A Time of Refreshment

by Mindy Obenhaus

No matter what our call is in life, no matter what our job, sometimes we need to be refreshed. To breakaway from the daily grind and recharge. For me, the American Christian Fiction Writers annual conference is my happy place. Writing can be a lonely endeavor, so ACFW is an opportunity to gather with old friends, meet new ones, recharge my writerly soul and come away refreshed and eager to dive back into my writing.

This year’s conference was held just hop, skip and a jump down the road from me in beautiful San Antonio, Texas. Our hotel was right on the Riverwalk and our room faced the historic Alamo.

You gotta look hard, 

right behind that tree you can see the Alamo's familiar arch.

This year’s conference was smaller in attendance, but HUGE when it came to learning. At least, in my opinion. So I thought I’d share few of my favorite moments from the conference.

Keynote Speaker, Frank Peretti –

Frank emphasized the fact that we write about redemption. Of course, it was done in his unique, oft hilarious, manner. Yet he always cut to the chase—Christ crucified is the foundation for all we do because it provides a point to all we do. Jesus was a storyteller, not a preacher. We are storytellers, too. Sharing stories of hope that point readers to Christ.

Workshops –

With Frank having set the spiritual tone, I headed to Rachel Hauck’s workshop, Revelation of Jesus in Fiction. I love listening to Rachel speak about the spiritual aspect of our writing. She makes it real and this class dovetailed so well with what Frank had said. Rachel talked about impacting hearts not by being preachy or quoting scripture in our books, but by being creative and having the fragrance of Christ. Using metaphors or symbolism to share the gospel. Jesus used parables to convey His message, He didn’t beat people over the head. Granted, our books are much longer, but how can we tell those stories in not only a way that will hold the reader’s attention, but will point them toward Jesus, perhaps without ever using His name? We have to think outside the box and get creative. Remember, if God called you, He will equip you.

Another wonderful workshop was presented by Karen Witemeyer and it was geared toward guarding our writers’ hearts from those flaming darts of the enemy. Things like discouragement, pride, envy, greed, doubt and burnout. Things that seek to derail us from what God has called us to do. Karen provided Biblical weaponry to combat those attacks so we can seize the victory. 

Do you ever feel discouraged? Remind yourself that God “took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners He called you. He said, ‘You are my servant; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’” (Isaiah 41:9-10)

Friends and Villagers –

I love making new friends, but thanks to the advent of the internet, we sometimes feel as though we know someone before we ever actually meet them. Such is the case when I get to meet those of you from Seekerville.

I "knew" Sherrinda Ketchersid from Seekerville, 

but it was such a treat to finally see her in person.

While I've known Missy, Tina and Sharee for years, 

I was excited to congratulate Connie Queen on her recent contract.

Our own Kathy Bailey and Sharon Simms can light up a room with their smiles.

And getting to see my fellow Seekers is always a treat.

Me, Missy, Mary and the lovely Georgiana Daniels.

No matter what our calling, refreshment is important to our well-being. Without it, we burn out. It doesn’t have to be a big conference, though. It can be lunch with a friend or simply time alone, doing something you love.

What are some of your favorite ways to refresh and energize yourself? And no, coffee doesn't count. ;-) What do you treat yourself to in order to renew your vigor?

Three-time Carol Award nominee, Mindy Obenhaus, writes contemporary romance for Love Inspired Books. She’s passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her grandchildren at her Texas ranch. Learn more at www.MindyObenhaus.com