Stellalarella Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Do you like going to women's conferences? Our church is having one and I am having a hard time wanting to go. I seem to act like this about all kinds of "women's events"--and in fact, if I go this will be the first time in years. I don't see myself ever shying away from a WTM conference where most of the people there would likely be women-but they would be there to talk about education (not....SHOPPING.) Yeesh. I must be insecure. Perhaps afraid of the manicured and coiffed crowd. There is a part of me that wants to go to the conference just to have 1 day to get away. Courage, woman! If you have conquered your fear of "women's events," please, do tell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holly IN Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 I would love to go to one. I will go when I am done with homeschooling (however my oldest son said he wants me to homeschool his kids)... However the part that freaks me out about going to one those confernece is not knowing anybody and will they be friendly? At least at homeschool confernece, I meet new people and see old friends. :) Holly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jewellsmommy Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Do you like going to women's conferences? Our church is having one and I am having a hard time wanting to go. I seem to act like this about all kinds of "women's events"--and in fact, if I go this will be the first time in years. I don't see myself ever shying away from a WTM conference where most of the people there would likely be women-but they would be there to talk about education (not....SHOPPING.)Yeesh. I must be insecure. Perhaps afraid of the manicured and coiffed crowd. There is a part of me that wants to go to the conference just to have 1 day to get away. Courage, woman! If you have conquered your fear of "women's events," please, do tell. The women's conferences I have attended have been wonderful. We didn't talk about shopping :confused:. These were spiritual events with speakers. I greatly enjoy them. I guess they can all be different though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G5052 Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 The topics often aren't my sort of thing. Nor is the food. Meeting new people isn't an issue for me, but finding kindred folks is. Maybe that's why I haven't been to one in over a decade :D. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
butterflymommy Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 :grouphug:I can't be around groups of women, it/ they give me the heebie jeebies. I was viciously bullied by girls in jr high so I chalk it up to that. Groups of women still make me panicky and on edge. I do have a few mostly-women message boards I like going to, but that's as close as I'll get. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aunty Social Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In the Rain Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 I went to one just to spend time with my MIL. I really enjoyed the time with her, but the rest didn't do much for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daisy Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 I loathe women's conferences. Every one I've ever been to has been an emotion fest. Blech. I don't fear them. I just don't like them. Now if there was a conference for women that actually dug deep into the Word of God, I'd be all for it. I get annoyed that these conference promoters seem to think woman can't handle anything but fluff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebecca VA Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Yes. I never go to ladies' events, no matter how friendly I might be with every single lady present. There's just something about "groups" of very ladylike women that freaks me out and makes me want to flee. I feel as though my individuality is being lost and I'm being sucked into a silk flower/hand lotion/potpourri world. Not only that, but I feel that the information studied in ladies' retreats is very superficial. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandelion Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 I've been to several, but they weren't spiritually focused/church conferences so my experience is probably different. They were career-focused or simply motivational. I always attended with friends or colleagues, and generally enjoyed them. My advice would be to attend with a friend, and agree ahead of time that if it's lame or you're simply not enjoying yourself, you'll leave. Tougher to do if you're shelling out a lot of money to attend, but still better than sitting through something you find draining. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vanna Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Do you like going to women's conferences? Our church is having one and I am having a hard time wanting to go. I seem to act like this about all kinds of "women's events"--and in fact, if I go this will be the first time in years. I don't see myself ever shying away from a WTM conference where most of the people there would likely be women-but they would be there to talk about education (not....SHOPPING.)Yeesh. I must be insecure. Perhaps afraid of the manicured and coiffed crowd. There is a part of me that wants to go to the conference just to have 1 day to get away. Courage, woman! If you have conquered your fear of "women's events," please, do tell. Aw! So sorry to hear your dread of a women's conference at church.:( I've been to a few different ones. In one church that our church is friendly with, they have a women's conference every year in which the guest speaker is a pastor. The messages are very challenging and encouraging. The food is fabulous (they have a local caterer that puts a "hurtin'" on a salad w/a balsamic vinaigrette--but I digress). I've been to one featuring author/speaker Elizabeth George (and it was EXCELLENT as well). I went to one in which the speakers were fellow sisters in the Lord and that was good (but like others mentioned, this one the food was sort of lacking and the accomodations were "bunk beds in a motel-campground" style and just not for me -- won't be doing that again). I've seen videos of the ones Aunty Social mentioned (the touchy-feely kind) -- yeah, I don't know if I'd like those myself. So, Andrea...what scene comes to mind when you think of a women's conference? Is it anything like some of us have shared? What exactly makes you feel uncomfortable? What do you mean by "shopping" (because I've only shopped for books when going to a conference if they happen to have had a booktable or bookstore onsite)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
runmiarun Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 :grouphug:I can't be around groups of women, it/ they give me the heebie jeebies. I was viciously bullied by girls in jr high so I chalk it up to that. Groups of women still make me panicky and on edge. I do have a few mostly-women message boards I like going to, but that's as close as I'll get. I am the same way. Still working on the effects of middle and high school girl bullies after all these years. Hugs to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BakersDozen Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Can't stand them, and avoid them like the plague. I'm the exact opposite of the touchy-feely-discuss every last thing while delicately dabbing our tears type of women that seem to gravitate to these events in our area. :iagree: I've suffered through a few retreats/conferences and always managed to escape when things got emotionally charged. For me the "expected" emotion is the worst: the music, lighting, etc. Blech. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LostSurprise Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 I get bored easily, and I'm too polite to bring a book. I've had a few surprise me, but not the women's ones (so far). Not my cup of tea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 I have been to LOADS of events for women. Some have been great, some not so great. I have met catty, awful women and wonderful, hilarious women. But, I like to at least give them a chance. I have met some of my best friends at women's events. If you go enough, you will figure out how to connect with like-minded people. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 They can be odd. Not as creepy as female misogynists, but occasionally odd. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stellalarella Posted January 23, 2012 Author Share Posted January 23, 2012 So, Andrea...what scene comes to mind when you think of a women's conference? Is it anything like some of us have shared? What exactly makes you feel uncomfortable? What do you mean by "shopping" (because I've only shopped for books when going to a conference if they happen to have had a booktable or bookstore onsite)? Well, the scene that I keep imagining is girly frou frou doorprizes and hosts making jokes about shopping and manicures and then transitioning to the speaker. I really don't know what the speaker will be like. It's Liz Curtis Higgs. I have the privilege of knowing some outstanding, talented, intelligent, change-the-world women from here in the south, but sometimes when women here get together, they don't show themselves in a take-me-serious light. I think I'm just being a baby. :tongue_smilie: I just need to listen well enough to learn some nugget from the conference and enjoy my sisters in Christ as they enjoy the things they enjoy. kWIM? No one is going to give me a hard time because my hair is frizzy and I didn't wear lipstick (and continually reapply it throughout the conference.) Yeesh. Insecurity in a woman who is almost 40 is ridiculous. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoughCollie Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 I have been to one retreat and I felt like a fish out of water. Never again. I knew this beforehand, but let myself be persuaded by a group of women's retreat-loving friends. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pink Fairy Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 I've been to several retreats that were for women. I never heard anything about shopping, but it was a spiritual retreat, so that would have been really weird. Can you avoid the topics that would make you uncomfortable? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stellalarella Posted January 23, 2012 Author Share Posted January 23, 2012 I've been to several retreats that were for women. I never heard anything about shopping, but it was a spiritual retreat, so that would have been really weird. Can you avoid the topics that would make you uncomfortable? No, I don't need to worry about avoiding anything. I think I just need to grow up and play nice with the girls. It's true that I don't "like" women's church events, but I think it's time for me to get out of my comfort zone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T'smom Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Well, the scene that I keep imagining is girly frou frou doorprizes and hosts making jokes about shopping and manicures and then transitioning to the speaker. I really don't know what the speaker will be like. It's Liz Curtis Higgs. I have the privilege of knowing some outstanding, talented, intelligent, change-the-world women from here in the south, but sometimes when women here get together, they don't show themselves in a take-me-serious light. I think I'm just being a baby. :tongue_smilie: I just need to listen well enough to learn some nugget from the conference and enjoy my sisters in Christ as they enjoy the things they enjoy. kWIM? No one is going to give me a hard time because my hair is frizzy and I didn't wear lipstick (and continually reapply it throughout the conference.) Yeesh. Insecurity in a woman who is almost 40 is ridiculous. :001_smile: I've really enjoyed the women's conferences I've been to- although they've mostly had a "mom" focus which might be different. I wouldn't be scared to go, though......and I can't remember the last time I wore any make up at all. I'm sure there will be plenty of women there who don't! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThisIsTheDay Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Do you like going to women's conferences? Our church is having one and I am having a hard time wanting to go. I seem to act like this about all kinds of "women's events"--and in fact, if I go this will be the first time in years. I don't see myself ever shying away from a WTM conference where most of the people there would likely be women-but they would be there to talk about education (not....SHOPPING.)Yeesh. I must be insecure. Perhaps afraid of the manicured and coiffed crowd. There is a part of me that wants to go to the conference just to have 1 day to get away. Courage, woman! If you have conquered your fear of "women's events," please, do tell. They talk about shopping? And are manicured and coiffed?:confused::confused: We stayed 4-5 women in little bitty rooms with one bathroom that you could barely stand in. The sink/mirror was in the bedroom, so you had minimal privacy. While there were several affiliated churches attending, we were in rooms with women just from our church. There were several different teachings/classes available, worship in the morning and evening, and lots of food. I was nervous because I didn't know what to expect, but it was AWESOME. I am not a people person, I'm not big on "girl" time, and I feel socially awkward most of the time. But I was soooo glad I went, and I would love to be able to go again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holly IN Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 The conferences I have heard of are: Women of Faith Heart of Matter Moms conference but can't remember what the official name is. I know Jill Savage heads it up. My best (childhood)friend goes the Women of Faith conference every year and loves it. However I heard that conference is a big emotional fest. She is a very emotional person. She is also a PW. I am not emotional at all. In fact, my dh said I am emotionally constipated. :D I probably would go for the moms conference or heart of matter. Not sure of other conferences. I will never do a retreat though. Conference I might since you usually stay hotels. (I misread the OP in my earlier post) Holly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pink Fairy Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 No, I don't need to worry about avoiding anything. I think I just need to grow up and play nice with the girls. It's true that I don't "like" women's church events, but I think it's time for me to get out of my comfort zone. Well, it sure sounds like you know what you want. :tongue_smilie: I do believe that there are times when feeling uncomfortable is a reasonable response. I personally do not appreciate having my emotions manipulated, and if I felt that was happening it would be a big turnoff. My dd just went on a youth retreat, and she was drawn into the emotional, teenage response that they were pulling out of some of the kids, weeping and what not. She didn't like it, and I didn't like it for her--it was just weird, but I'm sure for some kids it worked. But for my dd, it didn't work and she won't be back. I'm fine with that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KnitWit Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 I'm just not a *women's conference* kinda gal. I am good with that and I embrace it. :) I would much rather spend my time and money with just a girlfriend, or two. It doesn't mean anything negative about you if you really just don't like that kind of thing. Really. :) You be you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stellalarella Posted January 23, 2012 Author Share Posted January 23, 2012 I have been to LOADS of events for women. Some have been great, some not so great. I have met catty, awful women and wonderful, hilarious women. But, I like to at least give them a chance. I have met some of my best friends at women's events. If you go enough, you will figure out how to connect with like-minded people. :) Thanks. It's a good thought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denisemomof4 Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 I used to LOVE them. Of course there were a few that I could have happily done without, but most of the time I loved them. I always went with friends. Can you go with someone? I think I'd feel uncomfortable going alone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMD Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 I'm not big on womens groups for a few reasons... Most of those reasons are my own personality issues but for the sake of my sanity I stay away at present. Going to a retreat by myself would, I daresay, be very freaky! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nakia Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 I went to one this past November that changed my life. My church does these "Encounter" weekends twice per year, and it is a very private and peaceful time with God. It's in a secluded place, and you are totally unplugged, no phones, no ipods, no computers, etc. I was scared to death to go, but I can honestly say it was one of the best weekends of my life. There was no talk of shopping and other "girlie" stuff. It was a completely serious spiritual time with the Lord. I want everyone I know to go now! I blogged about it here if you are interested in reading it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AuntieM Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 I loathe women's conferences. Every one I've ever been to has been an emotion fest. Blech. I don't fear them. I just don't like them. Now if there was a conference for women that actually dug deep into the Word of God, I'd be all for it. I get annoyed that these conference promoters seem to think woman can't handle anything but fluff. I have grown weary of being lectured to from Titus 2 over and over and over... I enjoy getting together for a weekend to get to know other women in my church, but I am always hoping for meatier teaching and discussion that engages the mind more than the emotions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenniferB Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 For me, they don't freak me out as much as frustrate me. I don't know what I expect to get out of them, but whatever it is, I don't get it. I give up on them. However, I want to try an Orthodox retreat at a monastery this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vanna Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 Well, the scene that I keep imagining is girly frou frou doorprizes and hosts making jokes about shopping and manicures and then transitioning to the speaker. :lol: Wow! That is *rather different* than the conferences I've been to (which have all been sober compared to what you've described here -- sounds more like bridal shower than a conference). ... I really don't know what the speaker will be like. It's Liz Curtis Higgs. Oh, is she a Christian comedian? Then I guess you're not crazy to think the atmosphere will be light-hearted. ...I have the privilege of knowing some outstanding, talented, intelligent, change-the-world women from here in the south, but sometimes when women here get together, they don't show themselves in a take-me-serious light. I think I'm just being a baby. :tongue_smilie: I just need to listen well enough to learn some nugget from the conference and enjoy my sisters in Christ as they enjoy the things they enjoy. kWIM? Well, no, if you're not comfortable in such an atmosphere, I don't think you feel you need to go (unless you are going just for support of your sisters in Christ :D ). ... No one is going to give me a hard time because my hair is frizzy and I didn't wear lipstick (and continually reapply it throughout the conference.) Yeesh. Insecurity in a woman who is almost 40 is ridiculous. :001_smile: I think I can relate to you! :grouphug: Up until recently, I did take into account what people thought of my appearance (and that kept me in bondage to doing things with my appearance that I was no longer happy with). Last year is when I "stopped the madness" stopped caring so much about what others thought of my appearance. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CalicoKat Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 (edited) Do you like going to women's conferences? Our church is having one and I am having a hard time wanting to go. I seem to act like this about all kinds of "women's events"--and in fact, if I go this will be the first time in years. I don't see myself ever shying away from a WTM conference where most of the people there would likely be women-but they would be there to talk about education (not....SHOPPING.)Yeesh. I must be insecure. Perhaps afraid of the manicured and coiffed crowd. There is a part of me that wants to go to the conference just to have 1 day to get away. Courage, woman! If you have conquered your fear of "women's events," please, do tell. Totally understand. I don't go. I don't do this IF I'm going to get out by myself to do something I don't want to sit on my butt 8 hrs listening to someone. I need a women's event that includes nap time, coffee hour, quiet time, shopping time, by myself time, and free time. :D I make no apologies for not attending. It's not my thing. I'd rather book a weekend at a spa--same cost but more my style. P.S.The horror of being asked to live dormitory style with other women for a couple days, evening sharing a bed with another woman, is the biggest reason I abstain!!!!! Edited January 24, 2012 by CalicoKat added the P.S. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angela in ohio Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 (edited) Like a pp, I never get out of them what I expect. I have spent an entire year in a special woman's study and not learned anything from it, even. I know why, I need some how. I never understood why you didn't get "how," but dh had a great point: maybe the leaders don't know "how," either. :D Same with homeschool conferences/workshops. I don't like the same things many women like (started a thread about that here a long time ago,) so women's events usually don't do it for me. I can fake it, but only for a few hours, and then I am exhausted. I also need a really, really good reason to be away from my family overnight. Edited January 24, 2012 by angela in ohio Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheBrink Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 I loathe women's conferences. Every one I've ever been to has been an emotion fest. Blech. I don't fear them. I just don't like them. Now if there was a conference for women that actually dug deep into the Word of God, I'd be all for it. I get annoyed that these conference promoters seem to think woman can't handle anything but fluff. I so agree. I get so sick of Cool Whip women's ministries. Can't stand them, and avoid them like the plague. I'm the exact opposite of the touchy-feely-discuss every last thing while delicately dabbing our tears type of women that seem to gravitate to these events in our area. If I could find one that fit my jokester/slightly irreverent personality, it might be interesting. But for now- no way. Same here. For me, they don't freak me out as much as frustrate me. I don't know what I expect to get out of them, but whatever it is, I don't get it. I give up on them. However, I want to try an Orthodox retreat at a monastery this year. I'd love to visit an Orthodox monastery for a weekend. Do they let non-Orthodox come? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NotAVampireLvr Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 I go every year to a small-scale one at a camp in New Hampshire. I love it. We all load up a van and we go away for the night. I'm always so refreshed when we get done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThatCyndiGirl Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 (edited) I was schnookered into going to a Women's Conference that disguised itself as a homeschooling conference. The sham was complete with praise and worship sessions, bible studies and a few "homeschooling workshops" thrown in. It was full of lots of emotion, a painfully inarticulate leader and what the leaders considered "wacky fun". :001_rolleyes: Oh, and the overuse of the word "paracleet" and I do mean over and over and over ad nauseum. I went to get some good ideas/useful information about homeschooling and I felt like I was lied to. On the comment form under "what can we do differently?" I wrote, "less praise and worship. Aren't most participants going to church on Sunday and/or Wednesday, too?" I was offered 50% for the following year and asked that they pass that along to someone else. Years prior to that I went to a women's conference, but I knew what it was. My neighbour kept asking me to go with her (probably because she was going to get an extra star sticker or earn points toward a candy bar?) so I went. It was the same emotion-filled, hands raised in worship fest. I had seen them a lot as a kid. To me it was nothing new, but the women there acted like it was the VERY FIRST TIME THEY HAD EVER SEEN SUCH A THING. There was some woman there who was supposedly a comedian. Not funny at all, but others seemed to find her "wacky and wonderful". (The emperor was wearing no clothes. When I pointed that out they looked like they wanted to grab their torches and pitchforks. My advice? If you don't like it-remain silent. Dissent is NOT appreciated.) Whatever. Not my thing. If it's not YOUR thing, either, then don't feel bad about that. The ones in my area seem to be a lot of self-righteous back-patting. I can do without those. Edited January 24, 2012 by ThatCyndiGirl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenniferB Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 I'd love to visit an Orthodox monastery for a weekend. Do they let non-Orthodox come? The one I might go to is a women's retreat at a monastery. I'm not Orthodox, yet, and I am allowed to come. I just won't be able to partake in the second half of the Divine Liturgy, as that portion of the service is only for Orthodox Christians. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Photo Ninja Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 I'm the exact opposite of the touchy-feely-discuss every last thing while delicately dabbing our tears type of women that seem to gravitate to these events in our area. Yup. I don't go to these anymore, either. I just don't fit in with those expectations. Maybe I am just not the typical target woman the conferences are designed to reach. This applies to large conferences as well as my church's retreats and seminars. I don't bare my innermost feelings to women I don't know and may never see again in my life. That is reserved for people I know and trust. Yet, that seems to be a goal and an expectation in these conferences. It seems that success in the conference is partially determined by how emotional people are. I'm just not like that. Plus, I don't fit in. I have never been free all day long to do whatever I want to do. I am not one who goes to the gym daily (I don't even have a gym membership), or gets weekly manis and pedis (no, I don't do that either), and I don't own the clothes these other ladies have, so I don't fit in that way, either. This leave out a lot of topics of conversations. Then add in that I have always hsed my dc, and there go a lot of other topics that the women seem to discuss a lot - schools, dealing with teachers, working in their dc's schools, etc. I don't fit there, either. If I could go with a group of like-minded friends, then I might consider going again. But without that, no thank you. Been there, done that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenniferB Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 My advice? If you don't like it-remain silent. Dissent is NOT appreciated. :iagree: :sad: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 I've been to some that are really good and some that I really regretted. (Some have been mentioned here already. ;)) Liz Curtis Higgs is a Christian author, I would consider going because I have enjoyed the books I've read by her. (I would ultimately weigh the topic, the venue, the length, etc.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mama Anna Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 I've been to one large one and one small one. (I was on the planning team for the small one, so I had to be there.) The large one was a regional conference and the large-group sessions were way. too. big. And loud. I don't do well in loud, crowded situations and my paranoia was peaking there. It was interesting in that we met on a University campus and, in order to make sure there were enough bathrooms for all the ladies, they made the men's bathrooms into women's and decorated them with potted plants in the urinals. :001_huh::lol: I was chuckling over that one for a long time. Anyway, the small sessions that I chose were good. Very good. But there weren't very many that I was interested in - I felt like I picked the cream of the crop. The small one, for various reasons, felt like an almost total dud. It was supposed to be specifically focused on the whole "care-for-your-body/care-for-your-soul" theme. There were a couple of nice moments and two leaders who . . . well, you know how you meet someone, talk to them personally, and walk away with your worldview adjusted a bit? There were two people like that. If I hadn't been able to talk to them personally, though, it would have been utterly a waste of time. That said, I've generally avoided women's conferences since. It would have to be something incredible, with God clearly saying "Go!" to pull me out of the house, make my husband totally rework his weekend, and upset my routine. It hasn't happened yet. I'd suggest looking over the small group topics and see if there are at least two that really grip you - that you've "gotta have" - and then figure in all the other variables to see if it's worth it. If it's at your church, you may want to avoid going and then leaving in the middle, unless you can have a rock-solid alibi. The women who pour their hearts and souls into organizing such things often base their success on the numbers and seeing someone walk out in the middle could be taken almost as a personal insult. If you have to fellowship with them afterwards, it could be delicate. Unless, of course, they're real, authentic believers who will understand that what blesses them doesn't necessarily bless everyone. :) Mama Anna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarlaB Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 I have been to LOADS of events for women. Some have been great, some not so great. I have met catty, awful women and wonderful, hilarious women. But, I like to at least give them a chance. I have met some of my best friends at women's events. If you go enough, you will figure out how to connect with like-minded people. :) I soooo agree. I am saddened to see so many broad generalizations of womens events...it points to some obviously painful experiences. I've been in some really great womans events and some not-so-great events. But having moved a few times and being one that likes/enjoys others, I've learned to keep more of an open mind. :) I'm signing up for a womens retreat later tonight actually, and am nervous because, WOW, my last experience was nasty....(events were not as advertised, and I was made to sleep in a bed with a total stranger- I didn't sleep the entire night- LOL) Sigh. But there are over 125 people going and I get to pick who I room with...so it can't be tooooo bad :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lcelmer Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 (edited) If it gets me out of the house, without kids, at an adult oriented event, I am all for it. Sadly, My church hasn't had anything like that for the women very often... They have a women teaching the young ladies conference/camp thingy, but since I am homeschooling my 3 kids, while my hubby works (It's usually a weekday combo) I just can't go. I guess if it was too weird I would leave, but I can tolerate a LOT if I am left alone with my knitting/notebook. I went to the local homeschooling conference for the first time this year as an attendee, not a booth worker, and it was so much fun to be out without my kids. Edited January 24, 2012 by lcelmer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyfaithe Posted January 25, 2012 Share Posted January 25, 2012 I loathe women's conferences. Every one I've ever been to has been an emotion fest. Blech. I don't fear them. I just don't like them. Now if there was a conference for women that actually dug deep into the Word of God, I'd be all for it. I get annoyed that these conference promoters seem to think woman can't handle anything but fluff. :iagree::iagree: Not into the cryfest.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelingChris Posted January 25, 2012 Share Posted January 25, 2012 I have been to a few. One was a homeschool Mom retreat which was wonderful. SOme were one day affairs at our church at the time=some of these were good, some not so good. Usually I did get something out of them. I also went to one in a giant arena and parts were good and interesting and parts weren;t as good. I do like giant groups singing praises to God. I also went to a PWOC conference in Europe when we lived there. The food was great, their were a lot of good sessions -dwelving into the Bible, or administration or prayer life or a number of other Christian topics. I did learn and get motivated at that one. LIke many here, I didn't like the overly emotional ones. I liked it when a missionary came and explained her work and talked about the people she ministered to and how we could help. I liked the funny ones about our lives and maybe our Christian walk. I like the ones that have time to talk to other people. I really enjoyed a tea my last church had for one of its women's events. The tea was delicious and the room was so pretty and the conversation was very pleasant. I don't always need another Biblical lesson. Sometimes I just need a break with some women who have similar experiences. So I can help new moms and those whose children have all left home can help me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pineapple Posted January 25, 2012 Share Posted January 25, 2012 I like attending women's conferences. I feel refreshed in my walk with the Lord afterwards. I will say that I do wonder how these women seem to lead these fantastic lives, but then I am reminded that they are just like me. I am where God has planted me and doing what he has me doing, and they are where he has planted them. It's all kingdom work and we are all a part of it. I am praying that God will open opportunities for me to use my gifts and could one day see myself as one of these women encouraging others in their walk with the Lord. Until then I'm going to bloom where I am planted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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