Saturday, November 5, 2016, is a date I will remember fondly. My daughter, Jamie, and I went to gather with other women at the Deeply Rooted conference in Chicago where the theme was REST.
From the earthy décor
to the music, the speakers,
the food,
fellowship

and workshops,

we were encouraged to worship our Lord and also find rest being deeply rooted in him. [bctt tweet=”I was blessed to share in this wonderful conference. #DeeplyRooted” username=”GaylWright”]
The traffic mounted as we left Chicago, but it didn’t minimize the glorious sunset. It reminds me of our need to continue following the light.[bctt tweet=”After the recent election results, the sun reminds me we need to continue to follow the light. ” username=”GaylWright”]
Follow the Light
Jesus is the light of the world, and He is still our leader. God is on the throne no matter who is president. That does not negate our need and responsibility to pray. It’s also important to listen to people and do what we can to bring about peace.
My daughter, Marianne and I were chatting yesterday before any results were in. I mentioned that whatever the outcome it’s not the end of the world. We have had good presidents, bad presidents and everything in between, but we still move along and live our lives. Then she said something that is true regardless of who runs the government:
Communities are what makes the biggest changes for good anyways.
I agreed and responded to her with these words:
That’s right, and I see a lot of good things happening in local and online communities.
People are going the extra mile, doing the work, listening, reaching out, showing love
and bringing hope and light.
Friends, this is what we need to continue doing.
Our job as Christians has not changed. I for one do not want to engage in hate speech or any form of bigotry or shaming of anyone. My desire is to listen, to work together in seeking truth and bringing about unity.[bctt tweet=”We are called to spread love and hope in our words and actions. ” username=”GaylWright”]
Because of this I pray that we would gather together and live as loving neighbors who try to follow the instructions in Micah 6:8.
I’m linking up with: #CoffeeforYourHeart, #RaRaLinkup, #TestimonyTuesday, #MomentsofHope, #TellHisStory, #SittingAmongFriends, #TeaAndWord, #LMMLinkup, #RealTalkTuesday, #FreshMarketFriday, #GiveMeGrace.
Gayl- great reminders today as the air seems a little more volatile than usual. God reigns and I hope we can band together and welcome the change together as loving neighbors!
#TellHisStory
Julie
Thank you, Julie. I really wanted to try to share some encouragement and hope. Blessings to you!. Thanks for visiting.
Dear Gayl, Oh, I’m so glad you were able to come up close to my neck-of-the-woods! We are only about 1 1/2 hrs north of Chicago. It sounds like you had a wonderful time with your daughter and other women. And, yes, you are so right that we need to keep encouraging those around us, and spreading the light of our Lord! Thanks for sharing these beautiful photos and words! –Hugs & Blessings!
Wish I could have come close enough to meet you in person. 🙂 We did have a wonderful time! I’m glad you enjoyed the photos and words!
Hugs and blessings to you, too, dear Bettie! xo
This was a good rest from the troubles of the day, Gayl.
Glad you found it restful, Amanda! I’m so glad we had some time together this past weekend. And your daughter is a sweetheart! <3
Blessings to you and hugs! xo
Spending time with my daughter and you and your daughter was the highlight.
I feel the same way! We talked and laughed and it was a great time!
So happy to hear that you had fun — and that you were able to be there with your daughter! A double blessing!
Thanks, Michele! Yes, it was so good to get to spend time with my daughter last week. It’s hard having her so far away.
Blessings to you, Michele! Thanks so much for visiting! xo
Thank You! And so much THIS: “It’s also important to listen to people and do what we can to bring about peace. ” Micah 6:8 is my anthem
Thank you for visiting, Tara, and for your encouragement. I started the book by Colleen and love it already.
Blessings to you! Love and hugs! xo
Yes. Yes. Yes. Thank for these encouraging words!!!
Thanks for visiting, Marvia! So glad you were encouraged.
Many blessings to you, dear sister! xo
Sounds like it was a wonderful time! Thanks for sharing.
Karen
It was great! I only touched the surface in this post. There’s so much more. Thanks for visiting, Karen. Blessings to you!
Wow. What a beautiful time you had! It will continue to ripple out and bless the world through you, through others, and through the words and photos you share. God bless you, Gayl.
Thank you, Lisa! It was such a wonderful time, and I’m thankful it worked out for me to go. I have lots more photos and great memories.
Blessings to you!
What a great mother-daughter activity! Thanks for passing your inspiration on!
Yes, it was a wonderful time together! I don’t get to see this daughter that often so it was special.
Thanks for visiting, Leslie. Blessings to you!
What a great reminder that we can still rest in the Lord no matter who is leading us! Thanks for sharing your experience!
Thanks for visiting, Courtney! Yes, we all need to remind ourselves of the rest and peace we can have in the Lord.
Blessings to you!
Weaving seems so cool to me! My kids love going to the Sheep and Wool festival near us each year! Thanks for sharing your encouraging post at the #LMMLinkup.
It is cool, Leslie! I still haven’t finished mine because I’ve been so busy since I got back home. 🙂
Thanks for visiting! Blessings to you!
So glad you were uplifted at the workshop Gayl. You are a great example to me and others and I am appreciative of your faithful encouragement. I am so blessed by this!
I’m glad you were encouraged, Meghan! I tried to capture some of what I felt there by sharing pictures. It’s too hard to put everything into words, but it was a blessed time of encouragement.
Thank you for your kind words. Many blessings to you!
So you know I’m jealous that I didn’t get to attend the conference to meet you. That said, I wholly agree with the statement that GOOD happens in our familis and communities. Like you, I’ll keep following g the light. Love you lady, always appreciate your offering to the linkup.
Oh, Lisha, I wish you could have been there! One day we are going to meet IRL. It HAS to happen sometime. 🙂 God will provide a way in His timing.
Yes, we will keep following the Light. I always feel honored when you stop by to comment. Much love to you and many blessings! xo