WHAT IS THE “BEHIND THE SCENES” LINK UP?
Social media and online relationships can make us feel like everyone else has it all together. We’re edited, proof-read, Pinterest-perfect versions of ourselves (or so some might think!) when – in reality? There is an unfinished pile of laundry around the corner. That cute toddler smiling for the camera just had a massive meltdown seconds ago. That yummy breakfast-for-dinner you just showed us on Instagram? It’s because the cat licked the chicken that was supposed to be for dinner. “Behind the Scenes” is a fun link up where we show those photos – but tell the real story behind them. The sneak peek behind the scenes, a look past the edges of the photo to the real life behind it. Read more here!
The Photo:
The Photo:
The Story:
I wasn’t sure which photo to choose this week. I knew I wanted to write about Declare, but how do you start to talk about a weekend that turned me upside down? I flipped through my photos on my phone and tried to fine “the one.” (My roommate & friend September can verify that I packed light – and there was no way I was taking my “real” camera!)
I could have shown you photos of the beautiful views at the hotel. Or the amazing decorations, simple moments of beauty and light that made the space feel so warm and welcoming. I could have chosen photos of incredible speakers like Kat Lee, Mary DeMuth, Lara Williams, Jeff Goins and Shaun Groves. Or maybe the photo of ALL THE DESSERT would have shown you how sweet to the soul this conference was for me.
But these women? These amazing women of God who walk beside me in the day-to-day heart job of encouragement? They were my bench this weekend. My online community turned real life friendships:
Anna, my daughter’s future mother-in-law (yes. there will be an arranged marriage. Sam & Madi…save the date) and someone I’m so honored to call “friend.” She makes me feel like I’m doing okay as a mama, makes me laugh when I need it, so kindly let me charge my ever-dying phone behind her sponsor table, and is that one person I knew would keep me from feeling homesick.
And Jacque? She has a heart of pure gold, the ability to ask you a simple question then look deep into your spirit to see the “real” answer. Always a kind word, always a thoughtful gesture, inspirational, caring and funny, she is as authentic as they come. Her voice online? It’s the same in real life. She simply inspires.
Behind the scenes of this goofy photo are women I’m blessed to be myself with – and when you sneak even further past the edges, you’d find an entire community of like-hearted bloggers who were so welcoming this past weekend. You would find an annointed conference team with a vision that was simply focused on glorifying God in every detail. You would see a team of speakers who went above and beyond what I’ve come to expect at conferences – they were excellent speakers, teachers, preachers, brothers & sisters in Christ who could weave a story that had you laughing one moment, crying the next, and tweeting the heck out of a quote. But more importantly?
They wanted to be there. They wanted to spend time with the women attending, and they supported their friends by attending the other sessions and pouring into one another’s lives. They weren’t segregated to their own special table, secluded in a secret room, or protected by body guards. They worshiped with us, learned with us.
And if you could see even further – behind the scenes where only God knows how it’s all going to come together, you would see a woman inspired to use her words in big new ways. A writer who thinks she might just know her voice in this space, and a heart filled to overflowing by unexpected confirmation that this path? It’s the right one.
Crystal, you are a blessing! Yes it was soooo wonderful to meet you in real life after following you on Twitter for 2 years, sice my first HelloMornings 🙂
Crystal it was so great to meet you and chat community with you! Blessed and encouraged by you!
It was great to me you and I really wish we could’ve talked more! Hopefully there will be a next time!
Oh sister. Thank you for the kind words. So grateful you were there and so thankful for your help leading up to the conference. You are a treasure. I’m not even going to spend too much time thinking about how little you and I got to chat…b/c I’m going to schedule a time with you at Allume. that’s that. 😉
Traci, I’d love to have you join! Every Tuesday, assuming I remember to post something 😉
Oh Nancy, what a blessing it must be to see your son leading worship! And wasn’t Kat so fun in her session? I love picking her brain and learning from her – she really is a ninja!
I’m so used to seeing your face up there on the top row at FMF and it wasn’t til i saw you up front and then Kat introduced you that I realized you were at Declare. I totally agree with you – This was a weekend to remember for me, we were all blessed in ways great and small. OH, and I read your about page. My son plays bass for the worship team at his church and several other churches around the DFW metroplex. Just about the most important part of the service, the call to worship in song, may you both be blessed by your service!
This is such a great idea! I may have to hop over and join you now that I’m blogging again!
It was so great to see your sweet and gentle spirit at Declare. You are such a blessing and it makes me smile to think about how I get to know you. I look forward to what the Lord has in store for you and I can’t wait to hear more of the voice He’s given you! 😀
You cheering me on? I couldn’t ask for much more, my friend. Thank you 🙂
We will make sure we get that coffee date!
you are too sweet Melissa! it was a joy to meet you 🙂
Thank you so much for capturing the sweet, sweet spirit of this weekend with your words! I am so glad I got to hug your neck this weekend, and wish we had more time to sit down and talk about what God has done and is doing in our lives- but so thankful for technology that allows us to do that NOW! Thanks for being a blessing!
Crystal, you were definitely one of the ones that I was so disappointed I didn’t really get to spend time with at Declare. Thank you for sharing your behind the scenes here, and for all you’ve done to help us with Declare. Looking forward to next year. Let’s make a date for coffee, okay? 😀
I recognize a few of those lovely ladies! Glad you had a wonderfully blessed time at Declare!
I’ll be going to the Influence Conference! It’s only 30 minutes away and I scored a great deal on a ticket from someone who couldn’t go any more. A really cool God story actually, which has me anxious for what He had in store there!
First, I love love love those beautiful faces. And second, I cannot wait to see what God does with your voice and heart and passion in this online world and maybe even in print!? Who knows what will be in store but I for one am thrilled to cheer you on!
Counting down the days, friend! Save a spot for me in the photo booth 😉
You should plan on it! Early August again next year..lots of time to plan 😉
I think i could write for DAYS about it, especially after I started going through my session notes today!
it really just makes good logical sense, right? hehe…
In every word, every detail, every dream, to God be the glory!
big smooshy group hugs all around!
Oh you’ll have a great time! Which one are you attending?
I know! What will we do without each other until then? *sniff
Plan on a visit to the Smile Booth, girl 🙂
I am so glad for you friend… that you heard God speak and confirm. It sounds like you had an incredible time and I can. not. wait. until October to meet you in real life.
Love you. Miss you. Can’t wait for it to be October so we can be together again!!
Sounds like you had an awesome time! I can’t wait to attend my first Christian blogging conference in September! Glad you were affirmed and encouraged this weekend!!
I agree with Mel, this just makes we want to hug you all 🙂 So glad you had a great weekend! Can’t wait to see how He works in you 🙂
I was so blessed to spend (in)RL time with you…and am humbled and grateful for your generous words. May He continue to shine through us as we connect with one another in HIm and as we DECLARE Him to the world! With so much love, sweet friend…xoxo
I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who is already arranging the marriage of my toddler, HA! Sounds like you had an amazing time.
I love your post about Declare. I couldn’t keep it to one! LOL But yes, I agree, the women were awesome.
How fun and wonderful to make those precious connections and friends. I would love to go to Declare in the future.
I love this picture…it makes me want to jump through the computer screen to hug all of you. It’s amazing to read about how He’s working, friend…it sounds like the conference was amazing, too! Makes me even more excited for Allume! 🙂 Have a great week…blessings!