Today was another fantastic day at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference 2010. I woke up way too early (4 AM) because my room had been invaded by a mouse that seemed desperate to eat a fiber one bar wrapper that I had dropped in my trash can. Here are some other highlights:
We had a great first session with our mentor, author Brandilyn Collins. She is a wonderful, gifted teacher and I know that my writing will improve because of her instruction. I did have to slip out fifteen minutes early to make my appointment with a literary agent. The meeting was a huge blessing. She had already decided that she like my proposal and wants me to mail her the full manuscript so that she can consider it. I also had fun just getting to know her as a person. So, even if she ends up rejecting the manuscript, I feel like I’ve made a friend.

I had a blast sitting with the Guideposts folks at lunch. Now that I’ve been published there, I felt welcomed like one of the family. They weren’t away of the full story of how God moved to make sure that story landed in their magazine (see earlier post) and were tickled when I shared it with the table. She wants me to come share the story at her Guidepost session tomorrow.

To avoid the crush of people waiting to retrieve manuscripts after lunch, I waited until dinnertime to pick mine up. I opened it to find a note from the publisher… “Let’s meet at 1:30 to discuss this.” Ummm… it’s now six o’clock. Whoops. I caught up with her after dinner and we rescheduled for Monday. I’m really curious to see what she has to say.

Lots of other wonderful things happened — great conversations with fellow writers, amazing worship and prayer time, great teaching on the craft of writing, and another inspiring session with keynote speaker Charlie Peacock.

I have to say that even with all these amazing blessings, one of the most powerful moments came during the closing worship session. Dave Talbot led us in the hymn, “I surrender all.” I was overwhelmed in that moment. Yes — I thought — that’s it! I surrender. I surrender this conference. I surrender to You my hopes, dreams, fantasies, and goals for this week. God, sweep all my desires away so that Your desires can rush in and fill their place. Don’t let my dreams get in the way of Your dreams. I know You have plans for me — better and sweeter plans than those I can dream up for myself. I surrender all.

Good night! I’m praying for sweet dreams and no mice!

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