Why the exclamation point? Because Oregon Christian Writers deserve to be exclaimed over. Twenty years ago, OCW helped launch my writing career and propped me up many times along the way.
Writers need one another. All the writers who are part of OCW are part of an exclusive family, a fellowship of writers who love the Lord.
God's Word says we are to fellowship with one another. My years of experience tell me that if God says something I need to listen. When God speaks He has something important to say. It's not just because He likes to hear himself talk.
Wednesday my husband and I checked into the Red Lion Inn at Jantzen Beach, Oregon and after getting settled in, we set out to find some of my OCW buddies. Almost immediately we ran into Karen Ball. In her usual gregarious way she welcomed us with hugs, a big smile and a story to tell. We were immediately caught up in the exhilarating and sometimes turbulent world of the OCW summer conference.
I was swept into the loving, enthusiastic and encouraging arms of friends - Bobbie, Linda, Ann, Mary, Judy, Miriam, Christina, Hillary, Sam, Kristen, Bob, Pat, Mesu, Jeannie, Sherry and so many others that there isn't room on this page to hold them all. I had missed them all so much!
It was fabulous to finally introduce these precious people to my dear husband. None of them had met him before. He got a kick out of meeting them all - these people he's been hearing about throughout the years. And though this was a world foreign to him, he had a great time chatting with new friends and people watching. He loved getting a glimpse into why I love OCW.
It had been three years since I'd seen most of them. And it was breathtaking to be reminded of the wealth I possess in these friends and writing comrades. We've worked together, laughed together, cried together and prayed together. Not to mention all the fun we've shared.
Conferences are like a party that includes learning and lots of work. There's good food, time with friends, lots of fun, even games and entertainment. And every year we have wonderful speakers. This year Liz Curtis Higgs was our Keynoter. All I can say is Wow!
I'm already thinking about next year. I will be there. I hope to see all my friends and make some new ones. If you've thought about taking that scary leap and jumping into a writing conference I encourage you to "just do it". You'll be happy you did.
Grace and peace to you from God,
Bonnie
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