I want to start off by reminding everyone about Divine Appointments. It seems to be the theme of this conference and it's something that I don't think we focus on enough when we are so anxious about pitching our stories to 'so and so' or getting our novels in front of 'what's his name'. Divine Appointments are just that - meetings, usually unexpected, that God strategically places in our paths in which we look back on and think...WOW! Only God could have done worked things out this way!
That's my focus while I'm here at BRMCWC...no wait, I guess I should always have that mentality :-) God's Divine Appointments and Holy Introductions (as keynote speaker Torry Martin said tonight) But in writing it's really easy to lose sight of God-centered work and focus just on the writing-work. God's right in the middle of our calling - weaving through the pages of our lives to add the perfect blend of intrigue, excitement, and wonder.
Have you ever had a moment like that? Or moments like that? I anticipating them! :-)
I just had a GREAT one with author Susan May Warren. It was a fabulous opportunity for us to share information about something that was NON-writing... Loved it!
Another wonderful opportunity was to give a big ol' hug to Alley Pal, Beth Vogt. Isn't she beautiful. I'll get a better picture tomorrow. My phone doesn't take such great shots. And you'll have the chance to see her "Princess Bride" dress. No worries. I'll have a recap of BRMCWC in two weeks ;-)
Here's one of me with Erynn Newman at the My Book Therapy party tonight.
If tonight has been this exciting, I cannot wait to share about the rest of the time I'm here. From an editing workshop with Susan May Warren to "Hollywood Writer" and so many more - I hope to share a lot of info in my next blog posts.
Come on now - share your divine appointment stories? When was the last time God 'wowed' you :-)
Oh Pep! Sounds like you are having a wonderful time!! And of course you know, one of my best divine appointments ever...was meeting you at my first ACFW! Love you girl! Can't wait to hear more. :)
ReplyDeleteOh Pepper, you're meeting with some of my favorite people! I'm trying really had not to be jealous right now. :) Actually I'm really excited for you, and I can hardly wait to hear all you learned at the conference. :)
ReplyDeleteReading this reminded me of a divine moment when I met both Beth and her husband on the same day, many years ago. I had a doctor's appointment with her husband, and I met her that morning at a ladies' Bible study. Who knew that that chance meeting all those years ago would lead to a wonderful, life time friendship?
Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm here today, Pepper!
I'm sure you're having an INCREDIBLE time! Only a little jealous :)
ReplyDeleteOkay - I have a 5 minute break, so I'm gonna have to make this short until later :-)
ReplyDeleteANG!! One of the BEST divine appointments EVER! What a blessed frienddship that first meeting has turned into
Jeanne and Joanne,
Thanks for the well-wishes. There's plenty of energy and excitement going around up here in the mountains. Can't wait to share more later.
Susan May Warren had a nice keynote this morning!
Blessings
Okay - I have a 5 minute break, so I'm gonna have to make this short until later :-)
ReplyDeleteANG!! One of the BEST divine appointments EVER! What a blessed frienddship that first meeting has turned into
Jeanne and Joanne,
Thanks for the well-wishes. There's plenty of energy and excitement going around up here in the mountains. Can't wait to share more later.
Susan May Warren had a nice keynote this morning!
Blessings
LOVE the pictures, Pep! Are you attending the entire conference this year? I'm so glad you have this conference to go to so close to you. :D Last year divine appts were definitely meeting Beth Vogt and Meg Moseley. Such a treat from God and I can't wait to see what He does this year. Have a great time, can't wait to hear more!!
ReplyDeleteI just feel like all of the people I've met online have been divine appts of sorts. And joining Twitter at just the right time put me in contact with some pretty awesome peeps as well.
ReplyDeleteHave fun! I can't wait for ACFW in the fall when I get to meet in person everyone I've met online...and then some!
Can't wait to hear all the things you've learned!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for sharing the awesome reminder that God is in control of our writing. :)
Not the entire conference, Case - but I'll take what I can get. We're here until tomorrow, but the conference runs through Thursday. I'm currently trying to figure out which classes to attend.
ReplyDeleteSOOOOO many great ones!
Pepper, You have such a great smile. I can tell you're having a blast and I'm so glad you had the opportunity. What a fun time! I've heard that area is so beautiful I would love to see it someday.
ReplyDeleteMy devine appointment experience came last year while at a Women's Day luncheon at my church. A woman came over to me and said, "I hear you're a writer." She gave me her card and told me she worked at a local chrisitan publishing house. It was a great experience and a friendship blossomed.
ReplyDeleteLindsay,
ReplyDeleteACFW was an AMAZING series of divine appointments...hmm...sounds like a book title ;-)
An Amazing Series of Divine Appointments (instead of A series of unfortunate events ;-)
Julia,
ReplyDeleteYou are a DOLL!!
I am having a good time. Had some 'head shots' made today, so we'll see how those turn out. This "Hollywood writing" course is suuper fascinating and Susan May Warren's course has been FANTASTIC
Jenn,
ReplyDeleteThere is a daily need for that reminder in my life.
I'm glad it blessed you!
Angela,
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome opportunity! I love it when those things happen.
Wow!!!! You look like you are having a blast! I'm looking forward to hearing all the wisdom you are gleaning.
ReplyDeleteYay! Tonight, during the large group session, I leaned over to Bethany and said, "We're friends with all the cool kids!"
ReplyDeleteSo enjoying this, and so glad to get to see you in person this year.
Hey Sherrinda,
ReplyDeleteI'll look forward to sharing...and writing about it ;-)
Erynn,
ReplyDeleteDoes cool mean 'weird'? ;-) crazy?
Your post is so encouraging and a great reminder of God's Divine Appointments - mine have been in the form of meeting all these amazing authors online over the past four months. I had no idea this world of blogging existed and felt like an island unto myself as an author - now I know the island is populated with the best people in the world! :) I'm so happy you're having a great time! I'm looking forward to the day I can attend a conference. I'm hoping to join MBT this October for a Storycrafter's Retreat near Minneapolis!
ReplyDelete