Jesus, and give him all I've got!