7 Years Later and We Are Still Here!
Never would I have guessed years ago as a senior in college when the Lord first laid it on my heart to put together a Women’s Conference, that we would be here today celebrating our seventh birthday! From our first event where over 300 women showed up in Southern California weeks after we launched our website, to our 500 person Couch Conference right when Covid hit, to our Spring Break trip to host a conference in Wellington, New Zealand – Live Salted has been marked by adventure, and the Lord’s presence and provision.
But as much as I can share about our peaks and moments of pure joy, there has also been a lot of seasons questioning. Seasons of confusion, enemy attacks, set backs and trials, but here we are seven years later charging onward with more clarity and direction than we have ever had before!
To celebrate this milestone, I wanted to look back over the seven years and share seven lessons that I have learned. My hope is for these lessons to inspire anyone who finds themselves in ministry or in any space where they are championing and carrying the name of Jesus with boldness.
7 Lessons Learned in the Past 7 Years
1. Comparison is the Thief of Obedience
The enemy wants to tempt us to look around and compare our seasons of life to those around. When we look around to what others are doing, we limit our ability to hear the present invitations Jesus has for us. Don’t let the enemy distract you away from what Jesus has for you in this season.
2. Excellence Matters
Just as God created us with great attention to detail, I believe we are invited to do the same. However, unlike God, we are not perfect and we need to learn how to balance the line between excellence and perfection. When creating, writing, preparing, or whatever else it is you hunger to do with excellence, as you near the end of the task simply ask the question, “Father, did I do what you asked me to do?” and let that be your guiding light.
3. It’s Worth It
“It’s not worth it.” So often we question our efforts and abilities wondering if we are enough or if the work is actually worth it. However, all throughout Scripture we can see stories of both people and Jesus pushing past those thoughts. Think about Jesus going after the one (The Lost Parables – Luke 15), and think about everyone mentioned in the Hall of Fame (Hebrews 11). Next time you hear that thought, “it’s not worth it,” think about the faithful ones who have gone and the impact their lives have made. It truly is all worth it.
4. Hosting an Event ≠ Hosting His Presence
Whether it be a small group, a dinner party, a retreat or a conference, it can be easy to get consumed with setting the ambience and making sure that everything is “just right.” However, hosting an event is not the same as hosting His presence. Just as we saw with Martha and Mary, Jesus is more interested in us preparing our heart to meet with Him than it is our home. Before you host a space of any kind, let this be a reminder to make preparations to host His presence first.
5. Rejection is Part of Invitation. Keep Asking.
Whether it be an invitation to come to church, join a small group, or be a donor – rejection is part of doing life with Jesus. However, we have to keep asking as you never know what is on the other side of your persistence. Someone could come to church for the first time. Someone could join a small group and experiences authentic community. Someone could have a “stake in the ground” moment in their faith at an event. Stand strong against the enemy’s schemes and SEE all that the Lord does on the other side.
6. You Can’t Give Away What You Don’t Have
How many times have we showed up in a space expected to pour out or minister to others when we haven’t been ministered to ourselves first. Yes, the Lord can use us despite of our exhaustion, but is that His best for us? For us to be our best selves, we have to first run to Him before we can go running to others. Jesus wants our hearts first, not our hands. What would it look like for you to truly put Him first?
7. God, What Do You Want Me to Know?
The question changed my walk with Jesus.
In whatever you are going through — decisions, hard conversations, day to day activities — slow down and seek Jesus’ perspective by asking Him that question.
No matter how small or massive the task at hand might feel, Jesus wants to offer guidance and His hand to journey that path with you. The biggest question is, whether or not you will make space to slow down and listen to His response.
What would you add?
What lessons would you want to add to this list? Whether you are in a paid ministry role, lead a small group or are just in love with Jesus and want everyone around you to know Him, what other lessons or encouragements would you add to this list? Let us know below in the comments!
Krista Breilh is the Founder and Executive Director of Live Salted, and feels deeply passionate about creating experiences and resources to help others live intimately with Jesus and boldly in their communities. Krista and her husband, JJ, live in Seattle, Washington and love what the Lord is specifically doing in University District. JJ runs Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) at University of Washington, and together they can’t get enough of pouring into the next generation. Krista thrives off of creating memories and moments out of the most mundane situations, and loves living an active life. Want to connect further, follow her on Instagram.
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human mind has ever conceived the plans God has for those who love Him.” – 1 Corinthians 2:9
