R-E-V-O-L-V-E

What does your life REVOLVE around???

That was the question I heard several times this past weekend at the REVOLVE TOUR that came to Sacramento this past weekend at the Arco Arena.

10,000 moms and daughters filled the arena that houses the Sacramento Kings...and let me tell you, it was a very (unexpectedly) fulfilling and spiritually uplifting weekend.

The reason that it was unexpected is this: it wasn't supposed to be for me. It was supposed to be for my daughter! The Revolve Tour is geared towards teen girls from 6th through 12 grade. I actually committed to going to this conference a few months ago and this past week I was so tired. So exhausted. I told Don that I just simply didn't have the energy to go...but of course, went anyway.

I guess I didn't really know what to expect. I knew it would be a weekend full of fun and music for teen girls. But what I didn't know was that it would be a weekend full of spiritually uplifting testimonies by some major music artists and others that would weave their faith-filled stories with music and joy and fun and drama throughout the weekend.

The most significant part of this program is the REASON it even exists. The mission of the Revolve Tour is to reach out to teen girls in a fallen world and give them hope and certainty and moral fiber and love through realizing that God is real and loves them...and will give them the courage to say no to sex until their wedding night...to dress in a fun way without showing every inch of their skin...learning to realize that they have beauty that exists in the heart...

And some of the major issues teens face were addressed head-on in the most amazing and incredible way through music, testimonies, stories, drama, and just REAL TALK. Things like eating disorders (did you know that 1 out of 4 girls has a major eating disorder?), the affects that divorce and broken families have on teens, drugs/alcohol, pressure to have sex, the need to fit in and peer pressure, the fact that teens today are so affected by the fashion magazines and major media to dress provocatively and seductively---and the fact that they don't HAVE to, to be loved and accepted and beautiful.

Natalie Grant, Dove Award Winner and Female Vocalist of the Year, shared her testimony of her battle with and triumph over bulimia...a very uplifting story of faith and how God healed her and helped her one day at a time (the statistics of eating disorders in teens is devastating and alarming!!!) She was so REAL. She cried. She laughed. She bared her soul and even admitted to being ashamed to share her ugly past but was willing to do it if it would help even just one girl. Her incredible music was as moving as her story.

Tammy Trent shared her heart-wrenching story of how she has "learned to breathe again" (also, this is the title of her newly released book on the same subject) with the help of God after losing the love of her life tragically while on a vacation in Jamaica---the week of 9/11. Her world was turned upside down in an instant---and her testimony was riveting and gripping...EVERYONE in the audience was in tears. But her story of hope, faith and love showed how God never leaves our side. He never gives us anything we can not handle in life---even something as tragic as the death of a loved one. The way she shared her story was so incredible for teen girls to hear---because so many of them are dealing with tragedies at home like the "death" of their family through divorce, depression, low self-esteem. Tammy is such a vibrant woman...and so in love with Jesus!

And then there was Chad Eastham...author of "The Truth about Guys"...written for young girls and he just talked "real talk" with the girls about what guys REALLY think...and how to attract someone into your life that GOD would want in your life...an incredible presentation that had me laughing and shaking my head in agreement and I just found myself thinking "wow...I wish someone would have told ME all of this stuff when I was 13!!!".

Okay...and then there was ZOE Girl, KJ-52, and so many other faith-inspiring speakers, artists and musicians.

So...does it sound like I'm promoting REVOLVE TOUR???

I am.

Because it's one of the most significant things a TEEN GIRL or WOMAN OF ANY AGE can attend if you want to be inspired, touched, lifted up, and in general, just to come face-to-face with your God through testimonies, stories and music!!!

The last 2 REVOLVE TOURS will be in DENVER COLORADO this next weekend...and then in ATLANTA GEORGIA the week after Thanksgiving. There are still a few tickets available!!! And check out the cities lined up for 2007 here. We are going again next year!

Just thought I would share something that touched my heart, lifted my spirit, and made me fall in love with Jesus all over again.

And last but certainly not least...

WORLD VISION.

I've been involved in World Vision for several years now through sponsorship of a child. My family chose a child at a Christian Concert (Jacque Velasquez) several years ago and I can't even tell you how fulfilling it is to know that our $30 a month actually helps a child that we can write to and hear from!

REVOLVE had World Vision at the conference...and Sacramento teen girls and moms broke the record for sponsoring MORE CHILDREN than any other city on this year's REVOLVE TOUR so far! Only 50 children were left...(breaks my heart...real faces...real children...50 left without someone "picking them")...

Anyway...T. and 5 of her friends decided to sponsor a child and they each are pitching in $5 of their "allowance" each month to do it! It was a decision they made on their own and it made my heart skip a beat...WOW.

Want to know how you can help sponsor a child? A child with a FACE that YOU can keep in touch with, write to, hear from?

WORLD VISION.

Just my thoughts today as I sit down and write about things that...matter. Things that my life revolve around. Things that have meaning and are in my heart today.

After all, I promised you...I will always share THE REAL PERSON behind the camera. :)

Comments

[Cindy M.]

This is so wonderful! I'll be looking for it in my own city next year! Thanks for sharing!

[shayla p.a.]

very moving thoughts and sharing today! thanks for the info. shayla

[Tawnya]

we all LOVE the real person behind the camera. you have no idea how you touch my life teri.

[Sarah M.]

The same group also sponsors a women's conference-- Women of Faith. When I went, there were Sandi Patty, Avalon, Ashley Smith (the one that used the Purpose Filled Life to escape from the Atlanta courthouse killer), Anita Renfroe (that women is funny!), Kathy Trocolli, etc. It was absolutely awesome. I think you would be blessed by that as well.

[Britt]

Your blog ALWAYS inspires, lifts up, and encourages. I haven't stopped by for a few weeks and just love to catch up with my hot tea at my side, reading and enjoying and watching you soar to the sky with your talent.

thanks for your thoughts, wisdom, God-filled heart.

B.

[Maria]

Beautiful post! I have also been sponsoring a child through World Vision. This has been a most rewarding experience for my whole family. We truly cherish the opportunity to help a little child who needs help. It's an amazing opportunity!

[muzic girl]

i was at the revolve tour it was amazing i really felt like i grew in Christ!!!and i love all the music.all your testimonies got to me and Natlie Grant i love your modo (moddest is Hotest)well i am praying for all of you