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Thursday, October 3, 2013

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. 

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/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. 

17 comments:

Amanda aka Manda said...

I wanted to go to this conference so bad. Hearing all this makes me sure that I'm definitely going next year. Thank you for sharing what you learned. It's making me think now too!

Carita said...

So glad you had a great time. I just want to say that you are already having such an influence on so many people's lives, including mine! You are already doing great things for Him, and it will be exciting to see what more He has in store for you as you and your beautiful family. So blessed to know you!

Heather Leigh_A beautiful ministry said...

All these great posts about influence are a breath of fresh air!! I'm so glad you got to go and be blessed by it :) I def want to be with you guys next year :)

Mandy Ford Art & Illustration said...

So glad we got to meet and I wish we had more time to chat!

Candice Williams said...

I hope you'll share more about this because I loved reading this and would so love to attend one year. I know my blog is tiny but I've started trying to share more about my relationship with Christ on it and you've inspired me to do so.

Nicole [Haus of Harnois] said...

Glad you had a wonderful time! I have heard nothing but great things from people about this conference!

Unknown said...

It looks like a lot of fun!
Katie
godslittlegrace.blogspot.com
www.etsy.com/shop/GodsLittleGrace

Lauren said...

Have you seen the World Mandate message from Christine Caine? I think you would love it!! It so spoke to me. So glad you got so much out of this weekend :)

Sarah said...

i am so glad it was a success! i REALLY want to go next year!

Sarah said...

i am so glad it was a success! i REALLY want to go next year!

Kerrie Williams said...

Ruthie I really wish I had met you. You were probably the one person that I didn't that I regret. I started to but for some reason felt so awkward to know so much about you without having much of an online relationship. And it was REALLY weird to feel like I knew Jon also from your blog posts! Anyways, just know that if we're ever at the same conference again, I WILL be saying hello.

Sarah Tucker said...

Wow, what powerful words! Teressa and her hubs just moved away from my hometown. She is a doll! Thanks for sharing those powerful quotes :)

Nicole said...

This makes my heart so full. Thankful for women like you who use your position to bring glory to Jesus!

Teressa Mackey said...

You are on the brink of something BIG. You are already influencing and speaking to so many women.. but now you get it!

I'm so fired up.. to have purpose, to have direction, and to have community in our online ministries.

Thank you for enduring the hard mama stuff to bring newborn to a conference. So glad I got the chance to connect with you!

Jessica said...

this post makes me want to go soo bad next year! thank you so much for sharing sweet friend!

Emilie said...

I am not a blogger but reading what you wrote about having anxiety about fitting in totally resonates with me. It is something that I struggle with regularly and it is nice to know that other people have those feelings too.

Sounds like the conference was a great experience!! I love reading about women supporting each other and being positive and uplifting!! :)

Lisa @ MMT said...

So inspiring Ruthie! Sometimes I let fear take over and forget that God does grant us all unique gifts and we should use them for His glory.

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