Thursday, May 14, 2009

I have a question for you...



So, what are you blogging for?

Do you blog to make friends? Do you blog to take a break and have some adult conversation while your little ones nap? Or maybe, you blog to share how green or not so green it is on the other side of your fence?

Why do you blog?

As a woman who is in love with Jesus, my prayer is for my blog to encourage, inspire and hopefully touch another person's heart for Him. Over the past couple of years I have been blessed by so many of you, watching as you use your Internet real estate to further His gospel.

Some of you share the gospel by teachings of His word. Some of you are His hands and feet while using your blog as a prayer ministry. And still others of you encourage one another and further the gospel with your honesty and transparency. You show the world with your funny words and humorous wit, an internal joy that communicates just how much you love Him.

I am sharing all this today because there is a conference coming up soon that will encourage future bloggers and seasoned bloggers alike to be equipped and encouraged to blog for Him. For His kingdom and for His glory.

Free To Be Me will be held on Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24th. It will be held in Sneads, Florida (Northern Florida) near beautiful Lake Seminole. The cost is $100.00, but if you girls are quick it's only $75.00 for the first twenty-five who sign up!

And, have I mentioned who the guest speakers are yet? You are going to be as excited as I was. I can't wait to meet some of my favorite bloggers in person. I don't know who I will get to hug first. Maybe it will be Marsha Harwood from Marsha's Musings, or Tiffany Stuart from Tea with Tiffany and Laced with Grace. Or it could be Lynn Donovan from Spiritually Unequal Marriage and Laced with Grace, or possibly Lisa Shaw from Sharing Life with Lisa.

My precious friend Angie Knight from The Knightly News and Laced with Grace has been praying this gathering of blog women into existence for quite some time. So please, grab the "Free to be Me" button above and make sure to post about this conference on your site. It would mean so much to her, and to me too.

And one last thing...I'm very excited to share with you, that yours truly will be teaching a couple of classes too. I will be getting on a plane and flying cross country and praying that I finally get to meet many of you in person!

Friends, I will be praying for you. In this time of economic unrest, if the Lord wills you to be there, you will be there. He will find a way.

And just in case you are in California before I leave in October, you can stop by my place and I'll stuff you in my carry-on luggage.




12 comments:

Michele Williams said...

What a blessing this will be! I wish I could go too!!!! I love all of you so much and have learned so much from you all. This will truly be an exciting event. Blessings to you all.. Count me in on being a prayer warrior for you all!

Jaclyn said...

It's funny that you wrote this...today I had an "incident" on my blog.
When I first started blogging, it was more of an outlet for me to write my thoughts and feelings...anonymously...and to scrapbook/journal my life. As time went by, I felt that God was challenging me to take a stand, and use my blog as a way to encourage others, while at the same time witnessing for Jesus. Being a Christian obviously goes along with certain views on various subjects. Yesterday I blogged about a controversial topic to which I did not go out of my way to be rude or in your face about my view. I always try to be respectful of others while stating my views and opinions. I guess one person did not like what I had said, and felt the need to tell me. (Which I am ok with, everyone is entitled to their opinions!) Anyway, long story short, even though the comments were a little upsetting to me, it showed me that God is in fact using my words as a way to reach people. I had no idea that people actually take the time to read what I say, much less people that I would probably not have contact with outside of the blogging world. From now on I will be even more conscious of making sure I represent myself in a way that is pleasing to Him. I'll admit, the comments left a bad taste in my mouth, and I REALLY wanted to close my blog to friends only...but I know that is not what God has asked of me.

I would love to go to the conference! I'm not sure that it's feasible right now though. Have you ever considered doing a mini-conference here? I know a few of my friends might be interested!

a portland granny said...

Your opening question is one I have been asking myself for several weeks now. When I know the real answer, I'll let you know.

Have fun at the conference.

Unknown said...

Okay, this is the second fun thing you get to do - and I don't! I'm jealous! (not really)

It does sound like a blast though. I wish I could come - but Florida's a little far for me (actually for you too!) - I don't think my hubby will go for it. Bummer.

Have a great time! I hope I'll be able to meet you one of these days.

Lynnette

Paula V said...

I have the button and have been watching this blog about the details. I hope to go but like you said...God willing, He'll show and tell me to just do it.

Sue Tornai said...

Your prayer has been answered. You encourage and inspire with your blog. You touch many lives with love and wonderful insights. I have asked myself that question many times and I also want to encourage, inspire and teach with my blog. You set a great example for me to blog more and I appreciate you. Keep on keeping on.

English Cottage in Georgia said...

Uh oh! I do not know the my reason or purpose for blogging - I am in trouble now. This will put me in reflection mode for at least a week.
LOL! Maybe the lack of purpose is the reason, I have been having a tough time posting as of late.

Faye said...

Stopped by for a visit.Your blog was such a blessing to me.Please keep me in your prayers.They found a mass on my right lung.I am trying to keep my faith in God.I know he is the great physican! Blessings, Faye

Jennsmere said...

Hi Joanne...you are such a blessing to me! Your words (in blogville and over the conference call!) have given me so much to ponder and reflect on.

God is challenging me to tell 'my story'...it may not seem like much in my mind, but with His anointing...I pray that someone will be blessed!

Bless you!
Susan

Barbara said...

I am so excited. To finally be able to meet you will be wonderful. I plan on attending as this will not be but a few hours from me. I am so excited. I am posting the button on my log. Thank you so much for sharing the information.

Susanne said...

I have always preferred to write instead of sharing some things out loud especially on the phone. Blogging gives me an outlet to share a song or verse or passage of Scripture that touched me. And sometimes it is a diary of sorts in order for me to remember things that I did that day or memories I want to record.

Aunt Angie said...

Oh this makes me even more EXCITED!!!! Girl---I can't wait!!! I am in great anticipation!!!! Worse than the ketchup bottle!!!!!

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