I had a wonderful time at the 2:1 Conference.

I have only been to 3 “blogging” conferences in my life and this one was perfect for me.  Christian, Mom, Homeschool, Blogger. It was not so heavy on the social media aspect that Jesus had no room to enter the break outs.  Yet offered enough valuable information that yes you can grow your blog and it is ok to make money blogging.

There is a great part of me that has a lot of regret though and it’s time I confess to you.

Months ago a few people were skeptical if Cheryl could really pull off a successful conference  - and by herself no less.  I even started to doubt.  I would call Cheryl and voice my concerns.  I shared other people’s concerns as well (without naming names).  Cheryl was persistent with what she knew God wanted her to do, and so I distanced myself from her for a bit.

After awhile I realized how people wanted to use me for information about conference details.  (how many tickets were sold, sponsor info, why certain people were speaking, what was plan B, etc.)  They put a little “bug” in my ear to “maybe pass on” – for her benefit of course.  When I realized what was happening I immediately asked God’s forgiveness and then Cheryl’s.  She is so gracious I do not deserve her kindness!

I proceeded to do as much as I could to help her.  But Saturday night at the conference God told me I had done too much.

I found some of my writers sponsors, I sponsored someone, I paid hotel rooms so friends could attend, I scrounged up items for goody bags … I toiled.

I didn’t let God show up for other people – without realizing it I over-planned, overcompensated, and made a way for others (some out of my own pocket) before God had time to move.

I didn’t let them wait on God.  I did not wait on God.  And HE showed up amazingly so.  I would have enjoyed it so much more though had I gotten out of HIS way early on!

This was an ah-mazing conference, and not just because I was given the opportunity to speak.

The word “comparison” was everywhere – and our need to “link arms” to work together.  That the curriculum didn’t matter but God’s Word living in our lives!  To seek those things of “1st priority” – God, spouse, children/home, and then blogging ~ Heidi St. John.

 

Making money and growing your blog is not bad – but bad motives or being anything less than authentic definitely will not reap success. ~ Christine Young

We stood together claiming, “I am Beloved, I am Holy, I am Treasured, I am Honored, I am a Light, I am Daughter of the King, I am Cherished, I am Redeemed, I am Favored, I am Blessed, I am Daughter of our Father, I am a Miracle” ~ Rebecca Ingram Powell

We ended the conference on our knees before the Lord in prayer with Rachael Carman who insisted we CHOOSE JOY!!!

It was a powerful weekend and I am incredibly thankful He allowed me to be apart of it!

10 favorite photos …

Kela has always been so terrific to me!  She is one of the HSV writers and stayed in my break out session.  I adore her heart!

Marci & Jessica had EVERYONE cracking up the entire time.  ENTIRE TIME!  (both HSV Writers) It was such a treat to spend meals together and enjoy each other’s sense of humor!  This photo wraps up the 2:1 Conference (for me) perfectly – unity, love, joy!

if you give Diana Kennedy a cookie … she wasn’t going to come into my break out session.  She even tweeted me BEFORE the conference asking if I could give her my notes – she wouldn’t be coming.  Knock a girl down before she even gets there – like I wasn’t nervous enough?!  I sorta maybe a little cried.  You can imagine how surprised I was when she strolled in Sunday morning!! (Marci again on the right)

So this is where you learn I’m truly pathetic!  Donna pulls out her ipad to take a picture of someone on the other side of our table – and I lean into her … cause no one had asked to take a picture of me yet and I was a tinky bit excited for my 1st photo op.  And then I realized she wasn’t reversing the camera (cue crying) … we laughed so hard!!  She did me the honor of snapping one with me … pathetic me.

I love Linda! She was supposed to speak, but her break out was cut. We were supposed to be roommates. She makes me feel like I can fly!! (she couldn’t believe this was my first speaking gig – see, she just believes in me)

This is Rachael Carman (who I had never heard of before this conference -yes, I live under a rock … remember I wasn’t wanting to homeschool 5 years ago and feared the homeschool jumper conventions?!).  I hope to have her confidence “when I grow up”.  She is an amazing speaker, on fire for the Lord, she truly shines Jesus, and using her life to bless so many of us.  I love her!

CurrClick in the house!  I am overjoyed to have finally met Leah (she gave me a sponsorship to Relevant this time last year).  I didn’t get to spend nearly as much time with her as I had wanted since she was at her sponsor booth majority of the time!  Watch out this girl can do some cirque de soleil on yoga balls.

This is Liz from Apologia.  We stayed up with a few others Saturday night (late -way late) and shared some HILARIOUS stories.  I love Liz, we have a lot in common under the “proper homeschool surface”.  Two words that night - tramp stamp

I didn’t get to spend enough time with Amy, we were always going this way or that way.  But when we did get to chat a little bit – her gentle tone and loving smile filled me right up with kindness.  She reaks of peace.

This one actually has a story … I went off for a bit during dinner one evening to just quiet myself.  I hit the gym, and sent this photo to my hubs.  Cause we texted THE ENTIRE CONFERENCE!  He replied, “please return this phone to Stef Layton”.  I laughed so hard I almost fell over.  He even sent me scripture on Sunday the morning of my break out- “God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible” 2 Timothy 1:7 Msg — I LOVE MY MAN!

 

Subscribe to my site via email for 2:1 Conference notes from my break out session Cultivating Community.  Will be distributing them later this week !!