So much to do; so little time

So much to do—so little time...messages to prepare, CDs to produce, articles and study guides to write.

I had no other choice. I donned my helmet, kicked back the stand, jumped on my bicycle and rode out to the dam.
On the way, the smell of wild phlox and cedars filled my nostrils. To be honest, another country stench competed with the freshness of the flowers, threatening to spoil the beauty surrounding the trail. It did not succeed.


After twenty-five minutes of peddling, I arrived at the waters' edge of Belwood Lake. Quickly I forgot the long 'list' back home and drank in the tranquility.


Beside the still waters, I saw a Canada goose lazily floating upstream. I liked his approach to the day.
"In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength" (Isaiah 30:15) came to mind, encouraging me in my 'slow down.'


I needed the change of scenery and routine and came back with a new outlook on the long 'to do' list.

Yours will be different from mine but we all have 'to do' lists. Where could you go to renew your vision and refresh your spirit? It may be just another room in your home.


What could you do to enhance your environment? Simply putting a bouquet of flowers where you spend a lot of time might spur you on to creativity.



I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Ruth

Three Powerful Dynamics - Part 2

Writers were introduced throughout the conference and had the opportunity to describe awards they had won and there were times set aside for writers to read from their works -perhaps a novel, a children’s book, prose or poetry. You should have heard the celebration for each contributor –enthusiastic applause filled the auditorium. And afterward, they were surrounded by many with sincere words and wishes for success.

Sitting together at our last dinner, we were bursting with energetic motivation that was generated throughout the weekend by the generous portions of enthusiasm along with wholehearted celebration.

Encouragement, Celebration, Motivation. Thinking of these three powerful dynamics, I find myself looking at my own life. Have I been given such wonderful gifts by others? More important though, have I contributed these gifts generously to others? What about you? Perhaps we should each make a list of answers to these two questions. Would you like to share your answers with me?

Eileen

Three Powerful Dynamics

A few weeks ago I attended a writer’s conference. I met a lot of new people, both women and men of every age-group. They came from across Canada as well as from the US. I loved getting to know them, asking who they were, where they from and how they became interested in writing. I discovered they represented a variety of professions and careers, and not too many of them actually write for a living. It was interesting to hear stories of how they were inspired to begin.

Although we were strangers when we arrived, as the weekend progressed we became like family. We were there with one common interest - we had a bent for writing. We were all at different stages - some beginners, there to study the craft; others further advanced, seeking direction from the instructors regarding how to write for specific areas, such as devotional columns or novels. Some came with book proposals, ready to meet with publishers. Some, like me, were there to enhance their writing skills and to promote my new book which will be published by Castle Quay Books* by early September.

I noticed three powerful dynamics that marked the entire conference. Encouragement overflowed from one delegate to another. There was never a negative word – each one expressed appreciation for the efforts and work of others. No one asked, “Don’t you think that’s a bit too difficult for you?” or “Do you have the background to accomplish your goal?” or “Aren’t you too young (or too old)?”

It was support and encouragement all the way. How have you benefited from the encouragement of others? How do you show encouragement?

We'll look at two other dynamics next time,

Eileen

Summertime!

You'll notice that we've taken a little bit of a break from the blog to enjoy summertime! We'll be back very soon with more talk around the coffee table.

In the meantime, be sure to check out our fall events and register at www.womenalive.org:

• Elliot Lake Women & Teen Girls' Simultaneous Conferences - August 29, 2009
• Women Alive Toronto Conference - October 24, 2009
• Just the Word Montreal - November 7, 2009
• ie girl Eastern Canada Weekend - November 13-14, 2009 (Early bird registration open now!)

See you soon!

Michelle