allume

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The Allume Conference and God’s Plan For You

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On the last night in February, I sat on my couch, computer in my lap, fingers all ready to click on “Purchase” as the Early Bird Allume Tickets became available.

Last summer, I attended a writing conference, and sort of fell in love with conferences. The speakers, the information – it was all priceless. Throw in some absolutely amazing people, and a community that loves the Lord and all works to share His message, and, well, it’s just a little bit of heaven on earth. Even for this introvert!

Table Centerpiece

So, I knew that this year, Allume was the conference of choice for me. I secured my ticket that night, rejoiced on twitter, and went to bed a happy girl.

And then, I began to try to figure out just how I was getting there. My husband is a grad student and I’m a stay-at-home mommy blogger, so coming up with creative finances was definitely necessary. Maybe you’re in the same boat, so let’s chat about the HOW…

Finding Friends

Life is better when shared with friends, right? Same goes for hotel rooms. And road trips. The traveling and rooming costs for the Allume conference is radically reduced when you find a friend to share a room with! In fact, I found 3 friends, and the total cost per person was less than a single night would have been by myself! And if you’re driving? Bring a friend and split the cost of gas. Also, bring some great 80’s hits and belt them out along the way. I guarantee you’ll have more fun!

Finding Sponsors

Sponsorship is a fabulous option for conferences. As a blogger, you have a LOT to offer to sponsors! Be creative, pitch to companies or small businesses that line up with the mission of your blog. You can offer different sponsorship packages, including ad space, a social media presence, sponsored posts, and more. Be creative! You can take a look at my sample sponsor page here. Within hours after this post went up, I had three offers for sponsorship that completely covered the cost of my ticket AND my hotel room. Don’t underestimate the power of your blog.

Talk to Your Church

Believe it or not, your church might be a great resource for you. I know quite a few friends who are traveling to Allume fully or partially sponsored by their church. Talk with your pastor, let him know why you’re going, what you’ll learn, and how you’ll impact the community upon your return. We’re all working for the kingdom, and what you do matters. Allow your church to partner with you, and grab some time to share what you’ve learned when you come home – your congregation might just jump at the chance to support you and your ministry!

Be Creative

Remember when we were growing up and wanted to raise money to go to the movies on Saturday? Same idea, larger scale. Hold a garage sale, offer a car wash, sell your excess online, or offer to babysit for a small fee! All of those tiny profits add up. Save, save, save, and think outside the box!!

 

When the Plan Doesn’t Pan Out

Sometimes, no matter how badly we want to do something, God’s got another plan. Just two weeks after I purchased my Allume ticket, I was blessed with the amazing gift of two pink lines. Two unexpected pink lines. This baby I’m now carrying is due just a couple of weeks after Allume. And based on my pregnancy history, I’ll be holding this kiddo a little early.

Like, almost exactly when Allume is happening.

On the other side of the country.

As silly as it sounds, I really have struggled with the idea that I can’t go to Allume now. I’m so, so, so very grateful for this child, and of COURSE I wouldn’t have things any other way, but on a smaller scale, I’ve also been disappointed that I will be missing something that I’ve looked forward to for almost a year. I’ll miss the time with my dear friends, the time to grow and learn and connect, the time to focus on a ministry I know God has for me.

Plus, I know everyone’s going to be talking about it, and I won’t be able to be there. And that’s just a little bit hard for me, if I’m being honest.

If you’re in a similar place, for whatever reason, can I encourage you today? I’ve been learning over the last few weeks that life is about seasons. Not new news, I know, but important. This is my season to be home, investing in my family, growing a new life, and figuring out how to get my toddler to keep her clothes on when we are out in public. That’s just as important to the Lord as my writing is. In fact, it’s my first ministry. This is the season He has me in for now, and I’m choosing daily to embrace it, find Him in it, and be honest about that fact that even though it’s not the place I thought I’d be right now, it’s a pretty great place to be!

God is faithful, no matter the season. He’s got a plan for your life, your family, and your ministry and He will see it through! Whatever you’re worried about – whether it’s missing the money to make the conference happen, or missing out on the things that the conference holds, God’s going to meet your needs. Embrace your season, and walk with Him.

And, you know, if one of you happens to sneak out an extra gift bag for me, I might be persuaded to trade you for a few newborn baby snuggles. 😉

Are you going to Allume? If so, how are you getting there? If not, what season are you embracing right now? How can we pray for each of you as we approach conference season?

Comments

  1. Kayse I love this so much! What great ideas, and though I will miss you terribly at Allume, I look forward to celebrating the arrival of that new little one (she’ll only have a couple hundred Allume aunties excited to spoil her)….I would totally sneak you a swag bag in exchange for those snuggles if we lived closer!

    • I will miss meeting you too!! I was hoping to give you a big hug! But we are so excited for this new little one. 🙂 We found out yesterday that it’s a BOY!!! Woohoo!! His name is over on my blog today if you want to check it out. 🙂 We could not be happier!

  2. Kayse,

    First – CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I am so excited to be going to Allume and sad that I won’t be meeting you!
    I must admit I am still a little bit confused as to the sponsorship ideas – I am so new to blogging that I have no idea how to make my blog work that way… would love to learn more – and perhaps I will when I get to Allume!!

    • I’m excited for you too, and sad I won’t be meeting YOU!!

      Sponsoring can be whatever you want it to be. I’d encourage you to check out my sponsor post, because it’s got a bunch of different ideas in different packages. You can offer ad space on your blog (people put their buttons up as advertisement), write a post about the company/business that is sponsoring you (often called a sponsored post), or even share tweets/fb statuses/instagram photos about that business (i.e. “I’m loving my new bracelet from Vintage Pearl!” with a photo, and tagging Vintage Pearl). I know there will be tons more to learn at allume!!

      If you want to look at my sponsor post for inspiration, it’s here: http://kaysepratt.com/2013/03/im-going-to-allume.html

  3. I’m so intrigued by conferences, Allume included, but I don’t feel like I’m supposed to take multiple nights/weekends away from my family right now. I do believe there will be a time such conferences are a better fit in my life. The most disappointing part of this is the people – there are so many faces I want to meet in person. I admire your dedication to your family and am so excited for you as you embrace this new life!

    • Missing the people – me too, friend. But I know God is calling me HERE, and I don’t want to miss what He’s got for me. I know you’re in the same boat. We can “hang out” while everyone else is at Allume, right?? 🙂

  4. I so loved this post! Great, creative ways to raise the funds, your heart for ministry, and our shared love of 80s ballads. Congrats on your newest blessing!

  5. I won’t be there either, Kayse. I’ve been the last 2 years and I am sad I cannot attend this year, but I have to believe God knows where He wants me to be during that time, and so I am trying to focus on that. Congratulations, my friend.

    • you’ll be in my pocket, a phone call away when i get scared & overwhelmed by being so far away from my family & surrounded by all the people!

  6. Hi Kayse, I just bought my airline & conference ticket and made my hotel reservation yesterday. I kept telling myself that I didn’t “need” to go this year, but the Lord made it clear that I am supposed to go. It was about 2 hours from me when it was in Harrisburg so this year will be more costly…anyway, your idea are great. But the best part of this post? Embracing the season in which we find ourselves…there is a lot to be said for wanting what we have and embracing where we are. Great post!

  7. This is encouraging. I’m actually in SC, so travel & lodging isn’t the problem…. I’m trying to find money to buy the actual ticket! (In other words, if you know of any giveaways, let me know!) I’m so thankful, though, that I know God will provide it if HE wants me to be there. And if, for some reason, He doesn’t? It will be disappointing, but I know He has a reason for it!

  8. I am so excited to be going this year! I am currently in New England, but as soon as our home sells, we are off to Knoxville. The conference will only be a 3 hour ride from there-woohoo! I am trusting God that I will get there, whether or not we have moved to TN.

    I love conferences and the real life relationship building they provide in addition to all the learning that occurs.

  9. I’m excited to be going to Allume this year (will be my second time – went last year, as well).

    At first, I didn’t think I would be able to go because of the location change. Last year, when Allume was in PA, it was only a train-ride away from CT (and not nearly as expensive as air tickets)… I am now in RI and with Allume moving to SC and air tickets being $400 to fly into there, I would not be able to afford it plus event ticket and hotel. Thankfully, Logan announced that they were able to work with a shuttle company who would shuttle allume attendees from the Charlotte airport — this opportunity saved me $200!

    God made a way for me to go (even though I haven’t purchased my event ticket or held a hotel room, I’m trusting in Him to provide for those two things, as well, in His timing) — no matter what happens, I have my plane tickets and I know it will all work out for me to purchase the event ticket and pay for a room, also 🙂

  10. Congratulations, Kayse! That is a wonderful detour in plans. 🙂 I am going, and this will be my first Allume Conference. To say I’m thrilled, is putting it mildly. You’ve presented some ideas here that are not only practical, but that anyone could institute. I hadn’t thought of approaching our church before! Thank you for sharing your ideas here – I love this community!

  11. I. Am. Going!!!! WOO-HOO!! So very excited. I have so much to learn about blogging, and the Lord spoke to me about totally changing my site, so that is happening right now … thanks to Jami Leigh of Fount of Inspiration! Thankfully, I live in Georgia, so Greenville, SC is a nice “don’t have to buy a plane ticket” place to experience Allume! I cannot wait to meet you all over our smiles, laughter, worshiping, learning and … wait for it … consumption of coffee and dark chocolate! Y’all have a BLESSED day and weekend!

  12. Congratulations!! How exciting.

    I have never attended Allume, but I would love to go this year. Financially I’m trying to figure out how to make it work so your ideas on how to raise the funds are really helpful. I’m a single mom so not only do I have to figure out how to get there, I have to secure childcare while I’m gone.

    I believe that if it’s in God’s plan for my life, I will be there. If not, I will be following along from my home. Either way, it’s a great community that I would like to experience. And it’s my birthday weekend! 🙂

  13. I paid for allume out of savings and am dividing the cost of room with a friend. My MIL is handling child-care and I only live 3 hours away.

    I feel so blessed, I know not everyone has had it this easy. I hope that everyone who wants to go to allume will be able to go, and that those that can’t will be given an extra measure of grace to accept their season!

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