This verse encapsulates not only our calling to constantly strive towards being more like Jesus each day, but also illuminates the fact that we are created to live in community.  We were not meant to live in darkness nor were we meant to live alone.  By being in His light, we are in fellowship with others who also claim that light as their source of life.


Last October, God introduced me to an incredible piece of His plan and love for me with the community at The Relevant Conference.  He provided the way, the ticket, and the friendships that continue to grow and bless my heart today!  That community and conference have evolved into something bigger with the potential to accomplish earth-shaking things for the Kingdom.  And so, today, I'm joining in the pulling back of the curtain on that freshly reworked community and conference...


Allume:

In French, "allume" means "light" - which is the foundational rhythm of this new community!  The online space of Allume is a gathering of women who recognize the work of Jesus Christ in their lives as the Light!  Because His truth and goodness have invaded our souls, it is our desire to see His light reflected into our spheres of influence.  This community will continue to grow and connect throughout the year with podcasts, articles, videos, etc.


Allume Social: 
The Relevant Conference has officially evolved into this new space.  The core values and purpose will remain the same, but will continue to grow with the ebb and flow of life and needs of women.  This conference caters to the woman who uses the online spaces to communicate the Light through her story, her ministry, her heart.


Be sure to follow along with this community through their blog, their tweets, or Facebook!


There's also a Twitter party tonight, Tuesday 2/7 at 9pm EST to answer questions, throw out some incredible prizes, and even bless the socks off some lady with a free pass to the conference!  Don't miss it! Use the new #allume hashtag to join in the fun!


On a personal note, I'm so excited to be partnering with these women this year at Allume Social beyond my "blogger" role as a worship leader and song-writer!  Last year, I was blessed to have the opportunity to meet with Shaun Groves and Christa Wells at The Relevant Conference to talk about a different type of writing - the writing that moves beyond the page and into the ear with a melody and rhythm.  From their encouragement and wise insight on the next steps of moving into this inudstry, my husband and I have decided to press forward with our music!  It's a scary and exciting step to make!


But, then the icing on the cake came...Sarah Mae, the official "Idea Slinger" for Allume asked me to step into a new role with Allume Social this year!  We're still working out the details, but officially I will be leading worship on Saturday night and I've been asked to craft a song specifically for this community that we'll sing together at the conference to close things out!


Currently, we're working on getting ready to record our first EP that will be released (God-willing) in time for the conference I'm so excited and cannot wait to share it with you.  But I need some help!  As we move forward, we've decided that we officially need a "band name."

Originally, we loved using Chasing-Eden, but that belongs to another indie artist group!  We've got a few ideas, but would love some feedback!  N + A (our initials) is at the top of our list so far, but if you come up with a new idea that we end up settling on...free album for you!

So, what do you think would be a good band name for us!?

It's been just over a month since I first introduced you to my OLW (one little word) for this current life-season.  I've landed on the word, "redeem" as it encompasses both a reminder of who I am (a redeemed daughter of the King) and a call to action (redeeming the time He has given me).  To be honest, I thought I could coast a bit with this word choice.  I anticipated happy thoughts as I reflected on my place in God's Kingdom.  And I expected little reminders to turn off the electronics and clean my house.  However, I'm now beginning to realize that God has bigger things in mind thatn what I originally planned.

In the coming weeks, I'll share more about this journey and what God is teaching me concerning my identity and my responsibility.  Take a second and jump over ot the sidebar for GFC, the email box, or the RSS feed to make sure you're signed up to share in this part of my "chasing after eden" journey.  Thanks!



Now, for the good-stuff...

A few weeks ago, some IRL friends of mine were posting on Facebook about this amazing jewelry gal they had run across!  I clicked over and immediately fell in love with the simplicity and beautiful themes that flowed from this artist's work.  The more I stalked read about her, the more excited I became.  Get this...she lives in my town, she loves Jesus, she's got a little guy who is a bit older than Auggie, and she's a fellow blogger!  So, I contacted her on Etsy and asked if she'd be willing to host a giveaway here at Chasing-Eden and she said, YES!

Without further ado, I'd like to introduce you to Natassia of Nat's Knapsack!  Here are some of my favorite pieces from her shop...click on over and pick a favorite for yourself, you'll need it for the giveaway in just a minute!

Custom Hand-Stamped Pendants Family Necklace

Vintage Style Owl Necklace

Dangling Leaf Earrings

Hand-Stamped Antique Bronze Necklace

Sigh!  Isn't it all so lovely - and she even does custom orders, friends!  Isn't some holiday coming up where we get jewelry?  Hmmmm...So, here's the dealio...

Natassia is giving away one Hand-Stamped Pendants Necklace, similar to the one above, to one of my lucky readers!  And get this...the necklace will be a customized piece made for Chasing-Eden readers!  In honor of my OLW journey, this necklace will have one tag that reads "Redeem" and the other will have the reference of Eph. 5:15-16!

Mandatory Entry:
Visit Natassia's shop and come back to leave a comment here with your favorite piece from her collection!

Extra Entries:
Follow the Chasing-Eden blog
Follow the Nat's Knapsack blog
Tweet about the giveaway (include @AlleMcCloskey and @NatsKnapsack)
Share the giveaway on Facebook

Leave a separate comment for each entry and please include the URL of your tweets or facebook shares!

I'm so excited to introduce a new friend and project here at Chasing-Eden.  At the beginning of the new year, I knew I wanted to open up the writing here to include the heart stories and "chasing after Eden" moments of my friends and readers.  Thus, Project | Eden Chasers was born.  If you're interested in guest posting in this corner of the online world, please read these simple guidelines and connect with me!

Today, I'd like to invite you to take a moment and meet my friend, Christie!  We met several months back online and quickly discovered that our "Auggies" have several things in common - drumming, nicknames, one day and year apart for birthdays - to name a few!  I have since learned to treasure this wise woman's heart. Her authenticity and humility quietly work their way into your life as you