Catalyst

I have been excited about the Catalyst conference in Atlanta, GA for MONTHS. Back when I was applying to become a protege at National Community Church, I was begging Steph to take me if I didn't get accepted in the program. On Wednesday, the entire staff headed over to Atlanta for the Catalyst conference :) What an incredible time, full of memories with the staff, phenomenal speakers and inspiring messages.

I had never heard most of the speakers live before, but have read and admired and followed their works so needless to say, I was stoked! I felt like everyone brought their A-game to Catalyst and I feel lucky to be part of the experience. There is a lot for me to process through, but I left Catalyst feeling like God's called me to the right place, the right ministry and the right time. Though I didn't agree with all of the speakers, I felt like there was something to take away from each speaker. The one thing I will most definitely be working on for a long time is something Beth Moore mentioned in her talk: "Self-loathing is as much of a sin as self-confidence is". It is something I do unconsciously a lot and it's something stems from somewhere deeper. But starting today, it'll be something I'll need to consciously work on.

Here are some memories:

- Rubber band fight with the staff (side note: rubber bands don't sweep up nor do they vacuum up. So who's bright idea was it to give 13,000 people rubber bands to sling across the arena?)

- the piano player playing "I believe I can fly" by R Kelly as T.D. Jakes is saying "I believe YOU can fly!" Cheeeeeesy.

- Heather Zempel dropping her cell phone and then getting the nice guy next to her in trouble by the event staff for jumping down to help her retrieve it

- Amanda Giobbi's prank call. She rapped to me. 'nuff said

- Luncheon with Scott Harrison (founder of charity:water) and Gabe Lyons (founder of Q). What an incredible experience! Scott has been a hero of mine for a couple of years, I never thought I'd be "star struck" at that luncheon, but I was! Super thanks to Sarah who got me that ticket :)

- A man shot out of a cannon across the arena.

- I discovered Michael Gungor- unreal worship team!

- Getting to know more staff members. Loved listening to the hearts of Matt & Kellie Ortiz over dinner :)

There's so much more. I know I'm being repetitive, but Catalyst was really amazing and I just felt blessed to be able to hear the brilliant minds of Francis Chan, Andy Stanley, T.D. Jakes, Seth Godin, Daniel Pink, Craig Groeschel etc etc etc.

More on them as I process through the next several days, weeks and months :)