influence.

There are a lot of reasons that people blog. To share their family stories, to document a trip, to give style ideas or tips, to share recipes, to voice opinions, and the list I'm sure could continue. When I started this blog, my intention was to provide some of my favorite recipes and random moments in our lives. While I have done that some, I have not exactly stuck with the food theme and that is ok. You see, God has placed it on my heart to post more about Him and what He is doing in my life. Not just on this blog but in the social media world. Social media can get a bad reputation, and there are definitely times that it is abused, but there are also times that it can be so positive. I've tried to make it a point to "like" or "follow" people or groups that point me & others to Jesus. When my Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook feed is full of scripture, encouragement, and love, I can't help but be uplifted and want to share that with others. Sure, you may have moments that you feel you need to vent, or post about "that" person in the grocery store, or complain about the crazy weather or traffic. But if we made more of a point to post about the positives in life--and I believe there is always a positive, always a blessing to be thankful for-- would we not be encouraging each other more? There have been several times that I felt I needed to post a specific prayer request because I knew that my friends would pray with me. There have also been a few times when I felt convicted about a post I was going to do that I later would have wished I hadn't. There are just simply some things that should be left off of social media, handled in private, or just not even acknowledged. I don't ever want to seem like I have everything together or that I am some Pollyanna person all the time. I do strive to keep my focus on God, which then leads to a better attitude. But that is His work in me, not anything that I do. I have my own struggles as well. Selfishness, insecurities, worries, and more. I have learned that when I fill my mind with God's Word, that those struggles are so much easier to battle using the armor He provides (Ephesians 6).

So all of this is to say, I am wanting my social media outlets to be an influence for Christ. I want God to use my posts to speak to people. I want to be held accountable for what I do and say. A sweet, new friend recently called me and told me about the The Influence Conference. It is a weekend conference for bloggers & social media lovers to learn, share, and fellowship with others who are after the same goal: to make much of Jesus. It didn't take much for Brittany to convince me that the conference was where I needed to be! After hearing from her, reading more about the weekend, talking with Dustin, and praying for God to direct me where I should go, I felt that signing up was what I needed to do! The way He has orchestrated the whole thing is amazing! I am so excited to learn more from some women who have been an incredible influence in my life recently, share what God has done in my life, and meet some new friends as well! If this sounds like something you would be interested in, I encourage you to check out the link to the conference website!

A little over three months ago, Dustin and I lived in Kentucky. I was brand new to blogging. I didn't know Brittany. I had read a little bit of the She Reads Truth devotional plans but not consistently. I had never heard of the Influence Network. As we were moving, I felt in my heart more of a pull to have a structured quiet time. I picked back up on the devotional plans. I met Brittany and then she told me about the Influence Conference. I am fully convinced that God has orchestrated the whole thing and I'm so thankful. If you would have told me 4 months ago that all of this would be happening, I am not sure that I would believe you. I wanted to post recipes-- I still do & will (I have a great one that I can't wait to share!). But I want this blog to be more than that. I want to be more than that. My prayer is still to share God's goodness. For Him to use this blog and me for His glory, not mine. I have thought about deactivating my social media accounts to get rid of the gossip, inappropriate posts, negativity, etc. But then I reconsidered. Social media can be used for a much greater purpose-- to reach so many more people with the love of Christ, to encourage, to support, to pray with and for people, and to share God's Word. So that's my intention. Yes, I want to share random parts of our lives. I think God loves us in those random, special moments too! I want to share our favorite recipes that have allowed us to taste His goodness. But more than anything, I want to share His love and truth because it has changed my heart and life. At the end of the day, His Influence is what matters most.

Have a blessed day & be an influence!