INFLUENCE MAGAZINE
spring 2014
laughing seasons
IN BETWEEN THE
walking WITH GOD
SPRING TRENDS WORTH TRYING 路 A LOOK AT A LOCAL MEET UP
IN THIS
issue
18 22 2 \\
26
4
LETTER FROM YOUR EDITOR
5
CONNECT WITH US
6
MEET THE TEAM
8
WHAT WE’RE LOVING
18
WALKING WITH GOD
22
LAUGHING IN BETWEEN THE SEASONS
26
MEET THE LOCALS
27
HEAVEN ON EARTH
The best part about this community is that the conference is only the beginning for us. We want to invite you over to
THE INFLUENCE NETWORK
to become a member if you’re not already. Year round, day in and day out, women are partnering together to make their online lives mean something and we want you there too. We’ll see you there!
letter
FROM YOUR EDITOR
growing a vegetable garden
is one of my most vivid memories as a kid. Every year the same corner of our yard would transform from a plot of black earth to a jungle of edible goodness. I remember walking through the long rows dropping seeds, one by one, then doubling back to cover them with dirt. During dry years, watering was critical. Weeding was always tedious and necessary. But mostly the earth and sunshine did the work. Before any of this could happen, prep work was needed, involving a strange machine called a rototiller. It was about the same size as a lawn mower, with a handle to push it jerkily through the garden. But instead of having blades running parallel to the ground, there were several blades that cut perpendicularly into the earth. So as you pushed the ground would be chopped up. This past year has pushed me more than any other year of my life. In so many ways I can relate to that plot of spring dirt. There were winter-type experiences that left my heart hardened, frozen, and tough. And just as those were starting to thaw, there were rototiller-type experiences that cut into my heart, exposing what was buried deep, and I am left with what feels like a broken mess. But this is the ground zero where God can make new life happen. The mess is where roots can grow deep. When I thought it was better to stuff everything down and not show any vulnerability, it was a mistake. The tender spots of soil grow the most vibrant plants, and the tender spots of my heart produce the greatest love, compassion, and hope. In this issue, you’ll find similar stories from Influence women. These women are smart and spunky, and also vulnerable and real. They each share their favorite ways to refresh and grow, whether it is meeting up with local creative women, or planting succulents in their backyard, or learning to pray more and worry less. And as much as I hope their words inspire you, I’m praying you see God as the author of spring, both in the beauty around us and the work He is doing in each heart. Love always,
Lindsey 4 \\
connect
WITH US
@influencenet
TheInfluenceNetwork
@InfluenceNet
influencenet
NEWSLETTER
BLOG
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meet
THE TEAM
LINDSEY KUBLY
Editor in Chief lindseykubly.com @lindseykubly
Page Editor annawestbury.com feather-fern.tumblr.com
JESSI CONNOLLY
KAITLYN MEEKS
Contributor naptimediaries.com @naptimesdiaries
Photographer kaitlynmeeks.com @kaitlynmeeks
VALERIE WOERNER
CAROLINE RO
Contributor valmariepaper.com @valwoerner
ELISE BURKHEAD
Contributor sundaycharmblog.com @eliseburkhead
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ANNA WESTBURY
Photographer carolinero.com @carolinehoward
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WHAT WE’RE LOVING:
EXERCISE
JESSI
@naptimesdiaries
Because if you're going to sweat, at least look at something stunning and beautiful
I am such a fun of these yoga pants! They look great to wear all day, even after your morning workout is over 8 \\
In case you start hearing any of that yucky negative self talk when you're working out, speak some truth over your heart - literally
These are my favorite tanks to workout in, the cut is pretty flattering and it looks so much better than the ratty men's tank tops I usually wear. If I don't get too sweaty, I can throw on a necklace and boyfriend jeans and go on a date a few hours later!
I love wearing hats for running because it shades my eyes without needing glasses, and then it covers up dirty hair all day. Win win.
WHAT WE’RE LOVING:
ORGANIZATION
LINDSEY @lindseykubly
Always losing your keys? Cute magnets can help.
This desk set is clean, modern, and happy.
These floor bins may have been designed for kids, but I love them for shoes, outdoor gear, and laundry. They’re lightweight but really durable.
Ingenious storage if toy organization gives you headaches. 10 \\
New houses are built with all sorts of helpful storage. I try to add the same details to our 1930s home. These drawer organizers are simple enough you can use them in bathrooms, kitchens, and they even help organize my jewelry.
This smart side table from forward-thinking design trio, Rich Brilliant Willing, was produced for IKEA. Storage galore + those colors!
I’ve always been a fan of Orla Kiely’s fresh designs, and this little set is perfect for wrangling gift cards and coupons in my purse. Sometimes the only spot to store things is up. This bin holds our winter gloves and hats next to our back door, until we switch to baseball hats and sunglasses in warm weather.
WHAT WE’RE LOVING:
SPRING TRENDS WORTH TRYING Go ahead, show a little skin this spring, but don't be afraid to try this new (modest) take on an old twist: over-sized daisy duke shorts! There are plenty of tutorials available online to help you make this a cheap and fun DIY project.
RACHAEL KincaidParade.com
Everyone loves a little plant life around the home to ring in the new season, but some of us don't have the space (or skills) to get a garden going. Potted succulents are simple and pleasing to the eye, making them a popular choice for blogger photo shoots!
Hair accessories bring a whole new look to an outfit, but fabric pieces can be a little tricky to learn. Regardless of length or type, you'll be able to make it work with these wire wraps, which allow you to mold the headband for a perfect fit.
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Color is a great way to express yourself around the home, but a clean space serves its own purpose, too. If you can't commit to painting an entire room white, try one wall. You'll love the fresh vibe it brings, and you'll probably find it's a great backdrop for photos and art!
When you just want to be comfortable and find yourself reaching for that ratty old tee, consider trading it out for a piece that means something. Make a statement and support a worthy cause, without sacrificing your love for soft cotton!
Flat, leather sandals are versatile and timeless. They can be styled in a multitude of ways and tend to be very comfortable and hardy. There's a reason these bad boys have been around since Bible times. They can take the heat, the sand, the water, the mud. You get the picture!
WHAT WE’RE LOVING:
FARMERS MARKET
MORIAH MoriahSunde.com Market Tote, for carrying your edible treasures Baseball Hat, quick solution for your bed head
Lightweight Tee and Hoodie for layering
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Canvas Sneakers, be prepared for falling berries
Sunglasses Coin Purse, loaded up with lots of dollar bills Reusable Produce Bags
Water Bottle
Umbrella
WHAT WE’RE LOVING:
A GIRL'S WEEKEND
ASHLEY HeyAshleyNoelle.com
This bag is the perfect size for all your essentials for a weekend away with the girls. Who can resist that print? These koozies are the perfect little extra for our girl's weekend. Bright, cheery, & fun. This is THE perfect red. It’s more of a stain than a balm, so the wearability is great. It will last all day whether you hit the beach or some local wineries.
While Wayfarers may be all the rage, I will always be a fan of the bigger-is-better oversized sunglasses. And no one does oversized accessories quite like Jessica Simpson. 16 \\
Just because it’s polka dot doesn't mean it has to be itsy bitsy and teeny weeny.
Target is always on point with the most stylish and reasonably priced sandals.
The color is beautiful, the cut is super flattering, and this dress can be dressed up or down.
Though never necessary, a hand written note of appreciation is always a nice touch. Tell your girlfriends how much you appreciate them.
I always bring a book with me when I travel and usually it’s a Picoult. They are fast moving, semi-controversial with a twist, and always make you think.
walking WITH GOD
by Valerie Woerner
For as long as I can remember,
I have been the designated worrier in my family. Throughout my childhood surrounded with my siblings and now with my husband and child, I’m the one who carries the title of Mighty Worrier. And I have taken this job pretty seriously for the last 29 years. Worry hadn’t completely disrupted my life yet. Up until now, I felt comfortable to handle it on my own. Then pregnancy came along. Quickly my penchant for worry began to consume me, to become the top priority of my to-do list. You see I was a self-diagnosed hypochondriac. (Is there any other kind?) And pregnancy, with its million-and-one random symptoms, wasn’t going to mix well. At that point I realized the only way to get through this season was with God. It is a sad truth that it takes something we feel completely incapable of handling on our own to bring us to His feet. I’m so glad He broke me. I was stubborn before and felt pretty confident in my own abilities. This was out of my realm of comfort. So I began to walk, literally and figuratively, with the Lord. I walked nearly every morning for my second and third trimesters around the lake at our apartment complex. And prayed. I prayed for my aches and pains. I prayed my daughter would have a sweet spirit, would bring joy to people, and would point to Christ even before she could speak. I prayed God would bring me peace and fill my head with his truth instead of worry and Satan’s lies. I started to find myself focused on truth and more laid back in general than I was before pregnancy. This was a shock to everyone who knew me well. I was able to spend lots of time with the Lord, since I worked for myself, made my own schedule, and didn’t have other kids, just the one in my belly. I may never be one of those women who genuinely enjoys being pregnant, but I treasure my memories of that time in my life knowing how much the Lord transformed me. As I prepared for Vivi’s arrival, I couldn’t help but wonder how in the world I would manage spending the time I desperately needed and now treasured with the Lord with a newborn. I was reminded of a phrase that I had conveniently stored in my brain so I could remember throughout all of the hard moments as a mom. 18 \\
"
AS I PREPARED FOR VIVI’S ARRIVAL, I COULDN’T HELP BUT WONDER HOW IN THE WORLD I WOULD MANAGE SPENDING THE TIME I DESPERATELY NEEDED AND NOW TREASURED WITH THE LORD WITH A NEWBORN.
"
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G N I H
T . Y N R O E S A EV E S A R FO
The freedom I feel when reminding myself of this phrase is incredible. In those moments when I’m up in the middle of the night nursing a little one and exhausted to no end, everything for a season. When I’m wiping the 20th snotty nose for the day and feel like I just can’t handle one more, everything for a season. When my one-day teenage daughter stomps off to her room and I don’t have the strength or words to say, everything for a season.
not only survive but transform in any given season. If you are feeling stuck, it might be time to shake things up a bit.
So what does this have to do with my time with God? This phrase also taught me the importance of flexibility, not only in my day-to-day life as a mom, but also in my relationship with God. There have been seasons where I could lay in bed reading the Bible and inspiring books for an hour and a half before my feet hit the ground in the morning. There have been seasons where I read key Scripture passages I printed to have on hand and prayed while nursing a newborn. There have been seasons where I studied the Word late into the evenings and wrote a stream of conscious thoughts in my journal. What does my current season look like? Now that my little girl is sleeping through the night, I wake up before her to read Scripture and journal a short prayer. I pray throughout my day as I straighten my hair or put makeup on, cook dinner or clean the house with my prayer journal.
3. Think about the quietest moments of your day, and see if you can make time then to dig deep with God.
We serve a creative God who has blessed us with so many ways to know and experience Him. No matter the stage in life, He is making a way for us to commune with Him because it is the very thing that will helps us 20 \\
1. Try pulling out a concordance or reading two different versions of the Bible side by side. 2. Use the YouVersion Bible app to play the audio as you read along or even clean your house.
4. Organize your prayers, and keep them with you to think on throughout the day in one place. Inspired by the journal I created for myself during pregnancy, our prayer journals are an ideal way to record your prayers. 5. Create a ritual to quiet your mind and get you focused. Create a nook with your favorite blanket. Prepare a particular type of coffee, tea, or light a candle specifically for your time alone with God. As I continue to need to pour more into my daughter, I am so thankful to have the Lord pour into me in very real ways. He is my strength and my peace. Although there are a thousand more things I could worry about with a little one, He has truly changed me through consistent time with Him. I can now say I am no longer the designated worrier!
No matter the stage in life, He is making a way for us to commune with Him because it is the very thing that will helps us not only survive but transform in any given season.
written by: Jessi Connolly photography by: Caroline Ro
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They say it's been a long, long winter. I don't feel like an expert. I'm a winter lover and don't necessarily count down the days till the groundhog's shadow disappears. When the first brushes of fall rustle past me in September, I feel thrilled, exhilarated and alive. When the crocuses start to push up at the end of February and everyone else is filling their Instagram feed with signs of spring, I'm reciting reasons why I know summer will be ok, how I'll make it through. Maybe this sounds crazy and strange, but these are the secret confessions of a winter lover.
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They say it's been a long, long winter. And this year, I've believed them. Though I usually shudder at the thought of long, hot days, I'm craving the warmth on my skin and the light still pouring into the windows after my kids are tucked in bed. I'm craving the time and the space to watch things grow, the dirt of real life stuck underneath my fingernails. I want the tangible proof I've been outdoors, living and loving and building things with people. We are women of Influence in the winter and in the summer, right? We are women who believe God has planted us right where He wants us, for such a time as this. Whether the sun is shining or the rain is beating down or the snow is piling up, we can have our eyes on Him and use our voices to shout His fame and sing His praise. We don't need to fear the seasons, the changes that might come or the blessings that might soon pass. We can embrace
the sun whether it comes up early or stays out till late, late, late. So let's do what we do best. Let's get together, whether online or in real life. Let's talk about ideas we want to see growing, the dreams that have been planted deep in our hearts. Let's dig out space for the seeds of truth. The harvest is plentiful and the workers are few. But here we are. We have one another, the hands we've been given, and His truth firmly planted in our hearts. It may have been a long, hard winter, and who knows? It could be a sweltering summer that seems to never end. But we'll stand together, we'll laugh at the days to come, because we know the author of them all. We'll take the tools we've been given and allow the growth that He brings. For His glory and our joy. // 25
TIPS FOR TRANSITIONING SEASONS STRATEGICALLY:
Plan three intentional community events for yourself and your people: 1. one to connect and fellowship, 2. one where you can grow and be stretched, 3. one where you can serve together
Look back at the last few months. What went well and what would you change? Let that knowledge help you make wiser choices in the month to come. 26 \\
Don't be scared to get your hands dirty. Don't waste too much time wishing you were somewhere else. Dig in where you are and make the most of what you've been given.
Think to the end of this coming season - what would you like to look back and say that you accomplished? What steps would it take to get there?
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meet
THE LOCALS
Written by Elise Burkhead Photography by Kaitlyn Meeks
L
eading up to the Indianapolis Influence Network Meetup, my heart was burdened by the gray skies, unbending cold, and a distance that had slowly built up in my online relationships. With coffee in tow, I took a place at the vibrant table at St. Yared, an Ethiopian restaurant and coffee shop, across from new faces. We smiled, exchanged business cards, and seemed to breathe a collective sigh of relief at the warmth filling the room. I thought to myself, “These are my people.� Our fearless leader Matt Anderson, from Adproval, was armed with worksheets and a clear vision for the morning. One of the worksheets was an exercise in creating a persona to help visualize our target audiences. We scribbled notes and openly chatted about engaging our readers and blogging goals, learning from the ideas and tips shared around the table. I left St. Yared feeling renewed by my time with women who understood blogging, who did not think twice about snapping a photo of their coffee, and who had a genuine interest in rooting for one another. Being surrounded by likeminded women, even for two hours on a cold Saturday morning, brightened my whole week.
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“Meetups have become a tiny microcosm of the Influence Conference,” according to host and organizer, Katie Elliott. “Each time we've had a meetup I am reminded of how close God felt and how much He taught me during the conference weekend.”
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“I leave meet ups inspired to do the work He has set for me to do online, plus I get to meet a few new local friends in the process.�
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HEAVEN ON
earth
“IN THE DEPTH OF WINTER, I FINALLY LEARNED THAT WITHIN ME THERE LAY AN INVINCIBLE SUMMER.” - ALBERT CAMUS -
TICKETS for THE INFLUENCE CONFERENCE 2014 are on sale NOW! We are so grateful for all of you, you amazingly influential women. The Influence Team