6 Gifts Texas Gave Me…

texas state flag blowing in wind spring

I just returned from spending two nights in Dallas, Texas, last week for Blissdom.  It was a last minute, whirlwind trip that came with too many perks to list, but here some of the gifts Texas gave me while I was away…

quad moms

1. An opportunity to catch up with one of my favorite quad mamas on the planet.

Suz and I go back to when my quadruplets were around 3 months old, and she was on bedrest.  I’m so thankful for God placing her in my life during such an important time, and the ability to keep in touch even when miles and the busyness of life make it challenging.  There is no one who gets you like a fellow quad mama.

spring texas 2013 dogwood trees 

2. A taste of spring.

It’s been a LONG winter in Indiana. Nothing like 9 inches of snow to ring in the new season! I could have cried over the blooming trees, the warmer temps, and the glimpse of new life in Texas that will eventually come north! 

blissdom 2013 alli worthington

3. Brilliant minds and inspiring hearts.

If blogging conferences were only about PowerPoint presentations and swag bags, I would come home empty. Instead, it’s the heartfelt connections with people like Jill, Mary, Lisa, Heather, Cris, Casey, Abby, Stephanie, Tricia, Alli, Barbara, Mandy, Tonya, Ang, Danielle, Ashleigh (I could go on…) that fill me with inspiration and gratitude.

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4. A greater passion to do good in this world.

I nearly finished Jen Hatmaker’s Interrupted during my flights, which stirred me up all the more.  I was a guest of BlissDom Events who invited me to participate in a round table discussion with their partner Johnson & Johnson to discuss the Global Mom Relay{Share a post and unlock a $5 donation from Johnson & Johnson and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to one of these four efforts helping women and children: Girl Up, Clean Cookstoves, MAMA, and Shot@Life}. And before I left for the airport, I was able to chat with Shaun Groves about my heart for Compassion International and how they continue to  impact our family. More to come on how God is working in my heart…

blissdom 2013 sponsors

5. The opportunity to connect with some amazing sponsors. 

It means so much when sponsors believe in our voices, and there were plenty that did just that at Blissdom!  Since my bliss was shortened, I wasn’t able to connect to all of the amazing sponsors, but I able to chat with Duck Tape, Carnival, GoGoSqueeze, Johnson & Johnson, AT&T, Famous Footwear, One2One Network, Stitch Fix, and SoybuThank you for your genuine investment in our community!

indianapoilis airport arrivals

6. A love for returning home.

As much as I loved Texas and all of the Southern hospitality of the Gaylord Texan, there isn’t a better feeling in the world than stepping into the terminal and into five boys’ arms.  I’m so thankful for where God has called me, and these lives that surround me each day.