Troubles Chosen

I recently was honored to have a story chosen for inclusion in volume 2 of Quilting Patches of Life by Lori Wagner.

While it truly makes me happy to have my story published, I was re-blessed as I went back to an awful time of my life, and saw how God blessed me and helped me to grow closer to Him.

Although we don't choose the bad experiences of our lives, they are often turning points along our life's journey. When we return to them, we are then able to see the ripple effects ~ how God has used them for not only ourselves, but for others also.

Would I choose the bad times? No, but in retrospect, I am thankful for each one as they represent the patches on my life's quilt. I know that I just see the underside with its knots and tangles, but God sees the finished topside. He will show it to me someday. Then I will see the silver and gold threads that piece it all together. In the meantime, I am satisfied knowing I'm a work-in-progress.

Selah ~

Shalom,
Connie

Bunny Slippers & PJs

It's getting close... this year's Muse Writers' Conference will be held in mid-October for one week.

I'm excited to return ... to learn more about writing, publishing, editing, marketing, & (breath) just being with other writers from around the world for a whole week!

Don't ever let anyone tell you that nothing's free! Because this conference is totally free. And I can attend in my pj's wearing my bunny slippers. (Yes, I do have them!) It's online Monday through Sunday... and it begins at 6 a.m. (my time). You thought I was kidding about the pj's... umhm... I wasn't!

I am also pleased that some of my writer friends will be attending, too. We're in the process of signing up for the sessions we wish to "attend." Some will be live using a chat room. Some will be taking place via ongoing e-mails posted on the conference site... sort of like blogging with comments. Some have assignments to work on.

I love learning! My little gray cells are already getting stirred up in this blender brain of mine. By conference week they'll be on high speed!

Meanwhile, I am pleased to announce that a story of mine, "God's Healing Laughter" has been selected for Patches of Life, Vol. 2. I'll let you know when it's published.

I hope I do as well with the articles I'm currently working on. One is for an ezine (my monthly column: Connie's Coda at www.positivelyfeminine.org) and 3 contest submissions. My local writers' group is publishing a chapbook; I'll have 3 short stories in it.

"My" ezine: 4Him2u is already posted and is loaded with encouraging stories and poems. The snail mail newsletter, I write & edit, will be going out next week.

I may be wearing those bunny slippers, but I'm hopping... duh, I'm mean I'm madly writing. "Til the next time I've a moment to chat, be sure to share an encouraging word & a smile :) with someone today!

Connie