ACFW Conference

Hello Everyone!

It’s been a very busy and emotional time. I recently returned (Sept 21-24) from the American Christian Fiction Writer’s (ACFW) conference in Dallas. It was an awesome four days of fellowship, learning, worship, and fun! By the time I pulled into the driveway on Sunday afternoon, I was exhausted. In a good way.

ACFW has an annual writing contest for pre-published authors. This year’s contest sported a new name: THE GENESIS.

I entered my manuscript LEGACY OF GRACE back in February of this year. One night in the spring, while ironing clothes, the phone rang. The caller, Ruth Logan Herne the Genesis coordinator for the Women’s Fiction category, informed me that LEGACY OF GRACE was one of the five finalists. When I look back at that night and my total surprise, little did I know that God had amazing things in store. I said a prayer of thanks and returned to the mundane and much despised task of ironing.

In Dallas, the Saturday night awards banquet was done in A+ style. The elegant china, candlelit-clad dining tables, white-gloved waiters, and gourmet meal set the tone for a night of gratitude far beyond my wildest dreams.

LEGACY OF GRACE WON!!!

First place in the Women’s Fiction Category AND…….OVERALL WINNER!!

I still shake my head and wonder if I dreamt the whole thing. It was an amazing night. I can’t remember what I said so I know it was God that carried me through the speech to the 400+ attendees.

I had one day to revel in the elation of the win before I received a phone call from my sister stating that my grandmother had passed away. So, two days later I’m back on the road, this time to Louisiana to say my final goodbye. Although sad for the reason, it was nice to see family members I hadn’t seen in years.

It’s been an emotional tilt-a-whirl. But God has a way of giving us what we need at just the time we need it. And His blessings don’t always lead in the direction that we think.

I don’t know what’s in store for LEGACY OF GRACE or anything else in my future, but I do know that I am content to trust in the One who does.

Praise Him.