Benefits of Conference-ing

Have you been to a conference lately? I have.

As a small business owner, I've been to several paint contractors conferences. These events are a great place to connect. Why?

• To learn about industry mandates /  changes / products
• To fellowship with folks who are in the same boat
• To make connections to improve business / marketing.

Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference is no different.

My third year proved to be even better than the last two. I never imagined that possible. The key note speakers spoke relevant messages that encouraged and spoke to the struggles of being a writer. Sweet connections were easily made with old friends as well as the joy of making new ones. The worship time—incredible. And it's impossible to not learn something with classes titled, "Creative Hearts Ascend: Soul-keeping for the Christian Writer," "Writing with Banana Peels," and "The Devil's in the Details: From Plot Structure to Deep POV?"

At this conference, I believe God was up to His elbows in the details. Extremely well organized with efficient use of time. All of these qualities are what make this a great conference. But my favorite two reasons are:

• These folks have brains wired like mine. Quirky and creative. They love words and the craft of writing. And they want to excel at what they do and for Whom they do it.
• They love the Lord and each other. Truly, everyone wants to succeed, but these people want to see each other succeed. Why? Because when we have the humble opportunity to use our gifts, we may bring more people into a deeper relationship with the Word giver.

These two create an incredible bond between the faculty and the attendees. So I salute each faculty member for their dauntless contribution to the edification of the church by investing their time and talents in others. And to my fellow attendees, I pray God will richly bless your writing efforts, more than you can ever imagine.

You know, this conference resembles the church. We attend to worship, learn, share, and grow in our 

Lord with like minded believers. It just doesn’t get any better.

Now how about you? Do you have a group of folks you really connect with? Have you attended conferences that changed your life—business or spiritual? 

Please share in the comments. I'd love to hear your story.

Tammy Van Gils is a writer, blogger, and co-owner of S & N Paint Contractors, Inc. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Word Weavers International. In the Richmond area, she is a member of The Christian Writers Hub and Word Weavers Richmond. Visit her Facebook Page, Pinterest and Twitter @Tammyvangils.