Influence Conference.

Conference Website: http://www.theinfluenceconference.com/

Hosts:

Jessi:  www.naptimediaries.com

Hayley:  www.thetinytwig.com

Casey:  www.thewiegands.com

So I am a little bit late discussing here about a very important blogging event coming up. 

Its going to be one of those events that everyone talks about after it happens, its going to be epic and 'you're going to totally wish you were there and kick yourself if you don't go' type things.

If you've been around the bloggy world, chances are you've already heard of the conference.

If not...you should have! 

Now at first I was a little skeptical after hearing several sweet girls talk about a bad experience from a different event. 

But since the lovely Casey Wiegand is one of the hosts ~ I'm all in.

Mostly.

The conference still remains a dream of mine for now. There's where I'm hoping lovely people like you guys will come in. 

If you've hung around for longer than a few minutes on my blog, I hope you've discovered that I'm hopelessly in love with Jesus.

I'm not perfect but I want my life to be all about Him.

How does the conference come in? Well see the whole point of Influences is to learn how to use your influence to make Christ known. 

And girl, that's my whole point. For blogging at all.

Around the time the announcement for the conference was made, a sweet friend of mine emailed me. I haven't seen her in years but lately we have been corresponding again and praying for one another. I was so challenged by one of her prayers for me....

that the Lord would grow me in humility in every role He has me in. That I would use my influence to really love others and showcase His love to them.  

Then the conference was announced.

You think I would have heard this message loud and clear. Even then I was skeptical, even though of all the places to pick to host the event, it is only four hours away from where we live. 

Another coincidence? I don't believe in them.

God is lining things up left, right and center for me to possibly go to this conference. There are four amazing girls I have met through blogging and never thought it was possible to make lifelong friends through a blog. But sure enough they have continued to encourage me that this dream is possible and that dreams come true. 

I really feel this dream might come true. 

So....I am trusting that financially I will raise the money in time. Some days this requires all the faith I have and then some.

So without further delay I want to show you my new Etsy lines, where all the money from my Etsy store will go into my Influence fund to help attend this conference and learn how to blog to shine for Jesus. So if you need a gift for someone, consider buying from my Etsy store. 

I can't wait to learn from these gifted ladies about how to use my influence to make much of Jesus. If I do manage to go, I will totally blog all about it!! Obviously. 

{There is also a Paypal option on my sidebar, just in case anyone wants to donate to my Influence fund} 

Want to join me on this adventure? I would love to see you there. 

Can't wait to meet you in person girl!

I'll be the one with the silly grin on my face.

Much Love,

L

Flip Flop Tan lines make me ridiculously happy.

The many reasons why I love summer. Anyone agree?

1. The flip flop tan lines. I can't help but admire them.
2. My hair dries so fast....its AMAZING. Air-dries.
3. Little kids wandering round in just a diaper. SO adorable it almost hurts.
4. Hanging outside & taking pictures. Everything looks prettier in the sun.
5. My pretty little painted toes (they are painted in the winter too) get to see the outside world.
6. Naturally highlighted hair.
7. New bathing suits from Target. Awesome. 
8. The beach. no explanation necessary.
9. Energy. For some reason I have more of it in the summer.
10. Weddings. Goodness im becoming more & more sentimental about them.
11. Iced water from starbucks. Totally the classy way to hydrate oneself.
12. No leggings or tights required for dressy wedding outfits.
13. Dreaming of Paris. (BTW europe has more of an appeal....I think im truly becoming an american....this is TOO funny)
14. iced vanilla lattes. (no explanation given, needed or should be expected.)
15. Ice cream....or specifically frozen custard. Yum.
16. Tanned skin. As much as my british snow white complexion can be fun....there's something about being tanned that I LOVE. I think i'm a vitamin D addict.
17. Berry picking. So berry fun. (couldnt resist)
18. Dancing in the car with the windows down....hair blowing in the wind.
19. These nude heels I found in payless shoes. Aren't they amazing.
20. Longer hours of daylight. Getting up early in the morning is SO much easier compared to ice & snow and darkness.
21. Being able to go for long bike rides either during the day or in the evening with A. I love being outdoors.
22. Volleyball. So much fun. 
23. Sunglasses. And the way they are permanently a part of everyday outfits. So much so that usually by the end of the summer, I have tan lines from them. (Not liking this part so much!)
24. Forgetting to grab a sweater when leaving the house first thing in the morning, then remembering that its warm out and you don't need it.
25. Remembering that the snow is probably 6 months away. yipppeeeee.

For these reasons, I'm seriously considering declaring myself a westcoast girl. Summer just makes me too happy....it should be a year-round thing.

Leave me a comment and tell me what your reason for enjoying summer is.

Much Love,

L


P.S. I may just be wanting an iphone because I want to use Instagram so badly. I even downloaded the app onto my ipod touch, but don't use it. Sigh. Anyone want to buy me one with a free plan ;)?

Life, A story worth Living.

This past weekend we got to attend two grad parties.

This is a relatively new thing for me these last few years.

In England, no-one has Grad parties. 

But I do love the exciting anticipation that surrounds graduation, whether it be from college or high-school.

That elated feeling of wondering where the Lord will take you next. 

The slightly scary part of not-knowing.

Then feeling the need to trust Him.

And relearning the need to trust with every difficult situation.

There's something about this time of year which holds much promise.

Something so exciting about all the change in plans of so many people.

Even since leaving school, this time of year has continued to hold so many exciting changes. 

I have been able to see the Lord answer so many prayers from Springtime through graduation.

Visa provisions, places to live just being provided, job provisions. 

He never fails to amaze me.

But then again....

the provisions are there throughout the year.

Maybe I am just better at seeing them at this time of year.

I feel like life is a bit like a story.

With many plot changes occuring at this beautiful time of year.

This year promises to be the same.

A big move coming up.

And praying for breakthrough in several other areas.

The only thing I hope as time goes by.....

is that the story my life continues to tell.....

is one where the main character is Jesus,

and Not me.

That others see Him through my life & not me.

Then it will be a story worth living.

Much Love,

L