Just like He created the earth to be inhabited, He created us to be inhabited, full and light. Created-in-His-image full of light.
“For this is what the LORD says– he who created the heavens, he is God;
he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it;
he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited–
he says: “I am the LORD, and there is no other.
I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness…”
Isaiah 45:18-19
This past weekend, I attended Relevant, thanks to a super generous sponsorship given by the super fab blog, (in)courage. And wowzers, the incredible speakers poured out Light and filled the empty with love, wisdom and encouragement. Here are some of my own take-aways from all keynote and writing sessions:
True unity is not agreeing on everything, it’s working through the mess together. Comparison steals unity and joy. Want to combat jealousy? Actively praise someone else! Encouragement brings women together. Use my platform to promote others. Joy, Gracefull Mama
How do I know when I’m in my element? Look for where my passions and God-given skills collide. ~Tsh, Simple Mom
When I write, think about the order of my words and place them where the best rhythm is. Create music with my words. I want the reader to hang through to the end of the written piece like she would a musical piece. And to find my true voice, think about how I write an email. My email voice is my true voice. ~ Emily, Chatting at the Sky
Learn to see God in the details, in the laundry, the dishes, the ants on the ground. We were created to resonate with stories. God loves stories, Jesus is a story. Also, read good fiction. When I read good storytelling, I’ll learn to tell my stories better. ~Sarah Markley, The Best Days of My Life
The Lord spoke the world into being, He is the Word. He didn’t create and then edit. He keeps speaking. Writing is a skill like any other art, so I must practice using my skill whether I feel super inspired or not. Make my words matter. When writing, detail the moment I’m in. Rhythm comes from the details of what I’m seeing. It helps the reader be there, too. Paint textures in the moments that another woman can relate to. Breathe grace into it and show how God is in that moment. This gives the reader a good takeaway. ~Lisa Jo, The Gypsy Mama
Give your readers an emotion to walk away with {tears, laughter, etc.}. No matter how I contribute or participate, I am a part of change. Bring myself into my the story so women reading can bring themselves into the story ~Kristen, We Are THAT Family
God appoints people who disappoint to point to the God who doesn’t. There are no Rock Stars here. Christ is the Rock and we are the stars who reflect His light. Success is found in servanthood and obedience right where I am. Christians aren’t about applause, they are about an altar. God wants real, honest, threadbare women to do His work His way. I’m not rain, I can’t quench the dry places. I can only point to the one who can. But I can have my voice join my sisters’ voices and together we make thunder! ~Ann, A Holy Experience
I read the Word and know He is close, but I also hear the Word through my sisters’ voices like those above and know He is close. This conference fills the empty places with flashes of lightning. I listen for the sound that follows, the one all too familiar to every born-and-bred Oklahoma girl: thunder booming.
{Tomorrow, I’ll share a bit more on sisterhood and friendships.}
Who is someone the Lord uses to fill your empty places with Light as she points you to Christ? How do you join in the sisterhood to make thunderous noise for His name?
What a beautiful recap of our amazing weekend! So excited to make thunder with hundreds of amazing women!
P.S. You were so kind to me the first night when I walked into the {in}courage lounge, and I didn’t really know anyone yet, and I felt super uncomfortable, and you just welcomed me with open arms. I won’t soon forget that emotional embrace!
Lindsey, it was beyond wonderful to meet you! You are completely darling, and I’m thankful to have *you* in the sisterhood! xo
ALL of these wonderful ladies, yourself included! 🙂 , that you mentioned! Beautiful post, and I look forward to reading more about all of the wonderful Relevant happenings. It makes those of us who couldn’t be there feel like we were 🙂
I would appreciate your prayers, sweet friend. I’m carrying a load right now that is heavier than my shoulders have strength. I am praying to cast it aside, but doubts and emptiness can take a powerful hold. Would you pray?
Blessings,
Melanie
Melanie, you most definitely have my heartfelt prayers, Dear One. Praying right now you feel God’s presence, His arms, His love. Clinging to Him with you, Sister, to the One who never lets go…
Love you!
Oh my friend … this is a perfect recap! I love you … and love spending time with you and hugging you and smiling with you and just knowing that you are kindred.
*YOU* are a jewel, TLU. Thank you for inviting me into your life and for being a soul sister to me! xoxo
Thank you for so beautifully summarizing their encouraging and inspiring challenges, and I long to be a thunder-maker with all of you, my sisters in Christ. And a million thank you’s to you, sweet Kristen, for your pursuing friendliness, for the warmth of your smile, and for making my anxious doubting heart feel included and valued. You are such a beautiful gift, and I’ll never forget how you went out of your way, when you didn’t have to, to make this new girl on the block feel so welcome! Many blessings to you…I’m am blessed to know you!
Girl, I gotta feeling about you…*you* are so warm and genuine, you encourage me heart and soul. You love well, Jacque. So happy to know you and have you in the ‘hood!! You BLESS. xoxo
I’m so, so glad you got that sponsorship to go to Relevant! You are so sweet and so deserving 🙂 On Sunday evening I sat around a table at Starbucks with a friend and my sister too, we discussed Emily’s Grace for the Good Girl and my heart was filled. It is girls like you in this online community that encourage me as well. I only had a small taste of you in real life at She Speaks and it left me wanting more 🙂
I’ve been thinking Emily’s book is perfect for my small group, too. It does fill the heart with good stuff!
Maybe we can work out Relevant 2012? Love you, Jamie!
Awesome words of wisdom! Relevant 2012, here I come! 🙂
Such beautiful insight! I love the words you took home with you from the conference. Thank you for sharing!
kristen, enjoyed your post today. also enjoyed meeting you @relevant:) sorry we didn’t get to review my writing. glad i was able to enjoy the writing of each of you all tho’. delightful! i arrived home last nite. hope you have settled back in to your routine by now. m
Martha, I’m so sorry we didn’t get to hear your words, either. That was our loss. Thank you for being lovely, generous, gracious and encouraging. You BLESS.
This is a wonderful summary, Kristen – what an excellent note-taker you are! And of course the highlight for me was rooming with you –a complete stranger when we met, a friend for life now. Gotta love that!
Michelle, you are the awesome sauce and then some. I still crack up when I remember our conversations! So thankful for you! xoxo