That’s the conference cycle, right? Go to a conference or retreat, get all jazzed up, “meet God,” and then come home and change nothing.

Not this time. This time is different. Two weeks ago I was at Catalyst, and then last week I was in Chicago for Willow Creek’s Group Life Conference. Catalyst inspired me, and Group Life taught me (and then inspired me). And I’m never going to be the same again.

Real life has already set in. In many ways I feel the same as I did before I left, but I’m determined to continue to seek the face of God, to continue to wake up early to spend time in prayer and in the Scriptures. I’m determined to share the love of Jesus with others.

Plans I made have already been delayed, but I will continue to forge ahead. And I MUST continue to seek God.

It’s not easy, but I want it.

Okay, this time I’m going to give you a heads up before I start liveblogging.

I’m currently in Chicago for the annual Willow Creek Group Life Conference. This is my first time there (the conference, not Chicago), but I hear that it is THE conference for small group ministry. So, on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday expect regular posts on the sessions and breakouts I attend. You can also follow me on Twitter, where I’ll be posting my random thoughts as well as links to these posts.

I’m not sure what breakouts I’ll be attending yet. I’ll let you know when I’ve got this figured out, but I am excited about the one on doing ministry online that my boss, Heather Zempel, is leading.

If you’re going to be at the conference or around Willow Creek, either hit me up on Twitter or leave a comment here.

OOh, and I can’t forget to mention that it’s great to be able to get back to Chicago for a little while to see my family and eat some great Chicago hot dogs, roast beef, and pizza.