Follow Through

Have you ever noticed that several days after a writing conference like ACFW, maybe even a week after, everyone's got that glow about them? They're excited about the new friendships, networking opportunities, lessons learned, and maybe even manuscript requests.

Ever noticed that happens a week or two after that?

Everyone is sick, exhausted, and worn-out.

I actually managed to stay healthy after this year's ACFW conference, somewhat of an amazing feat considering my social stamina usually outlasts my germ tolerance. :) But thanks to my students, here I am a couple weeks later, sitting on the sofa, typing this and thinking about taking my third nap of the day. Stupid germs!

It's oh-so-easy to allow ourselves to get weary when we come off of a mountaintop experience. Suddenly reality hits again, and we begin panicking. Is our manuscript really strong enough to send? Should we even bother connecting with that editor or agent who asked to see our work? Do we really have what it takes to be published?

In these moments, it's so very important we allow positive affirmation of God's calling and purpose to enter our hearts and lives. Remember what your critique partner has said about your story. Remember that feedback you got from a paid critiquer, the verse God brought to your mind? Think on these things.

God has given us this whole room full of gifts. We're talking, way bigger than Christmas morning. We wake up and get excited when we see them, but how often do we then walk out the door without ever having used these gifts He has given us? We keep saying, "God, give us more," when He's saying, "It's time to start using what you already have."

I hope you're encouraged today to see beyond the here and now into the deeper promises God has spoken over your life. When He purposes something in us, He does not forget, and He does not give up. Accept that He has a plan for the stories He has put in your heart, and He's placed them there for a reason. Do not be afraid. You never go alone.

How do you pick yourself back up on those days you'd rather stay in your pajamas and watch a Gilmore Girls marathon?

The Flight

Have you ever had a dream? Sure. We all have. But I'm learning that the funny thing about dreams is they're most clear when we aren't looking directly at them.

I had a very good experience at the ACFW conference this year. A lot of positive feedback, great time with friends, and the editor interest I was hoping to find for my new book. So there I am, sitting on the airplane headed home, and what do I do? My thoughts jump to what is coming next. I begin to pray and ask God to lead me to the next step of His plan. But then it hits me. He already is.

As I sat there trying not to breathe in too many plane germs, God spoke to me. You know what He said?

You're already on the plane.

Did you catch that? YOU are already on the plane too. That thought overwhelms me with thanksgiving. I may not know where I am going next, but the thing is, I am going somewhere, and so are you. The plane is no longer on the ground. We have left the former things in pursuit of the things to come.

That can be very nerve wrecking when you're a planner and like to know what comes next. But slow down for a second and let it sink in. But we aren't just waiting around. We are moving forward. The plane has left the ground. God's purposes for your life are already in action. Isn't that an incredible thing?

This was my view from my airplane window leaving Dallas.

I like knowing what comes next. I always have. So many times, I pray about God's next step for my life, and when I say I pray, I pray a lot.

But really, when it comes down to it, what I'm doing is taking myself out of a reliance on God. The praying is just a ruse for trying to take control. Instead of trusting Him to put the next step in front of me when it feels like I'm stepping into air, I'm looking for a step on my own. This is not how faith operates.

I know I've referenced this verse a lot lately, but let's look at it again. Hebrews 11:1. The NIV says it this way, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

KJV says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

The moment we cannot see the future is the precise moment we learn to step out in faith. Faith in what is seen is no faith at all. Hold fast to your calling, for if it is true, then even when you can't see it, that calling is the surest ground you could ever walk upon.

This past week, God has spoken to me that I need to slow down and just trust Him along the journey. So often, I get myself stressed out because I'm spending too much energy trying to figure out "the best thing" to do in every situation. But that's wasted effort. If we just look to Him, our footsteps will align with where they ought to be.

Our Heavenly Father delights in giving us good things. If He has put a calling on your heart, there is a reason. Keep your confidence in the work He is doing in your life. Being confident in His purposes is not pride--it's a very good thing. You may not see where He is taking you, but the important thing is, if you've committed it to Him, you're already flying.

Do you ever find yourself getting ahead of the place God has put you in? Maybe you haven't yet achieved your dream, but have you taken time lately to let the progress you've made sink in? How can we remain sensitive to what God is doing in our lives now instead of being so overwhelmed by future things?

ACFW Conference :)

I had SO much fun at the ACFW Conference this past weekend and am having a hard time believing it's already over! The whole thing feels like a dream. A very tiring, very memorable dream full of laughter, nerves, and wonderful friendships and opportunities. I don't know where I'd be without this organization and am so thankful to those who listened to the pressing of God when He laid it on their hearts to start ACFW.

Some highlights of the conference...

• Using the word "peeps" in a conversation with Becky Monds. Thankfully, she laughed.
• Stalking the appointment board and driving poor Casey Miller flat crazy.
• Lots of laughter with my roommates Angie and Amy, staying up until welllllll past our bedtime. The rooms were so quiet, we couldn't sleep!
• Making connections with past and present heros, like Allen Arnold, Allison Pitman, and Rene Gutteridge.
• Wonderful workshops, thanks to which (shout out to Rachel Hauck!) I think I'm finally going to shake my terror of brainstorming.
• Worship with other storytellers, the shapers of the world of fiction. What a privilege.
• This piece of pecan pie.

Here I am with The Alley Cats. Love these ladies! So excited to be an Alley Cat this year. :)

I was so happy to be able to spend some time with Sarah Forgrave this year. Love this girl!

Lindsay is SO much fun!

This year I had the privilege of meeting the cutest pregnant woman of all time, Kristy Wedge Cambron. Love this girl! 

Roomie pic! Angie, Amy, and I before the banquet. I pretty much have the prettiest roommates in all the land. Such great times with these women!

Mentor of the year herself: Allison Pitman. After spending some time with her this year, I can tell you the award was well-deserved.

My editor and friend from the e-zine I write articles for, SciendaQ. Happy to meet you, Cat! So fun chatting!

Casey is absolutely the cutest! Such the glittering social butterfly! Loved getting to meet you this year, Casey! 

One of my favorite moments of the conference... meeting Rene Gutteridge.  

Beth Vogt is so PRECIOUS. I could talk to her for hours.

Cara, Amy, and I

My friend and published author, Krista Phillips! So fun hanging out with her this year!

These ladies are so much fun. Linsday Harrel, Katie Ganshert, and Gabrielle Meyer. You should see the picture that followed this one!

And last but not least, here's a short clip from the MBT pizza party this year, featuring Lindsay Harrel, Karen Ball, and Susie May Warren. They had me laughing so hard with this song.

I miss you already, writing friends!