In my element-BlogSugar 11

God gave me confidence in Him to be bold, to carry His love and encouraging side with me to BlogSugar.
He gave me the ability to set aside my insecurities. I'd be fibbing if I said a group of women, all fashioney and smelling like Chanel, weren't intimidating, but we all shared a common bond in that what we are doing--through our writing and inspiring and connecting--brings hope to hearts.

I was blessed in a million ways by those women. I felt fully embraced, at home around women who's lives I read about on a regular basis. Faces to words. Hearts to messages. I learned about an organization I'm praying about becoming involved in. I learned that California can be foggy, drizzly, and cool (remember my spray tan? I thought it'd be hot). I was reminded that blogging must especially be about the Lord and furthering His kingdom. Seeds were planted in women's hearts and I sense the buds will rise from the soil earlier than we all suspect.

Jesus does stuff like that. Smiles while we spend an hour applying makeup knowing that later in the day He will touch us in a way that cries it all off.

In traveling alone, I faced some challenges that I'll avoid next year. But for now, let's get to pictures!L to R, Ashley and I, Casey and I, Danielle and I

L to R, Katy and I at California Pizza Kitchen, Mel/Heather/Katy, Danielle and I, Cherish and I at California Pizza Kitchen

L to R, Aly, Me, Sarah, Jamie, then Heather and I

For gorgeous pics by the talented Ruthanne click here.
For other BlogSugar stories, click here.

And if you were wondering what I (with the help of precious friends) made for the swag bags:Cute fabric brooches! Big fat thank you to all my friends who helped cut circles, etc til 2am!Consider going next year; it's a precious, and sweet, opportunity.