Have you ever just ran and ran and ran and never stopped?
I am there.
I am not talking about Forrest Gump- esque running activity here.
We are talking about me and I have not pretended to be a runner since a very poor athletic stint on the track team in the 9th grade…just sayin’
No, I am referring to pushing yourself and those around you to the point beyond exhaustion and ya all look up and say, “Dude, how did we get here?” kind of running?
We are there.
And by we, I mean my little family.
Puddie and I made certain sacrifices over the last couple years to get to a point where we would both have careers that we enjoyed and more time to spend with each other and Miss Add.
God blessed those sacrifices immensely.
From our work dynamics to our availability to be there for each other and Miss Add have changed dramatically and we both find ourselves in jobs we love.
However, when you find yourself with your nose to the grind stone… to do a good job… to work hard and make sure you earn your right to keep that job you love, sometimes you look up and realize that what is most important has sat on the back burner for too long…
It has been evident for weeks (maybe even months) that we need to recharge as a family, yet as I look at the calendar or rather the four calendars I had to create to keep track of who is coming and going — when and where– I just saw no way to take a pause and say “Hi, I know you ;)”
Then I started looking at a large block of time that I had set aside to attend Relevant, my third blogging conference this year. Puddie had taken the time off to watch Add during that time. A while back we had decided to have Puddie and Add come along and we would try to do a little road trip over to DC after the conference.
But, truth be told, as I looked at my family’s needs and this time that we had set aside on the calendar, it just didn’t seem like the best use of this rare resource. It also seemed unfair to ask my family to sit in a hotel and wait for moments of my time, when I knew that at this time we needed those moments together.
I originally sought out Relevant for a very personal/spiritual reason beyond my desire to enrich my blogging skills and hang out with my much loved blogging buds.
Ironically (or perhaps not so ironically) over the last month or so, God has not only brought peace to that area of my life, He has shown me a whole new world that has fundamentally changed my walk in a very positive way.
So after prayer and talking it over with Puddie, I cancelled my hotel reservations today and felt a huge sigh of relief.
And, while I am sure there are a lot of people that would be willing to purchase my registration ticket, instead, I want to pass along the blessing and give it away here at random.
Please use the widget below to enter to win the ticket. If you are viewing this over email or feed, please visit the blog to be able to view the widget.
About Cris
I am the mama behind GOODEness Gracious and the owner of Cris Goode Solutions. Here at GOODEness Gracious, we like to keep it light and fun as we cook up family meals, share our super mommy secrets and chat it up about the GOODe life:) So come on in and sit a spell.
Funkyfaithgirl says
I tweeted about the giveaway @funkyfaithgirl
MommaTaderDoodles says
I am already going to Relevant, thanks to Cassie, my wonderful friend and sponsor. I am entering for my sister Katie. I can not begin to express how beneficial I believe Relevant would be for her personally and spiritually.
[email protected] says
i was really wanted to go to this as I’ve never been to a blogger conference before.
no tickets left so I thought I was out of “luck” so to speak! Hope I win! I’d love to go!
[email protected] says
I was sitting here at midnight unable to sleep and praying that the Lord opened up a way for me to attend this conference when a tweet popped up on my tweetdeck leading me to your blog! Of course that tweet is from someone else who probably is praying the same prayer :). I literally live less than 15 minutes away from where Relevant takes place. I can’t believe I didn’t register in time to attend. I am a Christian and I am a blogger with a successful blog, but I have never been to a blog conference, and I know I’ve been missing out. I know many of the bloggers and speakers who will be in attendance and it would be such a blessing to be among them. Thank you for your gracious gift to one of us.
Angie Tolpin says
I have been wanting to go to this conference the past 2 years, but last year I had a nursing 2.5 month old and the year before was on bedrest and in the hospital bc of morning sickness (with my 6th baby). This year is the first year I am not pregnant or nursing… lol… so I can come!
I have a blog that I started a few years ago called “Leaving a Legacy” http:/www.angietolpin.blogspot.com & I have struggled over the years, as we all have I’m sure, with the vision for my blog. I really need the time to be inspired, and hear what the Lord’s Vision for this ministry is. The thought of learning from some more experienced Christian bloggers, on topics such as “how the keep their family “priorities” straight with scheduling ,” “html wisdom,” “design,” and “struggling with fearing man.”
Another bonus highlight for me at the conference year is that one of my dearest “real life” friends is a speaker at the conference, and I SO want to go and support her. She is normally a Missionary in Indonesia so I don’t get the opportunity to see her face -to face very often.
Jacque Watkins says
Thank you for your giving spirit in desiring to bless another…I would count it such a privilege to get to attend…blessings to you!
Saidah Washington says
What an amazing opportunity. Thanks for sharing your obedience to God and your wisdom in putting your family as your first priorities. Good luck in getting your focus back and thanks for this wonderful giveaway.
Lauren G. says
I want to go to Relevant 2011 so badly! I missed being able to purchase a ticket, and since it is only a few hours away from me I would LOVE to meet other Christian bloggers. I want to see the Lord use my through my blog and want to meet others that feel the same way.