Howdy, Folks!
Ok, the time has finally arrived—Registration for the 2011 conference is now open!
Be sure to register early to enroll in the workshops of your choice, and to also (and maybe more importantly to some of you “City Slickers”) get the best choice of accommodations. Also, when you register and PAY IN FULL for the CLASS Christian Writers Conference by March 31, 2011, you will save $150 off the regular price of $675, for a discounted price of only $525. Such a deal!
This week we have a wonderful conference reflection by Laura Kramer. First, though, I’d like to share a brief piece I recently posted on the conference FaceBook page:
I have attended and presented at several dozen academic and/or secular writing conferences, and I must say that the CLASS Writer's Conference has been the BEST CONFERENCE I have ever attended. I have not only received valuable information and mentoring, but have made life-long friends. In addition, and most importantly, I have experienced spiritual renewal and the presence of the Holy Spirit both during and after the conferences.
My life, my writing, and my professional calling have all been changed permanently because of my participation in the conference and other CLASS training seminars and events. And of course, the scenery around the Ghost Ranch is like watching God create a new set of paintings each day. DON'T MISS THIS WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY to learn from seasoned professionals and experience God's blessings!
If that didn’t quite convince you to attend this year, check out Laura Kramer’s conference reflection article, “Stretch Marks.” One of Laura’s strengths is that she allows her creativity to take many forms. In addition to her writing, Laura is also a speaker and designer of the popular “Psalm 23” jewelry line. Laura is a CLASSeminars graduate and frequently shares her journey to healing with women's groups, retreats, church groups and bible studies, and conferences nationwide.
Enjoy, and don’t forget to register this month to save $150; that way you’ll have enough cash left over to buy me dinner in Santa Fe! :)
Lawrence
Conference Reflections
Spiritual Stretch Marks
I did the unimaginable. I traveled alone to a remote location to be with a group of strangers for six days. Temperatures dropping to the twenties, not-so-private bathrooms, a pay phone, and all the corned beef hash and Brussels sprouts one could eat. This writer’s conference was bound to give me spiritual stretch marks. For a week I labored my way through unfamiliarity.
Deer don’t attack do they, Lord?
The tightening around my heart intensified one black night as I moved watchfully around a herd of deer. Even though I was locked with fear, I felt a supernatural sensation I was not alone. I dared to believe the presence was good. This moment characterized the journey God set me on—to deepen my trust in Him.
Throughout the week my dependence on God was challenged. I was inundated with stories of attendees getting the green light from publishers. However, I had no such story. My editor appointments were days away. Panic rose inside me. I could not ignore the proof of God’s presence, yet I did not hear Him. Questions flooded my mind. What was the point of this trip? Perhaps the purpose was complete. Didn’t I accomplish a lot just by stepping foot on the ranch? I took God off the hook and shut my heart off to anything more. A false sense of freedom came as fear of failure steered the way to give up the dream.
“You want it too little,” said Bruce Wilkinson.
Spoken from behind a modest pulpit, Wilkinson’s words were catapulted by the Holy Spirit straight into my heart. God was no longer silent. My fear of more had led me to stop believing in His dream, but He pushed through my anxiety and beckoned me to trust.
The call to draw near to God was overwhelming. I knew that His delight in me was greater than all I could ever do for Him. Regardless of what I did or didn’t do I could stand in certainty of His affection for me. I gladly received this, yet could not contain it. The overflow of His joy compelled a response to dream again--and to risk.
In spite of my inexperience and unpolished pitch I received three requests for proposals and an article assignment for an online magazine. It was my turn to share the triumphs. I sensed a profound happiness that went beyond the publisher’s recognition. It was the sacred space in which I labored with the Lord.
I left that (Holy) Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico with evidence in my soul of an increased faith. I am grateful for these many stretch marks. They signify the growth and delivery of new life--a deepened trust in the Lord.
The CLASS Christian Writers Conference is a great place to meet new friends over
meals, coffee, and in workshops. In this photo from the 2010 conference, Laura
enjoys a relaxing moment outdoors with Sofia Simpson, a writer and photographer
from Florida who was also attending the conference for the first time.
| About CLASSEMINARS |
| CLASSEMINARS, Inc. is the premier full service agency for established and aspiring Christian speakers, writers, leaders, and publishers. A one-of-a-kind organization, CLASS provides the complete training ground for tomorrow's spiritual leaders worldwide. For more info on CLASS, please visit http://classeminars.org/. |
The CLASS Christian Writers Conference blog is managed by Lawrence J. Clark, an author, speaker, and songwriter who frequently speaks and performs in schools, churches, and libraries throughout the United States. He is co-founder, with his wife Kristen, of HisWitness.org and NewBeginningsMarriage.org, for which he writes a regular column based on personality theory, marriage and relationships, men’s issues, and Christian living.
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