OMGod is Awesome

I have been talking about the CCWConference for months now, but OH. MY. GOD is Awesome. I'd completely forgotten about the fabulous times of praise and worship during the General Sessions.

Last night, I was feeling very ill. I'm blaming it on the altitude, but it could just as well have been nerves. I really wanted to just stay in for the evening and not go to the opening session. But a nagging sense of need drove me from the comfort of my room, out to the not-as-windy-as-it-had-been-earlier evening, and over to Reusch Auditorium for a time to hear announcements, a word from Sandy Cathcart, wonderful testimonies of God's faithfulness, and to lift my hands in praise to Father God accompanied by Tom Ewing.

Wow! I almost missed it. I was completely blown away by the presence of God as He spoke to my spirit throughout the evening. Reminding me to keep my focus on Him, to write for His honor and glory...not my own, and to always keep in mind He has a plan for me and I need to seek it apart from my own agenda.

The Colorado Christian Writer's Conference is not only an opportunity to make writing contacts, showcase my work, or learn more about writing. It is a time for fellowship with other Christian writers, editors, agents, and authors. It is a time of renewal for my tired writing spirit. It is a time of seeking direction from the One who knows the plans He has for me.

Praise God for His still small voice that speaks through the roaring of a snow melt filled river, through the rushing of the wind in the trees, through the encouragement and admonishment of other believers, and I could go on and on. I need to listen. God is there. I need to be willing.

Just another Thought from the Tub,

Lori

I'm baaaack!

“When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure”
--Peter Marshall

Hidey-Ho blogging neighbors! After 9 days away in sunny Phoenix followed by two weeks of kids with strep, I am back to blogging. It may be short lived, as I head to the writer's conference on Monday, and I have to pack, go to two track meets, a middle school concert, a speaking engagement, and two mother's day celebrations (one for each side of the family) before I leave. Did I mention I'm subbing later today and all day tomorrow. I would love to say my life is usually not this complicated, but with eight children getting older and involved in lots of activities, I'd be lying.

I am trying to prioritize my life, but every time I get the order down something happens to rearrange things. Flexibility is key. Learning to remain flexible while still getting everything done is a challenge. And I am learning that the things I think are in the flexible "column" are not in my husband's flexible "column." For example, if I'm busy, cleaning will be the first thing to fall by the wayside (okay, even if I'm not busy, housekeeping's not my favorite thing:) However, my husband thinks my writing should be the first thing to go or my downtime or my...well, you get the picture.

How to find the balance seems to be the trick. I addressed the Aunt Edna approach to housecleaning a couple weeks ago on my Life, Love, and Laughter blog. I am wondering if the same approach can be applied to writing. Can I cram eight hours worth of writing into two if I really need to get something done and have absolutely no more time to spare? Or do I just take the two hours to write and do what I can...without expectations or goals? Maybe that works for some, but I am a task oriented person and work well on a deadline. So for the next four days, while my time is limited and my tasks are many, I am going to pull the Aunt Edna of writing.

First, I will make the most of every available writing minute. I will focus just on writing for a set period of time and stay focused no matter what. When I apply strict guidelines to whatever I'm doing, I usually find that I get more done. I will write for the next two hours and do nothing else. Not answer the phone, nor the call of my sick son, nor even the call of nature. Focus. Focus. Focus.

Second, I set goals for myself. Today, I will update all three blogs and get my talking points on paper for my talk tomorrow night. Tomorrow, I will work on my novel for two hours. Saturday, I will refresh my memory on my non-fiction proposal and work through my pitch. Sunday, I will have no time for writing...maybe, but if I find some I will work on other novel and work on the elevator pitch. Monday, I leave. By setting specific goals, I know what I need to work on when I sit down at the computer. I don't need to waste time looking through my work and deciding what should be done first, second and third. I know what I'm to be working on and I do it.

Lastly, I work on what needs to be done right now. I have many projects in the works, but I cannot do everything at once. So I figure out what is most important for the next four days and work diligently on those projects. Writing, like housecleaning, possesses the absolutes and the can do laters. The dishes need to be done or we will have nothing to eat on. Vacuuming while nice can wait if need be. We won't die from dust bunnies. The same is true in writing. Articles with a deadline need to be done first. Blogs need to be updated. My novels can be plugged away on as I have time...as long as I keep plugging away on them:)

The next four days are packed to the max, but by pulling an Aunt Edna in both housekeeping and writing, I think I can stay on top of things. I often find I get more done the more I have to do because I use my time better. We will see if this holds true under maximum pressure. In the words of General Patton, "Pressure makes diamonds."

More thoughts from the tub,

Lori