Me? Attend a
Christian Writers Conference? You’ve got
to be kidding! Surely those who attend
such activities have “made it” in the writing world. They have probably studied writing, had a
book or two published………they are “successful” authors. They have the right to call themselves
writers.
Not like
me. I only pen a few devotionals.
I have long
dreamed of publishing a devotional book, but have been very hesitant and
reluctant to write. After all, who would
want to read what I have to say? A number of years ago, God led me to a writing
group, Quirky Quills. I have received
much nagging (sorry, encouragement) over the years, but still felt I had
nothing to offer, nothing worthwhile to say.
How easy it is
to accept and believe the lies of the enemy! With Quirky Quills cheering me on,
I did attend the conference in question. (The recent Christian Writers
Conference at Bacchus Marsh, Victoria). The overarching theme seemed to be renewing
our minds, not accepting the lies that the enemy shoots at us, but realising
and living out our identity in Christ. I
attended various sessions, prayed with other attendees, met many beautiful likeminded
Christian women and realised that I was meant to be at the conference. My
heavenly Father had a plan. My being there was not a mistake.
 |
| Lake Dewar, Bacchus Marsh, Christian Writers Conference |
After arriving
home from the conference, I set time aside to spend with God. He spoke to me and within a couple of hours I
had jotted down a number of ideas for devotions. As I
opened myself to God, while making a determined effort to claim who I am in
Christ and stand against the old familiar lies of the enemy, God confirmed to
me his desire that I write and cemented in me a new found determination to
honour Him in this.
At the
conference, I realized that I had been my focus. I can’t write….I have nothing to say…..I am
inadequate….the list went on and on. But
now the list is changing. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus”, Hebrews 12:2……. “I
can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”, Philippians 4:13
Me? Attend a Christian Writers Conference?
Absolutely! I am looking forward to the next one!
Janelle Moore lives in Toowoomba, Queensland, with her husband Mark, and their two teenagers. She loves to write devotions and true stories, and from now on will be writing more of these.
Great post. Thanks Janelle. I like your point that when we feel inadequate we are often focused on ourselves and not on God's power or vision for us.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your encouragement Jeanette. Yes, I have been in that place for too long - but not any more. God is so good and faithful.
DeleteGreat post Janelle. Am so pleased the nagging has paid off ;) It's great to see how God spoke to you at the conference and that you've resolved to follow Him and not the lies of the enemy. And those lies don't just afflict beginning writers. Seasoned professionals with many books under their belt also go through times when they don't think they can write or that people wouldn't want to listen to what they have to say. Thanks for the reminder that we need to listen to God's voice an not the lies of the enemy. I'll be first in line to buy your devotional book. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you Nola, my faithful friend. I appreciate you and your nagging......oops, encouragement. I will give you a copy!
DeleteThanks for such a lovely, honest post, Janelle. It was great meeting you at the conference - and it definitely wasn't a mistake that you came! May you have many wonderful hours ahead writing those devotionals with God.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jo-Anne. It was lovely to meet you, and to go to your workshop. Do you remember saying that you felt there was someone who needed to know that it was not a mistake that they were there...........
DeleteI have read some of your blogs, and love what you write.
There are some posts that just fill me with happiness and this is one of them, Janelle. I think most writers are secretly afraid that what they have to offer is far from 'good enough.' To hear about your conference experience is really encouraging and edifying ... and not just for you, but for me also ... and I'm sure there are many others too. I hope to join you at next year's conference and look forward to seeing your devotional book on my coffee table. Melinda
ReplyDeleteOh wow, thanks Melinda. I appreciate your comments and encouragement. Yes, at times we think it is only us struggling..... and it is good to know we are not alone in this. I would love to meet you at the next conference.
DeleteWhat a beautiful post Janelle. I was so happy to see you there but not so happy that I didn't get sufficient time chatting to you. So am very glad you will be there at the next one too. Hooray! Great blog and wonderful to hear what God's been doing in you during and after the conference. I look forward to reading your devotional book one day. Awesome!
ReplyDeleteDear Anusha, thank you and God bless you. You are such an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteHow fantastic to be reading your first blog, Janelle! It was so great you could join in the conference fun and be encouraged and inspired in your writing craft. I find such events a great reminder that each of us are on a journey that is uniquely our own. It excites me to think what might be next for you as you step out in this area.
ReplyDeleteThanks Adele. You continue to be an inspiration and encouragement - another wonderful Quirky Quill. How important to fix our eyes on Jesus and run our own race.
ReplyDeleteI'm just guessing here, but I'd say most of us began with all those doubts and feelings of inadequacy, Janelle. But it's so encouraging to have friends who 0give you a push when needed. Quirky Quills must be a great group to belong to. And this CWDU group is also a place where we all share and learn together.
ReplyDeleteNow you've been inspired, keep working on those devotionals and whatever the lord prompts you to do. God bless!
Thanks Rita. At times, I think we can feel like we are the only one who struggles - and it helps to know that others do too. Makes us feel more "normal", and can help to get our eyes off ourselves. Yes QQ is a great group - good friends and inspirational writers. I have only recently joined CWDU, but am enjoying my contact with other members. Maybe we will meet at a future conference.........
DeleteI am so excited Janelle, to read this! Last year I was thinking, 'Janelle needs to be here!'
ReplyDeleteAnd God is faithful and He will help you with every step of your book. Can't wait to read it!
Thanks Pam - yet another great and inspirational Quirky Quill! You were right - I did need to be at the conference.X
DeleteGood on you Janelle, from what I've just read you've got lots to give and you can write, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletePaul, thanks so much for your comments. Coming from someone I don't know, I find that very encouraging. Blessings.
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