The Titus 2:1 Conference was this weekend and by the time I left the hotel on Sunday afternoon at 2 pm, my head was spinning. The whole experience was just overwhelming.
In a good way.
Let’s be honest–you chat online with someone nearly every day for a year (or a week!) and you feel like you actually know them and you’re friends…but are you really? Would you really want to have coffee and playdates if you lived closer like you tweet about all the time? Would you really ask them to pray for you if you were face to face? Would you really feel comfortable to sit and chat for hours about intimate family challenges when you’ve only ever communicated in 140 characters?
Yes, actually, you are.
You would.
And it was beautiful. (And I didn’t get nearly enough pictures!)
I can't wait to get copies of pictures compiled from everyone!
For me, the overall message of the whole weekend was putting first things first. Blogging, homeschooling, monetizing, curriculum…none of it matters if you don’t put first things first. And the Lord will be faithful to bless your efforts if you do put first things first.
GOD–>Marriage–>Family–>Home–>Homeschool–>Blog
I spent most of the 4 hour drive home letting the words from the Conference speakers simmer in the back of my mind…sifting them through scripture that floated across my thoughts…letting God speak quietly…letting ideas float in, out, through…
The Ladybug made me a picture to remember her. I made sure to snap a photo so she knew I didn't forget. First things first!
We were facing some major changes around here even before I left for the conference. We just found out that our beloved private school is closing after this year due to low enrollment. (And here I am, anonymously sponsored to a Christian blogging and homeschooling conference–the Lord is certainly trying to tell us something!) We have decisions to make. Hard ones. Important ones.
But I’m determined to listen right now, instead of speaking.
Pray instead of plan.
And be still.
“It is well, it is well, with my soul…”
I was so blessed to finally get to hug you and chat face to face!! I’m excited to see what the Lord reveals to you as far as schooling
I can’t speak for you – but we would be having playdates and mommy time if it were up to me {grin}
That’s what I’m saying! There’s always the chance that people aren’t authentic on-line. I think what made this conference so amazing to me was that everyone of these ladies IS authentic so chatting on Twitter and chatting in person really is practically the same! And I thank God for making us all that brave–to truly be ourselves in front of “the whole world” online.
I’d have my kids at your house so we could play with sheep and you and I could share some coffee time! So glad His plan A was more than I ever could have planned!!
I can just see us now, lounging on the back porch while they play…one day!
a couple of years ago I read A Woman After Gods Own Heart by Elizabeth George. She taught me the “org chart” so to speak: GOD>Marriage>Family>Ministry>All the rest…I try to stick to that! And Jamie, just so you know, if we lived closer, I KNOW we would be friends! Praying for you and your families decisions. God Bless!
Your Friend,
Monica
I have no doubt either! I feel like we already are heart-friends!
It was wonderful meeting you this past weekend! I loved chatting with you and do consider you a friend. If we lived closer, I would most definitely have you over for a glass of sweet iced tea! Will be praying for you and your family and the decisions that you need to make!
Just beautiful! Jamie, I thought about you and then read some of your blog tonight. I’m loving your life. You are my role model. Blessings to you and the family!
Love. Stacy
Thanks for coming by! You’ve always been such an inspiration to me to actually WALK in faith–not just have a Sunday morning faith.