Baptizing My Imagination {#CWBNIndiana}

This weekend, I drove to Notre Dame for the Catholic Women Blogging Network conference. When I first signed up, I felt slightly apprehensive - my blog has been seeing some neglect lately as I've been spending more time focused on trying to get a handle on my homebound vocation. But as the weekend approached, I just started thinking of it as an opportunity - to meet some wonderful women whose blogs I've followed for years, to spend a day focusing on myself and my own ideas and goals, and to focus on what I want from my blog, and what I want to put into it. It turned out to be exactly what I needed.

A beautiful sunny (40-degree, so... WARM) day on a gorgeous campus, a bunch of new friends, great food, and inspiring and engaging talks. At one point we sat in a circle and shared a little about ourselves, and I was struck by the unique voice of each woman there. They each have something special to share, something to say that nobody else can say. Listening to them inspired me to continue honing my own viewpoint, my own voice.

Sometimes I get caught up in the everyday tasks of my life, the all-consuming, never-ending stream of chores and obligations and things that need to be done. It's easy to do, and it's all too easy to sit down after a full day and just want to turn off my brain and watch TV. This weekend reinvigorated me, reminded me how important it is to focus outward, to read, learn, get my hands dirty and exercise my intellect. These things bring light into my life and home, brightening my relationships and polishing the lens through which I see.

Highlight of the trip: face time with my BFF Sarah of Fumbling Toward Grace

I'm ready to reintroduce the joy of this kind of work into my life. To dive into real relationships, to read more so that I have more to offer. I'm so excited to tap into my creativity and hone my voice. Stay tuned for some fun stuff ahead!

Of the wonderful speakers who presented their thoughts on Saturday, I was the most challenged and inspired by Kathryn of Through A Glass Brightly and Love Among The Ruins. The lens through which she sees the world is so focused on truth, goodness, and beauty that she cannot help but see God in everything. She has such an incredible heart for others, not to mention an amazing intellect. I'm looking forward to working my way through her archives and letting her teach me to "baptize my imagination" as she so aptly put it.

Thank you to Bonnie and Katrina for putting on such a wonderful event, Rhonda, Nell, and Kathryn for sharing your hearts and ideas with us, and for all the rest of you who I am blessed to call my friends!