I did it again. I broke down and completed the reservation process for Blue Ridge. Each year (this will be the 6th) I keep telling myself I’ll skip a year and save the money. Then that pesky Al puts together an outstanding faculty and adds new and wonderful classes and workshops. Editors, speakers, agents and teachers, who could ask for anything more? I’m back at the keyboard searching for inexpensive flights which don’t exist. Sigh.

If you haven’t been to this conference, you don’t know what you’re missing. Set in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains it is impossible to remain uninspired. Lovely accommodations, state of the art classrooms and a spacious conference room to hold the ever increasing crowd. Writing courses for all interests and levels and a pace so intense, you’ll have to find your own quiet time to catch your breath.

Are you attending a writers conference this year? If so, which one?

Do you have a memory to share about Blue Ridge? Or your first writers conference?

My awesome news this week is – I’m getting ready for Blue Ridge! 

Note: for more info, check out www.brmcwc.com

There are times in all of our lives when we are faced with difficult situations. Facing hurts, betrayal, confusion and unjust accusations. As Christians we are admonished to turn the other cheek, walk the extra mile, take the higher road. As writers, we are encouraged to write from these painful places and craft our words to help others along the way.

How do you take the higher road in your writing?

Is it hard for you to write about personal pain?

I read an article this week online that ministered to my heart. Read it once – cried. Read it again – cried some more. Sent an email to the author thanking her for her words and received a gracious response and an offer of prayer. Beautiful. Her words, written from her own experience, touched my life. My words in response encouraged her.

I’d love to hear your comments – has someone ministered to you through their writing? Have you touched someone’s life with your written words? If you’d like, include a link to a story or article you have written from a rough place in your life. Or share a favorite author who always speaks to your heart through their writing.

It’s not easy… but if you take the higher road, you’ll draw closer to Jesus.

What is your “word” for 2012?

Is there a word or phrase that keeps rolling over in your heart and mind as we enter this new year? Mine is “wisdom.” Scripture instructs us, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5

The world around us is filled with confusion. We need to carefully consider our choices as we move from day to day, month to month and year to year. There are those who continually make poor choices in relationships, finances, job situations and then wonder why their lives are so mixed up and filled with turmoil. 

I’m praying this year that God directs all my choices. In my family, my job, my church life, my writing. But I need His wisdom to make those right choices. And He promised to give us wisdom, liberally – all we have to do is ask!

I bet your “word” is totally different from mine. Is it focus? Discipline? Transition? Priorities? Or maybe something like peace, joy, thankfulness…

One word is easier than a long list of resolutions.

So, what’s your word?