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| https://allume.com/ |
After being home for a couple of days, I finally found the time to sit down and gather my thoughts on Allume, and I decided it best to create a series of posts.
I didn’t expect such a life-changing weekend. I knew learning about blogging and making new friends was on the agenda, but I didn’t expect to take such a strong inventory of my spiritual life or meet such amazing women!
I also couldn’t have asked for better roommates! I had the pleasure of getting to know Mary from The Encouraging Home, Tanya from The HumbleHomemaker, and Erin from The Humbled Homemaker. These women are amazing and walk with the Lord.
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| LtR (Tanya, Mary, Me) |
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| With Erin |
As the weekend progressed, more and more I felt impressed that I’d somehow lost the focus of why I started this blog, and I’d like to use this post to set this blog back on track.
Getting Real
Some have this idea that I have it all together and that “if only they were me,” they could homeschool, have more children, open their homes through hospitality, etc.
First off, those who know me personally can testify that I’m not perfect!There was a time when I prided myself on dressing my children in matching outfits, but after having my fourth child, that only happens twice a year–Easter and Christmas pictures! These days, I’m excited if they’re wearing matching socks and shoes. It’s especially a big deal when my children with sensory issues are even wearing socks and shoes!
While we strive to eat as healthily as possible, please don’t get the idea that my family eats a gourmet, “raw” meal three times a day! Goodness, when we had our “mini-flood” my kitchen was barely usable, and we ate take-out more times than I can count. It’s only by the grace of God that we didn’t get sick during that time!
The point is, I’m going to endeavor to be more real. The problem with blogging is that you only see a glimpse into my life. I only show the best of pictures and events. Why? Because I think that’s what my readers want to see and read, but now I’m getting it! What’s the significance of sharing an idea or a tip for improvement, if I don’t also show that there’s a real imperfect person behind the scenes?
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| With Ann Voskamp, whose words inspired me to be more real. |
It has never been my intention to be popular, but I do pray that this blog grows, not because of me, but because of my desire to build a community of women who can share their struggles and triumphs, especially those women who lack a support system.
My hope is to carry out the Titus 2 model in a world in which social media has become a major platform. Forming relationships within the Christian blogging community has helped me grow personally, and I hope to pass on, to other women, the desire to leave a legacy and minister to their families.
When I first learned that my son could have autism, I felt completely alone and was scared to talk about it with my IRL peers. Sure I read every single book on the topic at the library, but what I needed was a “mommy blog.” I needed to read of a real, live Mama who understood my concerns and could point me in the right direction.
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| A happy reunion with my babies. |
It blesses me when I get your emails that you’ve read something encouraging, and it inspires me to continue. There are days when I wonder what on earth I’m doing and even hear that voice asking, “Who do you think you are? What makes you think you have anything worthy to share?”
But when I receive the notes from moms who felt alone when their children were diagnosed with a “special need” and tell me how they found community; or the woman who wasn’t raised in an environment in which she was encouraged to love her husband and children selflessly and who found a valuable resource on this blog; and even the mama who didn’t have the courage to homeschool who realized that she can indeed teach her children; I receive validation that I’m answering a call.
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| Back home with my man, who looks a little unnerved after my being gone for four days. |
So, when I hear, “Who do you think you are?” In the end, the only answer that’s important is that I respond to the conviction of sharing my experience.
Yes, I’ve grown and changed over the years, and folks often come to me with questions, saying that I offer a wealth of information; but don’t put me on a pedestal. If I ever have the courage to share how far I’ve come, you’ll see that it’s only by God’s grace that I’m able to assist others.
I’m a real, imperfect Mama with a real, imperfect family.
And this is my story.
Sharing with Raising Arrows, Time-Warp Wife, Growing Home, The Modest Mom, GraceLaced, Raising Arrows, The Better Mom, Passionate and Creative Homemaking,Our Simple Country Life, Your Thriving Family, Fingerprints on the Fridge, At the Picket Fence.
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Love this! Looks like you had such an amazing time!!
I did Ashley! And there’s so much more to cover. 🙂 I’ll get it all processed eventually. 🙂
How wonderful to have such a life-changing experience at Allume! Being real can be hard, but I think you’re right. That is most helpful to people. Blessings!
Blessings to you, too, Mandy!! Thanks for visiting!
I love how so many women can be at the same function and take away so many different convictions and ideas.. Our God is so personal and amazing!
I can’t quite put into words what it meant to my heart to have the experience we did as roomies.. I truly love y’all!
I know, Tanya!! And there’s more to come! As for our own experience, our meeting was definitely orchestrated by God! I can’t imagine how different the weekend would’ve been otherwise. 🙂 Blessings!!
It was so an amazing weekend–and I was SO blessed to room with you, Tanya and Mary!! Thanks for sharing your heart! And yes–move to Mville! 🙂
Thanks for visiting, Erin. 🙂 I’ve already told my husband that we need to put Mville in the plans. 🙂
Awesome post! What an encouragement!
Thanks, Jill!! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Great reflections on what you learned, very true and very inspiring for all of us who live and blog to support the community of moms who need someone to “talk” to just like we do!
Renee Gotcher @nextgenhmschool
Thanks, Renee!!! Supporting other moms who lack that support system, is my hope. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by. 🙂 Blessings!
Well said! It was great meeting you at Allume, and i love your blog!
Thanks, Anne!!! Great to meet you, too! 🙂 Have a blessed day! 🙂
I like it! Glad you had a great weekend and learned so much “stuff”! Can’t wait to read more. Blessings!
Thanks, Niki!!! I have a few more serious posts to come, but there’s one that shows the definite loopy side of this Mama. 🙂 Blessings to you, as well. 🙂
That’s why I feel like real life relationships are so important – to keep things in perspective of what we are ACTUALLY accomplishing, and encouraging each other along the way! What a blessing it was to be at Allume and connect with so many IRL. It was a treat to meet you!
MomLaur, yes it was great to meet so many kindred spirits. 🙂
Our “real life” relationships are so important and I have a heart for those women, who for whatever reason, aren’t able to have them, or who are afraid to share their real-life struggles with their real-life friends. What a blessing it is to have kindred spirits in our own community.
I’m happy to be an encouragement however I can. 🙂
Thanks for visiting and blessings to you. 🙂
Great honest post! It’s not easy showing the “real” side of ourselves, it’s much easier putting out the polished stuff. Kudos to you for being real.
Thanks, Alecia! 🙂 Yes, it’s definitely much easier to put out the polished stuff. 🙂 Blessings. 🙂
I loved your take on the weekend. Thank you so much for sharing and linking up at FunkiPlanet.com.
You’re welcome, Debi!!! And thanks for hosting. 🙂
Love the pictures and everything you shared about Alume… it was obviously a great weekend!
I think a lot of bloggers struggle with being “real”. Even if we don’t mean to give an false impression, it’s all too easy to “hide” behind a tidy little screen.
Thanks for these heartfelt thoughts!
Thanks, Kristy! 🙂 I know what you mean! I never hope to give false impression to folks, but I do feel as though some have this impression that I’m better than I actually am.
I really enjoyed reading this post. Allume must have been a real blessing!!
Yes, Judith, we had a great time. 🙂 Thanks for visiting. 🙂 Blessings to you and your family. 🙂
I love what you said here… that you have a “desire to build a community of women who can share their struggles and triumphs, especially those women who lack a support system.” Girlfriend….that is discipleship if I ever read it! Oh, how pleased our Father is by your obedience to follow this leading that he has placed on your heart! Allume is a stronger community because of women like you! So thankful that you’re a part!
Ah, Logan, that means a lot coming from you!
Yes, as I recently wrote to a gentleman, my hope is to carry out the Titus 2 model in a world in which social media has become a major platform. Forming relationships within the Christian blogging community has helped me grow personally, and I hope to pass on, to other women, the desire to leave a legacy and minister to their families.
How great to see you here! Blessings to you and your family. 🙂
I decided to add that last bit to the post. 🙂 I may need to create a new mission statement. 🙂
Thanks for your post. I too felt a challenge to Get Real after Allume. I had been sharing my organization tips but not me. Now that changes. Bless you!
Thanks for visiting, Sheran! And it’s cool to hear someone else had the same inspiration. 🙂
This was a beautiful post. Kind hit me in a couple of places. I know about the not wanting to share photo’s that might not look ‘perfect’. Thanks for helping me see the importance of ‘Real’.
Have a Wonderful Week,
Sherry
Thanks, Sherry. 🙂 So cool to read that others can relate. 🙂 Thanks for visiting. 🙂
Oh my gosh. This is so funny I didn’t mention I have the same thoughs as you about followers etc. and I want people to grow if they visit my blog. I want to be an encouragement and basically all those things you said. I went up to follow you and I saw your at 99. I’ll be 100! The funny thing is I am at 99 followers. I have been planning a special post for my 100. That cracked me up! Well here comes your 100!
Wow! Congrats to you for being the 100th! 🙂 Very cool. 🙂 Off to visit your blog now. 🙂 Thanks again for stopping by. 🙂
Thanks for the inspiring post…what a great day it is when we realize we do not have to be perfect to do this Mom thing!….blessings from your new follower…Nicole