We’re back in Alabama again, folks!
My rockstar husband packed the kids and the suburban Sunday morning and was on the road by 5:30am EST, picked me up from Allume in Harrisburg, PA by 9:30, and we arrived at our second home, our beloved bus, in the trailer park in Alabama around 11:30 CST.
I calculate I got a total of 12 hours of sleep during my 5 days away at the Allume conference, so the first thing I did when I got here was start catching up on sleep.
(I was staying up late in the Smile Booth every night…)
Then I started stocking up the fridge and pantry–a challenge with Walmart being the only place to shop. I’m sharing my adventures in meeting the challenge of finding and preparing real food down here in Alabama with photos and updates on the Real {Fast} Food Facebook page.
Also, I’ve been sharing about the amazing Healthy Living eBook Bundle my book is being featured in this week (have you checked it out yet?)
But underneath all that, and in between the naps and to do’s and catching up on cuddles with my kiddos, my heart is singing, singing about all God did during the Christian Women’s Blogging Conference, Allume, that I attended and spoke at over the weekend. I’ve only just begun to process it all, and it may take a while to be able to blog about it, but I will just share this little bit with you so you can rejoice with me and be encouraged…
The day before I left I left for Allume, my husband’s smart phone received a update. Then at Allume I heard a lot of women talking about the same update. Everyone was saying the same thing–the update was great! Things looked better, worked smoother, and it was an all around upgrade.
That’s what I feel like happened to my soul last weekend: My soul got an update. Colors are more vibrant. My spirit is strengthened, the signal from the Satellite is stronger, and everything looks more beautiful. This update is pretty much the Bomb.
Here’s a little secret I learned, friends...God is WAY bigger than we think He is.
More to come….
Trina I am SO glad that we met! Allume was just what I needed to get my frame of mind back on the right track, and my soul is more peaceful. I loved it. And hanging out with you my dear, in your crazy afro wig, was a highlight. Or several. Or something. LOL Your heart, your tears, your crazy self… Girl, you are REAL and I love that. Thanks for letting me hang out. And of course you knew all along that GOD was in control. Right? 😉
I’m glad for the extra moments here and there that allowed us to make some memories together. Thanks for not minding how late I kept your roomy up each night. LOL
You were a highlight of my Allume. With your ready sense of humor and tolerance of me keeping your roomate up at all hours! LOL I loved your scarf, too, you know. Almost stole it. 😉
Trina, meeting you was such a beautiful moment of my time at Allume. Funny how a perfect stranger can feel like an age old friend within minutes. I only wished that I had gotten to spend a bit more time with you, (and WHY oh WHY wasn’t I at your session?!?)
Melissa, thanks for coming by and your comment. I marvel, too, at how we can feel like sisters in seconds.
Don’t worry, allume sessions will be live soon! And we can spend time together here in this spot until the next IRL opportunity!
Don’t worry, Melissa, the recordings will go live soon, and they all can be listened to for free, even if you weren’t an allume attendee!
At the newbie dinner (that you crashed) 🙂 you said that Allume changed your life last year. At the time, I wondered how a blogging conference could change someone’s life, but now that I am at home, I join with you in saying that my life was changed at Allume. My soul got a BIG and much needed update! I am so thankful that I got to meet you. You are an amazing woman! Glad to hear we’re neighbors for a little while. I’m waving hello from Atlanta!
yeah! waving back! so good to meet you and talk to you the other day. definitely keeping in touch!
Trina,
So glad you made it safely! I just wanted to thank you for sharing at Allume. I sat in on your talk, and wish I would have had the chance to talk to you! Praying that you have a wonderful time in Alabama. Is it warm down there?
Jolene,
thanks for your encouraging words!
Alabama is warm, quiet, small. All good things in this season.
Don’t worry, we can continue to chat here in these spaces!
Glad to meet you,
Trina
I’m so glad your time there has boosted your soul so, and I am sure the Alabama trip will only encourage the improvements. Time your trip to Walmart well!! 😉
Ok, Stacey, you’re gonna have to elaborate on proper walmart timing. I need all the help I can get! 😉
Oh girl!! Early morning is usually best, before 1030. Don’t go on Fridays or weekends and never at 5!! Before 730 only 1 checker is open so too early won’t help you. Of course, every area has its quirks.
Super cute outfit girl! Love it :). And I am going to start following the Real Fast Food fb page finally, bc I do a lot of Wal Mart shopping :/, and would love to see how a real foodie manages it! Can’t wait to hear more…
I loved your session and your facial expressions just cracked me up!! Loved it!
I was blessed to be your roommate! And to made a wonderful new friend!
Oh, Trina, it was so good to see your beautiful face at Allume! Not nearly enough time to catch up & really hear your heart, but so, so good to see you.
Yes, an upgrade. God is bigger isn’t He–vastly bigger and better than we imagine. Love to you my sweet friend.
Trina,
Dear friend, I continue to be encouraged by you and the way God just ‘lights you up’ for all to see and benefit from….may he continue to use you in a mighty way to spurn mommas like myself to better today than we were yesterday.
Oh yes. He is. 🙂 Miss you already!
Trina, I don’t think I got a chance to tell you in person but your session was just perfectly what I needed. Thank you, thank you for sharing your heart this weekend.