Just a fun photo recap and some entertaining details of last week. Or, maybe these things only entertain me.
DotMom is one of my favorite conferences. I have gone the last three years and you should know it’s simply a conference about moms. The name makes you think it’s a blogger thing but it’s just not – if you are a mom, it’s for you.
This was probably NOT the year for me to go – couple things happening, but I wanted to go for a couple reasons.
1) To hang with Jeannie Cunnion and introduce her to some buds. Her books rocks and the more people that know about her – get to know the grace and love of Jesus Christ. Her book has freedom in it for moms. (That’s Jeannie in the middle with author Trillia Newbell – so great to meet her!)
2) To get filled up. I’m no dummie. What is in the heart – pours out of the mouth. I’m about to be speaking and sharing and writing more than ever – and I can’t go in this season empty. DotMom always gets me grounded back to my role as a wife and mom. And spiritually fills my heart up with God’s love and truth.
There was some other things He had planned once I got there – which made it icing on the cake.
Just a few weeks ago – I was invited to tape a show in Atlanta on Ch 57 called Friends & Neighbors. I was thrilled to get this chance to share about the book. AND, you know what? I wanted to get my arms around those Knudsens. So, I invited myself to spend the night with them after taping on my way to Nashville.
When you lost your first husband to cancer – hearing “your husband has cancer” AGAIN is not news you want to hear. Paige has gone from a blogger pal to a dear friend. The day she told me – I have truly never prayed so hard and cried such pain and fear tears for a friend like that. Her daughters are my buds too now. And sometimes the distance just stinks. I needed to get my arms around them.
The precious Madi – wish I was half as cool as this college kid when I was at Auburn. Love her.
Emily is my adopted “little sister” – some of Paige’s buds divided up those girls to specifically love on them during this time. This was ahem at 6 am before she went to school. She’s looking pretty good. Don’t mind me. Love you cutest Parkview Panther cheerleader ever.
The interview was fun – and got me to Atlanta, but what I needed was just a few hours in person with some people I love. To infuse some joy – some laughter – a few pep talks – little whispers of truth. Remind them – He’s got this. You are crazy loved.
And hug #dantheman!
Spoiler alert. He made it through his surgery GREAT this week and there is no sign of cancer in the scans! WOOHOO!! Praise the Lord.
Then, to DOTMOM
I got to Nashville and thought it was Fall. Wrong – sweating my fanny off in my boots.
Jeannie and I with the adorable ladies of 147 Million Orphans. Their bravery and obedience to God breaks me. Their breakout was one of my favorite moments of the trip.
So fun to see familiar faces and friends like the precious Kelly Stamps. Always a treat. (PS – I am not sure if it’s a midlife crisis or if I’m trying to be someone I’m not – but I’m over the same hairdo and trying to curl it. I have no idea what I’m doing.)
On the main stage – it’s hard to describe and detail the notes – but one of my friends described the weekend best.
Last year, I left with a burden for missions.
This year, I am leaving with a burden for my family.
Amen. That is IT. From Angie Smith to Rebekah Lyons to David Thomas to Steve and Debbie Wilson – every ONE of them simply nailed it. Us moms needed to be reminded and challenged. Affirmed in our role and encouraged to simply do it with better with God right beside us.
Jennie Allen was outstanding and I absolutely almost tackled her off the stage when she was done and told her 3 minutes of my story and fears of what’s next and she gave me the sweetest pep talk.
My absolute favorite was being with moms I know and love. When you can just be real and honest and get quiet for a minute. God moves.
And ask tough questions and share and challenge and encourage. It is just good good stuff.
That final dinner with these ladies was so neat. God crawled right up to the table with us and moved.
In the end, it sounded like a lot of this….
- Don’t miss that. It’s Him.
- You can do it.
- You’re so so worthy.
- That isn’t silly – it’s your calling.
- Our kids and husbands do deserve our best – and we have what it takes.
- You are so loved.
- You’re not failing, you’re just tired. Me too.
- Cling to Him. Let Him love you.
THREE BOOK GIVEAWAY – DOTMOM
- Angie Smith – new precious Bible!
- David Thomas – Wild Things – every boy mom needs this book
- Restless – Jennie Allen is one of my favorites, bravely calling us to live our purpose
Simply comment below and I’ll draw a winner on Monday.
