my list
Some have been making fun of me lately. It’s okay. I’m a big girl. I can handle it.
And besides, the list has brought balance into my life.
My daughter walked into my home office a few months back. She spotted a piece of paper on my desk. It had a massive to-do list. Some tasks were X’d out. Notes were scribbled in the corner, on the back, and up and down the sides.
“What’s this?” she asked.
“My list,” I said.
“That’s not a list, mom. That’s a mess.”
It was. Every day I put way too many tasks on it. Some tasks were carried over day after day, month after month. Dare I say year after year?
You think I’m kidding. I had one task that was a great opportunity. But it had five tasks that needed to take place in order to make it happen. So, it just popping up and then getting moved back to last place–again.
I had to do something, but what?
I decided that my list had to mean something. It couldn’t be unreasonable. It had to fit my real life because I don’t just write. I don’t just minister or travel. I make phone calls to sort out insurance. I pay bills. I clean house.
So my list had to include at least some elements of that. Every day.
But my real life also had other elements. I play. I lunch with friends. I shop. I hike. I raft.
Once the list was complete, real life outside work had to begin. The list had to have a beginning and an end.
My first day was eye opening. I listed one task that would take about three hours. I listed two or three others, things like “email agent about idea” or “make dental appointment”. My list wouldn’t have more than six items on it.
It would be doable.
It took into account an approximate time of how long it would take.
And when it was done, real life play and relationships began. Work was finished.
I did it the next day.
And the next.
And then one day I put that monumental task — the opportunity — on the list. It had five different steps. It would take all day. It went into the mail that next day (because it was on the list: ship CD).
There are no messy sheets lying around. I’m tackling my to-do list every day and things are actually getting done.
It’s second nature now. I’m getting a lot done, but work doesn’t dominate my life either.
So, make fun of my list all you want. I’ll just add one more task to my new list: Hang out w/friend.
And we’ll talk about it over lunch.
Posted by Suzie @
6:37 am |
leaving on a jet plane - again
I’m flying to PA this weekend, speaking at St. David’s Christian Writers conference. I’ve never been to Pennsylvania before and look forward to seeing a new place.
I love teaching at writer’s conferences because it reminds me of when I first started. I see them holding on to their dreams, the eagerness to learn, and sometimes the frustration when they feel overwhelmed by starting something so new.
Maybe you’re a writer. I hope you’ll connect at one of the many Christian Writers conferences around the country. A couple of great ones coming up are:
She Speaks
Glorietta Christian Writers Conference
Or if a conference isn’t possible right now, join one of the free groups online where people from CBA congregate and talk about publishing, writing, marketing, and taking it to the next level, like:
The Writers View 2
Fellowship of Christian Writers
If you are one of the conference attendees who will be in attendance, I look forward to connecting with you!
Posted by Suzie @
7:38 am |
Colorado Christian Writers Conference
We wound our way through a quaint town. Elk nibbled the grass, oblivious to the people pressing against the car window for a closer look.
Once I arrived the business of breathing began. This Oklahoma girl can walk for miles at sea level, but suddenly turns 180 when I try to walk 200 feet from one building to the other. I drank tons of water and started to feel less like a fish out of water.
I met up with Proverbs 31 ministries team member and friend, MaryBeth Whalin. She’s been with Proverbs for a very long time and I’m the new kid on the block. Spending four days with her was awesome. She’s a non-snoring girl who’s considerate, loves to talk, but also loves to sleep. She also loves funny movies on YouTube. What a great roommate! (In this pic we are both exhausted. It’s Day 3 and I’ve been pulling long hours teaching and she’s been in an Intensive Fiction clinic.)
There is a sign on the door that says, “Shut the Door for Your Safety. Bears in Area.” I never saw a bear, but the Elk were on my patio when I woke up in the morning.
Robin Bryce and Renae Brumbaugh, two fast friends and all-around cool writers.
This is at the top of the mountain. Do you see the snow-capped mountains in picture one? We went up into the mountains and walked around at the peak. There were snow covered boulders, steep rock ledges, and a postcard view from every angle. It was heaven.
When I speak conferences, most of the time I arrive at an airport, climb into a car, drive to a conference center or building, and then back to the airport. This trip was different. I enjoyed my surroundings. I connected with some great old and new friends.
I came home at peace, totally wrapped up in God’s creative beauty. But also encouraged by my continuing session class. I watched writers grow. They were tired, some overwhelmed, but we had lots of laughter and fun. But most of all they took one step closer to their writing dreams.
And that makes me happy.
Posted by Suzie @
4:19 pm |
oh happy day
I received a rejection yesterday. A big one.
But I’m looking at the Rockies today. Snow capped mountains. Hiking trails that lead you past water tumbling over rocks, herds of elk nibbling shoots of grass.
I’m talking with friends. Good friends I’ve cultivated over 10 years of full-time writing. Friends like Jill Hart who kidnapped me after a long day yesterday and took me to an Italian restaurant for good food and lots of laughter.
I’m watching dreams unfold for new writers, remembering that hopeful place, that place of angst.
I’m reading Oswald Chambers who reminds me of the depths of God’s wealth that has nothing to do with money, and yet everything to do with providing the needs of His own.
All of this brings back an old song, one I think I heard as a teen in a small church in Tulsa.
“Oh happy day. Oh happy day–ay-ay.”
At some point I have to just place all of this stuff — my career, my writing, what I want to do with my life — in His hands. I’ll keep working hard. I’ll continue to learn. I’ll grow.
But if you see me, I’ll be the one walking around feeling deeply content, most likely humming under her breath: oh happy day, oh happy day-ay-ay.
Have a good one.
Posted by Suzie @
9:02 am |
Another busy weekend
I’m packing and cleaning and writing and juggling!
My SIL graduates this weekend with his Masters in Social Work Counseling at the University of Arkansas. He starts a new job in June working at an organization that counsels at-risk youth with mental health needs. He’s great at it and loves it. He can’t talk about individual cases, of course, but when he talks about his job it’s evident it’s a good fit for both him and the youth.
(Pic is of Josh and my daughter, Melissa!)
From there I’ll make a break for Branson U.S.A. It’s a beautiful area and I’ll take a day to meet with our pastor and others to pray and talk about the vision for the church and community for the next several months.
I’ll be honest. This is packed right in the heart of several other projects/events and I wasn’t sure if I should add it to the calendar. But as it approaches I’m asking God to help me be an encouragement and support to my home church staff, people and pastor. They work so hard and have such a heart for ministry. I’m excited to be a part of a church that really cares about its people and community.
After that I’ll dash home in time to visit with some great women on a call-in conference call. Women ministry leaders from all over the nation will tune in and we’ll talk about Pushing Past Your Past conference weekends and topics like forgiveness, wholeness, parenting, pursuing your passion and more.
And then I’ll take off on Wednesday for Estes Park to teach at the Colorado Christian Writers Conference.
I’ve been working out again (took 9 weeks off after I broke a bone) so I can be up to the high altitude. You know they don’t have much of that here in Oklahoma, so the first day I drink tons of water and take it easy and my body adjusts. Eventually!
I can walk miles here, but there I walk like a 90+ year-old girl in traction. After the first day I start turning into my own age again!
I’ll post pics from the graduation and also share highlights from CCWC next week.
See you on Monday!
Posted by Suzie @
7:30 am |
Not the light
I was reading the book of John this morning and read this scripture. I’ll share it paraphrased:
John came to tell about the light. He was not the light, but a witness to the light.
When I speak or I write about the light it is not to lift me up or to point out who I am, but who He is. It’s not the Suzie show. Thank goodness for that. I’d run out of material really quick, but I could talk forever about what the Light has done in my life, and what God continues to be forever.
Posted by Suzie @
7:55 am |
Where’s Suzie? Upcoming conferences
Colorado Christian Writers Conference
I get lots of e-mails from people who want to write or speak, but don’t know where to start. My instant response is always, “get connected with others who love or who are doing what you are passionate about”.
One way to do that is through conferences. I’ll be teaching the beginning freelance track at Colorado Christian Writers’ Conference in Estes Park, CO next week. It’s not too late to register!
Estes Park is not only one of the most beautiful places on earth, but CCWC offers meetings with editors, workshops with some amazing writers like James Scott Bell, and the opportunity to connect with new friends in every stage of their writing career or ministry. Check out the website, register, and join us!
St. David’s CWC
I’ll also be leading the beginner’s track at St. David’s Christian Writers’ Conference in Grove City, Pennsylvania June 22 through 27. Another gorgeous place! You can register at their website.
She Speaks
And what about speaking and writing? She Speaks is almost filled up, but there are a few registration spots still available. (Just for you!)
This is a mentoring conference to help you take your writing and/or speaking or blogging to the next level.
It’s in beautiful North Carolina and you can find out more at the She Speaks website.
Why don’t you take a step toward your dreams? I’ll see you there.
Posted by Suzie @
1:40 pm |
Life is busy, and I<3 it!
I spoke at UCO on Tuesday. The three-hour drive gave me lots of time to think about my upcoming weekend.
Friday I speak at a women’s retreat. Saturday I will attend a bridal shower for my new niece who is marrying my nephew, Mitch. Ryan runs a marathon on Sunday, so I’ll be in OKC at 6:00 a.m. to cheer him on. At least, as much as a person can cheer at 6 in the morning!
Somewhere in there I will write a couple of thousand words, blog, ship some books, and make preparations for the Colorado Christian Writers’ conference where I will teach the beginning writer’s track.
As I pulled into the parking lot of the university, I put away my mental to-do list. I pulled my carryon bags into the Wellness Center of the university and walked into the room. There I met Tim Woods, a very enthused director who had asked me to be the speaker for the Initiative grant-funded program, Lunch and Learn. (Hey, Tim!)
For the next 45 minutes I spoke on pursuing your passion–something I’m very passionate about. ♥
The presentation went so great. Two students from my home city sat in the back and whooped it up for me. The staff and faculty were totally welcoming and participated fully, which always makes speaking a fun time.
I said my goodbyes and then met a friend for lunch — Vickey Banks, a wonderful author and speaker. We sat and talked for nearly two hours and then I climbed in the car and made my way home.
One point that I made at UCO was that our passion can get lost as we pursue too much. Or when we confuse our passion (our core belief system) with the vehicles (writing, speaking, parenting, our jobs, community service, etc.).
For some of you as you read this you might think, “Hey Suzie, you need to listen to your own message. Slow down!” But this is the scoop. I’m not doing anything that I don’t love.
Writing and speaking are two ways I communicate my passion. But so is faith, family, and living healthy.
So I pick and choose daily. I say no a lot so that I can say yes on a regular basis.
Life ebbs and flows. Right now it’s busy, but it won’t stay that way. I won’t let it. I’m packed from now until mid-June, but then life slows down. I will purposely block time so that I can write without interruption or do something fun with Richard or the kiddos.
I’m lucky, in so many ways. I get to do what I love, even though it has passionless aspects such as deadlines, sitting in airports, or writers block.
And my life is full, which makes me grateful all over again.
Posted by Suzie @
11:29 am |
Just another coincidence
I went to lunch with new friends last week. They are in their twenties, just starting out life and newly married. It was fun. Pablo is one of those cool kind of guys who you just can’t help but like. He’s honest, blunt at times, and funny. His wife, Haven, was awesome. I loved talking with her.
As I normally do, I wanted to hear their story. “Tell me all about you,” I said.
Pablo started first. He described how he found Christ in a little church in Tulsa when he was a freshman in high school.
Haven’s grandfather was the pastor at that time of that church. She described her experiences there and how God shaped her life.
I was raised in Tulsa, so I asked them where the church was.
When they told me, I was brought back 30 years to my first experience with God.
In that very same church.
It has a different name now. It was Trinity then. It’s a tiny church in a bad part of Tulsa. I can only imagine the number of pastors who have struggled to keep the church alive. Last time I saw it, there were few changes. A nondescript building on a residential street surrounded by older homes and a few Quik Trips with bars on the windows.
And yet three people had found Jesus there. Three people who were in different phases of ministry. Three people of how many who went on to disciple others, just as they were discipled.
Maybe you are a pastor’s wife, a Sunday school teacher, a youth volunteer, or someone who’s trying to make a difference. Maybe on the outside it doesn’t seem like you are doing much compared to a mega church or the speaker whose books are flying off the shelves. But it’s likely that somewhere there are people who you touched who were never the same after they encountered God in your “small” ministry.
And that ministry goes on. Multiplying. Spreading. Growing and maturing.
I don’t think we’ll really every know what God can do with the “little things” until we reach Heaven one day. I bet we’ll be in for a surprise. I got a little taste of that last week as I experienced “just another coincidence”.
Posted by Suzie @
1:01 pm |
CBE 2009
Many wonderful things happened at CBE 2009. First, I want to send a shout out to the organizers. It was interesting. Well set up. The speakers and musical artists were outstanding.
But few attendees showed up, which broke my heart for those who worked so hard. It was a first major ECPA event. I believe with a little tweaking it can be a huge event next year. We’re talking about it over at The Writers View.
My drive to Dallas was my first real venture out since I broke my collarbone. I was still in a sling and brace, but Richard was on point, helping me every step of the way. But I honestly forgot that I was injured when I stepped into a world of books and authors.
I needed this.
I saw friends. People like Lysa TerKeurst of Proverbs 31, who is always ready with her N. Carolina twang and warm hugs to pull you in tight. Author Mary DeMuth who knocked it out of the ballpark on a Christianity Today panel with Don Miller and others on their thoughts about post-Christianity.
I was intrigued by what Donald Miller (Blue Like Jazz) had to say about our faith. Do I agree with everything he said? I’m not sure, but I do know he’s asking the tough questions and a lot of what he said resonated. The Harris twins, Alex and Brett, authors of Do Hard Things shared how they wanted to inspire teens to change the world. It was interesting to hear how God used two 16-year-old bloggers to motivate teens to rebel against low expectations.
A sweet moment came as I sat at the book table and a young girl approached me.
“Did you break your collarbone?” she asked.
I said I did.
She explained that she broke her collarbone twice and knew how painful it could be. “Can I pray for you?” she asked.
Then came the sweetest prayer every spoken. She took my hand, bowed her head, and asked God to heal me and take away the pain. It was a powerful God moment.
Being around other writers and readers is invigorating to me. I left exhausted, but happy.
I’m taking a couple of days off to recuperate, but I’m so glad I got to go.
But I’m still disheartened for the organizers. I was shocked that so few came to this conference where awesome speakers, authors and musical artists like Michelle McKinney Hammond, Donald Miller, Henry Blackaby, Janette Oke, Nicole C. Mullen, Max Lucado, Jerry Jenkins, Don Piper, J. I. Packer, Randy Alcorn, Stormie O’Martien, Stephen Arterburn, Kevin Lehman, Thelma Wells, Sheila Walsh, Jennifer Rothschild, and many others, were in attendance. There were so many great workshops and services.
Talk to me. Are you attending conferences? What draws you to a conference? What makes a good conference? What is your favorite conference?
I really want to hear what you have to share.
Suz
Posted by Suzie @
7:01 am |
