As I sit down to write this recap, there’s a part of me that still can’t believe the first Finding Joy Ladies Night Out has come to an end. I remember getting into my car after the event was over, and turning to my sweet mama, who flew all the way from Indiana to support me. “Is it really over?” I asked. “That went way too fast.”
When I started planning this event, I had no idea what the night would look like. All I knew was that it was something God had called me to do, and that I should expect the unexpected. My idea of a successful Finding Joy LNO was to create an experience where women could come together, enjoy delicious food, do a little Christmas shopping and learn more about the gift of joy.
But like I said, beyond that I had no idea what the night would have in store. I figured at this time of year, maybe 50 women would show up. Fast forward to today. Not only did almost 150 women attended the live event, but an additional 2,200 people were reached on Facebook.
The theme of the night was all about God’s gift of joy, and how we can trade our problems for the promises of God. As I stepped onstage last Friday night, I had happy tears in my eyes before giving my message. The event was more than I could have ever hoped or dreamed of. And, though I put in hundreds of hours planning Finding Joy LNO, the credit all goes to God.
A few highlights from the night: getting to hug and meet so many new women, our caterer’s delicious chicken and wild rice dish, the desserts my small group ladies made, seeing my sweet mama out in the audience, delivering a message to the biggest group of women I’ve ever spoken to before, the live podcast/speaker panel at the end of my message. I wish you could have been there, because my words don’t do justice to just how special this night was.
While I don’t have the full recording of my message available, I have a snippet YouTube and I’ll have a few more on my site later this month. Instead, what I have for you today is a full recording of the live podcast/speaker panel, featuring the lovely ladies pictured below (from left to right): Kimberly Stuart, Julie LeFebure, me, Jen Green, Mary Carver and Jennifer Dukes Lee.
In this live podcast, Kim, Julie, Jen, Mary, Jennifer and I talk about:
- The meaning of joy.
- How to trade your problems for the promises of God.
- How to choose joy during the busy holiday season.
- What it looks like to weep and have joy at the same time.
- How to model joy for our families. And more!
Get ready for an amazing conversation filled with inspiration and plenty of laughs!
Help Support the Finding Joy Podcast
In graciously giving to this podcast, you help me keep everything up and running! Thank you in advance for you generosity. I love and appreciate you!
Special Thanks
Vendors: Ann & Anthony, BecauseHope, The Permanent Collection
Hair & Makeup: Sam Gallo of Refinery Hair
Caterer: Erin Van Dorin
Venue and Tech Crew: Timberline Church
Giveaways: The Positively Lovely Shop, gracelaced
Everyone who helped set up!
P.S. Stay tuned for the summer rendition of Finding Joy Ladies Night Out — coming in 2017!
It looks like a wonderful evening. I’m rejoicing with you! There is nothing that compares with stepping out in faith to follow God’s call and seeing Him step in and make it more than you could have imagined.
It was an amazing night, and I can’t wait to see what God will do in future Finding Joy Ladies Night Out events. Thanks for your support!
This event looks like so much fun and well worth the effort! Visiting from #livefreethursday today and cheering you on!
Thanks so much, Angela! You’ll have to catch the summer event livestream. 😉
Well done on putting together what looked like such an amazing event. Listening to that little snippet of your message filled me with such hope. You are an excellent speaker!
Thank you so much, dear Megan! I’ve always considered writing my bread and butter, but the more I speak, the more I like it!
Wow this looks incredible Lauren; I would have loved to have been there. The joy of the Lord as our strength is POWERFUL; so thankful for God’s greatness and power and might in our lives, and that 130 women and 2000+ more gathered to speak of our Lord and Master and Savior and gentle Heavenly Father. <3 I want to listen to your podcast soon!
Thank you, dear Emily! I wish you could have been there. I’ve never experienced the Holy Spirit’s presence in such a strong and beautiful way. God is so good! Let me know what you think when you have time to listen to the podcast. <3 Blessings to you!