DotMom Conference 2013: Faith, Motherhood, and a Mom-and-Daughter Getaway

The word mom is so simple, yet so powerful. It carries a strength that women can understand on a deep level. Being a mom is the hardest, most fulfilling, exhausting, and joy-filled role I have ever had.

Sometimes I have to remind myself that every blessing begins with surrender. Life does not always go the way I plan, and yet I know God is faithful, even through the unexpected. I do not know what tomorrow will bring, but I do know who is holding it.

Our youngest left his shoes in the middle of the floor again yesterday, and at first, it made me mad. Not simply because the shoes were there, but because I was in a hurry and still half asleep. I did not see them and almost fell. We have talked many times about the importance of putting shoes out of the way, not just to keep things tidy, but to look out for others in our home. Then I remembered that the moments I find most frustrating are often the moments I will look back on and miss the most. One day, when he has grown and moved out, I would miss not seeing those shoes thrown around or the loudness of his feet as he ran around the house. Lord, help me to be patient and joyful, especially in the little things.

Last year, I heard about DOTMOM. It is a Bible conference with some of my favorite authors. You get freebies, there is shopping, there are Bible studies, and it feels like a mini vacation for women. More importantly, it is a gathering of women who share the same beliefs that I do. In Ephesians 4:3 and Ephesians 4:13, it talks about the unity of the Spirit and the unity of faith. I will get there. I am so excited.

It also happens that the event falls on my mother’s birthday, which means a road trip and a mom-and-daughter getaway. Is there really any present that could be better? I do not think so.

This year, the conference is in Chattanooga, Tennessee, which is only about a two-hour car ride for us. It will be held on September 20th and 21st. I am going to miss my hubby and my babies, and I will probably dread seeing the state of the house when I return. I know you are thinking it is just overnight, but if you have ever met my boys, then you would understand. They are extra cute, which is great, because I think God gave them that as a defense mechanism. It is really hard to get onto two cute little boys.

Some of the people I am most excited to see are Angela Thomas and Vicki Courtney. Angela has written some of the best Bible studies. We worked through her Brave study at the beginning of the year in our small group at church, and we are planning to do her Stronger study in September. It just came out, and I am really looking forward to it. Vicki Courtney has some wonderful studies as well. I am not currently doing one of her studies, but I am reading her book, Conversations You Must Have With Your Son

If you are interested in attending, tickets have to be bought by August 28th. You also need to get on the ball about getting a hotel room close by. We are not staying at the hotel by the conference, but one 2 blocks away, which is not bad. Also, please leave me a comment if you are attending. I would love to meet you! Maybe we can even share works in progress cause you know every true yarnie never leaves home without a project :)

Happy Yarning :)