Tickets went on sale at midnight.
My ever supportive husband said, “Why wouldn’t you go?”
As I was thinking about his question, I came across this Sarah Markly’s post. She has been invited to speak at Relevant 11. Here is what she said about it:
I didn’t think this would be a conference that would “fit” for me.
And I’m not still sure that it is.
However, after some thought, some prayer and some long conversations
with some people I love and admire,
I’m in. All in.
Isn’t that what we are all thinking? When I step from behind this screen, will I fit? Do I belong? I seem to fit the “bubble” she mentions. Pretty much lock stock and barrel. I am in that bubble. I like to describe myself as a believer, communicator, someone who loves Gods Word and connecting with women. Which is true. But, what if they find out…
- I have doubts that rock my beliefs.
- Sometimes I’d rather be alone.
- I hide God’s Word in my heart but imperfectly apply it.
- I yell at my kids.
- I really can’t write.
- A million other things that all add up to, not fitting in.
Aren’t we all secretly afraid we’ll be found out? Left out?
But yes, Sarah, I’m in, too. All in. Because when I stack up my big pile of why I wouldn’t go, {fears} and compare them with why I would go {to best learn how to use this megaphone}, there really is no contest.
I feel the same way Stacey! Feeling very excited and nervous all at once…
Yes, excited and nervous, me too! I think it will be a great weekend Stacy! Thanks for stopping by!
I’ve got my ticket and I’m so excited…but I’ve also been apprehensive. I’m a working mom, I don’t homeschool, but I so want to be part of a community of believers….I’m craving it!!! I hope to meet you there!! You’ve encouraged me so much in these past few weeks (since I met you when you did the blog radio show).
Might I encourage you? Coming from a homeschooler: We don’t care if you don’t home school. 🙂 We just want you to come as you are–a woman who loves the Lord. This is not a home school conference. 😉 It’s a bloggers retreat and you will walk away refreshed, empowered and totally loved on. 🙂
I can’t even remember one time last year when homeschooling ever came up. You’ll love it!
The community is the sweetest part Kristi – but it also can be the place where we are vulnerable to believe lies from the enemy! I went to Relevant 10 with these same fears, and God really used it in great ways in my life. I think anything that has the potential to grow us is also a step of faith! I look forward to seeing you there. I love that you listened to the “Will Blog for Kids” show. That was the most fun! Thanks for your encouragement today.
Relax dear friend! We love you no matter what! Remember, for all your flaws, someone else has a set of their own. We are imperfect people! But we are community and God built this body to encourage one another. You fit because you are a woman who loves God—even if it’s imperfectly (like me).
P.S. I yell at my kids, too. 🙁 (God’s working on me!) *Hugs!*
Thanks Christin – your words are so encouraging to me today. So nice to know you are in process too!
I’m so glad you’re going. We are all different, but really so much more the same.
Can’t wait to hear and see your heart Emily ‘live and in person”. So looking forward to meeting you!
I didn’t stay up last night to buy a ticket. It really was such an amazing experience last year and I hate to miss it this year.
Praying you’ll be there friend! Would not be the same if not!
I bought a ticket last night.
Actually I bought two in case I could convince someone to go with me.
So I didn’t have to arrive alone.
Then I came over here and read this post and I read these comments, and actually … I cried a little.
Of all of the conferences on offer this year and of all the ones I have signed up to go to …
This one.
This one speaks to me.
And I know I will not be alone.
See y’all soon 🙂
That is the Relevant community in action. It is why we take that step from behind the screen. It is at times scary, but oh so worth the risk! Can’t wait to meet you and your friend (she will be blessed too!)
Stacey – I think it would be flat out weird if you weren’t there~! I think of you as one of those folks at the heart of so many things I love about the online community, girl, you are one of the most Relevant women I can’t wait to meet in person!!
See you in October!
xoxo Lisa-Jo
You are the sweetest Lisa-Jo and so generous with your words! Thank you! Will we get to meet, baby Gypsy-Mama, too???
Hi Stacey,
Amanda…wrote you months ago…my hubby was on CCC staff…
I got a ticket last night, and wow, your words in today’s post struck me b/c that….was me. 2 hours before tickets went on sale last night, I sat with my hubby and cried. Afraid. Intimidated. Almost willing to not get a ticket because “I’m not…” a homeschool mom, a big blogger, a writer, a good Twitterer (is that a word?), and on and on. David lovingly reminded me that we had prayed about and been excited about this conference months ago and only now at buying time am I actually listening to the lies.
So, I got a ticket. I don’t know a soul. But I’m really, really excited. And really, really nervous. But I’ll be in touch with God on that one today:)
Blessings,
Amanda
Hi my CCC friend!
I love that David reminded you what is true! That is so amazing! Glad that we’ll be able to experience this together!
Girl, I get the fears! But the “I can’t write” part is such a lie! Actually, most fears are but this one I am calling you out on. 🙂 YOU GO! You engage! Be a sponge then SHARE!! Can’t wait to hear more. Robyn Q
I could have written this post… except for the fact that I don’t have a ticket to Relevant… I have never asked my husband’s opinion on attending… and i don’t even know what direction I want my blog to take,
I don’t think having a blog makes me a blogger so I don’t think I am “qualified” to attend! Hope you have a great time!
Oh yes Julie Anne – the fitting in part. It really doesn’t matter if it is Relevant 11, a women’s Bible study or a scrap book club – we all have the same longing!
And – I have been to your blog and yes – you are a blogger! 🙂 I feel the same way about calling myself a ‘writer’. It seems so foreign to me, but I’m growing in that area!
If God should change your heart, and you are able to go, I would love to meet you! Thanks for being here!
I’m glad that you are All In!
Beautifully said, darlin!
Last year, I was sooooo nervous to go…I didn’t know many attendees- and I felt like a total dork!!!
On top of that, I had moments during the conference where I thought that maybe I should give up blogging altogether… wondered if I really even mattered at all…
My small presence in this big bloggy world- one that I lack in numbers of followers, readers, stats… one where so many others effervesce with beautiful words, moments and lessons…
But then… something amazing happened!
I met God face to face- and so many sisters in Christ stepped out and hugged me and loved me right where I am! The layers of failure fell away… I felt embraced by a sisterhood that knew all to well the realities of this hard life. They too felt the same inadequecies… but where also being lifted up into His loving hands.
That, in itself, was my reason this year to go “ALL- IN”!
Fears, fears, fears, BUT then GOD! And the encouragement of other women who were able to lift you up! I love that Rachel!
Thanks for sharing your sweet heart here! I have been blessed today!
So excited for you, Stacey! Relevant sounds amazing!
And you’re right…we do all fear being found out and left out. “If only they realized…” Such a trap and a lie.
I am so thankful I’ve had the chance to get to know you a little better the past few weeks! Love my #hellomornings! 🙂
Me, too, Meagan! I love our mornings! And so great to see you here too!
I soooo want to go. I’m asking His opinion and waiting for an answer. Hope to see you (out from behind the screen). 🙂 Oh and, you have not been given a spirit of fear, my friend, but of courage. xo
Thanks Lara – I love that verse! And it would be amazing to see you there, too! Praying God leads clearly and quickly!
I so want to go, but I’ve only begun thinking/praying/asking the hubby, etc. It would be both exciting and scary! Hopefully I’ll see you there. We’ll see how God leads.
Jamie that would be awesome, we will wait on the Lord and He will surely lead you! Thanks for stopping by today!
Hi Stacey. I am going to Relevant too. Looking forward to meeting everyone there!
So glad to meet you Amy! I’m looking forward to it too!