March 24, 2008 by Kelly.

My main goal before leaving for the conference was to not get overwhelmed while there. God was faithful in helping me to not be anywhere near overwhelmed. I had made a list of all the people I wanted to meet, and I managed to shake hands and/or hug all of them. When I discovered a few more people (from the roster of attendees) I crossed paths with the majority of them as well before the conference ended– God even brought one woman right to my table! There were only two women I didn’t get a chance to meet, but with 400+ people in attendance, I’m blessed I met as many as I did.

As I said, I didn’t get overwhelmed. I wasn’t upset when my pre-submits were rejected. The only thing that really upset me was when my 2nd son (15) told me he loved me (on the phone) without prompting. That’s when I started aching for my family. But, I knew this trip wasn’t forever, so I resolved to “do the next thing” until I was home. Prayer was a big help, too.

Prior to the conference, people spoke about “meeting God” at MH, so I was really hoping to have my own moving experience– I was hoping He would tell me whether I should focus on writing, or homeschooling, or Web design, or a combination of two, or what. I was hoping for some confirmation. I saw many people getting emotional during the conference– made me feel a little left out. But, I was able to remind myself that it’s not about me. One woman, whom I knew years ago and was surprised to find at the conference, pointed out that maybe my “experience” had happened before the conference, or maybe it would come after. Another friend pointed out that perhaps I’m just so in-tune with “seeing” God provide that it doesn’t “hit” me like it does so many people.

To make this long story short, I think my “experience” started three months before the conference, and culminated during the two days following the conference. It’s been one long story of God providing for me. Now, if you want to hear that long story, keep reading…

Back in December, Alpha Omega Publications decided to hire me to help write copy for their redesigned Web site. After much prayer, and discussion with my husband, I accepted the job. Writing the copy for The Weaver Curriculum line paid for my plane ticket to CA. I foolishly jumped at the chance to write copy for the LIFEPACs too, without praying first, or discussing it with my husband. I finished that job and earned enough to buy a new laptop, but I also learned a valuable lesson: Seek God in everything first, and discuss everything with my husband, too.

So, then I had a ticket to CA and a scholarship to a writers’ conference. God provides! During the conference, I learned a lot from Susan King about writing for The Upper Room. Many of the things I already knew about writing magazine articles were reinforced, and I even learned a few new things. I also learned that all these people I “see” online each day– they’re just people, like me. They all have their flaws, and they all love writing and helping writers.

When I left MH, I learned my flight was canceled due to heavy rains in TX and OK. I shared a shuttle to the nearest Holiday Inn and checked in– only to learn another conferee had paid for my room! God provides! Later that night I learned that 8 other conferees were also stranded at the hotel. We met for dinner and one of the men picked up the whole tab. Again, God provides!

The other conferees were able to reschedule for Wednesday flights. I spent time in the lobby, waiting to see people and say goodbye. I paged through my binder from Mount Hermon and proceeded to draft an article as I waited. I spent time walking around the grounds, taking photos of squirrels, trees, plants– there was a finch cage in the lobby that I got a few pictures of, too. Back in my room, I sat by the window and drafted a second article and made notes for my next DabblingMum.com column.

When I called my husband to give him my new flight info, I realized I had been bumped to First Class. God provides! I was up at 3:45am and in the lobby by 4:15. The shuttle took another guest and I to the airport early since we were ready. Once on the plane, I was able to switch seats with the person next to me so I could have a window seat. We chatted some, off and on, throughout the flight. I gave him my very last business card. My connecting flight in Dallas was a few minutes late, which was good because I didn’t realize how soon it was supposed to leave. God held that plane for me. God provides!

I had made a to-do list while at MH, outlining the things I need to do for clients, and articles I need to write. I also drafted a few articles into my journal, which I now need to query a few magazines about. I’ll get back to work later today. This past weekend was set aside for my family, and for thanking God. I am one of those who “pray without ceasing” as I go about my day. My focus is on God and how to give glory to Him. This past weekend, rather than ask for anything, I thanked Him for all He’s done, and all He will do, in my life. Everywhere I look I have something to be thankful for!

So, what have I learned from my MH experience? God provides! It’s not about me. My job is to do the task He sets before me, and do it to my best ability.Sometimes that job is writing. Sometimes that job is Web design. Always that job is “wife/mom.” If He wants me to do something, He will provide the way, the means, and the people. He will provide for all my needs.

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February 29, 2008 by Kelly.

I belong to three writing lists (online email lists). The first is a private group, made up of just five women, including myself.  These women are my lifeline when it comes to my writing. They are always there, cheering me on. They support me, encourage me, and edify me, and we’re spread out all over the USA.

The second group I belong to is The Writers View 2.  This is a discussion group with focused topics twice a week. TWV2 is for new to intermediate writers. I used to be a member of The Writers View but took time off from writing when we did all our moving. TWV is for professional writers who are actively pursuing publication on a regular basis. I’m hoping to get published more, so I can go back to TWV (or maybe be on both lists). This group offers me a great deal of edification, and personal notes from other members are a great encouragement.

The third group I belong to is FCW. This is an off-shoot of the Fellowship of Christian Writers writing group based here in Tulsa. I’m planning to join the group next month, but I’ve been a member of the email list for a couple years now. Like TWV2, this group offers me a great deal of encouragement and edification, as well as support.

If you are a writer, I encourage you to find a writing group to join. If you can’t find one in person, consider one of The Writers View groups, or the FCW group. You will be blessed!

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February 29, 2008 by Kelly.

As I prepare for my trip to California, I am surprised by just how much information I already know. Why am I surprised? If I know all this information, why am I not utilizing it more? Why am I not submitting, and earning money for my writing, and getting my name out there?

I leave in two weeks. I still need to send my pre-submits. Today I’m working on my DabblingMum.com grammar column. I have a good start on my pre-submits, but they still need polishing.

I can do this! With God, all things are possible! I just need to stay focused on Him.

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February 5, 2008 by Kelly.

Do you remember the story about the Israelites on the way to the Promised Land after Moses’ death? They were told to wipe out the inhabitants, and as they advanced they did just that. Then the Amorites came, wearing old clothes, worn sandals, and carrying very little food, in an attempt to trick the Israelites into thinking they had traveled from very far away. They flattered the Israelites, and got them to promise not to kill them. Later the Israelites discovered these people were living within their boundaries. They couldn’t kill them, because they had sworn not to, yet they realized they had made the oath without first consulting the Lord. Remember that story?

I am just like the Children of Israel.

When AOP contacted me to write the Weaver descriptions, I prayed about it before accepting the job. I knew God had brought this job to me, and I knew He’d give me the time to complete it. He did, and I was so very thankful. Then AOP contacted me again, and offered more work. I accepted without ever consulting God! (Yes, I can hear your collective gasps!) As a result, I am struggling to get this done. But, I know I must, as I made a promise. Too bad I can’t make the people of AOP my slaves, like the Israelites did to the Amorites!

This experience has renewed my vow to not say “yes” to anything right away. First, I pray over it. Then I discuss it with my husband. Then I pray some more. Once I feel God giving me the go-ahead, I can then say “yes.” (This actually comes in very handy for charities, committees, and large purchases. By taking the time to pray over it, I don’t give away all our money, commit all my time to outside activities, or spend all our money. Did I mention this is a key to saving money?)

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February 1, 2008 by Kelly.

I’ve been terribly negligent of this blog, and for that I apologize. Obviously, the holidays took up most of December, but there was another occasion that threw a wrench into my life: a power outage! Two weeks before Christmas our area was hit by an ice storm that left almost the whole northeast corner of the state without power for various amounts of time. Although many people were without for two or three days, we were out for FIVE! Some people were out even longer.

The Friday before the storm hit, I had agreed to do some Web content writing for Alpha Omega Publications. They’re revamping their site and needed new content for their Weaver line. They asked me to write the descriptions. I agreed. Although I started late, I still finished by the deadline (Jan.15th, 2008). The next day they asked if I’d be interested in continuing to help by writing descriptions for the 3rd Grade LIFEPAC(R) line. I said yes, but probably shouldn’t have. (I see this as an opportunity to make some money, and I can’t pass that up now that we have a mortgage again and so many house repairs to do!)

That’s just one type of writing that I’ve been doing. Early in January I was contacted by the president of the Ladies’ Auxiliary from our previous church. When we left, I had been doing the devotionals for the ladies’ monthly meetings, and I offered to continue to do them. They voted on it and decided to take me up on my offer. So, I’m continuing to write devos from the book of James. Jef’s doing some, too. Maybe we’ll put them together and create a book for couples!

I also received another job in January: columnist for TheDabblingMum.com! I’m doing the Grammar ‘N Style column for the writing portion of the site. I had offered the editor my organizing columns, and I also offered to write a column on traveling with children. She declined the organizing column, and gave the travel column to someone else — but she ASKED me to do the Grammar ‘N Style column! How cool is that?! The column appears monthly, with the next one due a week from today.

So, I’m busy writing. Haven’t gotten any editing done on the curriculum Grace and Pam wrote. Haven’t done much more than the basics of school. But I’m feeling very productive! I’m also preparing to attend Mount Hermon–gotta get some manuscripts sent in by the end of this month for critiquing.

Can’t blog anymore… gotta get back to work!

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November 28, 2007 by Kelly.

We’re back from vacation and I’m starting to focus on Christmas. I already have the Christmas Spirit, and I’m looking forward to the next four weeks of preparation and planning. We’ll have a houseful (19 people including us) for three days, plus two more people on Christmas Eve. Then it will taper off to about a dozen people for a week or so of relaxation, fun and fellowship… just like at Thanksgiving!

Today, I’m going to work on our Christmas newsletter. It’s a biography of sorts, reviewing the lives of my children, my husband and myself. We’ve had a busy year. I’ll need to find some photos to include as well since my babies are growing up!

I’ve missed writing our family newsletter. I used to publish it six times a year, and received some wonderful feedback about it from the two dozen people who received it. Maybe “biographies” isn’t the right word… it’s really more like a family history…

Today, I’m going to write HISTORY!

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November 15, 2007 by Kelly.

My youngest child said something quite humorous the other day. Unfortunately, I can’t think of what it was right now! This is why I try to write things down as often as possible–so I won’t miss sharing the moments that make me smile.

I just finished reading Cheaper by the Dozen, by Frank B. Gilbreth, Jr., and  Ernestine Gilbreth Carey (Thomas Y. Crowell Company, New York, 1948). What a delightful book! I’ve seen the recent movie rendition, starring Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt, which I found hilarious (Hunt does a wonderful job, as does Martin), but this book is really good, if not better (the book’s always better).

Cheaper by the Dozen reads like a journal almost. It’s like someone sat with these two authors and jotted down their memories. Each chapter could be a Christmas letter for that year. It reminds me much of how I like to write. Perhaps someday…

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November 6, 2007 by Kelly.

I’m a bit young to actually ‘remember’ that song, but I’m familiar with it because bits and pieces of it were often used in cartoons and movies when I was growing up. All that to say…

I’M GOING TO MOUNT HERMON!!

I won one of the Cecil Murphey Scholarships which will allow me to attend Mount Hermon in March, 2008. I’m so excited! Now I need to come up with plane fare. I also need to plan what to take and who to meet with. I’ve got four months to plan…

Did I mention how excited I am?!

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October 20, 2007 by Kelly.

I used to attend writing conferences before we moved out of state. They were short conferences, only one or two days. I only needed to spend one or two nights away from home. They weren’t very expensive, either, because of the short duration of the conferences. I think I usually spent under $200 including hotel, gas and food… way under $200 usually. (Gas was much cheaper back then.)

So, why am I longing to attend a conference now? Networking. Christian fellowship. Meeting writers I know from online. Learning more about the craft of writing.

I’ve been looking at the various Big Name conferences for next year, and I’ve applied for a scholarship to one in California (Mount Hermon is considered “the best of the best”). I should know sometime in November if I’m going. Until then, I’ll also consider conferences in Colorado and Texas… maybe even Florida.

There is one person I would dearly love to meet. If I can get to a conference she is attending, I’ll place that one at the top of my list! I didn’t know until this month, but she’s been praying for my writing career for a couple of years now. That must be why it keeps progressing, why I can’t seem to give it up. (Thanks, Lisa!)

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October 16, 2007 by Kelly.

Am I spending my time wisely when I blog? This question often comes up among writers, and the views are split. There are numerous writers who have gained fame and recognition without ever having a blog. There are others who have made a name for themselves in the blogging world and then moved into the publishing world. Which do I want to be? Which do YOU want to be?

My original goal, when I had two blogs, was to post once a week at each. Life got in the way, and I’m lucky if I post twice a month. Then I began this blog. (What was I thinking?!) I’d still like to post once a week at each blog, but I have very limited time to write. (Which means our homeschooling is going well… and that’s good!) My writing afternoon (Wednesday) is very productive. I’ve completed five articles in four weeks, and roughed out two others!

You may be thinking, “Why doesn’t she just write some blog entries on Wednesdays?” I can’t do that– I write for paying markets on those afternoons. Today is Tuesday. I have a few moments of free time while the children have lunch, so I’m writing now. Perhaps this will become my blog day! Check back next week and see if I stay on track!

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