Why I am NOT going to the Relevant Conference 2011....

If you have followed my blog for any amount of time, you know that absolutely LOVED the Relevant Conference in Harrisburg, PA last year. The speakers were amazingly encouraging and challenging. The hotel was beautiful. The food was delicious. And, most of all, I was thrilled to change so many of online friendships into real life ones.

I've had Relevant '11 on my calendar since the date was announced shortly after last years conference. I've been saving money, seeking sponsors, and following the #Relevant11 Twitter feed faithfully. I've had my husbands blessing (and urging) to attend again! I couldn't wait.

But.........

In early February, I learned of another big event happening in October only a week or two before Relevant, and I suddenly had a scheduling conflict!
Normally, I debate back and forth when these types of conflicts occur, but this decision was an easy one. I would NOT be heading to Relevant this year.

What's the event, you ask?

Yep! That's right! We are happy to announce that our little family will be increasing to a family of four in Mid-October.

I will miss seeing you all there, and I look forward to reading your tweets/blog posts! I'll be cuddling a new little bundle of joy!

*NOTE: If you DO get the opportunity to go, I would highly recommend it! You will be so blessed and encouraged!

Picture Time! (Relevant Recap ~ Part 3).....

So far, I've shared Relevant Conference thoughts, quotes, and scripture with you. Now it's time for you to see the wonderful weekend I experienced!! I apologize in advance for the OVERLOAD of pictures! =)

Our BEAUTIFUL room at the Sheraton 

All of our main sessions were in the beautiful ballroom....

We enjoyed some delicious food!! Especially the desserts......

InCourage provided us with a fun Beach party complete with YUMMY food, fellowship and prizes.....

 Awesome Relevant sponsors - Thanks for the Swag Bags!! 

Thank you SO much to Down East Basics for this adorable dress (the runway show wasn't nearly as terrifying as it could have been) =)

Flickr.com

All of the models.....

Flickr.com

Me and Sarah Mae (one of the Relevant founders)....

Me and Erin....

Michelle, Me, and Todd Smith who blessed us w/ his music on Friday night.....

It was simply amazing to meet and fellowship with these awesome bloggers, writers, and musicians!! It was a weekend I will never forget! 

Don't forget to get your posts ready for tomorrow's Friday Feedback link-up. The question is:

What answers to prayer have you seen lately?

See you then! 

Favorite quotes (Relevant Recap ~ Part 2)....

I didn't know completely what to expect from the Relevant Conference last weekend. If you read my post yesterday, you know some of the areas that I hope to refocus and revamp not only here at A Steady Rain, but also in my walk with the Lord in general!
Today, I want to share some of my favorite quotes and scriptures from the Relevant speakers, and I think you will find that most of them are challenging to every area of our lives (not just blogging)!

Crystal Paine
Money Saving Mom

*"Anyone can be a successful blogger, but there is only ONE wife to your husband & only ONE mom to your children"


Courtney Joseph
Women Living Well

Jeremiah 45:5
*"And do you seek great things for yourself? Seek them NOT!!"


Sally Clarkson
I Take Joy

*"Integrity of message comes from obedience in life!"


*"It's the living of life not the writing about life that will change the world!"


*"If you don't make God your audience, you'll never please anyone!"


*"Have anchors (times) in your week when you celebrate life!!" (ie...dinner, special dates, etc.)


Angie Smith
Bring the Rain

*"If you don't have a walk with God, you don't have a ministry!"


*"The Lord won't call us to anything that causes us to compromise our family!"


Serena Woods
Grace is for Sinners

*"When you hoard grace, you kill it!"


Ann Voskamp
A Holy Experience

*"God doesn't ask me to be perfect, He asks me to praise!!"


*Matthew 20:26, "Whoever wants to be great must become a servant"


*"The only platform in God's kingdom is an altar!"


*"How is your blog NOT about you?"


I am so thankful for the godly women that spoke at the conference, and I hope that these quotes even got YOU thinking about God's purposes in your life!

Have you heard any challenging quotes or scripture passages lately?

Business Plan (Relevant Recap ~ Part 1)....

I was SO honored to be able to attend the Relevant Conference this past weekend. It exceed my expectations in a big way. As the 1st Christian bloggers conference, I assumed that we would hear Biblically based speakers and enjoy fellowship with other sisters-in-Christ. That DID happen, however, I NEVER expected to be spiritually challenged in so many areas of my life other than blogging! We were challenged to be better wives and mothers, and reminded that any impact from our blogs will come from a close, intimate relationship with our Father.
I have never been to any other blogging conferences, but I would assume that their emphasis would be on "Growing your blog", "Increasing your readership", and "Building a business plan". My experience at Relevant, also gave me a "Business plan" that I want to share with you!
Here is the definition of a "Business plan" according to Wikipedia:


A business plan is a formal statement of a set of business goals, the reasons why they are believed attainable, and the plan for reaching those goals. It may also contain background information about the organization or team attempting to reach those goals.

Business Plan for A Steady Rain

Purpose:

To document the outflow of the Lord's working and love in my life. I pray that others will be encouraged to recognize and appreciate His working in their lives as well! 

Matthew 5:16 ~ 

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Goal:
To glorify the Lord in my entire life including my marriage, parenting, and ministry which will then spill over into my blog writing. 


Audience: 
While I LOVE the community of other bloggers, and appreciate your responses, my approval only comes from ONE person, Jesus Christ.
In the words of Sally Clarkson (one of the Relevant speakers):

"If you don't make God your audience, you'll never please anyone!"

Actions:

*PRAY!! I'm ashamed to say that I have not been consistent in prayer for my blog (and many other areas of my life). I need to develop this time with the Lord not only for requests and needs, but for HIS leading  and quiet guidance in my life. 

*Strive to deepen my relationship with my Jesus! 

*Devote time to family and my marriage FIRST! Blogging should come from an abundant life!

As you may know, I started A Steady Rain with the challenge to myself to write every day for 1 year! I am nearing the end of that year, and I will finish that goal, however I plan to make some changes after November 17. I'll make sure to write about the leading that God is giving me concerning my blog! 

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I still have much to share about the awesome weekend at Relevant. Here's what's coming for the rest of this week.....

Wednesday: My favorite Relevant Conference quotes!

Thursday: Relevant Conference pictures!!

Friday: Your turn...Friday Feedback time with the question, "What answers to prayer have you seen lately? I can't wait to read your posts, and hear how God has been working in your life recently!! 

Finally!!!

My bags are packed.....my laptop is charged.....my surprises are ready for my roomies......my car's gas tank is full.......

I've been waiting since February to turn my online friendships into real-life ones! I'm ready to get/give some hugs, and share some laughs. I'm excited to get a renewed purpose and passion for blogging.

I'm sad to leave my sweetheart and little munchkin, but I know this time away will be extremely beneficial!! 

You won't see any posts from me during the next few days. I want to glean as much as I can from this conference, so my focus will be on taking home TONS of info and developing some sweet real-life friendships! If you are a follower on Twitter, I'll do my best to update throughout the weekend! 

Look here next Tuesday (the 26th) for all the details on this great weekend!!! 

See you soon, friends!! 

What not to wear (Rachel edition)....

As I have mentioned SEVERAL times before....I am heading to The Relevant Conference next month! While I am extremely excited about the conference itself, I'm a little nervous about what to wear! That's why I was ecstatic when I saw the opportunity to possibly win and model an outfit from DownEast Basics (one of the sponsors for the event).

I decide the best way to explain how much I need a new outfit is by sharing with you some major fashion mistakes over the years! Here is:

What NOT to wear: Rachel Edition

#1. Pulling white socks 1/2 way up to the baggy culottes is not very flattering to the calf......

#2. Never choose an EXTREMELY floppy & ugly hat to cover up a bad hair day.....

#3. Simply putting on a hat backwards does NOT automatically make you look cool....

#4. There are too many things going on in this look....curly bangs, huge glasses, tucked-in T-shirt, fancy bracelet, white (uneven socks), and flat tennis shoes....one word: SIMPLIFY!

#5. Dark sunglasses paired with ruffly skirt and HUGE brown shoes don't quite say, "FBI agent".....

#6. Large, highlighter colored sweaters are never flattering...

#7. Just strange!! =)

And finally.....

#8. GREAT hair doesn't necessarily make up for a HIDEOUS sweater! 

As you can see.....I need help!! So hopefully, you'll see me at Relevant in something ALOT cuter like:

 The Sophistication Dress.....

Either way, I'll be excited to see the 5 ladies who win great outfits to model for us at Relevant! Thanks DownEast Basics for a great opportunity, and for a fun walk down memory lane!!