Sweet Home Santa Barbara

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

5 People I Can't Wait to Meet at Influence!

So, you probably already know that I'm going to Influence Conference next week. And, you probably already know that I'm crazy excited to meet so many of my closest blog friends 
IN REAL LIFE. 

But today, I want to showcase 5 peeps that I am especially excited to meet. Why am I excited to meet these gorgeous ladies? Because in my 2+ years of blogging, they have each poured into me a whole lot. They've shared wisdom, encouraged me, supported me, and spurred me on. And I can't wait to hug em' IN REAL LIFE. Yeah, it deserves to be in CAPS again.

So in no particular order, I give you 

5 People I Can't Wait to Meet at Influence!

One // Annie from What She Saw


Annie will be picking me up from the airport, and she is already braced for the hug that is awaiting her. The two of us will be road-tripping from Chicago to Indy, and will be bringing ourselves straight on back after the conference for some #chicagodoublea* action.

*See what I did there?

Two // Kerrie from The Williams Post
 
 Words cannot express how much this girl has influenced me. The first few posts I ever wrote about Jesus were for her link up. I figured I could devote one day a week to getting outside of my comfort zone, into that scary place of mentioning the word "Jesus" on my blog. 
 
It's crazy to remember how much the Lord has grown me since starting this blog. I really did used to be afraid of saying things like "Jesus" or "Holy Spirit," and now those words seem to fearlessly flow off my tongue. I'm thankful for that, that the Lord has helped me see that often times, the things I'm afraid of aren't so scary after all. 
 
Kerrie's blog inspired me. Her link ups gave me the push I needed to start talking about what the Lord was doing in my life. And her friendship has never ceased to bless me off the charts. 
 
Sooo basically, yeah, I'm pretty excited to meet this girl. :)
 
 Three // Erin from Sweetness Itself
 
 This girl has an incredibly beautiful heart that inspires me so darn much. Being a fellow Southern California girl, I'm sure we could talk for hours about In N Out and the traffic on the 405 freeway and Reality and how gosh darn lucky we are to live here.

Her passion for purity gave me the courage to write about my own heart for purity, and I can't wait to talk to this lovely lady more about this topic. 
 
Four // Katie from Unfading Grace
 
 This girl always blesses me with the sweetest encouragement. I am so excited to hug her in person, and I just know that we will have the best conversations. I can't wait to hear more about her family, I feel like I learn so much about marriage and parenthood from reading her honest and beautiful posts.

Five // Courtney from Splendid Actually
 
 Courtney has the sweetest spirit, one that I know will just be so contagious in person. We've been social media friends for quite some time now, covering all of our bases with blogs, twitter & instagram. It's most definitely time to take this friendship to the next level, sealing the deal with an in person hug. 
 
And I can. not. wait!

There are sooo many others that I'm dying to meet, but just wanted to give a special shout out to some women who have greatly encouraged, blessed and just plain old loved on me over the last few years. 
 
Happy Humpday!
 

11 comments:

Shannon Q. said...

I am soo excited you're able to go to this!! Next year for me for sure! and only a few weeks for us :)

courtney {splendid actually} said...

Oh, my sweet friend. Can't wait to hug you. xo

Mandy Ford Art & Illustration said...

Great list! Courtney is actually going to be one of my roomies...I can't wait to meet her too! :)

katie_shannon said...

Oh sweet girl how you bless & encourage me, I cannot wait to hug you!!!! I just started reading Kerrie's blog recently and have been so encouraged. Love Annie, even if she is from that blue and maize state. And Erin, she definitely blesses me. She has such a way of reminding me how precious I am to Jesus.

Erin James said...

You are so so sweet, girl. I am really looking forward to meeting you and just so thrilled about this!!! I cannot wait! You have been one of the biggest encouragements to me this year in so many ways. Love you!!

. said...

That is so exciting! oh, and when Annie takes you to Indy, that means you can cross it off your bucket list. I'm amazed how you are keeping up with your goals, it is so inspiring!!

Thanks again for the email!! You are the best!! ❤

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing these! I read three of their blogs, but thank you for introducing me to two new people to meet! Have fun at Influence!

xo, gina

Anonymous said...

um, chicago is just NOT EVEN READY for us. but me and my very-soon-to-be purchased Nikes are ready for YOU!

Annie said...

1. i hate when i forgot i'm logged in my anniewiltse email instead of my actual blogger account and then go and comment on a post.

2. i'm laughing at the fact that you talked about you and erin talking about THE 405 because that is a west coast thing. we will not be driving THE 94 or THE 80 next weekend! it's just 94 and 80. haha.

Julie said...

SO excited for you to meet all these amazing ladies! I'll definitely be stalking instagram and twitter that whole weekend :)

Susannah said...

Yay!!! I'm going to have to check these girls out - and become a part of the Influence Network! :-)