Submitted by Kathy Plowden Smyth

Well, that’s a wrap! The 11th Annual Crenshaw County Women for Christ sponsored Women’s Conference is in the bag. Well over 200 ladies attended the event last Saturday. They came to Relax, Renew and Refresh. They came for the praise and worship. They came to learn more about what God’s Word says about spiritual warfare, prayer & praise, and the activation of the Holy Spirit (SPA).  Guests were welcomed by “Bloomers” that were hostesses and ushers for the day. These ladies understood that they were the first faces to be seen that day by guests and they were eager to greet each one with a smile and a warm embrace.

Benita Edwards got us off to a great start with her music and song selections. We loved both the more contemporary songs and the old faithful hymns. She had this perfect balance of enthusiasm, and a sweet, sweet spirit. Nancy Petrey prepared hearts for our quiet time of meditation and scripture reading by sharing her talent on the piano. She had also prepared our steering committee with daily devotionals and poems all week leading up to the conference date.

Dr. Tanya McLemore brought our message on Esther, and gave us so much real life application from the information and insight that she brought to the scripture lesson. Her humor made us all laugh out loud, literally, and her life experiences that she shared brought many to tears. It was a glorious day, and many enjoyed their box lunches at tables outside in the sunshine. The ladies enjoyed some free time to purchase resources from Tanya McLemore’s and Nancy Petrey’s tables, buy the annual conference t-shirts, and browse the Barefoot Belle Pop-up-Shop. Oh my goodness at the beautiful items they had to share with us!

The afternoon session was uplifting, and pricked many hearts. Many came with burdens on their hearts, worries, grief or despair. Many came to be drawn closer to God, or to be inspired to have a closer walk and relationship with Him.