Sometimes God brings you somewhere not just to attend an event, but to speak directly to your heart.
Recently I attended the Bloom Women’s Conference at Trinity Church in Cedar Hill, Texas, and although it was only a one-day conference, it turned out to be one of those moments where you realize God is gently confirming things He has already been stirring in your life.
Sometimes the messages we hear are meant for everyone in the room.
But sometimes… you just know they’re meant for you.
And that’s how this day felt.
A Beautiful Space to Gather
The church itself was beautiful, but what stood out to me right away was the auditorium layout.
Instead of everything being on one flat level, the seating was elevated in sections. Now, as someone who is a bit on the shorter side, I appreciated this immediately! It may seem like a small detail, but it made it so much easier to see the stage and stay engaged with what was happening.
It created an environment where everyone could truly focus on the message being shared.
And the day even included lunch — a McAlister’s salad, which was a simple but welcome opportunities for me to connect with the women around me.
The real nourishment came from the messages themselves.
“They Recognized That They Had Been With Jesus”
The conference opened with a message from Stacie Cathcart, the Bloom Women’s Director.
One scripture she shared immediately caught my attention:
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” — Acts 4:13
That verse stopped me for a moment.
Peter and John weren’t known for their education or credentials. What stood out about them was something much deeper — people could tell they had been with Jesus.
That alone changed the room. It reminded me that what truly sets us apart is not our titles, accomplishments, or qualifications. It’s our time with Him.
When we spend time with God — reading His Word, praying, listening, seeking Him — something changes in us. We become steadier. Bolder. More peaceful. More grounded in truth.
Not because of our own strength, but because we are covered in His.
This really spoke to me and looking deeper into the message thinking of my current circumstances now, The opening message included a verse that stopped me in my tracks:
“They recognized that they had been with Jesus.” — Acts 4:13
The verse talks about Peter and John. They weren’t famous scholars or highly educated leaders. In fact, they were described as ordinary men.
But people noticed something different about them.
They could tell they had been with Jesus.
That hit me deeply because when I think about the direction my life has taken recently — the traveling, the writing, the devotionals, the dreams God has placed on my heart — none of it came from some perfectly crafted plan.
It came from simply spending time with Him.
Seeking Him.
Listening.
Allowing Him to shape my path step by step.
And that verse reminded me that what matters most isn’t credentials or having everything figured out.
What matters most is being close to Jesus.
A Season I Didn’t Expect
If you’ve been following my journey for a while, you know my life has looked a little different lately.
I’ve stepped into a season of traveling full time, seeking the Lord’s direction for what He’s calling me to build. I know deep in my heart that He has placed a dream there — to create faith-based wellness retreats where women can reconnect with God, nature, healing, and community.
But knowing the calling and understanding the path are two very different things.
Sometimes it feels exciting.
Sometimes it feels uncertain.
And sometimes it feels like standing in the middle of a story that hasn’t been written yet.
That’s exactly the place I’ve been in.
So when I walked into the Bloom conference, I wasn’t just there to attend an event. I was there with a quiet prayer in my heart:
“Lord… what are You doing in this season of my life?”
Standing Firm in the Armor of God
Another powerful moment came when Stacie read from Ephesians 6:13–18, reminding us to put on the full armor of God.
She encouraged the women in the room to physically respond while praying — placing hands on their belt for truth, touching their shoes for peace, and covering their minds for the helmet of salvation.
It was such a simple, yet powerful felt reminder.
Sometimes the enemy attacks us in ways we don’t even realize.
Because if I’m honest, there have been moments during this journey where uncertainty creeps in.
Moments where the enemy whispers questions like:
Are you sure you’re doing the right thing?
What if this dream never works out?
What if you’ve misunderstood God’s calling?
The enemy whispers lies like:
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- You’re not good enough.
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- You’re not qualified.
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- You’ve missed your chance.
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- Your situation is too chaotic.
But God’s Word reminds us of the truth:
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- We are covered.
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- We are equipped.
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- We are not standing alone.
And when life feels uncertain or chaotic, we can still stand firm in His peace.
Standing there, praying through the armor of God, I was reminded of something important.
This journey isn’t about my strength. It’s about trusting His and that brings so much comfort to me (and I hope it does for you, too)!
Breakout Session 1: Faithful Between Seasons by Dawn Benson
One of the breakout sessions I attended was led by Dawn Benson, titled Faithful Between Seasons
Her message spoke deeply to something many of us experience but don’t always understand — the different seasons of life.
She explained that God is a God of seasons.
We see seasons in nature of spring, summer, fall, winter but our lives also go through seasons of growth, waiting, sorrow, uncertainty, joy, change, and those in between moments where we're wondering what in the world God is doing.
Sometimes the hardest seasons are the ones where we feel like nothing is happening. Where the phone isn’t ringing. Where opportunities seem quiet. Where it feels like we are stuck somewhere between what was and what will be.
Dawn shared something incredibly encouraging:
We are never truly between seasons. God is always doing something. Even when it looks like nothing on the outside.
Sometimes God is preparing us. Sometimes He is teaching us. Sometimes He is strengthening our faith. And sometimes He is simply asking us to remain faithful.
Maybe the season I’m in right now is exactly that, preparation.
Breakout Session 2: Still Listening by Amanda Innes
Another session that really spoke to my heart was “Still Listening” with Amanda Innes.
Her message centered around something that many of us struggle with — learning to slow down enough to actually hear God’s voice.
In a world that constantly pulls our attention in every direction, it’s easy to fill our days with noise, distractions, and busyness. But Amanda reminded us that sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is simply be still and listen.
As someone who has been traveling and intentionally seeking God’s direction for this next chapter of life, that message felt especially meaningful.
There are moments on this journey where I’ve realized that God isn’t asking me to rush ahead or figure everything out.
He’s simply asking me to stay close to Him.
To listen.
And to trust that He will reveal the next step when the time is right, His perfect timing.
Breakout Session 3: Little by Little by Michelle McLain
Her message was such a beautiful reminder that growth, healing, and transformation rarely happen overnight.
Instead, they happen little by little.
Step by step.
Faith decision by faith decision.
Her message convicted me so much that I actually purchased one of Michelle’s journals called “Little by Little Until…”, which encourages intentional reflection and growth over time.
It felt like such a perfect reminder for the season I’m in right now.
Because sometimes when God places a dream in our hearts, we want to see it unfold immediately.
But more often than not, He builds it little by little, shaping us along the way.
Looking back on my own life, I can see how every season — raising my son, serving in the Air Force, getting my business degree, learning photography, exploring nature, learning through Barbara O'neill how our bodies are designed to heal itself by giving it the right conditions, and now traveling — has been part of a much bigger story God has been writing.
And it’s still unfolding.
Blooming in the Season You’re In
The name of the conference was Bloom, and that word really stuck with me.
Blooming doesn’t happen overnight or happen instantly.
A flower doesn’t rush the process. Roots are forming. Strength is building.
First comes the planting.
Then the waiting and even for a while, you may not see like anything is happening at all. But that doesn't mean nothing is happening.
Then the slow, unseen growth beneath the soil.
And eventually… the bloom.
In many ways, our spiritual lives work the same way.
God plants seeds in our hearts — dreams, passions, callings — but those things often grow quietly before they ever become visible.
Maybe you feel like you’re in a season where nothing exciting seems to be happening.
Maybe you’re in a season where you’re asking God, what are You doing?
Maybe you’re waiting for direction.
Waiting for clarity.
Waiting for the next step or doors to open.
But what if this season isn’t wasted?
What if God is quietly preparing something beautiful beneath the surface to bloom in us?
God’s Faithfulness Through Every Season
One of the most comforting reminders from Dawn's message was this:
Even though we experience many seasons, God only has one.
Faithfulness.
No matter what season we find ourselves in — joy, uncertainty, rest, sorrow, or change — God remains the same.
Faithful.
Always faithful.
Through every season.
Looking back on my own life, I can see seasons where God was working even when I didn’t understand it at the time.
Seasons where He was guiding me… protecting me… preparing me… even when I couldn’t see the bigger picture yet.
And I have a feeling many of you reading this can say the same.
Questions to Reflect On
As I sat in that conference reflecting on everything God has been doing in my life lately, I found myself asking an important question.
What season am I in right now?
Maybe that’s a question worth asking yourself too.
Are you in a season of growth?
A season of waiting?
A season of healing?
A season where God is calling you into something new?
Whatever season you’re in, know this:
God hasn’t forgotten you.
He hasn’t abandoned the dream He placed in your heart.
And sometimes the most important thing we can do is simply stay rooted in Him until the bloom comes.
Trusting God With the Next Season
One of my favorite scriptures reminds us:
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” — Isaiah 43:18–19
God is always doing something new.
Even when we can’t see it yet and when we're unsure of the path ahead, we can gain comfort in Psalm 119:105 - "Your Word is a lamp for my feet and a light to my path."
And sometimes all He asks of us is this:
Stay rooted in His Word. Stay connected in community. Stay faithful in prayer. And trust that in His timing…we will bloom.
If you’re walking through a season right now where you’re unsure what God is doing, I hope this encourages you. Your season matters. Your story matters. And the seeds God has planted in your life are not forgotten.
They are simply growing.
If you feel comfortable sharing, I’d love to hear from you:
What season do you feel like God has you in right now?
Let’s encourage each other along the journey.
Looking for a Women’s Conference Near You?
If attending the Bloom Women’s Conference reminded me of anything, it’s how powerful it can be when women come together to worship, grow, and encourage one another in faith.
Sometimes we don’t realize how much we need those moments of connection until we step into a room filled with women who are also seeking God, asking questions, and growing in their own journeys.
If you’ve never attended a Christian women’s conference or retreat before, I highly encourage you to consider it. These gatherings can be incredible opportunities to pause from everyday life, listen for God’s voice, and build meaningful friendships with women walking similar paths.
If you're curious about attending one yourself, I’ve put together two helpful resources for you:
🌸 Christian Women’s Conferences & Retreats Happening Across the Country
A growing list of faith-based events where women gather for worship, teaching, and community.
🌸 10 Signs You Might Need a Christian Women’s Retreat
A reflection on the spiritual and emotional benefits of stepping away from everyday life to reconnect with God.
You never know — the next conference you attend might be the very place where God confirms something He’s already been stirring in your heart.
Sometimes all it takes is showing up.
And letting Him help you bloom right where He has planted you.
Upcoming Bloom Events
If you're interested in attending a future event, Bloom hosts several gatherings throughout the year designed to encourage and equip women in their faith journeys.
Two upcoming events that caught my attention are:
🌸 She Leads Leadership Conference – June 26, 2026
A conference designed to equip and empower women who feel called to lead in their communities, churches, businesses, or ministries.
🌸 Delight Bloom Retreat – October 2–3, 2026
A retreat experience focused on spiritual renewal, connection, and deeper time with God.
If the Bloom conference experience taught me anything, it’s that sometimes God uses gatherings like these to speak directly into the seasons we’re walking through.
✨ Grace, adventure, and faith along the journey
Sharla – Sharla’s Wanderlust Adventures
Don’t forget — go somewhere new, heal the way God designed, and glorify Him in the journey.
My Challenge to YOU: Go somewhere new, heal the way God designed, and give Him all the glory in all you do.
About Sharla
Hi, I'm Sharla—a veteran, traveler, empty nester, dog mom to Buster, and follower of Jesus. Through Sharla's Wanderlust Adventures, I share faith-filled travel experiences, Christian retreats, natural wellness, Bible studies, and the lessons God teaches me along the journey.
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