The room was simmering with anticipation.
I made my way through the crowd, my eyes falling on all the beautiful faces,
as I dished out nervous smiles - wondering: are my butterflies showing?
This was it. This is the conference God so clearly called me to attend.
Opening night, brought us all together. You are welcome here. You are loved.
And so we loved other people. We sat in a ballroom, in the heart of Indianapolis,
that has probably seen its fair share of extravagance - sipping coffee, chatting,
laughing, sharing, and cutting out SHOES for Sole Hope in Africa.
We had all come to be served. Our ticket said we were to receive information, inspiration,
business wisdom, but in true Christ-like fashion we put that on hold and SERVED first.
I traced dozens of patterns onto jean material and my fellow sisters traced and cut
alongside me. Hundreds of hands touching cloth that would kiss the sweet feet of
children in Africa. WHO AM I to sit here and receive such an honor?
_____________________________
Sole Hope is currently in need of a full time Ugandan nurse to assist in their mission.
Please see the LEFT SIDE of my page here and pray about making a donation to help the cause.
_____________________________
I was surrounded by women with such tender hearts for the Lord - understanding
that their mission in blogging, writing, creating, sharing - sharing music, art,
handmade creations that reflect the God we serve -
is SO MUCH BIGGER THAN THEMSELVES.
Than me.
Humbling.
Use us, Lord, to share YOUR life in the circle of influence You've called us into.
This past weekend I learned...
that being a mother, giving Jesus Christ to the next generation, is ENOUGH.
that I need to be true to my fashion style AT HOME - not just at blogging conferences
where floral and stripes are the norm.
that being vulnerable is definitely the way to go.
that taking a weekend away (to enjoy things for ME) really blesses my family.
that although blogging may seem narcissistic - it's NOT. we all have Facebook, don't we?!
yea!? i am curating a community here. let's put the narcissism myth to bed.
Jeff Goins, Shauna Niequist, Lara Casey were definitely highlights for me.
((Will share more on them SOON!))
Literally, I kid you not, God was shouting, waving, dancing circles around me as a
golden thread of the truth I most needed to hear was wound through EVERY SINGLE SESSION
I chose to attend. *insert skeptical eyes* It seriously felt rigged!
_____________________________
YOU ARE THE STEWARD OF A DREAM. // DON'T WAIT. //
THE IDEAS IN YOUR HEART ARE THERE FOR A REASON. //
IF YOU DON'T - NO ONE WILL.
_____________________________
I have a list of EXCUSES as long and wide as the road to perdition.
I am too young. I have no experience. No one will listen to me.
My house is too small. I am not a millionaire. People will think I'm crazy.
And so my resolution is to begin. To start. I don't know exactly what that
means, but I know that the dreams that were given to me as a little girl are
still on the mind of the Father.
I don't know when. I don't know how. I seriously thought God had forgotten
about this call, but this past weekend proved otherwise. And it scares me to pieces
to even share this, but there it is.
God busted up my heart, calmly excused all the lies, and told me to BEGIN.
I didn't cry about it at all until I got in my car to drive back to Chicago.
One hour straight of ugly tears. Lord, Your will, Your call, is heavy and
burning on my heart. Use me.
______________________
You can catch Influence Conference PART 1 here
Please excuse all the iPhone pictures - it was just so easy
Ooooh and I am hosting a GIVEAWAY this week!!! Don't miss.
The Influence Network does community well. New friends everywhere.
And a cupcake truck!? Shut the front door. They had gluten-free!
(Lily & Light || Nadine Would Say || JMNway)
Can I just say how much I love the Influence girls!?!
I also had the opportunity to help with a photoshoot for Ginger Lane Goods!
Will share all the details as soon as the ducks get in line.
God showed up in Indianapolis last weekend.
And 250+ women ran out to meet Him.
Can't wait to do it again next year.
