The blogosphere just became a little more personal...

We found ourselves among people who are serious about blogging. Of course, we knew that attending a conference for bloggers might illicit some feelings of inadequacy in us, especially, since so many were published authors and business entrepreneurs. But, as Anna and I settled into seminars and cozy couches with those we had only met across our screens, something wonderful happened--the blogosphere just became a little more personal.
 

 Sally Clarkson from I Take Joy 

We were astounded at how the professionals claimed to be merely self-taught, willing vessels of a God who was blessing their efforts to advance His kingdom. They were so eager to share, without holding back, all of their ideas, shortcomings, dreams and wisdom. We gobbled up every morsel of information, like women after the last piece of chocolate, before our six hour drive back to Canada . And when we were just beginning to feel as though we could never measure up, sidling up to us was another blogger offering the hope that we're each called to our own sphere of influence and that the Lord desires to use only us within that place.
 

Angela and Courtney from Good Morning Girls

 

Phil Vischer, creator of Veggie Tales 

Sarah Mae from Sarah Mae.Com 

Me, Jolanthe from Homeschool Creations

Amy from Blogging With Amy

Crystal from Money Saving Mom

Carisa from 1+1+1=1

We attended techy workshops that helped us to finally understand, hugged bloggers we'd admired for years, ate delicious food, heard the husband's point of view on their wives' blogging, and laughed ourselves silly in the Smilebooth. What seemed like an interesting and fun getaway turned out to be a weekend where the main theme focused on the intention of all of our efforts in this world of blogging--that those efforts are meaningless if it's for the advancement of our own kingdom. This was especially powerful in the talk by Phil Vischer, creator of Veggie Tales. In great humility, he shared his story of disappointment and revelation as his company collapsed before his eyes. Many others also told of how the Lord allowed a deconstruction of their world before they were ready for Him to rebuild their lives in an even greater way.

Darcy from My 3 Boybarians 

Darren Rowse from Pro Blogger

 Anna and I headed home through long, winding mountains and dense fog last night. And as we drove, we chattered endlessly about so many good and tasty bites we had partaken of. We found ourselves content in knowing that our little blogs are exactly what they are meant to be and that if the Lord desires more of us, we are willing. But, as the fog lifted and settled again and again, depending on which side of the mountain we were on, I felt as though my heart was lifting and settling with excitement, coupled with peace. I discovered in a more tangible way that I am a part of Christ's body, a hand or a foot, or perhaps, even an ear, and that my sisters (and brothers) were doing their part in the blogosphere too. I believe as each hand was shaken this weekend and each shoulder  hugged, we all truly sensed we were part of something special together--not in competition, but in joining together, each with our own gifts, to glorify our amazing God through our blogs.

 

 

 

Marriage Panel with host, Courtney from Women Living Well 

Jessica and Jordan Heights from Muthering Heights

Crystal and Jesse Pain from Money Saving Mom

Tsh and Kyle Oxenreider from Simple Mom

Nester and Chad Smith from The Nester

Ann from A Holy Experience

Logan from Life for Dessert

Anna and I hanging in the Smilebooth

with Traci from Ordinary Inspirations

Canadian bloggers find each other!