GOD'S UNEXPECTED BLESSINGS
August 19, 2010 • By Barbara Parentini
Dear Friends˜
There is so much to share with you! On one of the hottest days this summer, the Light of Carolina Christian Writers gathered in the evening August 12, 2010, at my church's fellowship hall. Many thanks to all of you who sent kind wishes and prayers as we launched our group.
It was wonderful to meet these writers. Most were fairly new to Christian writing and eager to improve their craft. God's gentle presence settled around us as we shared, learned, and listened. There were poets, writers of devotions, fiction, non-fiction, and fantasy writers. One member showed us the precious tribute she'd written and framed for her 50th wedding anniversary; others read their devotions published in books.
We soared on wings of excitement, and several writers fought back tears as they read their work. I believe it's fair to say that we felt fortunate to finally find this special circle of writers, a safe place to belong and share our creative work. Who knows what will be penned as God moves through this group known as the Light of Carolina Christian Writers? Who knows what devotions will appear someday to comfort and lift someone's heart; stories to bridge one's journey of faith and glorify God; and poems that affirm our humanity and inspire the divine? No one. But God does.
Later as I stepped into the night, I felt a renewed sense of awe at God's wisdom to bring us together, and grateful for the opportunity to support and guide this flock of writers. I can't wait until next month to hear what they're writing. I knew God's call to found and lead this group required an obedient yes, but I didn't know I'd feel as passionate about serving as I do, as privileged in the process. Humbling. God's unexpected blessings... All gifts.
Visitor Comments (8)
My Dear Friend, Vonda
Posted By BPARENTINI on September 15, 2010
Thank you for your kind words, Vonda. You have been such a wonderful mentor and friend for me. I thank God that you sat in front of me at CLASS in 2005. Much of what I enjoy as a writer today, on many levels, is because of your generosity and love. I am forever in your debt.
Continued blessings and love,
Barbara
Congratulations!
Posted By VONDASKELTON on September 15, 2010
Barbara, what a joy it has been to watch you as God grows you into what He has for you to be! Would you ever have thought you'd be leading a writer's group! I pray God' bountiful blessing on you and your like-minded friends. There's nothing like gathering around a group of writers and talking about words. The truth is, not everybody gets us. But other writers do!
I pray God blesses the socks off the Light of Carolina Christian Writers group!
Vonda
www.VondaSkelton.com
More gifts...
Posted By BPARENTINI on August 19, 2010
Thank you for your kind words, Karyn. You always bless me more than you know.
Barbara
Thanks for your visit!
Posted By BPARENTINI on August 19, 2010
Thanks, Jill! Please feel free to visit our writers' group anytime you can come to NC!
Barbara
Blessings!
Posted By KARYNBROWNLEE on August 19, 2010
Just stopped by to be blessed by your beautiful words, and of course I was. Thank you for shining the light of Christ so brightly! I pray God gives you great vision and provision for your new writers' group. You are a blessing!
Great idea!
Posted By JILL KEMERER on August 19, 2010
What an exciting evening! I wish I lived closer--I would have loved to listen to everyone's work.
Lovely website!
Jill Kemerer
Thanks for stopping by!
Posted By BPARENTINI on August 19, 2010
Thanks, Jody. I feel fortunate for this group. I must add that reading Blogs like yours has provided inspiration for me. I'm sure the group will enjoy reading your Blog, as well.
Barbara
Just stopping by to say hi!
Posted By JODYHEDLUND on August 19, 2010
Hi Barb,
Sounds like you're apart of a wonderful, supportive group! You're blessed!
Love, Jody
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