Facing fears at Blog Sugar.

I didn't know what to expect at Blog Sugar.
I honestly tried not to think about, because the more I thought about it, the more I would have to think about the whole speaking thing.
Deep breath.

But it was a beautiful, inspiring, part of a full, beautiful inspiring weekend.
My house was filled with some of my favorite friends, doing my favorite thing, sitting around my kitchen table, talking, eating, laughing, crying from laughing, crying from crying.  So, so, so, so good.
They get my crazy.  
They encouraged me.
They loved on my baby boy.
They saved me from a panic attack when the thought of the evening became just too much.
They prayed for me.

Because of that I was able to stand up with a shaky smile in front of these women.
These women who want to use their blogs, their words, their passions, their gifts, for something bigger than themselves.
I pray that God's love shined through me in spite of me.
That they were able to find some sort of encouragement, some sort of challenge, through my words.
That their blogs are about so much more than they know.  That the ripples of what they share will extend so much further than they could ever dream of.
That they each have a very powerful voice.  Whether they have 10 followers or 10,000, what they write matters.

Each and every one of them were worth facing my fears for.
So worth it.

I can't wait to see what the future holds.

Over the next week or so I want to share what was on my heart that night.  What I learned.  What I wished I said.

Until then, visit the many beautiful recap posts on the Blog Sugar site.


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20 Comments

  1. karamuranoSeptember 27, 2011 at 4:39 PM

    thank you for sharing your wisdom at blog sugar, it was such a blessing to me. I really appreciate your openness and encouragement to realize the power and privilege it is to blog for His glory!

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  2. NancySeptember 27, 2011 at 5:32 PM

    Even though, I was so late for registration and missed signing up for your panel, I know that the Lord was with you and led you. I am so glad I was able to give you a hug and man-handle that sweet accessory/baby of yours. Delightful. Looking forward to seeing you at the next one. This time, I will be punctual with my registration. I promise! :)

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  3. ragamuffinbeautiesSeptember 27, 2011 at 6:03 PM

    Can't wait for more...heard wonderful things I already knew about you my dear sweet friend. Dreaming for the day I get to hang with you and your sweet family! XO

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  4. SelinaSeptember 27, 2011 at 6:04 PM

    Well done! I'm glad you made it through!

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  5. KristenSeptember 27, 2011 at 6:13 PM

    i thought you did a great job and did not seem nervous at all. your session with jeannett definitely challenged me. i loved how you ladies shared your hearts. you girls were rock stars!

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  6. Jessica JohnsonSeptember 27, 2011 at 6:43 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  7. Jessica JohnsonSeptember 27, 2011 at 6:45 PM

    it was a privilege to pray for you. i think that's why God had the dry bar folks forget my free mimosa. or 32. also a privilege to stay at your home, julie.

    and you did awesome at the event. just like i knew you would. i learned so much from you. but more from your actions throughout the entire weekend than your words for those few minutes. which is the way it should be. love you, friend. xxoo

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  8. Heather @ Life Made LovelySeptember 27, 2011 at 7:58 PM

    my heart was stirred that night too.
    makes me cry just typing about it.
    you and jeannett both inspired me and lifted me up. you are a blessing to me. -xo

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  9. Andee FlynnSeptember 27, 2011 at 8:51 PM

    I am so grateful that you got past your fear and stepped out. You inspired me big time! Your words touched my heart and I know you touched the hearts of every woman who heard you.
    So grateful for all you shared!
    xo
    Andee
    "cookies & juice"

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  10. Mrs. PancakesSeptember 27, 2011 at 9:47 PM

    it sounds like you did an incredible job at the event! can't wait to read more about your experiences

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  11. Rags to Stitches BlogSeptember 27, 2011 at 10:07 PM

    You did an amazing job and it was so inspiring to hear you speak, to love on your son, to hear your encouraging words and see you face your fears. Thank you for being willing to share your heart with us.

    And, Um, EEK My picture is on your blog!!! holla!!
    xoxo,
    Alissa

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  12. Ingrid @ thesunnyside.meSeptember 28, 2011 at 6:46 AM

    you did such a wonderful job...touched all our hearts in huge ways. having shane strapped on you made it that much better....talk about being totally authentic (it was so precious).

    thanks for the sweet hug when i arrived. really sweet of you...

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  13. Kendra @ Domestic Princess in TrainingSeptember 28, 2011 at 9:33 AM

    Let me just say you are super woman!

    A new little one at home and you still found the time to speak at Blog Sugar AND you still post on your blog.

    I LOVE IT!!!!

    Yay for being a super hero!

    Kendra aka "Domestic Princess in Training"

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  14. Erin BurnsSeptember 28, 2011 at 11:01 AM

    Your talk was a true joy. You did great! So, blessed to call your home "home" for the weekend. I had so much fun, got my baby fix, and learned so much. I'm reminded that I am blessed to have you in my life, and that you have true GIFTS of humility, hospitality, and humor. LOVE YOU!

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  15. KacieSeptember 28, 2011 at 11:29 AM

    you're so great Julie. love you to bits.

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  16. UnknownSeptember 28, 2011 at 11:55 AM

    I am so bummed I never even heard about this event. Wished I could have seen you.

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  17. StacySeptember 28, 2011 at 12:02 PM

    I am a first time reader to your blog today...Love what I see...Can't wait to hear more about the glorious Blog Sugar...Hope I get to attend next year...

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  18. Heather @ Glitter and GlossSeptember 28, 2011 at 12:11 PM

    You were beyond amazing!

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  19. DeniseSeptember 28, 2011 at 9:47 PM

    julie,
    jesus poured out of you.
    i admired your humility.
    i was inspired by your story.
    you reaffirmed what i knew, but doubted~it doesn't matter what i blog, God is glorified. look at how he has been glorified because of a tutorial!
    and i NEEDED to hear that my blog is so much more than i know. and i needed to be nudged to give God my blog and say what do you want to do with it, what do You want to say to the 10 or 10,000?
    i'm seriously EXCITED about what He has ahead.
    thank you so much for facing your fears for His sake.

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  20. grey rose (they/them)October 1, 2011 at 1:56 PM

    thank you so much for sharing at blog sugar!! the lord is so good and i was super blessed through you! xo

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