This past Wednesday I attended Making Brands Happen Webinar with Lara from Southern Weddings and Emily from Emily Ley Paper. They are both such amazing examples of women who have thriving businesses and still have their priorities straight. I truly can't say enough good things about them! (I mean seriously, have you read Southern Weddings?) I took away so many great things from our time together, but one thing stood out to me more than the rest - the importance of convictions. I'm going to make some changes in my life and business in 2013. I want to stay true to what I believe in and own it. I am building my life and my business on these values.

Go back with me to 6th grade. I know, most of you probably don't want to. It was awkward enough to live through middle school once, right? However, we're going back to my embarrassing years not yours, so no worries. I went to a big church growing up. And by big, I mean mega. Our youth group was enormous. It had your basic school dynamics, and for this little homeschooler it enveloped most of my social life. (I'm not sure my 2 weekly co-op meetings and art classes count!) Anyway, I had the same desire as any other middle school kid - to be cool. Let's just say I wasn't in the "cool" crowd...or even close to it. I struggled. I remember one Sunday morning struggle in particular...

My Granddaddy served in the US Army after graduating from high school. It was one of those hot summer days at their camp where all you could do was hope the watermelon truck would come by. Suddenly he heard a voice as clear as day saying, "When are you going to mean business for Me?"