I’ve just finished my first full day here at Relevant ’10. I’ll be honest that I wasn’t exactly sure about how this conference would go. My very first blog conference was BlogHer ’10, and in that case, I felt like a very small fish (or maybe even a tadpole) in a big pond. I was almost overwhelmed by all of the events and activities – I didn’t even make it to the Expo Hall.
I suspected that Relevant ’10 would be very different. First, it’s target audience is women just like me (although if the other women are also occassionally moody and have a weird thing about color coding their closets, that is purely coincidence.) The Relevant Conference is about bringing Christian, women bloggers together to fellowship, learn, and grow from each other. Within the first 20 minutes of dinner, I was already talking to fellow bloggers (shoutouts to Gen, Jane, Heather, and Melissa) and discussing the always hot topic of monetizing your blog with Jennifer from Balancing Beauty and Bedlam.
Day 2 was just as fulfilling even though I only made it to one session. (Sometimes my body insists on sleeping in when I’m traveling…maybe it’s because it doesn’t get enough rest while at home.) I listened to Angie and Serena share their thoughts about blogging authentically, and in the middle of that session – it hit me. I want to blog more about the Lord. I was sitting in a room filled with women who are courageous enough to put their faith out there for the world to see (or read), without fear. It is time for me to join their ranks even more.
It’s time to bring this blog back to where it was intended to go. You can’t have a blog called “Walking in Christ” and not talk about Christ. Sure I’ve written a story here and there, but my heart tells me that it’s time to step it up a level. I’m sharing all of this with you to ask for your help to reach my goal. Hopefully within the next week I’ll have a plan – something along the lines of 1 Mustard Seed each week, 1 Biblical post each week, or 1 faith-filled post each week. Once I figure it all out, I’ll let you know what the plan is and I humbly ask that you all hold me accountable. If I haven’t stuck to my plan, I give you full permission to email or drop a comment reminding me the I forgot to post a Christ-based post.
I’m not naive to think that all of my readers come for my prose – I know that many are here purely for giveaways, which I will still do. Giveaways are great blessings both you and me. I know that some of you heavily rely on giveaway items to help with incidentals or to pay for gifts, and I’m blessed that this blog can help in any way to provide that relief. But, in addition to entering to win some food, if someone is able to stop by and pick up a good word, a prayerful thought, or is able to smile after reading a cheesy joke, then I will be happy.
All of this is to say – I’m excited. I’m really, really excited about the things that are to come, and I hope you all enjoy the journey along with me.
Peace and Blessings,
Miriam
Debbie says
October 24, 2010 at 8:17 amSo glad to read your thoughts on the Relevant conference. I had hoped to attend but couldn’t so I look forward to lessons learned.
Miriam T. says
October 24, 2010 at 9:50 pmI definitely plan on sharing some of the things I learned. I’ve got a notebook filled with blog post ideas ranging from how to get free filtered water to how to deal with criticism. Stay tuned!
Kaira says
October 24, 2010 at 6:43 pmI’m excited about this community post-Relevant as well. )
Miriam T. says
October 24, 2010 at 9:49 pmThanks so much! Glad to know that not all of my readers will be scared away. 🙂
Kristy K says
October 25, 2010 at 3:56 pmHey! Thank you for the great post! I agree… things are just so different now. I can’t wait to put it into words, but I’m not sure if I can. 🙂
Miriam T. says
October 25, 2010 at 11:41 pmI know what you mean, Kristy – it’s like how do express a conviction of heart with mere words? I guess all we can do is try!
Amomentcherished says
October 25, 2010 at 11:15 pmI just love reading everyone’s thoughts on the conference. I wasn’t able to attend, but still get a glimpse of it through your blogs!
Miriam T. says
October 25, 2010 at 11:42 pmGlad our blogs can help fill you in. Hopefully there will be one next year!
Monica says
October 26, 2010 at 1:14 amgood for you! giveaways are fun, but that’s not the only best part of blogging. sharing your faith is worth it.
Miriam T. says
October 26, 2010 at 3:48 amThanks for your support Monica!
Natalie at Mommy on Fire says
October 26, 2010 at 5:38 pmGood for you, Miriam! It is always so much lighter to go back to Him – I’m always amazed that when I realign my priorities, my life feels so much less stressful leaving me to wonder why I get off the path to begin with.
I didn’t get the chance to meet you – I’m sorry about that! I will definitely be a yearly attendee – it was amazing!
Miriam T. says
October 28, 2010 at 2:21 amI plan on being a yearly attendee too, so hopefully next year! 🙂
MomLife Today says
October 27, 2010 at 11:49 pmI’m so glad to read your words here and to know the conference blessed you as it did me. I can’t wait to see how God uses you in this space!
Blessings,
Katie
Miriam T. says
October 28, 2010 at 2:22 amI can’t wait to see what comes out as well. It’s a matter of taking a moment and asking the Lord “what do you want me to write today?” It should be an adventure.
Traci Michele says
October 29, 2010 at 6:27 pmRelevant was wonderful! I wrote about it too. I just followed your blog. I hope there is a Relevant 11, don’t you? Hop on over, I’m having a week full of amazing giveaways( GUSSY, Vintage Pearl, DownEast Basics, and more!)
Love,
Traci @ Ordinary Inspirations: http://www.ordinaryinspirations.blogspot.com
Lindsey @ A New Life says
October 30, 2010 at 4:49 pmRelevant was life-changing and soul-filling for many of us. I pray your weekly faith posts bless many~
Lindsey