SATURDAY SPIRITUAL UPLIFT

On the Road of Life

As I drove to a writer’s conference in Indianapolis last week and followed the directions on my GPS, which I’ve recently named Maxine, my friend’s Siri argued with her. Well, not exactly, but they both gave different directions as we came closer to our destination, which led to lively discussion. Both sets of directions led us to the Hyatt Regency in downtown Indianapolis, one perhaps a little quicker than the other and one without as many turns, but essentially had the same outcome.

During several preceding days, the Lord had brought Jer. 29:11 to my attention at least three times, twice in devotional readings and then a friend texted the verse to me, to comfort me through a time of grieving. On top of that, the keynote speaker at the conference, Robin Jones Gunn, talked about how much better God’s plans are for us than the ones we have for ourselves.

I don’t always understand the turns and forks Jesus brings me to in the road of life, which he has laid out for me, but I must learn to trust that His plan is better. It doesn’t mean there won’t be times that are difficult or painful, that the way there will be easy, without detours. However, I have Jesus and His word, the Bible, the best guide of all, for which I am very thankful. Will I trust Him one day at a time that God has my best interest at heart? Will you?

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD, “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

Monday Motivation . . . on Tuesday this week

I had hopes of having a Monday Motivation on Monday this week,
but spent time this past week getting motivated and Monday traveling home.
One of the best motivators for the lone writer is to get out there and talk writing
with other scribes, sharing ideas and inspiration. Educational
and spiritual inspirational opportunities abound at the annual American
Christian Fiction Writers Conference, which was in Indianapolis this year,
September 13-15. And, of course, there are those appointments that give
authors a chance to pitch their books and/or concepts to agents and editors.

This year we enjoyed keynote speaker, Robin Jones Gunn, as she encouraged us to ask God for one thing and watch His plans unfold. The bottom line of her message was that His plans for us are far better than our plans for ourselves and we need to trust and praise the Lord for them--
at least that was what this conference attendee took away. The stories Robin shared were a peek at her non-fiction book, Victim of Grace.

However you receive inspiration, don't forget the smorgasbord
of writers conferences available these days and if you aren't able
to attend, often you can find CDs or MP3s of recorded sessions
available. Now, go get inspired!