I spent Tuesday through Thursday in Baton Rouge at ARC’s (Association of Related Churches) ALL ACCESS 2010 Conference.

I was super excited about the speakers and about worshiping with Hillsongs United.

The speakers were definitely the highlight for me.

Here’s the good stuff:
(John Maxwell was one of my favorites.)

John Maxwell (on connecting with people): “Connecting requires energy. Jesus was inconvenienced to connect with us.” Sometimes connecting with people requires us to be inconvenienced, but the ultimate goal through this connection is to bring people to Christ.

Brian Houston of Hillsongs Australia (talking about how Christians skim over Bible passages because they’ve already heard the story): “We know what pizza tastes like and we still keep eating it.” Same thing with the Word of God. Even though we’ve read parts over and over, God reveals different things to us at different times.

Rick Bezet of New Life Church, Arkansas: “The unholy wanted to be around Jesus, the Most Holy One.” And, He didn’t have to compromise His position.

Priscilla Shirer: “The presence of God is what people seek.” Without the presence of God, church is pointless. What she said moved me greatly. If God is not in what I’m doing, then I don’t want to do it. That continues to be my prayer. I don’t want to go on without Him. How useless would that be!

Dino Rizzo of Healing Place Church, Baton Rouge, LA: “Comparison is acid to your soul.” and “Do not despise small beginnings.”

Chris Hodges of Church of the Highlands, Alabama: Just read Luke 17:7-10. I want to have the heart that says I am only an unworthy servant who deserves nothing.

Stoval Weems of Celebration Church, Florida: “God values integrity over reputation.”

And, there were others God used to speak so much to our souls.

It was challenging and inspiring.

(Here I am in my happy state.)
Now, back to the reality of more laundry and the dreaded trip to the grocery store.