Influence Conference 2013...a weekend that changed me

I came back from the Influence Conference with a heart full of emotions (and an extremely tired body thanks to Ford's growth spurt and a bad case of mastitis but that story is saved for another time). Full yet craving more, healed yet understanding where my brokeness lies, and determined yet crying out for direction. I just kept telling Jon I couldn't believe all these women who were doing such big things. Moving across the US to be missional in towns that haven't heard the gospel, starting companies that financially benefit women in poverty and make the name of Jesus known, women adoption children out of sex slavery. These women are wives, mommies, suburbanites just like me and they are letting God use their lives for His glory. And it hit me. I have that same influence. I feel like I am on the brink of something big. I am not sure what or how or when but ever since becoming a mother I feel like the Lord is going to use that in a big way for my life and for His name. Those 3 days were exactly what I needed to build my confidence and truly believe in my heart that my gifts are enough. Enough to make a difference, to change a life, and to speak the truth. 

Sole Hope shoe cutting party
As I try to sit here and think of the things I want to share with you, the things that wrecked my heart and were medicine for my soul, my mind is spinning. Femininity, inspiration, freedom, healing. My heart was pulled and filled in a thousand directions so I thought I'd share tiny tidbits that as I read over, are the littlest fuel I need to remember my identity is in Christ alone. 

• Satan wants us to hear we are condemned and unloved. -Haley Morgan, The Tiny Twig
• God doesn't give gifts to people equally but He values ALL gifts. -Haley Morgan, The Tiny Twig
• Like Romans 8:35-39 states, nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. God's love for you is based not on your own performance but on the performance of Jesus on the cross. -Jess Thompson, Give Them Grace
• If you know the good news, you are equipped to share it. -Lara Casey
• Luke warm faith doesn't cook anything. -Lara Casey
• As women, God made us to fill needs. It's okay to be needed but be needy to Christ. -Jessi Connolly, Naptime Diaries

I was fearlessly and wonderfully made by a God who continues to love and cover me with grace. He's provided me with unique traits and talents and I am fully known by Him always and forever. I am fully equipped to share the gospel and need to learn to step out of my own comfort zone and use my gifts for His glory. I pray I can stop looking at the internet and other vices to fill my happiness and remember that my life purpose is to point to Him. It's okay to feel needed and fill the roles I have as wife, mother, and friend but always returning to God my Father to fill my emptiness and need.  I pray to be intentional, to be inspired, and to point to Him. 

  Jessi/Jess/Amy/Teressa

 Kara Kae/Sarah

 Jenna

 Ashley

Jessi/Teressa
P.S. Just have to add that internet friends are real y'all. To be honest I held a lot of anxiety and nerves about "fitting in" and those worries were put to bay as women I was anxious to meet, women who had no idea who I was, and women from all walks of the blog world loved on me and my baby. Hugs, prayers, laughs, intense conversations baby bouncing... my tank was full by the genuine love we were shown. I could have never dreamed of what God has provided me in my blog and internet friends. I have full faith that I was meant to blog for stuff like this. Sisters in Christ banding together to make His name famous.