spring happenings

This past week I attended my first writer's conference. I saw an ad on Facebook and decided to check it out. It was legit, happening in a few days right down the road, and affordable. I waited a day or two before paying, then got excited about planning my day in the city to learn and grow. 

You know how plans sometimes turn awry or just aren't as fulfilling as expected? Even with the right setting, the best of intentions can meet disappointment. Well, this day of workshops and rubbing shoulders with other writers was anything but that. I enjoyed all the pouring into my writer's soul. 

That event took place on the heels of speaking at my church. I'd been asked to speak to the ladies on a Wednesday night and I took the opportunity to frame it around my memoir. The pressure of public speaking wore off fairly quickly once I got into my notes and shared stories. It truly was such an honor and I did my best to deflect it all to Christ. 

Major takeaways from those two engagements? I need to work on oral presentation and learn what makes a more effective public speaker. I feel the pull to lean into something I have always dreaded and shied away from. Also, an invitation to write had presented itself seven months ago, and at last, I felt empowered (by the grace of God) to submit pieces for publication. Even writing here in this blog this month is a victory! Letting things run their course is fine, but I don't have to let them die off just because life is busy or so-called lack of inspiration. I learned at one of the writing workshops that past successes are meant to be fuel for future ones. 

Most of all, I'm just thankful God made bare branches to bud and blossom in this delightful spring season. I can't get over his impeccable design for skinny limbs to sprout all along their length, in the same direction, a few centimeters one from the other, in such perfect order, then carry the weight of that growth with dignity and ease. 

"His work is honorable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth forever." Psalm 111:3