Oh Jesus, You make all things new...

Tomorrow morning I'm hopping on a plane to Austin, Texas.  This will be my first time flying alone, and my first time in Texas in my remember-able life.  (In other words, I think I've been to Texas before, as a wee child, but I have no recollection of it.)

I'm going for a thing called If: Gathering -- a not-quite-conference for women of God to explore the question, "IF God is real… THEN what?"

Honestly, I'm not 100% sure what this thing is all about.  I heard about it through a couple of different Christian bloggers I follow, and was immediately intrigued because it was envisioned by Jennie Allen, who wrote a Bible study I did  (and loved) with a few ladies last year.  

And for some reason, within minutes of learning about this thing, I knew I needed to be there. 

I think partly, I've been wanting to explore what it is God is calling me to in this season of life.  I know there's something in the works, and I know I haven't been very faithful in being still before the Lord to hear what it is.  One thing I do know is that, in some way, my calling involves other women.  A month or so ago, I felt prompted to get more involved with the women's ministry at Reality (my church), and suddenly this past Monday, I found myself leading a small group for the Beth Moore Bible study we are beginning. 

So, I am incredibly excited about this weekend in Austin.

I'm also a bit anxious (for various and sundry reasons, like what if I didn't pack the right clothes for the weather? and what if I'm not as "cool" as everyone else, because obviously I'm still in 8th grade?)...and I'm a bit sad.  I'm sad to be away from Joe for four days, and sad I'll be experiencing this new place without him.

All this to say, your prayers would be so welcome and appreciated, for all the things I've mentioned and any I haven't that you may be able to deduce or divine from above.

And also, consider this post a big feather duster on the ol' bloggity blog.  I really wanna revive this thing, and what better time than when I'm about to meet (probably) a whole mess of awesome bloggers?

(If you're one of those If-goers who found me from our Facebook group, leave a comment so I can stalk get to know you a bit before Friday!)