Bridge Those Troubled Waters

So you're going to the big conference in two weeks...

Maybe you've been there.

Maybe not.

Maybe you're at a point in your writing or your life where you stumble a little. Or fall a lot. Perhaps you're tripping over yourself to make a name, a brand, a place or spot or niche where you fit. Where your writing fits. Where your hard work and lovely words will be appreciated and enjoyed.

On the other hand, you might be so good, so strong, so certain of your destiny that you know the call will come sometime soon. Contest wins and encouraging rejections push your hopes up that today could be THE DAY. And so you listen for the phone. You carry your cell with you, fully charged, JUST IN CASE. Day after day. Week after week. And yes, month after month.

Or you might be someplace back at the beginning, testing waters, one toe at a time, getting to know people, joining local groups, finding sites like Seekerville, groups like Faith, Hope and Love and ACFW...  You might be in sensory overload, trying to take it all in, wanting to grasp in multiple directions, so many voices, so much advice, so much...

"Be still, and know that I am God."

Through all else, the be all and the end all, the Alpha and the Omega, the crux of the journey is in His hands. I believe that. I embrace that. I encourage everyone around me at all levels to do the same.

BUT...

The work is work of my hands. God can't do it alone. He can't manufacture stories for me. So my work comes first, a result of my faith, my belief, my regard for God as my God. My ever-mentor. My good buddy who has seen me through so much, first as the little-girl with dirty clothes and not much food, to the trying-to-find-herself teen, and then the young mother balancing a houseful of kids and jobs. The same God who blessed me to hang on through times of trial, who gave me teeth too big for my mouth so that I'm almost REQUIRED to smile all the time, and the results of that smile are amazing friendships.

Who knew that big teeth could mean so much???  ;)

Going to a big writers' conference may seem overwhelming. You're bumping shoulders with greats like Dan Walsh, Mary Connealy, Francine Rivers, Deanne Gist...
 

You're sharing elevators with editors like Melissa Endlich, Rebecca Germany, Allen Arnold and Sue Brower...

You're eating at tables with agents like Natasha Kern, Steve Laube and Chip MacGregor...

And your insides are mush.

Be still, and know that I am God...

I've always loved her determination and her faith... to just touch the hem of his garment...

 A strong conference will excite you. Energize you. Amaze you.  And if you get a little emotional during a worship service, or a keynote address, or hearing gentle words of encouragement from Margaret Daley or some sweet, kindly author who gives you a much needed hug...


Be still, and know that I am God...

Embrace the life that has brought you thus far. Tap into the joy and angst... Instead of asking "Why me???"

Say:

"Why not me?"

And come into this fun, educational, spirit-filled joyful gathering with an open mind, a loving heart, and willing spirit. All else comes from this, that the wellspring of our hearts is the dayspring of the Lord. His to guide. His to direct. His to inspire.

On his timeline.

But for that to happen, the work must be of our hands first.

And each night of conference the Seekers in attendance will be gathering in the lounge area of the hotel to laugh, chat, hug, make new friends, see old friends, welcome, embrace and make fun of Mary. It's what we DO.  ;)  Come join us. Do not be shy, Seekervillagers need to leave all pretense of "shy" and "inward" at the door. And if I'm in a learning room with you, come sit by me. We'll learn together. I'll love it, totally.

Coffee's ready. Breakfast is served. And I'm sending out two copies of Mended Hearts today to commenters, (yes, you have to talk to us... sheesh. ) appropriately so.  Romantic Times gave it a 4-Star rating and called it a "complicated story, an utterly compelling read..."

:)

I concur.