InScribers Come to the Well by Nina Faye Morey

And do not neglect doing good and sharing,

For with such sacrifices God is pleased.

~ Hebrews 13:16

When I first checked our InScribe website to view the offerings at this year’s Fall Conference, I was disappointed that there were no formal workshops on offer. I read the explanation provided about the Open Concept Conference model with some trepidation. It wasn’t clear to me how this was going to work, so I did a bit of research on this type of meeting. Being an introvert, I wasn’t sure if this participant-driven format would suit me at all. I pondered it for quite a while before I finally decided to go ahead and register. Even though the format didn’t appeal to me, I had to admit to myself that this interactive Open Concept model might actually be good for me. You know . . . like that medicine that tastes awful but cures what ails you?

The explanation given for the Open Concept model included the invitation to come with an idea for a topic that we wanted to learn more about. Since I was planning to create my own website, I was eager for any information that I could glean from other attendees on this process. So, I decided to suggest this topic for one of the sessions. I had no idea whether many would be interested in this topic, but I was pleasantly surprised to see the assigned room fill up quickly with those who were eager to talk and learn about website building. There were several who already had their own websites, and it was enlightening to hear their experiences with the different website platform providers, such as WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace. There were also a few, like me, who were just getting ready to set up their own website and were looking for advice on the pros and cons of the various platforms, how easy they were to use, and what we should be thinking about including on our websites. I learned that two of the most important things to include are a newsletter and an email list for networking and marketing purposes.

The Open Concept model is governed by four “laws.” The first is the “Law of Two Feet.” It states that you are responsible for your own learning, which means that you are free to get up and leave a session at any time if you find it’s not right for you and join another. Someone suggested the analogy of “bees” and “butterflies” to explain how this works in practice. Some of us are “bees” who linger around gathering refreshing nectar, while others are “butterflies” who tend to flit from place to place. I am one of the bees, so I was happy to stick around and collect as much as I could from each session. I enjoyed all the sessions that I attended: Social Media, Medium, Marketing (Online & In-Person), Publishing with IngramSpark, and Christian Romance.

A highlight of the Conference for me was our guest speaker, Sigmund Brouwer, who writes novels for both children and adults. He describes himself as primarily a storyteller and this soon became obvious, as he is an extremely engaging and humorous speaker. I especially enjoyed his powerful presentation on and reading from his book, Thief of Glory, based on his father’s experiences as a young boy in a Japanese internment camp during World War II

So, my initial hunch proved correct. This Open Concept Conference format that initially left a bad taste in my mouth turned out to be good medicine for me. Along with refreshing the relationships I’ve developed with other InScribers over the years, this format encouraged me to come out of my shell much more than I would have during a traditional conference. Now that I no longer feel apprehensive about attending an Open Concept Conference, I’m hoping InScribe uses this format again in the future.

Thankful for My InScribe Family - Tracy Krauss

Friend and fellow member Sheila Webster texted me shortly after Fall Conference with these four questions:
1. What are three takeaways from conference?
2. What is one thing you wish you'd said or done?
3. Who were you happy to see?
4. What are you inspired to write for the Kingdom?

I had to ponder these questions for awhile. My mind (and heart) were so full that I couldn't process my thoughts, let alone articulate them. 

Initially, I wrote (and this is me being brutally honest): "I am unequal to the task of being president!" and, "There is still so much I need to learn!" but I knew in my spirit that this was my exhaustion talking. Fortunately, my third takeaway, "I love my InScribe family!" helped me refocus on God's goodness and resonated with me into the next morning. 

As I continued to ponder, I realized that the most important thing about the weekend for me was something that I had shared with Dayna Mazzuca, another friend and member, on her way out the door at the end of conference. I was excited to share my 'revelation' with her, since she was instrumental a few years ago in helping the executive zero in on who we are as an organization so that we could write our mission and purpose statements. In case you missed it, the shortened state of our purpose is:

We minister to writers, so they can minister to others. That's a bold and powerful statement. (Credited to Sheila Webster?)

Anyway, I managed to convey to Dayna how grateful I felt for her skill in helping us define who we are, because... We fulfilled our PURPOSE at conference because PEOPLE WERE MINISTERED TO! 

I've been reading through the post conference evaluations and over and over again this same theme keeps coming up. People were moved by the worship; touched during the morning devotional times. (Thanks to Ron, Charity and of course, the Holy Spirit!) People loved the connectedness, the personal nature of the open space concept, the powerful doxology that was sung at the last gathering, and the feeling that God was present. In short, those that attended kept relaying that same message: they had been MINISTERED TO. 

Yes, there was also some wonderful teaching and I came away with a lot of new information. As always, a highlight for me was seeing my InScribe family in person. I truly love and appreciate the deep relationships I have gained over the years. You truly feel like FAMILY to me, and because of that I know I can lay aside any sense of inadequacy because the grace of Christ dwells among us. Yet, the wonder of God's Almighty presence is what struck me most about this year's conference. It literally permeated the air. 

I finally settled on these three takeaways:
1. We fulfilled out purpose in that we ministered to the writers who were present.
2. God's presence was felt in a powerful way - from the worship, to the devotionals, to the doxology, and everything in between.
3. Even the skeptics left with a sense that God did something new at FC this year. 

As for the rest of my answers, well, perhaps that is for another time.

Tracy Krauss writes from her home in northern BC. 
As InScribe's current president, she is well aware of her shortcomings, but is thankful that God still uses "cracked pots." Visit her website: tracykrauss.com  -fiction on the edge without crossing the line-

Thankful for my Heavenly Father by Ruth L. Snyder

"Do you believe God loves you?"

This question from an accountability partner stopped me in my tracks. "Of course I do!"

"Is God enough for you?"

I wanted to say yes, but I had just finished describing how hurt I was by people's actions, and how I needed affirmation from them.

"God loves you, Ruth! He is all you need. People may affirm you. They may not. That doesn't matter. God is enough. Period."

God has continued to use people to ask me these hard questions throughout the week, ending with our pastor's Thanksgiving message: "If You Had No Blessings to Count." He urged us to, "Be happy with God alone."

In case I hadn't heard the message clearly enough yet, God spoke to me again later in the day. I finished packing clothes for Luke, who is going away for a few days and nights. Then I wrote a note and put it on top of his clothes so he will see the note when he unzips his suitcase. I included Isaiah 41:10

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

In my note I said, "Remember that God is always with you, no matter what. Nothing can separate you from God's love! Love & prayers, Mom"

As I walked down the hallway, God whispered to my heart, "Do you believe what you wrote? Do you believe that I love you? That nothing can separate you from my love?"

Tears filled my eyes. "Yes, Father, I believe. I accept your love. Thank you."

The Gospel is simple enough that we can share it with children. When I spoke at Bible camp years ago, this was my outline for five days:
1. God loves me
2. I have sinned
3. Jesus died for me
4. I receive His gift
5. I am saved

It would appear I'm a very slow learner—still working on understanding the first point.

We live in a world where we all fall short of God's plan. In the Church, and even in Christian families, we don't really experience true love. God is love....Completely, without fault. God is the only one who knows me as I really am, and yet He loves me. He cares for me. He provides for me. He shelters me. He prods me to grow. He rebukes and corrects me. He rejoices over me. He has a good plan for my life. He works all things together for good.

This Thanksgiving, although I have many things for which to be thankful, I am focusing on one: God, my Heavenly Father, loves me.

What has God been teaching you lately? I'd love to hear about it.

Find out more about Ruth L. Snyder, her writing and coaching at RuthLSnyder.com or connect with her on Facebook.

Inspirational Podcasts for Writers by Wendy L. Macdonald

I’ve lost track of how many podcasts about writing I’ve listened to; however, I know which ones I recommend most. Like me, the ladies who produce my favorite podcasts, Write from the Deep, are Jesus loving nature-lovers.

 Each and every podcast has been a humongous blessing to me.

Interruptions & Detours:

When I wondered if the reason my life was invaded by a string of interruptions was because I’m not supposed to be a writer, along came some Write from the Deep podcasts to the rescue: Gratitude (Robin Patchen) & The Right GPS for the Writing Journey

I listened to how an inspirational writer successfully navigated bumpy trails and unplanned detours.

Sometimes the reason we have roadblocks is because spiritual warfare is happening. This means: We must forge prayerfully ahead unless God specifically says to stop.

Self-Doubt:

When I wondered if other writers struggle with self-doubt as much as I do, along came Write from the Deep to the rescue with a podcast overflowing with encouragement: Did God Really Ask You to Write?

Sometimes the reason we’re discouraged is because we need a reminder we’re not alone.

Writing Seasons:

When I wondered why my writing life is a roller-coaster ride, along came Write from the Deep to the rescue with a podcast about the seasons of a writer’s life: Writing Season

Sometimes, the reason why we’re in a valley is because it’s a natural season of the writing life.

Anyways, I think I’ve given you a good idea of what you can expect when you listen to one of the Write from the Deep podcasts. You may also want to visit their website at: Write from the Deep


Enjoy. And don’t forget to tell them Wendy Mac sent you. I’m one of their loyal listeners.

I'm nosy-to-know if you have an inspirational podcast you'd like to recommend to me?

Blessings ~ Wendy Mac

P.S.

  I’m a podcaster too. You can listen to any of my 155 and growing list of short (5-10 min.) inspirational programs here: Walking with Hope