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Monday, October 31, 2011

last weekend

When I arrived in Baltimore, I picked up my rental car and headed to Harrisburg, PA.  Up until this moment, I was really excited about going to Relevant 11.  But, when I was driving, I realized what I had done - I had signed up to go to a blogger conference. 
The kicker?  I'm not much of a blogger. 
I love the idea of being able to make connections online and keep family updated, but the actual habit of blogging seems to stay on my to-do list most of the time.
But, I knew that Ann was speaking and I knew that the attendees last year had such a great time, so when the tickets went on sale - I bought one.
I’m glad I did.
I met many amazing women over the past few days.  I’ve never been with so many wonderful Christian women who seriously love Jesus and who want to share His love with others.
As I've grown up, I've been hurt by girlfriends. I learned quickly that girls can be a fickle bunch and that it is easier to just stay away.
I've never been around so many women who have felt the same way and who truly want to step out of their comfort zone and be a true friend to other women.
Women who smiled and reminded me that everything has a season.
Women who hugged me and told me to continue on my journey, reminding me that His plans don’t always make sense to our small human brain.
Women who shared their stories, even through tears, in hopes that their story will help someone else.
Women who repeatedly told all of us to stop comparing our lives and blogs to those around us, but to simply follow Him instead.
Women who were empathetic to the fact that following God is not always comfortable, but encouraging of the fact that God has great plans and that we need to continue following Him.
Ann spoke on Saturday night and it was brilliant.  Brilliant - brightly reflecting Him and His love for all of us.  If you aren't familiar with Ann and her blog, A Holy Experience, then you should stop reading this silly blog and go read hers - like, now.
It was definitely a surprise to hear such comforting words and to connect with so many wonderful women.
On a side note - I was also able to hear some fantastic artists - Aaron Shust, Christa Wells and Nicole Witt, Shaun Groves and the amazing David Nevue, (3 times - Friday night, Saturday afternoon and as Ann walked on stage Saturday night.  For that moment, I was living in my computer and her blog had come to life!)

And the frosting on the weekend?
God sent fluffy, white frosting.
Ridiculous amounts. Gracefully falling from the sky.
The little one would have loved it.



Thanking Him tonight for...
Meeting online friends IRL
3 days of conversations all anchored with Jesus
The light at the end of my “late assignment tunnel”
A sweet friend who made my heart smile by simply hugging me and using the word serendipitous.
Huge, fluffy, graceful snowflakes - like nothing I’ve ever seen before
This picture of my little one...captured by my sister...

Thursday, October 27, 2011

wow.

I can't believe it has been a month since I was last here.
Time really flies when you are doing too many things.

Last week we got back from a week in the Caribbean - it was ridiculously great to be away from technology and spend time with family and friends. We even with on a zip-line tour in Jamaica and now we want to build a zip-line at my parents place.

This weekend I am blessed to be able to attend The Relevant Conference in Harrisburg, PA.  I got my ticket last winter and have been looking forward to attending ever since.  There are some amazing women who are speaking - I'm hoping to learn lots!

When I arrived, I was surprised with a wonderful "swag bag" full for goodies. Such fun!

Tonight we heard from Tsh, she blogs over at Simple Mom - it was wonderful! You should go check out her blog!

Now, I'm off to do a few hours of schoolwork and then to sleep...more Relevant conference in the morning!  Yea!