To become a follower to Darlene's blog, click on the "follow" tab at the very bottom of the screen.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Mountaintop Ramblings

I've been to the mountaintop, literally and figuratively. Perfect weather attended the three days I spent at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park. Elk wandered around the campus, crisp cool air soothed skin heated after hours in the crowded classroom, I met many friends new and old, and God opened so many doors I don't know which one to enter first. I even sold $80 worth of books (and believe, the competition is fierce.)

So when God showed me the following verses from Isaiah 49, I felt like shouting "Hallelujah!" (Formatting mine.)

The Lord
--Called me before my birth.
--From within the womb called me by name.
--Has hidden me in the shadow of his hand.
--said, "You will bring me glory."

That's how God sees me. What's what wants me for me. That's His calling.

But how do I often see myself?

I replied
--My work seems so useless!
--I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose.

When I think all that I've strived for has come to nothing, God wants to use me for His glory. After writing for 18 years, I can get caught up in feeling it's all been for nothing. I have little to show for it.

God reaffirmed His calling and His purpose. Whatever happens with the open doors at this conference, I know that God has a purpose in all that happened on the mountain top and in the days to come. Amen.

2 comments:

Tami said...

I'm so glad you went to the conference. I considered it, but the end just couldn't justify the expense. Maybe next year...which gives me 360 days to actually put something down on paper. ;)

Darlene Franklin said...

Tami, (at least) two of the Genesis finalists are alumni of CCWC. When Love Inspired began its suspense line, the winner came from CCWC. It's not as indepth for fiction writers as ACFW, but it's wonderful training ground. And you couldn't find a prettier setting. God meets us there! Every time.