Category: Writers Conference

  • How much time do you spend worrying?

    If you’re like me, you spend a fair amount of the day worrying. Especially during these uncertain times in the middle of a pandemic in an election year!

    On day two of the writers’ conference, I became feverish and sick which landed me in bed wrapped in blankets. My caring roommate, Noreen, attended to me bringing what food and drink I could handle. She even offered to drive me home if I wanted to go. I chose to remain at the conference in hopes the bug would pass quickly. Deferring her own needs and health, she compassionately cared for me. Thankfully, I recovered and was able to enjoy the remainder of the conference.

    When I regained strength, I marched into the conference with my head held high expecting God to disclose His vision and great truths. My desire is to carry on with His mission of writing through me. Regardless of anything and everything going on in my life, I just needed to be at the conference. I needed to let it all go and be present here and now.

    Maybe you or a loved one has or is experiencing the flu or COVID-19. Your body is worn out, dragged down, and tired all over. Try and take this time to rest and relax your physical and emotional muscles. Use this time to reflect on your blessings.

    “If you worry about what might be, and wonder what might have been, you will ignore what is,” unknown

    • In your spare time, what do you immediately turn to first … your computer, social media blitzes, news on the television, your Bible, devotional, etc.?
    • When did you last spend time engaged in a productive, positive activity? What did you do?

    Prayer of Encouragement: 

    Dear God, thank you for putting guardian angels in my life to care for me. I know You are in control of my life even though the entire world seems to be spinning out of control. Help me put aside issues which might cause me to forget You and concentrate on what You’ve prepared for me. I willingly accept the path You’ve charted in my life. Whatever the outcome, I choose to praise You. Amen.

    ** excerpt taken from Life is: Good, Fragile, Precious—Loving yourself so you can love others book; Day #20.  

    “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” —Luke 12:22–26. 

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  • Go and TELL

    Today my Five Minute Free Writing prompt is: TELL     apples

    Go and TELL. What is it that I need to TELL? Who do I need to TELL? Those are questions that need to be answered before I can go and TELL. I have within me Good News. Good News about the One who created me, died for me, and rose again. I can TELL of His awesomeness. His self-sacrificial entire life while here on earth and beyond. When I keep the secret to myself, there are many who remain untold, clueless, and without hope. I don’t want to be a person who withholds information because I’m too busy or afraid of what others may think of me should I share with them the hope that lies within me.

    As I think forward, who in my life remains untold? Who within my reach does not know of this free gift offered by the Creator of the Universe? Jesus, John the Baptist who came before Him, His disciples, etc., all were bold in declaring the Gospel. If they can be a witness, so can you and I (Mark 1).

    Speak to me Lord. As I walk this path, who did you put in my path that needs to hear about You today? Here I am, Lord, send me.

    Thoughts to ponder; questions to consider:

    • Where should I go today?
    • Whom would You have me speak to, be a witness to this day?

    *****

  • Pot of Gold

    Recently I had the opportunity to sit at a book signing table with another talented writer, Kerry McAvoy and a dear friend, Vicki. Just like in past signings, I am amazed at the similarity of people who cross our paths (or stop at our table). We received words of affirmation, shared stories, and even received hugs from total strangers. Connectedness.   Womens Expo Book SigningRelational. Each of us has a story to tell; some put the words down on paper, others tell their story with just the words from their mouth. Either way, the story deserves to be told. Told to the current generation and then the next generation will become a part of the original whole.

    In conferences I’ve heard that if you intend to go into the writing business to make tons of money, you’d better chose a different vocation because that probably won’t happen. But then again, maybe those people weren’t counting new friendships, words of thanks and praise. Today my gifts equaled much more than money can buy. Like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Thank you all for the vital part you play in shaping my world which causes me to thank my Creator. The one who gifted me with insight, courage, and the talent and motivation to write my story.

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  • Book lover corner

    “It is a great thing to start life with a small number of really good books which are your very own,”—Arthur Conan Doyle.

    Anyone who knows me knows that I absolutely LOVE books. Fiction, non-fiction, memoir, mystery, funny & serious books. I give them away and let people borrow from my extensive, unorganized library. You might hear me say,

    “Take care of this one. Treat it gently; like family.”

    As an early married gal, I read all I could about engagements and then married life. Love languages of men and women. During my child rearing years, I tended toward non-fiction, self help type of books. How to potty train in one week. Then, we moved to the turbulent teen years. What to do when you teen doesn’t like you any more (not even a little bit)? Later, as our children grew and moved out, I stared at the empty nest years. How to keep our marriage flame burning brightly. Happy days came when our first born son and his wife were blessed with our first grandchild, Liberty Hope. How do I creatively grandparent from far away?

    Seasons come and go in your life and in mine. One of the keys I’ve found is to be flexible. Having a positive attitude and eagerness to embrace a new chapter in life also is helpful.    image001 (Copy)

    Over the last several years, I’ve been investigating various genres of books. After attending various writer conferences, I’ve learned some benefits of exposing myself to all sorts of writing.

    But the most widely used and appreciated book throughout my entire life would have to be the Bible. The Word of God. Scripture. There are many different titles/references to this Holy Book. Whatever you choose to call this inspired and God-breathed book, I’ve found it to be the answer to any question that might surface during a lifetime. Whether you’re angry, sad, doubtful, happy, searching, or confused, ask God to lead you to the passage that will speak to your specific heart need.

    • What is the burning question(s) in your mind right now?

  • Seek Rest for your Soul

    Seek Rest for your Soul

    Grand Haven Lighthouse (photo by Steve Lasher)
    Grand Haven Lighthouse (photo by Steve Lasher)

    “Go somewhere fear told you you couldn’t go. Find your edge and push it. Speak that truth. Joseph Campbell said, ‘The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.’

    The treasure is growth, risk’s reward. Turns out the cave is more amazing than frightening; spacious, pristine and liberating.” (from Soulseeds.com)

    Is fear speaking to you right now? Maybe fear is preventing you from submitting a magazine or book proposal. Are you a bit afraid of going to the edge and signing up for a writer’s retreat? Have you considered a retreat or conference might be the jumpstart you need to go to the next level?

    The treasure is awaiting you — you need only step out in faith. Reserve your spot now. Don’t delay another day. Is it time to begin Writing in Harmony with your Soul? A perfect opportunity awaits you to join fellow writers for 30 hours of writing, reflective time, learning, brainstorming and much more!

    Find out more about finding your treasure and dispelling crippling fear. Come join us on March 22–23. For more information, see:

    https://www.meetup.com/wordweavers-wmi/events/101252082/

    “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock & my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken” — Psalm 62:5–6.

  • Truth…in the hidden places

    “Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place” (Psalm 51:6)  

    Truth is what you’re all about. Truth is what the world needs—what my neighbor, co-worker, friend, and family need. It’s what I need, and I cannot escape this reality. That is why I feel the call and mission to spread the truth for as many days as You deem here for me on earth.

    You have taught me wisdom at Maranatha Christian Writers’ Conference through the presenters, faculty, and students. May that wisdom filter down in the inmost place, take up residence, bloom, blossom and flourish into Your chosen avenues. I do not know the outcomes of this mission, but I do know the One who I am entrusting it too and His name is Trustworthy for all eternity!

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  • Bill Myers tidbits from Maranatha Writers’ Conference

    Bill Myers-Author topic: “Just Say Yes!” Promise to always say “yes” to God – no matter what! Key to his success: I’m a crybaby, a coward and a moron. And I’m someone who keeps saying “yes” to God regardless of how stupid it makes me feel. 

    Bill left us with the following question:  Do I want to eat Kibbles & Bits, or would I prefer to live life more abundantly?

    “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord,” Colossians 3:23.

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