Even though I didn't think I was going there, I entered the womens' conference weekend with all kinds of expectations. Expectations about how God was going to move and work in our midst, and what that might look like. We had been praying for weeks about the different women who were coming, praying for breakthroughs in their lives, praying for freedom in their walk with God.

Friday night felt extremely awkward like the first day of school, everyone assessing one another, and trying to gauge if the situation was safe enough to let down walls of protection. Our church is hurting, disjointed, needing the healing touch of God. Many lies have been let in through footholds that each one of us have failed to guard against.

The weekend ended with many surprises. Reconnecting with old acquaintenances, deepening ties with good friends, and making some new friends. The speaker was incredible - a woman who is easy to relate to, honest and open about her walk with God. I'm still processing my feelings about all that took place - somewhat disappointed that the weekend didn't unfold the way I'd hoped, yet trying to feel thankful for the intimate moments that surprised me.

My mind is going in fifty directions at once this morning as I try and organize a day which is beyond manageable. I'm leaving this evening for a women's conference which will last all weekend. I haven't even begun to pack yet though I have a few items organized on my bed.  I've a load of laundry in the wash containing vital elements of clothing, and while that rattles and hums the piano teacher in mid-stride in the living room with the weekly lessons.

My two older daughters will leave just after I do to attend a whole night of activites with their Youth. Sleep Deprivation, the name says it all. Before they leave, they have a full day of school to complete and log. And, they can hardly concentrate as they anticipate all the fun they are going to have with friends.

My youngest daughter has two engagements today: a date with her middle school youth pastor this afternoon, and a sleepover with friends which starts at suppertime. As I will be well on my way by the time she has to leave, she has arranged her own ride. She also needs to pack a bag, but while she's supposed to be concentrating on a math lesson, her head is leaps and bounds ahead of her as she imagines all the fun she's going to have.

The guys will have the run of the house tonight and even as I type they're making plans via a phone call as to how they're going to spend their time together. And, while the rest of the household will be recovering from lack of sleep my husband will be trying to get more rest than usual to prepare himself for a trip to the Yukon. He will leave on Monday morning for a week-long trip so he and I will have a few hours to catch up before spinning apart again.

I don't feel ready for a week of single-parenting. Usually before he departs I stock the house full of groceries, gas up the van, and clean the house from top to bottom so that I'm prepared to just deal with the kids and they're activities. I won't have the chance to do that this time. So although I'm away and supposed to be relaxing, I don't feel relaxed as I anticipate the backlog of chores waiting my return.