What
would you do with $1,000.00?
Ever
daydream about spending some big bucks? How about with a specific
qualifier of where it’s spent? I thought I would have a little fun
with this question at my blog. Come weigh in with your answer at
http://sallyswords.braveblog.com/entry/45413
Return
from CLASS
Just
nine short weeks ago, I stepped off of the airplane in Albuquerque,
New Mexico for the CLASS (Christian Leaders and Speakers Seminars)
Christian Writers’ Conference. The learning curve I entered took my
breath away! And that is a good place to be, so that the breath of
the Holy Spirit may have free reign within!
We had daily
devotions at Ghost Ranch and were constantly challenged to rethink
our approach to the Throne. Do I ask God to bless what I’m writing,
or do I ask Him to write His words through me? Although both ways
sound very religious, it can be such a fine line between
self-serving and God-serving. Craig von Buseck challenged us with
this thought: God gave us the first and greatest commandment, to
love God, and then to love your neighbor as yourself. But we tend to
have it backward; we do ministry first, and then go to meet with the
Lord! I have been challenged anew to truly learn how to
pray.
Another surprise at the Ranch was the camaraderie among the
writers. I did not expect it to be cut-throat at a Christian
Conference, but I was hardly prepared for the kinship that would
happen! I found people who were in love with the Lord and bent on
serving one another. Conversation flowed around the dinner table and
people found common themes in writing. We were encouraged to find
out that we’re on the right track!
The workshops were top-notch.
We learned about sequencing, story-telling, marketing, dealing with
tough topics, editing, queries, publishing and social-networking. We
asked questions, brainstormed within groups and batted around story
angles. Publishers, editors and conference leaders handed out trade
secrets, gave survival tips and encouraged us to write for change.
They talked about the new generation of readers and how to approach
an evolving culture. They talked about the implications of The Great
Commission, and how our writing should communicate God’s Word in
clear language.
If you haven’t guessed by now, I had a great
time, and am completely sold on the importance of retreating in
order to regroup! Your work depends on it!
I leave with you the
challenge I received at Ghost Ranch: write from the depth. Spend
time with the Lord first, fill up your cup with Him, then plan
ministry from the overflow. The Lord is calling you deeper; walk
with Him. He wants to use you to reach people!
May you be
blessed, as you seek to be a blessing!
Sally
Exciting
News!
I’m
ready to launch my new ebook, and by being on my mailing list, you
are privy to this opening special! For 24 hours, you are eligible to
receive “How to Plan a Women’s Retreat” at 25% off! After 5 pm
Sunday, January 10, 2010 it will go to full price at $9.00. Are you
interested in this special deal? Then go to
http://www.sallyferguson.net/retreat%20resources.html |
Sally
Ferguson
sallyswords@windstream.net
979
Southwestern Drive
Jamestown NY 14701
(716) 488-1254
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