The hotel ballroom was a sea of table and chairs, plates and napkins, salads and desserts, and filled with a buzz. Two hundred women spoke excitedly, nervously, with one another.
Would they accept me? Would they judge me? Will I feel alone as if I’m not part of the “in-crowd”?
I’m certain these same questions were dancing inside the minds of everyone else and yet at the end of a glorious weekend, I think we were reassured to answer “yes, no, no” respectively to each.
Relevant 2010 far exceeded any of my expectations and left me feeling even more affirmed by what I feel called to do on this little blog of mine.
I spoke with women whose stories conjured an onslaught of tears. As I listened, I felt myself basking in His glory, His grace and mercy that carried them through the heartbreaking trials that led to their walk with Him.
Stories of the human spirit and yet really stories of our God, the ultimate artist of that spirit.
Christian women bloggers are on a mission and I’m so honored to have been called to this diverse crew from all over the continent. I looked into the eyes of real souls this weekend – souls that had survived, souls that have seen pain and yet rejoiced in the morning, souls that are called to give the credit to Him.
Souls ministering to others.
And I’m so humbled by them.
I watched God’s hand on so many situations – from hearing the word “Indianapolis” casually mentioned in a passing conversation and meeting a fellow Hoosier blogger to encountering another writer on the shuttle to the airport and planning a collaborative project in just fifteen minutes.
We heard much about priorities. Him, yes, but also the number one ministry we serve: our families.
We can blog until we are spent but if we’re not walking with Him, it will eventually show and the posts will ultimately blow away like those well-known chaffs of wheat.
I write to glorify God. I don’t seek fame for myself though I would be remiss if I didn’t add there are times that I need to “check” myself in this department. I don’t have a hidden agenda, unless you consider my desire for you to know Jesus to be one and in that case, I do have a hidden agenda but I guess it’s not really so hidden.
I’m going to schedule my days better and invest more in this blog. I’m going to love you with grace and help you, as you help me, go higher up and deeper in.
But first I’ll be doing more of that with my family.
More technical thoughts loom as well – I’m still not sure how I feel about advertising on my site. I would love to start vlogging. I have an idea for a children’s book and a new post series.
My cup runneth over.
To whom much is given, much is expected.
I’ve been given much.
But I go back to who teaches me the most about God’s love, who loves me for who I am, who call me “wife” and “mommy.” Whose giggles I hear when I’m 500 miles from home. Whose legs I long to cover my cold feet when I’m in a hotel bed.
My ministry is first and foremost my family. I serve them.
And with a delighted and honored heart, I serve you next.
Bonita Lillie of “Encouraging Words for Writers” spoke of giving our readers a “gift” with each post we may write.
I’m praying that from now on, His words through me will be a gift to you.
Actually, they will be a gift to us both.
I will be sharing about my Relevant experience all week because I couldn’t possibly cram it all into one post.
My list of 1,000 things continues…This past week, I am so grateful for:
141. My Relevant ’10 Sponsor, Dr. JJ Snapp, who encouraged me to put my fear of not knowing a lot of attendees aside and just go already. And he paid for it.
142. The speakers of Relevant ’10 who were deeply moving. Authentic. Honest. Encouraging us to stop looking at numbers, stats, readers, and comments and look to Him for our approval.
143. My Relevant ’10 roommate, Erin from Home’s Where My Heart Is, who I have known for a while from the blogosphere and met in-person for the first time. I adore her.
144. A whole stack of new writers/sisters to read that are on a mission to share our God .
145. God’s sovereign hand that knows the desires of our heart and fulfills them in ways we never dreamed possible.
146. Listening to Ann Voskamp of “A Holy Experience” close our conference with her loaded words and gaining such convicting perspective. (For the record, Ann began the “1,000” Gratitude community.)
147. The bear hugs of little limbs embracing a mommy who yearned to feel their touch, hear their whispers, smell their hair and kiss their temples.
148. The opportunity to rise tomorrow morning and have my cup filled by our MOPS group.
149. A more intentional schedule of my day starting this week that includes built-in time with God. In the morning, yes, but over good coffee. I’m certain this is why He made coffee in the first place.
150. New friends – God never brings someone into your life that is not a teaching instrument. I look forward to learning from you all.
I open my gift and I see the Bible. God’s words. Go ahead an open your package as well. Happy reading.
Oh.my.word! I truly enjoyed meeting you and can’t wait to see what God has in store for our friendship (and She Speaks =)
I second that, new girlfriend! You were a gift to me – I absolutely enjoyed my time with you.
I’m ALL about She Writes. I absolutely plan to be there!
I absolutely think I need a thesaurus. Absolutely.
Natalie – I love that you are making time for more of this ministry, and still recognize the need to make your time with God and your family your top priority. Your writing is so interesting and obviously watered by God.
Thank you, sweet Kay! Your encouragement is a gift to me…YOU are a jewel…
I’m so glad my Hoosier ears overheard your conversation. :)
.-= Michelle Pendergrass´s last blog ..Sometimes Things Don’t Turn Out As I Planned =-.
Me too, girl! You fellow Hoosier you…
I am so glad I found your blog! I found the Relevant Conference blog through A Warm Cup of Coffee and was browsing through blog posts that linked up today. I loved what you had to say and continued to read your “about me” section. In some ways you remind me of myself and I feel the same way about not putting me “in a box” about my Christianity. I love my religion and try to act like I should but I do fall short sometimes. I don’t want to be put in a category that if say I’m Christian that I’m some “Bible beater” and I’m going to push my beliefs on you. You know what I mean?
I couldn’t help but follow your blog and I can’t wait to read more.
Tiffany, thank you so much for visiting and commenting. I agree with so much of what you say though you probably already know that…
I tried to visit your blog but the link was not working properly. If you have a blog, please let me know so I can visit you!
Thanks again for visiting!
Amazing. Truly amazing. I can not wait to hear and see more about your Relevant experience. Thank you so much for sharing it with those of us who could not attend. :)
But one of your beautiful crosses attended. I drooled over it in the “Beach House” room for three days…LOVE YOUR WORK!!!!!
Thanks for reading and commenting, Jennifer!
I am just so thrilled at what a wonderful time you had with all those ladies and with Him. Praise Him from whom all blessings flow.
<3
I cannot wait to hear more about your experience.
.-= Christy´s last blog ..You Choose – November Wallpaper =-.
Absolutely. Praise Him indeed.
Thanks for reading, dear Christy!
“I write to glorify God.” I pray this for myself to. I need to get back to writing for my original audience – my audience of One. Thanks.
Yes, the One is the only one that matters. I often need this reminder, too. You are certainly not alone!
Thanks for visiting, Tiffany!
What an awesome entry and I look forward to hearing more about the conference. You are such a blessing and inspiration. Blessings to you as you continue on your journey.
.-= Lea Culp´s last blog ..Miscellany Monday =-.
Still excited about meeting you at Relevant! I really hope we can get to know one another better and be an encouragement!
.-= QuatroMama´s last blog ..Relevant was… Link-Up =-.
I can’t even completely comprehend everything I learned. But I’m so thankful for it and the amazing women I met. Thanks so much for being there. It was a pleasure to meet you. I only wish we had had time to chat more. Take care my sweet friend!
.-= Alicia The Snowflake´s last blog ..My Relevant Journey =-.
Your words are this to your readers, yes: a gift.
And I feel like I’ve unwrapped more of Jesus….
*Thank you*
All’s grace,
Ann
.-= Ann Voskamp@Holy Experience´s last blog ..Odds & Ends- Jesse Tree Devotionals- Advent Wreath =-.