On Saturday morning, I dropped my big boys off at our local homeschool conference, then drove 30 minutes west to a stranger’s house in a smaller town.
There, I met two more strangers (who were long-time friends), who had driven 30 minutes east.

The purpose of the meeting: To get acquainted with each other and view and discuss a webcast that was part of a women’s conference, (in)RL. The conference was hosted by the bloggers of (in)courage, a division of Day Spring.

The brave friend (no longer a stranger), who hosted this meet-up signed up to do so months ago. I, on the other hand, registered three days before the event. I had checked the registration page every time it was mentioned in the blog, but just couldn’t seem to commit.
The problem: sheer fear. I finally clicked the register button because I knew it was now or never (or least next year). And how discouraging would it be to offer to host, only to have your offer rejected.

The morning flew by as we shared our stories. We are all mothers, have all been through trials of different types and all love Jesus. We all agreed that we would like to do this again.
New friends. A new community. Centered around Jesus.

New friends.
Photo credit: Our hostess’ kind daughter.

The key quote from the conference was:
“When I heard women speak and share stories that were so authentic and pouring from their hearts, immediately I felt my own defenses just melt away.”
– Michele-Lyn, @LifeSurrendered

A quick review of the webcast:
I watched the Friday night part on my own and we watched part of the Saturday session together. Some of it was good, some helpful, some not-so-much, all-in-all, a bit dis-jointed. It just didn’t seem to flow well. The new friends and fellowship were definitely the highlight. You know, I think that was the point.

The key scripture was:

Philippians 2:1-4 NIV

“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”