To Influence
We’re leaving today for Indianapolis and The Influence Conference.
I am anxious.
I realized last night, while talking to Gigi about the unfortunate fact she will likely again be a soldier in The Nutcracker again this year, that I’ve been using the word “anxious” all wrong.
She is anxious to find out her part, anxious that she will again have to wear black pants, don a beret and carry a wooden gun for the third year in a row if she wants to be in the show. She is nervous. She is fearful.
But that’s not how I’ve used the word anxious for most my life.
I’ve never said, “I’m anxious I’m forgetting my headphones for the plane,” or “I’m anxious that Lulu will run out of socks,” or “I’m anxious that fourteen granola bars won’t make it into my carry-on.” And it’s not because I have a three page list to make sure none of those things happen.
It’s because I’ve always used the word anxious to mean “excitedly anticipating.” And I am excitedly anticipating this weekend.
Like always, I’m bringing more pairs of shoes than I feel comfortable disclosing.
Unlike before, though, I’m leaving a lot behind. No business cards. No book promos. No agenda to build my brand, my readership or anything but my faith and my friendships. (If you are attending, please come say hello! I’ll spot you a granola bar.)
I’m not forgetting to pack my husband. So happily.
And my heart. So wholly. I’m excitedly anticipating the opportunity to share what has been growing in there.
To stand up and say what’s been put on me to say, but what I’ve been filtering out.
I am a bit nervous, but I am not afraid.
Because even though much has changed, I know I am headed in the right direction.
I am ready for what lies ahead.
As for what lies ahead? All I know is, I’m not anxious at all.
I hope to share more from Indianapolis with you soon.
Sarah
So glad I’m not the only one who packs enough travel snacks to last a year.
Good luck in Indy- look forward to hearing more!
Thank you!
Wish you could stuff me in your carry-on. Too bad there’s so many granola bars in there
Have the best time!!!! We’re cheering you on from afar! (minus uniform that FINALLY made it to Value Village)
I think I just shed a tear….or am going to make Value Village my first shopping run when I get back.
This sounds so wonderful and good for the soul. Have an amazing time!
And be sure to tell Gigi that I, too, was given the honor of being a boy-not a mighty soldier but a boy armed with a sword and instructed to steal the real girls’ toy and throw it to my friend-in a Russian ballet’s Nutcracker.
Makes for a more self confident woman
That’s right! Though I have no doubt she’ll sneak some glittery pink into that soldier costume somewhere.
As she should! Along with some extra ‘normally hands-off’ make up, that should do the trick
Good luck! XO
Thanks, Liz.
You will do fantastic, Sarah! I’m sending my good vibes and prayers for you.
Wish I was there…enjoy!
Blessings,
AngelaB
Wish you were too! Thank you.
Can’t wait to hear all about it – step out, be bold, be YOU….all God created you to be
xo
Thank you, Laura.
This sounds like such a beautiful gathering of people. I can’t wait to hear about your experience. Many blessings for safe travels.
Thank you, CJ! I am excited to share.
Our church (the Mormon church) has addressed this same issue. Using our influence for good. I love that there is a conference like it! Enjoy!
I appreciate that, Angela. Thank you!
As a resident of Indianapolis, I kind of want to go downtown and hope for a Mama Pea sighting. I won’t, because that’s extra creepy… but welcome to our city for the weekend
Thanks! Any suggestions on things to see in our downtime? Chris wants to hit the quintessential Indianapolis spot. Portland has Voodoo Donuts, Indianapolis has _____?
The Tamale Place?
Take my recommendations with a grain of salt, as I’ve been away for school for a few years, and have just recently returned, but: 3 Sisters Cafe in Broad Ripple; Bazbeaux pizza is a favorite (several locations, one on Massachusetts Ave, one in Broad Ripple) has vegetarian options, but they use dairy cheese; Duos; Earth House (a really cool co-op, run by mostly volunteers)… I’m sure there are many, many more, but those are what I can think of quickly!
One of the best known restaurants is a steak house called St. Elmo’s, known most for their shrimp cocktail. I’m sure that thrills you
Thank you so much! I’m sending this list to my phone as we speak!
If you are depressed you are living in the past.
If you are anxious you are living in the future.
If you are at peace you are living in the present.
Lao Tzu
(I stole that from facebook, but it’s fitting.)
Be present, be at peace, eat something yummy!
Thanks, friend. <3
According to your definition, then, I’m anxious to meet you and hear your story!
Thanks, Therese…I’ll see you soon!
Wow. Enjoy the conference…I can’t wait to hear what lies ahead!
Hope you all have a wonderful time! So wish I could be there! Can’t wait to hear all about it! Blessings!
Have a great trip!!! I wish I could go:):):)
Welcome to Indy! You should defiantly go to one of the multiple Patachou restaurants around town! Totally the type of place you would enjoy! The owner is very deliberate about ingredients and the food is always delicious. There’s even one in the airport! I agree with Bazbeaux pizza as suggested above. I won’t be at Influence but you will do great! Be yourself, thats why we like ya! I love your blog and the direction you have taken. I never commented on the baptism post but it was super encouraging!
Thanks so much, Kara, for the suggestions & the encouragement!
I can’t tell you how much I wish I could be there! I can’t wait to hear all about it. I regularly read your blog and Eat Live Run, so I’m counting on some great recaps.
I can’t wait to see Jenna. She is a dear friend.
I still so wish I was going, and so sad that I’ll miss you sharing your heart. I’ll be praying for you my sweet friend!
Thanks, girl. Wish you were coming too.
Absolutely beautiful. God is awesome.
I live in the Indianapolis area, and I wish I that I could be there! I’m leaving for vacation on Saturday, though, so it’s not going to happen
. Have a great time in our city — I hope that everyone goes wonderfully for you 
!
Good luck and enjoy the conference! I wish I lived closer so I could have gone! I will be waiting “anxiously” to hear all about it!
Have an amazing time! I really wanted to go but couldn’t make it happen this year. Good luck on your speech. I’m sure you’ll be amazing. Can’t wait to hear all about it.
Thanks so much, Hilary.
Have a wonderful time! Enjoy!
welcome to my city! have a wonderful time this weekend. i wish i could attend the conference and meet you, but since i cannot, i will be praying for you and all of the others joining together to glorify our Lord.
I so appreciate that, Valerie.
Blessings for a wonderful weekend! I’m sure it will be uplifting for all involved.
[By the way, I picked up our produce from the co-op yesterday and in the basket was a 4 lb. head of romaine. My husband said, "I guess we're having Mama Pea's Thai Crunch Salad a couple times with that!" See what influence you have?
]
Yum!!! And now I have a craving…
I hope you enjoy your time in Indy, Mama Pea! Can’t wait to hear how your time here goes.
SO excited (anxious) for you!! I felt your presence yesterday in Denver…
We just landed! Love you!
Mama Pea, you are going to do great things! Thank you for always being such a wonderful inspiration and for always giving God the glory. You are awesome.
Blessings your way!!
Sending you so much love and hugs, Sarah! You’re going to ROCK it!
Thanks, Heather!
Ever since learning the difference, I’m very aware of choosing eager over anxious. Being eager is much more exciting!
You will do a great job as you share your heart and family with us regulary…
Dear Sarah,
I stumbled upon your blog about a year ago and have been treasuring it ever since. I check it every few days, I love your photos, your dear girls, and your Sundays returning to rest. Can I just thank thank thank you for one HUGE thing? You are REAL. And it is refreshing. And hilarious.
Thank you for being so authentic. Keep doing what you’re doing.
And in the meantime, I wanted to suggest a Christian author I love (and think you would love): Parker J. Palmer. “A Healing Wholeness” is one I just keep picking up (whether to read, set a mug of coffee on, or swat flies with). It’s a good ‘un… and I am reminded of his writings when I read your blog.
Thanks for being a super-fly mamacita! And your peanut sauce recipe, my god… I could drink it.
Warmest regards!
Emily (Telluride, CO)
Emily! Thank you so much for the very encouraging words & for the book suggestion. I am just finishing “7″ on our flight and need another great read on standby. Thank you again for the kindness and for sharing in your faith & fellowship!
Hope you enjoy it! And have a blast at the Conference! Safe travels.
Hey Mama Pea,
I bought your cookbook when it first came out and have always been eyeing the blondies but waited for the right occasion to make them. I finally decided to make them today cuz they just looked so good. Well they came out of the oven and went straight into my mouth. They were delicious! Blondies have somehow always failed me but these were amazing. Thanks for the awesome recipe! PS I love your brownies too!
Excellent! Yes, those blondies continue to be a favorite for us too. Thanks for the wonderful feedback.
Have an amazing time! I pray you will make eternity-long connections and I can’t wait to hear what you learn!
Me too, Amber! Thank you!
I hope you have the absolute best time. You are a gift!
Can’t wait to hear about it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have so much fun Sarah!
This post is why I think you are the bee’s knees
I am anxious (exitedly anticipating) to meet you. Thank you for sharing your heart, which is full of Christ!
Jacquelynn, I’ll be on a panel at 1:30 today…if you don’t catch me before then, please come say hello! <3
eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
XOXO
You just made chuckle, out loud, at a wholly inappropriate time.
Have a wonderful time! Forget all about business, blogs and promo and just enjoy having some ‘you’ time. Good luck for the speech! I’m sure it will be great
Sarah,
Thank you for sharing your story at Influence. I’ve been chewing on your wisdom & practical advice ever since.
We were aware you had a knack for cooking, but now know you are capable of whipping up some seriously delicious soul food. Looking forward to following along on your new “culinary” endeavors;)
Blessings,
Erin
Erin, thank you so much. I’m so honored that you were in my session yesterday and so grateful that you could take something from it other than the very simple fact that I am a mess….but His beautiful mess. I’m excited to follow your blog and be Influenced by you too. <3
have another baby already, will ya? yours are just so darn cute and spunky-the world needs more of little people like that!
I totally, totally agree. We’ll see what He has in store for us.
I’ve always used the word “anxious” in a positive way, too.