I have always been a planner. A definitive type-A lover of color-coded spreadsheet, a well executed plan, and smoothly handled logistics. The moments in my life that have caused me the most anxiety have been the times when I had no idea what was coming next. I couldn’t visualize the layout in my mind. There was no detailed agenda to follow. No guarantee that everything would work out as planned.
In elementary school it was the fear of finding my desk on the first day of school.
In high school it was the anxiety of wondering which table I would sit at for lunch.
In college I would have sleepless nights at the beginning of each semester, trying to mentally walk to each class, mind racing as I tried to figure out the best path to take to get from point A to point B in enough time to be several minutes early to choose a seat.
When I took my first brave step to attend a women’s Bible study at church, I nearly stayed home at the thought that these women wouldn’t have room for me, that all the seats would be saved.
There’s a common thread there, isn’t there? Some part of me fears walking into a room where there won’t be room for me – whether in a classroom, a lunchroom, or a Bible study. As much as my mind wants to participate, my heart is unsure. It’s one reason the tagline of my personal blog is “we saved you a seat.” It’s why this community, and building community, are so important to me. I know what it’s like to feel like you don’t belong, and you aren’t really sure you’ve been invited. But here?
There is a place saved for you at this table.
And more than that, we know what it’s like to live hard stories, to have hearts that have been broken and mended back together by the gentle hands of God. We know how much courage it takes to click “yes” to that invitation, and we know that you are braver than you would ever believe yourself to be when you follow through and show up.
Because we need your story. The beautifully ordinary parts of your life that cross paths with the day-to-day moments of someone else’s are where we come together as sisters in Christ. And in order for us to hear your story, you have to be there to share it. That’s what (in)RL is all about this year.
Can I cross one piece of the (in)RL planning off your list, to help take the anxiety out of showing up? Consider this your very personal, very specific invitation to join us in April. To join more than thirty women sharing their personal testimonies and stories of community on the webcast and thousands meeting in real life around the world. We’ve got a place saved for you, a seat around the table to share life and food, to pray and praise God for the daily graces that have brought us together in this community.
Will you join us?
We’re so excited to giveaway 30 of these beautiful Daily Grace pitchers to anyone registered for (in)RL by midnight tomorrow! Head over to this page to register, and then be sure to find (or start!) a Meetup to get together April 26th with friends in real life. If you want to learn more about the vision for this year’s (in)RL, you can watch the trailer here!
And if you use this fancy-schmancy giveaway widget, you can earn a few additional entries! (As a quick note, the widget may not work well on phones, tablets or other mobile devices, so be sure to enter when you’re on a computer).
Leave a Comment
Denise C Peterson says
GOD LOVES US
Crystal Stine says
So grateful for that, more every morning π
Crystal Stine says
So grateful for that, more every morning π
Christine Fetrow says
Praise God, He does love us so much! He welcomes us and always saved us the very best seat because He FIRST loved us!
Crystal Stine says
Amen!
Crystal Stine says
Amen!
Bev Duncan @ Walking Well With God says
Crystal,
Thank you so much for the personal invitation…I’m all signed up!
Blessings,
Bev
Crystal Stine says
I just knew you would be, Bev π
Bev Duncan @ Walking Well With God says
Crystal,
Thank you so much for the personal invitation…I’m all signed up!
Blessings,
Bev
Crystal Stine says
I just knew you would be, Bev π
kim mandigo says
Thanks for the invitation hope to join you!!
Crystal Stine says
Woohoo!
Crystal Stine says
Woohoo!
Kristina says
This is lovely and beautiful! Thank you!
Crystal Stine says
YOU are lovely & beautiful, Kristina π
Crystal Stine says
YOU are lovely & beautiful, Kristina π
Jeanette A says
I’ve registered!
Crystal Stine says
Yay!
Crystal Stine says
Yay!
va says
So excited for in (RL)
Bridget K says
Very happy Amy is saving a seat for me. π Can’t wait for April.
Crystal Stine says
Love that (less than 80 days away..not that we’re counting or anything..ahem..)!
Crystal Stine says
Love that (less than 80 days away..not that we’re counting or anything..ahem..)!
Anastasia says
Ooo! I’ve eyed these for awhile! Will we be in the run if we have already been registered for it?
Crystal Stine says
You sure will! Woohoo!
Crystal Stine says
You sure will! Woohoo!
Amy KW says
So excited for this event!!!
Alecia says
Boy do I love that tagline, “We saved you a seat” All registered, can’t wait for (in)rl!!
Julie says
Excited!!!
Ashley says
Love this! I am the EXACT same way and it took me until two years into college to finally hand that fear over to God. Living in freedom is a wonderful thing! Can’t wait for this event!
Shirley says
I’ve registered! π
Maria says
Would love to go, but have no clue were its being held and how far away I am from it
Molly Cash says
The meetups happen in homes and churches and wherever someone chooses to host, all over the US and the world! I was scared registering last year, and had no clue what it was all about or where it would be, but I ended up hosting and it was great!
Donna Lindsey says
We are having our conference for (in)rl at our church in Williamsburg, Ohio, April 25th & 26th. At Clear Mountain Community Church. If you are in Ohio close to Cincinnati, let me know and I will try to give you directions.
Molly Cash says
I am so excited to be hosting an (in)RL meetup this year!!! To any ladies in the Knoxville, TN area, please know that there IS a chair for you at my house in April. Even if I have to borrow extras from someone. π
Cheryl Jacobo says
Thanks so much, living in the Grace of God is truly awesome.
Kim Nealey says
Looking forward to this- it will be my first!
Meghan L says
This pitcher is so cute!
Nina Ruth says
I was just driving to work this morning & having a bit of a sad day – I’d been pouring out my heart to the Father, sad that it seems my whole life I’ve been the odd one out, the one who just didn’t “belong.” And when we come to faith in Jesus, it’s not a guaranteed welcome amongst our brothers & sisters in Christ – most people are just so busy that they don’t have time to notice & welcome a newcomer.
I was so frustrated about being the one who always reaches out first, the one who blesses, encourages, etc. & yet always alone at the end of the day, that i just could’t take it any more & tears poured down my cheeks as I parked my car. I got my things together & decided to check my email on my phone before heading up the stairs into the office – and here you were, expressing my thoughts, exactly!
Thank you for the reminder! There IS a place at His table!!
Love,
Nina Ruth π
Crystal Stine says
Sending you a big hug this morning, Nina Ruth π
Nina Ruth says
I was just driving to work this morning & having a bit of a sad day – I’d been pouring out my heart to the Father, sad that it seems my whole life I’ve been the odd one out, the one who just didn’t “belong.” And when we come to faith in Jesus, it’s not a guaranteed welcome amongst our brothers & sisters in Christ – most people are just so busy that they don’t have time to notice & welcome a newcomer.
I was so frustrated about being the one who always reaches out first, the one who blesses, encourages, etc. & yet always alone at the end of the day, that i just could’t take it any more & tears poured down my cheeks as I parked my car. I got my things together & decided to check my email on my phone before heading up the stairs into the office – and here you were, expressing my thoughts, exactly!
Thank you for the reminder! There IS a place at His table!!
Love,
Nina Ruth π
Crystal Stine says
Sending you a big hug this morning, Nina Ruth π
Meg M says
Beautiful! And I love this pitcher!
~Karrilee~ says
I love you so, Crystal – and the community that you gather. This post reminded me of Allume and how Sarah Mae saw me searching and made room at the table and insisted I sit. How that impacted me and made me always want to look for others’ hesitant searching eyes and make room!
And that pitcher? Oh My Yes!!!
Crystal Stine says
Oh I LOVE that story (and you!)
~Karrilee~ says
I love you so, Crystal – and the community that you gather. This post reminded me of Allume and how Sarah Mae saw me searching and made room at the table and insisted I sit. How that impacted me and made me always want to look for others’ hesitant searching eyes and make room!
And that pitcher? Oh My Yes!!!
Crystal Stine says
Oh I LOVE that story (and you!)
Dottie Lord says
Registered! And Hosting a Meetup! Hopefully, we’ll have a CUTE pitcher to put a yummy refreshment in!! π
Rachel Rusticus @redeemingher says
I’m hopeful for (in)courage after catching up with the IF Gathering…God is love & this is His story.
Ronni Cade says
God’s grace is enough. Thankful for His love and the hope it brings to a sinful world.
J Riggs says
Beautiful pitchers π
connie steele says
Such a beautiful piece to bring God to the table… what a conversation that would be and to think something as simple as a pitcher, could change a person’s life… I would so love this… Good Luck to all that enter…
brooke says
REGISTERED! Thanks for the giveawayβ¦ looking forward to April π
Kristin Smith says
I registered and am helping host at a weekend retreat in TX!! YAHOO!!
Melinda says
That’s it exactly! I’ve been trying to figure out what I’ve been dealing with, what I’ve been facing, and I’ve finally come to realize that I just want to be accepted. I’ve never felt “enough.” And I am so grateful that I get a chance to attend and hear and be a part of this community.
Crystal Stine says
We’re so blessed to have you here with us, Melinda π
Crystal Stine says
We’re so blessed to have you here with us, Melinda π
Valerie says
I registered.
Michelle Smith says
This line brought me to tears and just grabbed my heart. “There is a place saved for you at this table.”
I am in a season without many friends. My heart is hurting over the unwillingness of a group of friends from my church which includes a best friend of 30 years – deciding to turn their backs on me. No amount of pleading, apologizing for anything I did that hurt them – has been good enough. I’ve forgiven them for the things that they’ve done to me as well – such as, choosing to all get together and hash out their negative feelings toward me while I was fighting for my health and in major surgery. That has been a hard thing to accept but for going on a year now I’ve reached out in love to each one and have been rejected. I ask for prayer as to what I need to do. The verse about forgiving 70 x 7 always comes to mind. But how much rejection can my heart take? Seeing them on Sundays at church is excruciatingly painful as none of them talk to me. And I hear their plans to get together for lunch….sigh….I am glad there is a seat saved for me here. Even if it’s a virtual one π
Crystal Stine says
Oh Michelle – I wish I could give you a real life hug and have coffee. You are braver than you realize – thank you for choosing to jump into community with us!
Michelle Smith says
This line brought me to tears and just grabbed my heart. “There is a place saved for you at this table.”
I am in a season without many friends. My heart is hurting over the unwillingness of a group of friends from my church which includes a best friend of 30 years – deciding to turn their backs on me. No amount of pleading, apologizing for anything I did that hurt them – has been good enough. I’ve forgiven them for the things that they’ve done to me as well – such as, choosing to all get together and hash out their negative feelings toward me while I was fighting for my health and in major surgery. That has been a hard thing to accept but for going on a year now I’ve reached out in love to each one and have been rejected. I ask for prayer as to what I need to do. The verse about forgiving 70 x 7 always comes to mind. But how much rejection can my heart take? Seeing them on Sundays at church is excruciatingly painful as none of them talk to me. And I hear their plans to get together for lunch….sigh….I am glad there is a seat saved for me here. Even if it’s a virtual one π
Crystal Stine says
Oh Michelle – I wish I could give you a real life hug and have coffee. You are braver than you realize – thank you for choosing to jump into community with us!
Mary @ The Calm of His Presence says
I love your heart Crystal!! I’m registered and can’t wait for (in)RL!!!
Jamie says
I registered on opening day! π
Michelle says
I have those fears too!!
Melinda McCray says
I’m registered. Traveling all the way to Tennessee for in real life meetup!
Jamie says
So excited!!
Liesl says
Registered! Very excited π
Trudy says
Would love to go.
quiltnmama says
so thankful this morning for my Savior who has saved me a seat!
Lesley says
I just registered!!
Christin R says
Love this post!
Brittany says
I’m registered! (in)RL has been such a blessing to me in the past!
Amanda says
I’m registered, and so excited to gather with my inRL Minnesota ladies!! We have stayed connected since last year’s event, and I’m so excited for what God will do this year with old friends and new. He has set my heart on fire through the IF Gathering, and I trust that He will continue to pour out His Spirit in His daughters at inRL too. Thanks, Crystal, for your welcoming and encouraging spirit!
Phronsie says
I’m all signed up! π
Marla says
Registered!
Missy says
I love your heart, Crystal Stine! Can’t wait to make room at the table for ladies, this April!
Kristy Lynn says
I am registered and excited about this year’s in(RL)!!
Jamie D. says
I’m registered and looking forward to attending my second in(RL) conference!
Amy says
Yes, registered. Thanks.
Tristi says
love it!
Helen Gash says
Registered! Can’t wait for this and REALLY hoping there is a meetup near me π
Mary Nimmo says
I am so thankful for God’s daily mercy and grace!! I am registered and so looking forward (in)RL!
Thank you Crystal for your warm invite and encouragement!
Mary Nimmo says
I am so thankful for God’s daily mercy and grace!! I am registered and so looking forward (in)RL!
Thank you Crystal for your warm invite and encouragement!
Bonnie Wallace says
I can’t wait to sit at the table with all of you. Registered and hosting, Bonnie
Nelli Kalinyuk says
I’ve registered so excited to be part of this beautiful community & attend the real meet up in Houston!!! Cute giveaway also π
Genevieve Y. says
I’ve registered!
Jen Millett says
Thank you for the invitation. I am registered!
Shelly Hendricks (@Renewed_Daily) says
So looking forward to sharing a seat with all of you! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Cindy in PA says
I’m registered!
AlyssaZ says
Totally looking forward to inRL MN!!!
Veronica Bernal says
I am registered and hosting a site. I am nervous and excited!!!!!!
Sonya Burgess says
Really excited for the upcoming In(RL). Ready to see what God has in store for all these awesome women.
Sonya Burgess says
Also, registered as a leader for InRL
Susan Daggett says
Thanks!
PeggyJean says
Hi, I registered several weeks ago. I enjoyed 2013’s InRL and am looking forward to this years. I like the Daily Grace pitcher and would use it weekly. Thanks for the opportunity to interact with others of like heart.
Cindy R says
I am registered and already to attend for the second year! π Excited!!!
Rebecca Hatch says
I’m registered for the conference and ready to go! (This is my first year.) Thank-you, all of you so much.
Amy P Boyd says
I love reading your heart !! I am registered. I even decided to host this year to get many of my bible study ladies to come. I canβt wait for (in)RL!!!
Teresa says
Thank you
Anita says
Can’t wait for this year’s conference! I’m already praying that the day will be a blessing to those who attend.
Debbie says
Thank you for all of the encouragement I receive! God is Good…ALL the time!
Celine says
Can’t wait for April…registered.
Dhaley says
So excited!
Denise Jordan says
I am also a list maker. I start my day with a cup of hot tea with way too much sugar and cream, then I begin making my list for the day. When I was working, I could keep track of everything I had to do. Now that I’m retired and life is much slower and relaxed, I could easily fritter my days away doing almost nothing, but my lists keep me grounded and productive. Sometimes I add an entry to sit and read a book, take a nap, or just sit and think, funny I know : )
Crystal Stine says
I just love that, Denise π I think more ‘to do’ lists should include naps!
Crystal Stine says
I just love that, Denise π I think more ‘to do’ lists should include naps!
Dee says
Can’t wait!
Darlene says
I have yet to actually participate in one of these, but I really want to this year! Thanks for all you do!
Laurie Andersen says
This will be my first time. So excited!
LaVonne says
I registered the first day. Still trying to decide to host a meeting. Need to be brave.
Rachel says
Thank you so much for sharing…it definitely rings true in my heart as well. The twist of it all is that I’m in leadership! Can’t wait to join this group and know that I’m always invited, and accepted – that there’s always a seat for me. β‘
michelle thomas says
Praying for incourage. When I log on I always go away inspired. Sharing site with friends.
melissa walsh says
A fb post that led to a click on the internet, that led to a blog post, that led to another blog post, that led to words that spoke to me, that led me to see the incourage (in)RL2014β¦this is God at work in my life!!
Chandra Hadfield says
Crystal,
You have such a way about you that makes me really believe that you really are saving me a seat, and I really do belong. I am so thankful for that about you. What a blessing! I hope that (in)RL is a blessing to many this year. My sister is getting married then, so I probably won’t be able to attend one this year.
Chandra Hadfield says
Crystal,
You have such a way about you that makes me really believe that you really are saving me a seat, and I really do belong. I am so thankful for that about you. What a blessing! I hope that (in)RL is a blessing to many this year. My sister is getting married then, so I probably won’t be able to attend one this year.
Mae says
I can so relate – I’m registering. Im in retired age group
it’s going to be a freeing experience! Keep me posted on
how this all takes place.
Mae says
I can so relate – I’m registering. Im in retired age group
it’s going to be a freeing experience! Keep me posted on
how this all takes place.