You know those songs that you kinda grow up with and love and they reside in a special place in your heart?

I have a few of those tucked away in my heart and when I hear them on the radio just causes an emotional reaction long before I can even prepare myself.

Such as, but not limited to, Testify to Love.

I’m gonna put a lyric video here and let you have a moment.

[Hey subscribers- there's a video here. Click over if you can't see it!]

Right? RIGHT? CAN I GET AN AMEN FROM MY MID-90S CHRISTIAN MUSIC LOVERS!?!

I know. It just takes you back there.

Anyways.

Fast forward to Girls of Grace. At one of our fall events my pal Amber says, “Man, last season when Michael used to sing Testify to Love? That was awesome.”

And then a sound like a record screeching happened [not really but imagine it] as I whipped my head towards her and said, “WHAT.”

Unbeknownst to me, my friend Michael that plays piano for Point of Grace is also the exact same Michael from the group Avalon that sings Testify to Love. [This I did not know. Obviously.]

Well. As if being around Point of Grace wasn’t enough to make 1994 Annie melt into a pile of uncool super fan, that about did it.

So I tried to play it cool, which you know I am really good at [no I'm not], and just hope that at some point during this Girls of Grace season, Michael would hear my heart cry out for a little throw back moment.

And it happened. I can’t remember which city, but I heard it from backstage and ran like my life depended on it so that I could watch it myself.

He sang Testify to Love.

It was moving times a million.

A few shows later in Dallas? He did it again.

My gracious, people.

And last week in San Antonio? The key change just plain about brought a tear to my eye. I did a horrible job filming it but I did a great job feeling it if that counts for anything. [It doesn't.]

[Hey subscribers- there's a video here. Click over if you can't see it!]

I wish I’d have caught that key change on video. You’d be having a moment all over again right there on your side of the screen.

It is truly one of my favorite parts of the day. And I told him. EVERY TIME. Which just goes to prove that just because you are a speaker on a national conference tour, that DOES NOT MEAN YOU ARE COOL.

In all seriousness, because you know I love a sentimental moment more than just about anybody, when Michael sang that song, it was such a full circle moment for me. Here I was, sharing the stage with these musicians that I have loved and adored from afar my whole life. I pictured little teen Annie, hanging out in her bedroom with 91.5FM playing on the radio in Atlanta, working on homework or reading a book when that song would come on. And y’all- I would sing every word like my life depended on it. Because I wanted my life to depend on those words. I wanted my life to look like that song.

For as long as I shall live
I will testify to love
I’ll be a witness in the silences
When words are not enough
With every breath I take
I will give thanks to God above
For as long as I shall live
I will testify to love

And it is still what I pray – that my life testifies to God’s love.

Also? I hope that someday I get to hear Steven Curtis Chapman sing Burn The Ships because then my life as a CCM super fan would be complete.

. . . . .

What’s your favorite 90s Christian song? Do you have one that just takes you back? 

This weekend in San Antonio was our last Girls of Grace event of the season.

You know I’m an emoter, I tend to feel things LIKE REALLY FEEL THINGS, and I don’t like when things end. I spent most of Saturday feeling things- watching all the lasts, taking it all in, fighting with all my might not to cry out of pure gratefulness to be a part of such a special event.

For the thousands of y’all that have been a part of a Girls of Grace event this season, you know what I’m taking about.

The worship. Meredith Andrews has a special place in God’s heart and we all get to go there when she leads.

The bands. So cool. Such a highlight of the day to have incredible musicians singing words that challenge and encourage.

Point of Grace. Don’t even get me started. I feel like those ladies are the big sisters I never had.

The other speakers. I so respect Constance and Chris and have loved getting to know them.

And then Amber. Our fashion expert and one of my real life BFFs. It meant EVERYTHING that she was on the tour with me. Nothing felt better than that sweet part of my home life being with me on every event.

But there are people you never see that work from sun up to sun down to make sure the event is flawless. The Word staff have become some of my dearest friends and no joke, every Girls of Grace event feels like just a big family back in the green room.

I didn’t know that would happen.

I didn’t know I’d see God do so many things in so many cities in so many hearts.

On Saturday, right before I spoke, the worship team was on the stage and a few of us were standing back stage. Chris was pacing back and forth with computer in hand, Denise Jones snuggled tightly with Remy, Meredith’s new baby, and I was going over my notes. Meredith sang on stage and we could hear it….

Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God You are higher than any other

Our God is Healer, awesome and power, Our God, Our God…

And I started singing quietly to myself. So did Chris. So did Denise. Meredith led us, I prepped to speak, and my friends sung around me. And it is one of those memories that I will never forget because it is exactly how I feel about Girls of Grace.

We’re just each other’s people, standing together, worshiping together, sharing Jesus together.

All season long we’ve been teaching about The Beautiful Truth. You are loved. You are valuable. You are more than a number. Your words matter. Wait for steak.

Here’s the Beautiful Truth that I have learned this season: God is more generous than I ever have known. I have felt it and seen it – over and over again – through the people and the events of Girls of Grace. 

And I am so grateful. Grateful to the point of tears.

As we enter into next season, which I’m really honored to be a part of, I will never forget God’s generosity towards me in my first season with Girls of Grace.

Our God is greater.

Our God is stronger.

God, You are higher than any other.

. . . . .

Did you come to Girls of Grace this season? What did you love about the day?

It’s late on Monday night and I took a nap today so this is always how my nap-nights go. My emotions are high and I don’t want to go to bed and I just made a strawberry banana almond milkshake because all I wanted in my life today was a Coke Icee but I resisted because I don’t want to put that junk in my body anymore.

But trust me. I wanted to. I left Young Life and all my heart wanted was a Coke Icee.

But a fruit smoothie- while high in sugar – is still better for my bod than a Coke Icee. Unfortunately. And if you care, I did one frozen banana, about five frozen strawberries, one scoop of almond milk vanilla ice cream, and about half a cup of almond milk. It was great.

Speaking of great, DALLAS, TEXAS.

Y’all, I just plain had the best time.

For starters, I spent Friday night at dinner with one of my dearest friends from college, Caren. Caren works in college ministry at SMU and she drove me around the campus and then we grabbed dinner.

I got back to my hotel room and two other Texas-livin’ besties, Marie Claire and Betsy, had arrived and were enthusiastically grateful to Zondervan and Girls of Grace for the fancy hotel room.

[Just kidding. I totally said, "Y'all jump on the bed so I can take a picture for the internet." So, there's the behind the scenes to being real life friends with me.]

And then Saturday was Girls of Grace and sometimes I just want to pass out because I love my job so much. As you see from the top picture, it was a full house and the girls were PUMPED to be there. It is always soooooo fun when the crowd is as excited as we are. And those Dallas gals showed up in all the best ways. And it was the first event that featured my sweet friend Jamie Grace [and her sister Morgan on the left]. The crowd loved her so much. Understandably. She’s adorbs.

Such a fun fun day. It is amazing to talk with girls who attend and listen to them and know that while I am living a normal Girls of Grace Saturday, all the girls in the audience are having a life-defining kind of day with Jesus. It’s incredible.

We have one more event for this season themed “The Beautiful Truth” in San Antonio in a couple of weeks. Then we take the summer off, and then? We start a new season and y’all, the fact that Girls of Grace is letting me be a part for the next season could just get me all emotional. I cannot wait.

But it’s coming. “Girls of Grace: Live. Love. Lead.” is about to rock 2013-2014. Here’s the preview video. [By the way, what does a new season mean for me? New speaking shirt, new talk, new merch, all very exciting.]

[Hey subscribers... there's a video here. Click on over, yo!]

I’ve updated my speaking calendar to show you where all the Girls of Grace dates for 2013-2014 are, as well as some other pretty awesome events I get to be at in the new few months. Like Hawaii. Like Rock The Universe. Like whoa.

I still have a few weekends available in 2013 if you or your church are looking to bring in a speaker. It’s like my favorite thing- having a microphone, talking about Jesus, and hanging out with people. So contact us if you wanna bring me to your event.

How was your weekend?

I have so many reasons that I am beyond stoked about going to Dallas this weekend for Girls of Grace.

Here they are. In no particular order. Except the order in which these things are coming to my mind. So it is some particular order- I guess it is the order that my brain wants.

I’m over-explaining. Classic Annie.

Here’s the list.

1. Every weekend that we have a Girls of Grace event, I see Jesus change the hearts of young women and adult women. [That one really does deserve to be first. Random order begins with #2.]

2. After a great FREEZING weekend in Minnesota, I am looking forward to the short-sleevedness warmth of Dallas.

3. Being on the road with Girls of Grace is like traveling and goofing off with your favorite family members and then also getting to talk about Jesus.

4. For the first time eva, my sweet friend Jamie Grace will be on the GOG stage and I’m pretty sure Saturday will be full of us laughing and talking about boys and all other manner of backstage misbehavior.

5. Our worship leader Meredith Andrews just had a baby this winter and missed a few events, but she is BACK this weekend and I can’t wait to squeeze that baby. And worship. Duh.

6. We are busing to Dallas from Nashville. So yes, me and eleven of my friends will be stuck together for two 10-hour trips and that’s kinda my dream come true.

7. A handful of my sweet friends live in Dallas, so I get to see them too. Yay for business trips that include seeing your people!

8. The line-up for GOG Dallas? It’s insane. Maybe one of the best selection of artists and speakers that we have had.

9. Yes, I was just in Dallas for Blissdom. I couldn’t get enough. So I’m going back. In a bus. With my friends. Dreams coming true in 2013, people.

So…..

Any of my Texas friends wanna come? I’ve got a handful of tickets to giveaway, so all you have to do is leave a comment and let me know who you would bring and my dear intern will pick some winners until we run out of tickets! 

[Also- if you live closer to San Antonio, we'll be there in a few weeks! So hold your horses and come see us May 11th!]

I have a whopper of a weekend ahead of me.

Tonight and tomorrow night, I get to speak to a few hundred girls at Camp No Boys Allowed [hilarious] through Fellowship Bible Church here in Nashville.

Smack in the middle of Camp No Boys Allowed, GIRLS OF GRACE NASHVILLE!

[You know how I feel about the GOG. I LOVE it. So I am sooo excited that our spring season has started!!]

So today I’ll rehearse with Girls of Grace and go speak to the Camp No Boys Allowed.

Tomorrow I will be at Girls of Grace all day and then go speak to the Camp No Boys Allowed tomorrow night.

Then Sunday I will be a puddle of a person in the fifth row of the morning service at CrossPoint.

I’m excited.

. . . . .

All three speaking opportunities this weekend, I’m talking about something that has become a bit of a passion for me: the power of words and how we are using them. Proverbs 18:21 in The Message version says, “Words kill; words give life.” And if we lived like that was true- that everything we say or write can give LIFE- I think we’d be so much more intentional with words.

To help grasp that, I had a friend of mine create these cool notecards that will hopefully encourage women to take a few minutes and write a note to someone they care about.

Everybody loves snail mail.

Everybody has three minutes a day to write a note.

Stamps are not super expensive.

Because I love these cards and think they are total perfection, we are selling them at events but also online! Adorably packaged, they are great to add to a gift or just use yourself to send notes.

 ORDER YOUR NOTECARDS HERE.

. . . . .

PS- I’m writing today over at (in)courage. Just a little something I’ve been thinking about as I dream about summer.

. . . . . .

Are you new around these parts? Well welcome!

Hi. I’m Annie.

I write books.

You can read more about me here.

You can follow me on twitter here.

You can like me on facebook here.

You can follow me on pinterest here.

. . . . .

Have a great weekend! If you think of it, pray for me as I speak- that the words would be from God, that the girls would receive them, and that my energy would stay sky high!

You know, my blog-memory isn’t so good. I just tried to look back and find my recaps from each year, thinking “in 2007, I did a TOP 7 list and in 2008 I did a TOP 8 list but for 2012 I can do a TOP 12 list and do one thing from each month!”

And then I saw my 2007 recap.

And my 2008 recap.

And realized that I’m a dufus. I’ve been giving a monthly highlight for a lot of years.

But in 2009, I didn’t want to officially recap apparently, I barely survived the stress of 2010, and in 2011 I barely survived deportation.

So 2012 deserves a legit recap. So here we go!

Psalm 126:3

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

. . . . .

JANUARY: After returning from Scotland in November 2011, I lived with the Giver family here in Nash while looking for my own home. Our time co-habitating was a bigger gift to me than I can ever describe.

Here’s a post about it. Also, we did puzzles. Puzzles are good for my soul.

. . . . .

FEBRUARY: I met my small group. How we have been us for less than a year I will never understand because we fit like we’ve been forever.

Here’s a post about them. And here’s a pic from our small group snoozle earlier this month. I love them so much.

. . . . .

MARCH: I signed the book deal for Perfectly Unique. 

Here’s a post about that day. Here I am signing with my gals. So grateful for them.

. . . . .

APRIL: Me and the Vandy boyz made our sibling-hood offish. They are my brothers. Amen. I love these guys so much. Don’t even get me started.

Here’s a post about it. Here we are from left to right – Keenan, my rogue necklace, me, and Connor.

[Also, to be noted, this was my first month as a full-time author and speaker, leaving my Mocha Club job on April 1 after two years. I'm so grateful to my boss, Barrett, for reminding me to be brave. I have been scared and worried and every other emotion, but I've never regretted it.]

. . . . .

MAY: The girls and I went to an Ingrid Michaelson show. While this may seem like a bizarro highlight, the truth is that this story, these girls, this history, they have all meant more to me in the last two years than I can express.

Here’s a post about it. And here we are.

[Also, I talked to John-Boy Walton on the phone. So. That made my life.]

. . . . .

JUNE: I traveled around the southeast meeting youth group gals in every corner of Dixie. 

Here’s a post about it. And here are some darling gals that I met in Birmingham with Sophie.

. . . . .

JULY: Not only did I turn 32 [with joy, I might add], but I got to return “home” to Edinburgh for a few weeks before the craziness of book release fall season began.

Here I am with three of my very best friends who live across the ocean- Esther, Leisa, and Donna.

Also, the last week of July was this year’s first Girls of Grace event in the lovely city of Phoenix. Here’s a post about it.

. . . . .

AUGUST: This began my crazy travel season, including weekends in Mississippi, North Carolina, and Oregon. 

Here’s a post about it. And here’s a shot during a Girls of Grace event!

. . . . .

SEPTEMBER: Perfectly Unique releases to the world!

Here’s a post about it. Truly, this month totally changed my life and I will never forget it. Thank you.

. . . . .

OCTOBER: I told lots of jokes.

Here’s the list. It was a hilarious month.

Also, I got to attend and speak at the Influence Conference and Allume Conference. It was mucho fun.

. . . . .

NOVEMBER: My best friend Betsy turned 30 and we celebrated Parenthood style in her hometown. 

It was a fun month with Girls of Grace and my travel season ended- my body and friends and dirty house rejoiced that I was home for a bit.

. . . . .

DECEMBER: I love the Christmas parties and concerts and time with friends that increases over the holiday season. Nashville is a hotbed for good times in December. It’s my favorite time of year.

Here’s me and some gals at the cooooooolest Christmas party in town.

Also this month, I got to spend time hanging out with Jennie Allen and we became quick besties. It was hopefully the first of many crazy brainstorming retreats.

. . . . .

It was a good year. It wasn’t pain free, disappointment free, fear free, heartbreak free, but I am sure glad it happened. There are things that happened that I will never forget- new friendships, dating relationships, new ministry opportunities, hard conversations, surprising moments, dreams coming true, all of it. Even through the hard, as the year comes to an end, my journal is almost as full as my heart.

I am grateful.

Thanks for being a part of my 2012.

. . . . .

What was the highlight of your 2012? If you write a recap post, link in the comments so we can read about your year!

[PS- I LOVE this recap of 2012 by Regi Campbell. Couldn't resist sharing it.]

Well, I’m in love.

[I know. You're hoping it's a boy. And at some point, I'm hoping that too. Patience, grasshopper. ]

Today I’m talking about Girls of Grace.

I’ve done a poor job of recapping the last few events well- Eden Prairie, Grand Rapids, and Spartanburg, but let me assure you, it was not for a lack of enjoyment. Here are some posts I’ve written about GOG… I mean, I haven’t totally blog-ignored the experience.

But today, as I think back over the first six events of this Girls of Grace season [our season is just like a school year, July - May], there are just some things I want to share. Being that Saturday in Spartanburg was our last event of 2012 and we don’t convene again until February in Nashville, I’m feeling all sentimental. Classic Annie.

And since I’ve sat here for forty minutes typing and retyping the same post, not sure how to tell you everything I’m feeling without taking up 2,000 words of your life, I’m going for a list.

[No, it's not an impressive literary feat with well placed transitions. Sorry. A list is low on the totem pole of good literature. I'm aware.]

What I’ve loved about Girls of Grace. Ready? Let’s go.

1. I love how we feel like a family. I mean, I am for sure the new kid on the GOG block, but it amazes me how the speakers, bands, crew, and staff all feel like my people. I’ve been a Point of Grace fan since I was old enough to make my own mix tapes, and now those three women are really dear to me. And when we all sit around in the green room before, during, and after the event, we talk about real life and connect and it means a lot to this girl who loves her some friends. For a group of folks who only see each other twice a month, about four days a month total, we have got a good thing going on.

2. The bands and speakers. I am so impressed each weekend with the bands that join our little family. Group 1 Crew won me over for realz in July, but since then, I’ve also come to LOVE For King and Country, Britt Nicole, Sidewalk Prophets, Rush of Fools- not to mention Point of Grace and our worship leader Meredith Andrews.

[And I am ALL giggly that my gal Jamie Grace will be with us in Dallas! EEP!]

And the other speakers? Man, they are good. Amber Lehman, Constance Rhodes, and Chris Wheeler are some of the finest co-workers I have ever had. I’m grateful for them.

3. The staff and crew. I’m not gonna get sappy here, but I could. I love the people that are behind the scenes every weekend, and working tirelessly all during the week, to see that many young women get the best experience possible. It is inspiring to watch them work, knowing that I get to be a part of what God is doing through them. And? I like being friends with them. So that’s an added perk.

4. I love riding the bus and sleeping in a middle bunk and having all my friends trapped together for a lot of hours … and I am not afraid to say it.

5. Zondervan. My publisher is a Girls of Grace sponsor and it is one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen God do- how He put together me and GOG, then me and Zondervan, then Zondervan and GOG, and then all three of us. It’s happy.

6. The girls and moms we meet in every city. It is such an honor to get to meet and speak in front of all of these women- young and old. During Meredith’s first worship set each Saturday, I stand in the back and watch as lots and lots of girls pursue Christ. And I say things like, “Uh, God? Why do I get to be here?” Because I feel unworthy and blessed and grateful.

7. God always shows up. He just does. Every Saturday. No matter the city. In some way, I leave each event different than when I got there. He shows up for the girls, and He shows up for us too.

I could keep going. I seriously could. Girls of Grace is just such a sweet spot right now for me personally and for my career and my passions. I am just beyond grateful to be a part. It is perfect? No. Does everything go exactly right every time? Nope. But I am always glad to be there.

Always.

I put up an album of some of my favorite Girls of Grace pictures from 2012 on my facebook page if you wanna check them out. And the spring gets super fun when we head to Nashville, Atlanta, Dallas, and other cities that are still secret. And if you’re like, “Man, this event would be AWESOME in our town!” just pop on the GOG website and tell them!

So that’s how I spent my weekend- in Spartanburg, SC with over 1000 teen girls and their moms, working with some of the best people I know.

Also? I slept until 1pm on Sunday and when I woke up, I said, “Well played, Downs. Well played.”

How was your weekend? 

You know what I love about what is going on at (in)courage?

I love that they have built a place where we writers can be crazy honest.

So this month, I told a story about Nutella and a boy and what me and my counselor talk about.

[Have I mentioned I see a counselor? I do. It's one of the best decisions ever. Try it sometime.]

Pop on over to (in)courage and let me know if you can relate.

Also.

Today is my Saturday. I’m probably still laying in my bed or getting my nails painted or reading a magazine or drinking chai or doing all these things at once BECAUSE IT IS MY SATURDAY AND I CAN DO WHAT I WANT.

Ahem.

Also.

On Saturday, we have Girls of Grace in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Anybody wanna come? I can give away a few tickets… let me know in the comments if you want to attend and who you would bring with you!

. . . . . .

Are you new around these parts? Well welcome!

Hi. I’m Annie. I write books for my job.

You can read more about me here.

You can follow me on twitter here.

You can like me on facebook here.

You can follow me on pinterest here.

. . . . .

So today, I think you should interview me. Ready? Go.

. . . . .

Hey Annie. What were you doing in Grand Rapids yesterday?

Well, that’s not really what today’s post is about, but I’ll tell ya. I was getting to meet with a bunch of youth pastors that will be bringing girls to our Girls of Grace event in November. Here’s a pic of it.

Sounds cool.

It was. Literally and emotionally and physically. Because, you know, youth ministers are cool and so is Michigan in September.

Eh, okay. Hey- don’t you have a Girls of Grace event this weekend?

As a matter of fact, I do! In Eden Prairie, MN. And there are only a few tickets left- so if you live in/near/around, please grab a ticket and come say hi! We’ve got over 2500 girls already coming, but you would be a totally noticed addition. Mainly because you are my friend.

Have you ever been to Minnesota?

Nope.

Congrats, then.

Thank you.

Have any links to share today?

In fact I do! The first one is on (in)courage- Emily and I made a video about writing for teenagers and it is funny and sweet and we filmed it in a bathroom.

Please explain why you did that.

Well, the beach house was all abuzz with (in)courage ladies and it was about 10pm and that huge bathroom was literally the only spot that was quasi-quiet. We stacked my computer on top of a few pillows and a stool and sat on the side of the tub.

I also think you should know that (in)courage is giving away 10 GIFT PACKS including both of our books. So, that’s a win win winny winson.

I love to win.

I know you do.

What’s this other biznass on twitter from Catalyst?

I mean, right? How crazy that I’m on the list of September’s Young Influencers!

Uh, they know you’re 32, right?

I mean, I think so.

What does it mean to be on that list?

I have no idea. I didn’t realize Brad Lomenick even knew I existed on this planet. But it is cool to just be doing my thing- writing books, leading my small group, loving my friends and family, speaking to teens, blowing my budget by eating out too much- and someone thinks that combo of things makes me influential [this month]. I mainly just think I’m a dork. But I’m a grateful dork!

You also forgot to tell us about blogging for Zondervan.

Oh sheesh. I did. Last week, I blogged over at Zondervan about why I wrote Perfectly Unique and how to write for teenagers. Sorry about that.

Well, you’re forgiven, except you almost wrote “your forgiven” in which case you would have absolutely not been forgiven for that horrible grammatical error.

Hey, Annie? What should you actually be doing with your time instead of using a lot of time writing this interview?

Um…. writing a book? Writing an article that is due today? Writing the article that is due tomorrow? Working on my (in)courage posts? Getting my eyebrows waxed? Revamping my Girls of Grace talk and printing it? Packing for Minneapolis?

Now that I have you feeling really stressed, have a great day.

Rude.

. . . . .

Seriously… don’t forget to enter to win free books and stuff from (in)courage!

Happy Thursday!

So after three Girls of Grace events where I get to talk on how our words matter, I felt a tug. A push. A shove? Probably.

Here’s what the God-shove felt like. I was standing in front of the mirror getting ready one morning, and this question scrolled across the ticker in my mind:

What if this generation killed the mean girl?

I know. Girls have been unkind to each other for generations, we’ve all dealt with it. The Mean Girl even has her own movie and she exists all over the place. It seems impossible to end her reign.

BUT IT ISN’T.

What if teenagers decided to use their words differently? What if they just decided, as a group, to cut it out?

I wanna be a part of that.

I am sure, LIKE SURE, that teen girls could change the world with words. I’m telling y’all. I can see it.

So I wrote a devotional about it.

This devotional is 30 days of how we can use our words better- how it’s done in the Bible, how it should be done in our homes, schools, and yes- online. [oh, I went there. Don't you worry about that.]

So I rallied some troops to edit and design and make it happen – mainly Kyle, Luke, and Will – and I dove face first into writing this thing. [You may recall my brainstorming session here and the corner of my outline here and working on it here.]

And we did it. In about three weeks. Because we are insane.

[Did I have a book releasing the next week AND I decided to fill my life with writing a devotional? Yes. I told you. I'm insane.]

And.

IT IS TOTALLY FREE.

Why?

Because I want you to have it.

So. Go download THE WORD REVOLUTION.

And tell your friends to download it.

And share that puppy.

And let’s revolt together.