Top Ten Takeaways from 2:1

(Photo Courtesy of Jamie Worley)

 

It has now been over a week since I got home from the Titus 2:1 Conference, so yes, this conference wrap-up post is a little overdue. Better late than never, I’m hoping!

So in no particular order, here are ten of the things I took home with me from this “homeschool conference for bloggers,” or “blogging conference for homeschoolers.” And trust me, there are more than just these ten!

 

(Photo Courtesy of Jamie Worley)

• In Ashely Pichea’s “Blogging as a Business” session, we were encouraged to develop a business strategy that “…grows your blog, blesses your family, and gives God the glory.”
• In this same session, Ashley made sure we realized that blogging formulas don’t work for everyone in the same way. Better to let God have room to work in the way he wants as we are obedient and open to his leading.

(Photo Courtesy of Jamie Worley)

• Rachael Carman’s session was entitled “Time for Encouragement” and was a treasure trove of practical wisdom about encouragement. I am so glad I went to this one! I wrote three full pages of notes. I’ll try to condense them into a few points. 🙂 She began by defining encouragement using these five words: inspiration, persuasion, stimulation (to action), help, and admonition.
• We were given great how-to encouragement ideas, a run-down of who it is that needs our encouragement, and finally, six things on which to base our encouragement: the truth of God’s word, faith in God’s plan, trust in God’s sovereignty, dependence on God’s faithfulness, focus on the cross of Christ, and the hope of salvation. (If you are interested in more of my notes from this amazing session, let me know in the comments and I’ll send them to you!)

(Photo Courtesy of Jamie Worley)

• From this lovely panel of ladies we were reminded that as bloggers, if we want to work with brands, we must be professional and follow through with commitments made, be relational and committed to building relationships, and offer quality writing and content.

(Photo Courtesy of Jamie Worley)

• Rebecca Keliher’s keynote session was all about time management, which is something I struggle with, so I tried to pay very close attention to her tips and suggestions! And they were good! She talked about four main areas on which to focus when you want to create a time management plan that works for you: naming priorities, establishing boundaries, adjusting your schedule, and considering productive strategies (like asking for help!). Of course, there’s a whole lot more that went with each of those main areas!

 

Now for a few other thoughts:

• It is so much fun that when I meet a blogger friend in person, we already have so much to talk about!

 

•  I knew I loved these two (Aurie Good and Rebecca Brandt) before we roomed together at the conference, but after spending the weekend with them, I can truly see how much God has blessed me by putting them in my life. True friends.
• I got to experience several “divine appointments” over the course of the weekend, both with people I had met before and with new friends, and they were such a tangible reminder of God’s love and care for me.
• When there’s chocolate and fun friends around, it’s amazing how long one can go on very little sleep!

 

I want to say a special THANK YOU to my two sponsors for this conference–Progeny Press and Homeschool Blogging! It was a pleasure to represent them, and I’m grateful for their help in making it possible to attend.

 

 

 

(I’m linking up with Angie at Many Little Blessings today for Top Ten Tuesday)