Monday, March 14, 2011

Is your Dream becoming a Reality?

It’s time.


As a writer, we get to a point in our journey where we need to take the next step. Maybe it’s entering a major contest, maybe it's attending a writers’ group or maybe it's joining a critique group.

But there is always another new step.

My next step is teaching at the writer’s conference in Spokane this next Saturday. On Friday, after a week of activity, I board a plane and fly to the west side of the country where I will be staying with an awesome blogger friend and the director of the conference—Jan Cline.

In a previous post, I mentioned how a few years ago, I turned down a similar speaking opportunity. I was too afraid. Too worried about not being good enough. Too worried about fainting or dying in front of a room full of people.

Amazingly, I don’t have that same intensity of fear today. Yeah, I’m nervous that I will bore everyone or that my voice will disappear, or I’ll get a migraine or I’ll blank out. I have  fears like anyone trying a new experience.

But I also have this undeniable assurance that this is God’s plan and not mine.

If it was mine, I’d be staying home in my comfortable routine, still dreaming about possibilities.

Dreaming--not doing.

What have you been dreaming about but the doing is coming harder?

PS--I would appreciate prayers for this conference and that all the writers attending would be blessed beyond measure!

56 comments:

Jessica R. Patch said...

Terri, what a great opportunity! I will be praying for your trip. I think the hardest part is the waiting. Some days are easier than others. :)

Linda O'Connell said...

Terri,
I am right there with you. I am nervous about a panel discussion, a twenty minute block in which I will have to capture my audience. Since the event is on St. Pat's day at a major bookstore, I suspect the audience will be non-existent or party people in green. Praying for you.

Wendy Paine Miller said...

Go get 'em at the conference!

The doing always seems harder than the dreaming for me.

I signed up to help with a walk to raise money for a good cause and I hope I can pull off coordinating it.

~ Wendy

Anonymous said...

They say that when God gives us the power to dream a dream, He also gives us the power to make it come true. I hope and pray for your trip to be a good one.

Kathi Oram Peterson said...

You'll do great at the conference! Wish I could be there.

Jan Cline said...

I have confidence in you to do a great job. But more importantly and more exciting is the assurance that God is working through you to bless others. That's what this conference is all about and I know we will support each other through it. Amazing Awaits! See you soon my friend!
Jan

Amie Borst said...

i've been dreaming about making a decision. i flop to once choice, feel settled, then flop to another choice. i'll just have to make a decision and stick to it - otherwise i'm just dreaming and never doing!

and prayers are with you. i'm sure you'll do great!

Robin Lambright said...

How exciting! I just know you will be awesome! You are so insightful and encouraging on your blog I know that same enthusiasm and encouragement as well as the wealth of knowledge you have gleaned thus far will be a blessing to everyone!

You GO Girl!

Blessings
R

Karen Lange said...

Will pray for you. Cheering you on!
Blessings,
Karen :)

Heidi Willis said...

What a fantastic opportunity for you, and a huge step forward. I'm sure you'll do great. :)

Stepping out of our comfort zone is never easy, but the biggest blessings and miracles never happen inside them.

Lydia Kang said...

I dream about a lot of stuff! Mostly writing. Still doing that every day...so far, so good. But it is scary, too, sometimes.

Loree Huebner said...

I'll keep you in my prayers, Terri. I know you'll do absolutely fantastic!

I'm with Jessica on this one, the "waiting" part is the hardest for me too.

Joanne Sher said...

Definitely praying, Terri!

The "submitting" is the part that's harder on the doing than the dreaming - and I'm getting there.

Anonymous said...

I'll keep you and all the conference attendeeds in my prayers. I'm sure you'll rock! I've been dreaming too much and need to get crackin and doing!

Katie Ganshert said...

That is awesome! What a great opportunity Terri! Let us know how it goes!

Andrea said...

My Memoir(s)!

This is a very convicting post for me...You have stepped all over my toes, this morning!

Hugs,
andrea

Great Grandma Lin said...

focus on involving the students in your lesson and you'll do great. what an opportunity. my next step is buying my first isbn number and self publishing-marketing...

Susan said...

Wow, Terri, that is wonderful news! You'll do great and will inspire a lot of writers. Good for you! Wish I could come, too. Susan

Carmen said...

So awesome for you Terri! I know you'll do well and be an inspiration to those who attend. Your post really spoke to me. I tend to be too cautious and as a result don't step out enough. Time for a change. Thanks!

Tamika: said...

How exciting! I'm glad to see God opening doors in your journey!

My prayers are with you and all the attendees:)

Paul Greci said...

Have a great trip Terri. I can't wait hear about your experience!!

Rhonda Schrock said...

I'll be praying for you, Terri. Where God guides, He always provides. You'll be great, I know.

I look forward to hearing about it when you get back!

Jolene Perry said...

HAVE A GREAT TIME!!

Nancy said...

What a wonderful opportunity for you. I will pray for you and I know you will do a great job.

Yolanda said...

Thankful that God dreams bigger dreams for us than the dreams we dream for ourselves.

He is more than able!

Love to you

Deborah said...

I find writing so much easier than speaking, but knowing God is in it makes all the difference...praying he calms your nerves!

Cindy R. Wilson said...

Terri, you're such an inspiration. I'm going to be cheering for you and praying for you this weekend :)

Keli Gwyn said...

Terri, what a wonderful opportunity--for you as well as those who will get to hear you speak. May your preparation pay off in a polished presentation and leave you with a profound feeling of accomplishment. My prayers are with you.

Tana said...

Oh good luck to you~! My big hardship right now? Handling life and writing. It's seem it never gets easier, does it?

Carol Riggs said...

Prayers to you for speaking at the conference! I'm sure the audience will get great info from your talk. :) Just be yourself. I love it when speakers act like real people. You'll do fine!

Jennifer Shirk said...

You're going to do GREAT! But I will pray for you anyway. :)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Oh wow, to teach at a conference. How wonderful. The Lord will certainly have you in His arms.

Gina Conroy said...

I have that same speaking fear, though I've done it before and will draft some talks this year for when it IS time. I have a good friend, Jessie, who'll be at the conference, probably with newborn. Say "HI" to her for me and I'll be praying!

Kenda Turner said...

I'm dreaming at least 3 MG novels, but why is it taking so long to finish the first??

Your conference opportunity sounds terrific--I'm praying that the jitters (which are normal) will be manageable and that your enthusiasm for your subject shines through! And it will because you love what you do, we can tell :-)

Tabitha Bird said...

Be blessed and have a great conference!

Dawn Simon said...

What an exciting opportunity! Fun, too, that you're staying with a blogger friend. I'm sending good thoughts your way. :)

Rachna Chhabria said...

Terri, congrats on this great opportunity. I am sure you will rock.
Am sending you loads and loads of positive and uplifting energy. Let us know how it went. :)

Melissa Amateis said...

Since I'm in the midst of moving from an apartment to a house, I've been doing a lot of thinking about writing but not actually writing. But that's ok. I think I'm allowed this time... ;-)

Best wishes on the conference! I know you'll do great!!!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

You'll do great, Terri! I can't wait to hear about your adventure.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Rosslyn Elliott said...

Terri, I bet you and Jan are going to have a GREAT time at the conference! Have fun and I know you'll do well.

Kathleen said...

How wonderful!

Spokane's a mere 5 hours from us. In fact, we lived there in the early 70s; our youngest son was born there.

Enjoy your conference. I know you'll be fabulous!

Kathleen

Linda Hoye said...

You'll do great, Terri!

Lauren F. Boyd said...

Good luck with your presentation at the conference! I'm praying for you! And thanks for stopping by my blog!

http://laurenspathtopub.blogspot.com/

Lisa Daria said...

It's natural to be nervous - just think of it as growing pains!

Undoubtedly you will do the best you can do!

Robin said...

Terri, your idea of taking the next step is right what I needed to read and is what I am doing in my life. Peace and joy be abundant as you lead in this upcoming writers conference.

Pax robin

Stacy Henrie said...

What a neat opportunity and way to go for not letting fear stop you! Can't wait to hear how it goes and what you talked on.

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

My thoughts and prayers go with you; as for me, I'm trying to determine that next step. I'll keep you posted.

peace~elaine

Ginny said...

Praying for success, Terri.
My dreams were put in an imaginary treasure chest and buried. Perhaps, one day, I will dig that chest up and look at the contents and decide like, going through a closet, which ones I will keep and which ones I will toss.
Many blessings sent your way.

Sally said...

You should be there and likely preparing to go on stage about now. You will be blessed just for having said, "Yes!" to the call. Let your love for the LORD and your craft shine through and the crowd will be yours. Knock 'em dead.

Carol J. Garvin said...

Saying a prayer, but I'm sure your words will bring a blessing.

Deb Shucka said...

So it's today, right? I'll bet you were wonderful and I can hardly wait to hear about your success and the miracles that came from your willingness to stand up to your fear. Wish I could have been there to see you.

Kathryn Magendie said...

Be yourself and all will be well! Or I guess it is over by now . . .

The doing - you know, I'm all mixed up with my doing versus done versus what next - I'm twisting and turning in the wind - I dont' even know what to call success anymore! I need some quiet time to think about it.

Jennie Allen said...

So exciting! I will pray it is a life changing next step!

Unknown said...

Best of luck!!!

great post.

I woke up Sunday a.m. to find my blog, my 500 plus followers, my 100plus author interviews, and my 200 plus reviews gone. Blogger gave no explanation, but I think the account was hacked. Change your password often!

I have reloaded the interviews and reviews, plus redesigned the blog. But if you could, please hit the "follow" button so I can reclaim the fellow bloggers I miss. I'm still following you, as my account remained--thank goodness!
http://kellymoranauthor.blogspot.com

Thank you!
Kelly Moran
XO

Jillian Kent said...

Looking forward to hearing all about your journey and teaching experience, Terri.

And boy oh boy is my dream becoming a reality. My very first book releases May 3rd! I'm both excited and terrified. :)

Jill

Sarah Allen said...

Hope your trip is fantastic! Thanks for your support and encouragement :)

Sarah Allen
(my creative writing blog)