a blogger celebration!

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up,

just as in fact you are doing.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11

A couple of years ago, I got an email from the great and talented Ashley Brooke introducing me to a friend of hers in Orlando named Courtney DeFeo. Courtney was the creator of these adorable ABC Scripture Cards and was the honest, loving writer behind Lil Light O’ Mine.

After the introduction, I emailed Courtney and a friendship began. I quickly learned that Courtney is most passionate about her kids and helping other families bring God’s word into their homes. And encouraging moms and loving on others is one of her greatest gifts.

Last week, Courtney and I finally got to meet face to face! Her ABC Scripture Cards were making their debut at market at America’s Mart, and Courtney used that event as a reason to host all of the women who contribute to her blog for a good old-fashioned Southern brunch.

I was planning to be in Atlanta for market that week anyway, as I go every year with my mom and her best friends. So the timing worked out perfectly! I drove to Atlanta on Thursday morning, and made my way to Katie’s parents’ beautiful home.

The minute I walked into this house I could feel it. The encouragement. The gratefulness. The love. The support. The common thread of the Holy Spirit and sweet, energetic Courtney who brought us all together.

In the midst of one of the biggest moments for her ABC Scripture Cards, Courtney wanted to take time out to personally thank these women, and to stop a give the glory to God and ask His help as we all go forward and strive to encourage other moms.

We gathered around a stunning table, and the ice broke quickly as we all connected the dots and realized how much we had in common. Or, in my case, got crazy excited to get to meet some of my favorite bloggers and entrepreneurs in person. And these women are the real deal. Every one of them. Tara and Jennifer and Ashley and Kelli and Paige. And everyone else there.

These are the moments when I realize that no matter how silly blogging can seem some days and how we can focus on the pettiness of so much of it, this is what makes it worth it. The connection. The purpose behind it all. And putting Jesus first. And when you meet other women who get it, too, I just know that God is bigger. God did all of this.

Courtney went around the room and told stories about how she knew each woman there. I cried, others cried. We laughed and giggled and squealed. We heard stories of redemption and restoration and stories of true, sacrificial friendship.

The talented Laurie Byrne (of @lboriginals) made these precious favors for each of us. So sweet! And so cute!

I’ve had the privilege this summer to come together with a group of women that could only be put together by the Heavenly Father. Sure, Courtney knew us all, and invited us all. But over years and years, God put all of these people in her life to get us to that morning last Thursday. We came together at the end of the delicious meal to pray. We prayed for the moms who read our blogs and who come to Courtney’s blog looking for encouragement. We prayed for the stores that will be carrying the ABC Scripture Cards, and that the cards will find their way into homes and God’s word will be present there.

I’ve mentioned already on here that I’m participating in a summer study with my friend Ellen. Together, we’re reading A Beautiful Purpose by Susie Larson. (Read this book, friends! Seriously.) The greatest thing about this, though, is the group of people that Ellen has put together. It felt so random when we first started, but it is absolutely not random.

I know that Ellen prayed for each of us and prayed for this group, and I have been so touched by each and every one of them. It’s a heart connection that only comes from God.

In this season of my life, with a hard-working husband who loves us so much but feels the demands of being the bread winner, and two spirited, wild little boys who thrive from getting all of my attention and being in this season of waiting on our home, my friends have meant so much to me. They all know who they are, but I am so very grateful for them. For the connection, for the encouragement, and for the common thread of Jesus.

My prayer is that each of you reading this have these relationships in your life, as well. Internet friends. Church friends. College roommates and high school friends. School drop-off friends and the moms of your kids’ friends. We all need encouragement, and each day we can all pour into others and they pour into us.

Thank you, Courtney, for such a beautiful day, and for showing us all how to build ’em up.

(*And thank you to Paige for some of the pictures!)