The next day was our first full day at the Christian Book Expo.

I want to apologize if you are sick me taking about this, but I am also writing it for my records and memory.

Shanna and I were up early and arrived at the Dallas convention center by 8am.  We checked in and received our cute little tote bag and was deciding which sessions we were going to attend. I sat there praying the Lord would direct my steps that day. I knew he wanted me there and I did not want to miss anything he had to show me.

Well when you have a day that begins with Max Lucado and ends with Travis Cottrell, what more could you possibly ask for? Goodness!

That morning Max Lucado was having a book signing and I was hoping to get him to sign something for me. While standing in line I met this sweet gentleman who translates English Christian books into French for the people in Africa. It was exciting to meet someone who is making a big difference in getting the word of God out. Max Lucado was wonderful to talk to, he was personable to everyone he came in contact with. (in Max’s picture we are saying ‘hi’ to a special friend, she will know who I am talking about)

After meeting with Max I floated my way to the various sessions. One of the sessions I attended that day was about leading women in bible study hosted by a panel made up of Kathy Howard (who was such an inspiration to me), Chandra Peele (who is a total cutie), Edna Ellison (who is as funny as she is cute), and Kimberly Sowell (who has a powerful heart for God). This was not a session I was originally planning on attending but felt the Holy Spirit leading me to. It was also the session that made the biggest impact on me. Kathy Howard was very sweet to talk to me afterwards and give me words of encouragement about events I have coming up in my life. Just those few minutes and her support meant the world to this girl. I never should be amazed, but God made sure I was where I needed to be and heard what I needed to hear.

During lunch time on the first day I had purchased a salad and was looking for a place to sit down. I found a table with an empty chair, with a few seats saved. As I have mentioned before I am on the shy side and I fear being obnoxious sometimes. So I sat at my table and suddenly I realized I sat at the same table as Mary DeMuth and Susan Meissner (who just the night before won best fiction for 2009, you can see my review of the book here). I had wanted to meet Mary and Susan while there and God directed my path. They were both very nice! Susan has a new book coming out I look forward to reading!

The night ended with a bang. During the worship service we heard from Max Lucado, Andy Andrews, Liz Curtis Higgs, Henry Blackaby (it was cute because his wife kept calling him WHILE he was speaking!), and Lysa TerKeurst.

One of my goals was being able to meet Lysa TerKeurst and listen to Travis Cottell. I called my Mom that night and said, “Mom when I am in heaven I want to sit next to Travis just so I can listen to that awesome voice God blessed him with.” OH. MY. WORD. Can that man sing.

Anyways the worship service was awesome!!! Right after it was over I walked over to where Lysa TerKeurst was and introduced myself and I said something very sophisticated and worthy, like “blahdlahjfdljfdslds you were-great-and-I-am-so-excited-to-meet-you-and you did not tee-tee in your pants.”

She was so nice and gave me a big hug and I walked away thinking, “Did I seriously just tell Lysa she was wonderful because she did not tee-tee in her pants.” LORD KILL ME NOW! She was the only one I felt I “stalked.” =)  But the Lord being  full of grace and mercy, let me re-do my “image” the next day.

More to come….