We can be thankful even when there is a longing for something we don’t have right? Perhaps we must be, especially then.
There’s this big conference coming up; it starts today. But, it’s in another state…in a land far, far away...
Several months ago I began seeing the need to attend conferences for writing/blogging. Through these events attendees learn & connect with others.
Thankfully, I was able to go to the Declare Conference last August. It then became clear that a Christian writing/blogging conference could also mean the opportunity to be spiritually challenged and encouraged. And the best part, fellowship with sisters and brothers in Christ.
Fellowship. Connecting with others and seeing how God weaves stories together. These are things I thrive on.
So, Declare was such a treat in this regard. Today, Allume begins. Lots of fellowship is going to be happening there too. Many of the beautiful women with whom I’ve connected online will be there, in person. I want to be a part of it to meet them and to have real life conversations.
Yet, I’m thankful I’m not going.
Through prayerful consideration months ago, I knew that I had to choose. Declare or Allume. I live in TX and so the TX based conference certainly made more sense. Despite logic, I wanted to see if there was a way I could still get to Allume. Could I get a sponsorship? Should I sell things to raise funds? What if I shared a room with strangers to save funds?
God was pretty clear to my heart. “Let it go. Not this year.”
Reluctantly I did. And then he reminded me how blessed I was through the Declare Conference. How blessed I am today in what He has for me this week, without a conference.
Somehow I knew there was a reason behind the spirit’s nudging. Of course, there always is right? God was prompting my heart to trust Him in it. You know, see it with eyes of faith rather than eyes of fix-it-yourself. You know…letting God be God. That kind of thing.
I’ll be honest, my heart wants to be there and meet up with these crazy, amazing, beautiful writing/blogging friends. I want to meet every single one, shake their hand or give them a hug and say “Hi”. I’d love to visit with every one and find out about their story, how God is working in their life and pray with them if he led.
It’s those types of connections that creates the longing.
Then…
It’s the whispers from God that create the calming.
This week it became more clear why this wasn’t the right year for me, or the right conference, or whatever. There are a couple others I will attend in November. God’s plans & His timing, they really are best. Can I get an Amen?
In the meantime, it is time to remember the messages that he puts on my heart so often.
Dear one – be still. I’ve got this.
“God’s got this Jo,” I will remind myself.
I thought I’d miss out by not going, but God says don’t miss out on where I’m going. Go with me.
After years of trying to make things happen for myself, I’m intentionally seeking let God do more of the “making” and the “happening” in my life. I don’t want my way if it isn’t God’s way.
Friends – it is not worth it. I never want to miss His best again.
He wants to delight us, and be delighted in by us, through His means, His way.
I am thankful that He has given me the strength to say “Lord, your way. That twinge of longing in my heart? Massage it, soothe it, replace it with your life giving presence.” Will you join me in thankfulness?
I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to recording what he teaches me this weekend as he takes somewhere else where I didn’t originally intend to go.
What do you do when you wish you were going somewhere where all your friends are going, but you can’t?
God’s got it. Let’s say it together and give it over to him, together, shall we? It’s more fun that way.
Share one way He has shown himself faithful to you when you didn’t get to go somewhere you wanted.
I really need to catch up here, Jolene. This one jumped out at me because it’s hard to see so many lovely friends attending Allume. But so yes to all of this. What a gift Declare was and I knew now was not the time to be headed to a conference. Now was time for me to be with that husband of mine who I was without for far too long. God made that so clear to me. I needed to read this though to remind myself. He’s so got this, friend.
Love you much.
xoxo
It’s been a true joy to follow along with you as you and your hubby connect and enjoy life together again Beth. Just beautiful. God shines so magnificently through you. I do hope we can meet again in real life. Until then, keep loving and keep shining, friend!
You wrote this for me, didn’t you? I’ve been blogging for 6 years……SIX YEARS! And I still have yet to get to a conference, any conference where the sisterhood I meet up with in this space gathers. It’s so hard that they are all so far away, and just this week I’ve been having a pity party over the fact that I didn’t get to go. So, I will be thankful. God has a plan and His timing is perfect. Love you!
Barbie – I would so love to see you at one of these events. Choosing to be thankful with you. I know it’s hard, but I love seeing you pointing to the Father and His truths through the challenges. You are a light for Him! Keep shining brightly friend.
I can appreciate your words here. I too see the conference ads and there is a longing to go..to be a part of community. And the opportunity is just not there to go. It’s not the conference I am missing as much as the connecting I am longing for, and I don’t ‘need’ a conference for that. Still the desire to be a part of something lovely is there and as He always does, He brings encouragement on the tomorrows and reminds me lovely starts where He is. The conferences may be a someday and if not, I am learning to surrender that, too. 😉
There is something special about the community with these particular events. I pray that we can find ways to connect with others even when we can meet in person. Ultimately, I love seeing bloggers encourage and support each other. It’s a beautiful thing to watch and be a part of. Stay in touch Dawn! Blessings.
What conferences are you planning to attend? Conferences have just come on my radar and Allume is too far, Declare would have been about right. Maybe if one you are planning to attend is close enough to me we could meet up.
Sorry for the delay Jenny. I am going to Soli Deo Glorio Sisterhood & the High Calling in November. Very much looking forward to both. They are both in TX. Would love to meet you if any happen to work. I’m hoping to go to Declare next year, but haven’t been able to plan that far ahead yet.
I, too, have been working through the longing of wanting to be at Allume this week. I am only just starting out on this writing online journey and oh the things I thought I could learn and the relationships to establish! However, this was a reminder that it simply was not time yet. God has me at home right where I am supposed to be, caring for our sick little ones. So I too will spend time today examining what it is that He wants to teach me. Thank you so much for this, Jolene!
I’d love to hear what God showed you over the weekend Stephanie! For me, I was given an opportunity to see my parents. Definitely, a time to treasure. Blessings on your writing journey Stephanie, every step of the way.
Your pictures make me miss Declare! I’m so glad I got to meet you while we were both at the conference!
I really wanted to go to Allume, too, especially since my best friend from here (Oregon) moved close to there. But it was not to be this year. And that’s OK. Instead I’ve been sick, and while I hate illness, I have enjoyed the slow pace of life, snuggling with the kids. I think that’s what God knew I needed.
You are an encouragement, friend.
Thank you Lynnae. Maybe we’ll get to visit more in person at another conference some time. How wonderful to have the snuggling, even through the illness. I would rather snuggle while ill than be around a lot of people, or sit in a hotel room alone while every one else is SO close! Blessings friend.
I thought these same thoughts except for the Declare part. (: I may be up for one conference this coming year. Right now God says the same to me, Be still. A friend told me I needed “re-feeding” after all the feeding (frenzy? sometimes it feels like that.)
So thanks for this good post/reminder. Is there one in the West? Or should we start one? Uh, oh, here comes that creative frenzy. best, sue