Soooo—- what can I say about SHINE 2008? I want to write a recap blog while my heart is still full. It exceeded my every expectation. I am beyond thankful to Jesus for carrying the conference by the power of the Holy Spirit. His presence was definitely there, and lives were changed forever.
This year there was just so much peace over the whole conference. Even though I felt we got off to a late start promoting it, things just fell into place. We experienced growth in every area, but more importantly I think as a group of women we crossed a spiritual line of maturity, vision, and unity.
Our speakers this year had such a unity about the messages they spoke. We had not talked to each other at all prior to SHINE, but it was as if the Holy Spirit was trying to imprint the message of love revolution upon us so that we could take it to our worlds. To that end, I am so happy to report that as a group we fully financed the sewing project for the carepoint at Sauerstown in Zimbabwe. You truly rose to the challenge to live generously and gave over and above. I can’t wait to hear the stories of lives changed through the sewing machines we gave.
From the first note of the opener to the last frame of the closing video, God’s love was poured out on us and our capcity to love God and His people was enlarged. I was so proud of our women — your hunger for the word, your responsiveness to the Spirit, your passion in worship — it was so beautiful. You made me so proud to be a pastor in this house. Everyone who visited said they could feel the tangible love of God the whole time.
I have to say thank you to our team of INCREDIBLE volunteers! You make SHINE happen every year with your amazing heart for service. I sensed that the capacity for love and service was so increased in our volunteers this year. There was definitely the annointing that is brought by unity — where God commands His blessing. Without a doubt we will be sharing the rewards in heaven for every life that was touched at SHINE 2008.
And finally, to our staff. You guys — the words fail me to express how much I love all of you. Thank you so much for standing with me and making this weekend happen. Thank you for your prayers and love and support. Here’s to 2009 and all the joy to come!
Love to all,
Kerri
LBx0×0
8 Comments
Pastor Kerri,
As I have searched my heart to fully describe the outcome of Shine 2008, there are no words to capture it all - you just had to be there and I am forever thankful that i was.
To your comment, “I sensed that the capacity for love and service was so increased in our volunteers this year,” I would say you are absolutely on target. There was more unity in service this year than in years prior. I was blessed to serve along side several women, some who were relatively new to Celebration and this was their first Shine conference. Never before had I connected so quickly!!! By the end, their lives were changed and it was evident and determined in my heart that I would continue to serve at Shine -I wouldn’t feel right to simply attend!
The unity and vision that was across the board from you, Deborah, Lisa, and Pastor Stovall couldn’t have been better timing. The women there GOT IT- they got the message and we are all in this “Love Revolution” beside you.
Thank You!
Gail
Pastor Keri,
Thank you again for continuing to host SHINE! I have attended the last 2 years, and they were great, but this was the first year that I encountered God in a huge way. The messages that were spoke were very timely for my life and very revealing. I can truly say that for the first time in my life I have a clear vision of how my heavenly Father sees me and it’s so liberating!I have already ourchased my seat for SHINE 2009 and can’t wait to see what God has in store for next year! Be blessed as always!
Pastor Kerri,
I attended Shine in 06 and 07, but Shine this year truly had the awesome presence of God show up so powerful,and so wonderful beyond words. The Worship and the Word that was given to us, was as if God was reaching out and wrapping us in His love. I feel bad for those who missed this conference, because this was a refreshing, a watering for our souls. I know I needed this weekend, for months I have felt dry and I could not cry no matter what hurt or trial I went through, but there was a release and a cleansing of the past hurts, that tears flowed freely with peace and joy.
I feel all women of Celebration Church need to support our Spiritual Mom and show up for all the events that God has placed in her heart for us, no matter the cost. This was put on for us, and those who went reaped the benefits of your prayers, your labor and your love for us, thank you for being the vessel to bring this conference to us. Words can not express this awesome conference and the fire placed back in my heart, thank you so much and I will keep praying for you and your family daily.
Women of Celebration, stand up and be Pastor Stoval and Kerri’s armor bearers, pray daily for them. May God pour more anointing on Pastor Stoval and Kerri and keep them humble before Him daily.
Your sister in Christ,
Theresa
Gail — Thank you for your confirmation of what God spoke to me. You ladies in the childcare team were incredible! I love what I see in your spirit of servanthood. You are inspiring.
LeAnna — Thanks for sharing what God did in your heart this year. I know (b/c you have shared with me)what a long journey you have been on coming out of your past and I am so glad that you have not given up but continue to press in more and more to God’s destiny on your life!
Theresa — Thank you for showing so much support. I totally felt a new thing at SHINE this year and everyone I talk to continues to say the same. Stovall and I really covet the prayers of our church and we definitely feel it when you guys are lifting us up!
Love to all–
Kerri
LB xoxo
I am blown away at what an exciting time this is in the Kingdom. I am certain that this “love revolution” that was written on our hearts will continue to reach many more than what this conference held. It takes practice putting on all that we learned those three days, I have to continue to remember that I have to use what is in my hand and fight for that which was lost or the enemy tries to steal! I must work out my potential, my capacity which means I need to be transformed and not conformed to this world. I am invoked to go and share, I am filled with dreams, visions, and prophecy. This is what this conference did for me. I feel a responsibility to gather, like Lisa was talking about. It truly puts perspective on things.
You, Lisa and and Debra were in such alignment…it was an awesome sight to see. God’s spirit fell on His women. What an amazing event that will not stop just because the conference ended!
Forever Grateful….
Erica
Pastor Kerri —
After attending Shine this year for the first time, along with my mother all I can say is —WOW !!! What an incredible experience. I am so glad I was able to attend all the inspiring, energizing and life applicable sessions. My mom and I loved it - my mom, who went to the Women of Faith conference last year commented that this was more intimate, inspiring and first class and in her words she felt she got much more “bang for her buck” in other words she got more than her money’s worth. We pre-registered for next year and I have already put in for those days off at work. This will now become a tradition with the women in our family and next year we will bring my teenage daughter with us.
I do have a quick question—what were those delicious frozen fruit bars—who makes them—I have been looking all over Jacksonville for them.
Thank you and all the wonderful speakers, the special little touches you took the time and energy to add (the precious little butterfly ballerinas, the scenery, the music), the countless volunteers for making this a rememberable and revolutionary event.
Only 50 more weeks until next year’s Shine event- we can’t wait.
In His Service,
Donna
Pastor Kerri,
I want to thank you so much for hosting such a wonderful conference each year. I’ve been to all three of them now with some ladies from our church. This year’s conference was one which I wish every one of the ladies from my church had attended. There truly was an impartation to us who were there. God has locked us in to His movement, just as you expressed on Saturday morning of the conference.
Thank you for taking up such a work and thank you for doing it so excellently. I can very much appreciate it, having been on staff at large churches before. Putting on a conference of this level takes a lot out of you and your team. Kudos to you all, and may God richly bless you for all your efforts.
I’d love to have coffee with you sometime, if your available. Thanks again for all you are doing to advance God’s Kingdom.
Serving God with you,
Suzette Maners
Canvas Church
Hello Beautiful,
Shine without a doubt changed me forever! I had the time of my life…..GOD filled me from my head to my toes! I met you for the first time at Shine and I told you that after a year of praying, I found my purpose. God wants me to nurture other women. I want to “SHINE” bright, in the name of Jesus, so bright people can’t help but wonder what all the fuss is about. Thank you for putting on this most amazing event. I felt your love in every detail. It was my first time and I will never stop going. I am inviting every women I know next year. I already preregistered for 2009 but now I know I need to serve too, not just attend. I met two young girls at shine and I am taking them and my two sisters (all 13-15) to the Kiss the girls group at the Orange park campus. I am so overjoyed to be doing Gods work. I am a princess, my daughter is a princess, and you Kerri are a princess and all because of the King of Kings. Just being there made me feel so beautiful, special, and loved. God had his arms wrapped around everyone of us! Celebration church is such a special place. Thank you so much.
I love you already,
Danielle Bridges