Colorado Christian Writer's Conference

Wow, has it really been so long since I last had a blog entry? It is definitely not from lack of words to share, but more from lack of time these last few weeks. The words are swimming around…just waiting for me to get a chance to throw them out to bloggersphere.


As promised, a few words about the CCWC that I attended…let’s see…can it really be that this conference was a month ago?? To begin with I will share the conference was a life changing experience for me…and oh, how I dream of going back to the mountains.

On the first day as I was standing in line at the registration desk I questioned my sanity just a bit as I realized I was going to be spending a few nights in a dorm room with two other women I didn’t know. What was I thinking? Well, God had a great big surprise and blessing for me. Long talks into the night and early morning breakfasts created a “sister bond.” Meeting them both was definitely a highlight of the conference.

When I signed up to go to the conference, I had hoped it would help me to not only learn more on the craft of writing, publishing, etc., but also, I wanted to meet God. I wanted to hear from Him. I wanted guidance and direction and….I wanted healing!

Besides time obstacles, part of the reason in my delay on blogging about my experience, is knowing what to share and what not to share. I want to honor God by sharing the things He taught me, but some of the healing I experienced was from years of bondage and to be honest, I am still processing that portion of my experience. There will be a time to share, but not right now. I will share with you though, I did meet God on the mountain…and I experienced remarkable healing.

Regarding the writing portion of the conference:

 Many, many choices of topics and areas to explore in the writing world

 Wonderful and caring instructors and staff

 Appointments with agents, publishers, authors—beyond my expectation with their guidance, direction, encouragement and knowledge

This was a great writing conference…to not only learn the trade, but also for spiritual refreshment and encouragement.

Now, off to read what's been going on with my other blogger friends--I've missed you!!

Stepping out of the box!

Just for the record...I am so stepping out of my box.  Off to Colorado I go for the Colorado Christian Writers Conference....I will resume posting next week!

Seeds of Dreams

I was looking for a quote for a project I am working on when I came across this quote:


You know a dream is like a river, ever changing as it flows.
And a dreamer's just a vessel that must follow where it goes.
Trying to learn from what's behind you and never knowing what's in store
makes each day a constant battle just to stay between the shores.
And I will sail my vessel 'til the river runs dry.
Like a bird upon the wind, these waters are my sky.
I'll never reach my destination if I never try,
So I will sail my vessel 'til the river runs dry.
Too many times we stand aside and let the water slip away.
To what we put off 'til tomorrow has now become today.
So don't you sit upon the shore and say you're satisfied.
Choose to chance the rapids and dare to dance the tides.
-Garth Brooks
song The River co-written with Victoria Shaw

Before cancer, there were many times I let the burdens of life weight me down. With life responsibilities I felt like there was never enough hours of the day. Then bam! Cancer diagnosis…my world stopped…and then my life began again! I made a promise to God that if I lived through treatment (I seriously had my doubts), I would live a life for Him. In my pursuit of living a life for Him, I discovered a new dream. Before cancer, I never took the time to dream. (I enjoyed being a wife and mother—that was my only dream.) Slowly through the cancer treatment journey a seed was planted in my life garden. A seed to write. (There are many days I wonder if the wrong seed was planted in my garden. After all, I have had no writing training or experience, I am getting older and my life schedule is pretty full.) The last year this seed has grown into a seedling. Many times I have tried to dig up the seedling and throw it in the compost pile. However, the roots must be deep, as the plant (dream) keeps coming back and continues to grow. A few weeks ago, God watered this seed by providing an unexpected opportunity for me to attend the Colorado Christian Writers Conference next week. I can hardly believe it! At this time I don’t know if I am more scared or more excited. All’s I do know is that I am trusting and obeying!



Q. Have you had the seed of a dream planted in your life garden?