Mountain top to Foothills (Home again, home again, jiggity jog!)

"When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized they were unschooled ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13)

Name tags identified us. "Where are you from?" My answer involved a rolling arm motion, "Just down the mountain!"

Next question, "What do you write?"

"Non-fiction, devotionals, as-told-to stories. And you?" Rarely a quiet or dull moment followed. I learned much, met many and appreciated all the hard work that went into such an event. But could people tell we'd been with Jesus? Every morning found me on my knees seeking a word from my Abba, Father; His Word spoke, His Spirit encouraged and strengthened me daily.

Home! Husband! Granddaughters! Sons! My bed! What more can I say? And then Montezuma's revenge... Tijuana two-step, whatever you wanna call it, hit. My Good Shepherd made me to lie down in the bed, by not so still waters.

Took me two days to unpack. Non-productive, that's me. With so much to share and so little time, frustration creeps in and I make myself 'put up the shield of faith to quench the firey darts of discouragement from the enemy'. (Ephesians 6)

A little back story here: I identify with the unschooled, ordinary people, introduced to terms as One Sheets, business cards, platforms and a myriad of other things. Peter and John wrote books. I'm relatively sure that when they said, "Silver and gold, have I none, but such as I have, I will give to you," they didn't mean 'edit, edit, edit'. They did say, "Rise up and walk!" OR WRITE... Which is what I intend to do tomorrow, after I listen to God Speaking through the book of Acts by way of Anne Graham Lotz Ministry. I urge you to check it out.

After all, that's what I want my writing to convey, that I've been with Jesus and He's showing me how to use everyday circumstances as an opportunity to encourage others.

Huge SHOUT OUT TO BLUE RIDGE CHRISTIAN WRITER'S CONFERENCE leaders and conferees! Let's not forget the wait staff and the wonderful volunteer ladies at the coffee shop.

days of rain, inspiration and confusion, Rev arrived!

There's no place like home. Dennis and I marveled at the sun shining through the clouds transforming the various shades of green on the Blue Ridge Highway 25, South.

shades of green. After four days of rain, the sun and wind felt good, my bed even better, my granddaughters, prettier and my house, well, it needs a woman's touch.

Then, of course, it doesn't help to have a stomach bug attack me Thursday night and all day yesterday. Confession: I have only partially unpacked. I know that shocks all you 'type A's', but first things first. Maybe today I'll get SOMETHING PRODUCTIVE ACCOMPLISHED. APRODUCTIVE ACCO