Stand firm. Stand together. Stand out.

WASHINGTON STATE LEADERSHIP FORUM

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to go to a conference called the Washington State Leadership Forum. To break down all of those fancy words, the conference was held at a hotel in downtown Olympia, which is closest to the capital. This three day event allowed Business owners, CEO's, Legislators, and Governors to spend time with young adults who are in a leadership position with God being the center.

The first night, we heard from "Macklemore & Ryan Lewis: Can't Hold Us music video director, VMA, and Grammy winning Jason Koeing gave a great message. Im going to give you some of the things he said that impacted me the most. He spoke about his life and how Jason started to listen to what he felt that God was talking to him through his conscience.
Here are some of the things that he said that stand out to me.

-Hearing and listening to the God of the Universe is the most important thing. Not winning Grammy awards.
-People in power are the loneliest people.
-God can do exceedingly more with your life than you can imagine.
-Ask God to clean up your conscience
-God does not make replicas, stand out
-1 Peter 2- Who is going to harm if you are eager to do good?
-Open your hands and be willing to accept God's plan
-Ask God to clean up your conscience
-God once suffered the unrighteous for the righteous, that we will come to know no sin.
-Add value wherever you go!

Jason even told us of one of the toughest times of his job when he decided not to produce Macklemore's song Same Love. He said he had a problem with one of the lines in the song. The song says "I can't change even if i tried, even if i wanted too." The problem he had with those lyrics is that he was so passionate about believing you can change. You can change with Jesus. He can change your heart.

The talk was so refreshing to hear a successful YoungLife Leader, Husband, successful businessman be able to look out in the crowd and say that following God's plan and not his own plan was the best decision he has ever made. He has is all people I'm telling you, but he is willing to say that Jesus has given him life. Far more then his career, or any other success.

Reminds me of the Verse from Romans 8:28
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who are called according to His purpose"

This retreat was amazing. I was placed in a small group with some amazing student leaders from all over washington state, and we all had the same calling, struggles, worries, and goals. God taught me so much at the WSL. I hope those little quotes from Jasons talk encouraged you as much as it did me. Follow Jesus. Chase after Him. His plan for us is far better then any plan we have more ourselves. Have that hope, that He will lead you down the right path if you are willing to trust him and follow him. He calls us to bigger and better things.

OH && MONDAY 3/14 WILL BE SPENT GETTING HALF PRICED APPS AT APPLEBEES TO CATCH UP ABOUT SPRING BREAK AND LIFE :)

-Abigale McFaul

Smu AIA President

Lover of Jesus

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18