Warning! Guts on Page Two.

So, I just got back from my first spiritual retreat Realm Makers conference. And I've got three words to describe the weekend: identity, shalom, and purpose. Let me explain:

Robert Liparulo was the keynote speaker during this year's Realm Makers. He had a couple of words for us.

 The first is stop. As in, stop allowing defeat in! We have been given incredible gifts. Passions and dreams that can change the world! And the shalom - peace - that comes with knowing that He is before us!

Our dreams are prayers to God! And He never wastes dreams.

So what are we to do with these gifts? That brings us to the second word: GO!

 Go with purpose. Go boldly. Walk securely in Him!


Here's where it gets all guts-on-the-page-y:

My identity has been worthless since age eleven. That's been twenty-four years of me not knowing my identity in Him.

So what did I learn on my trip to St. Louis? All sorts of incredible writing advice that I'll be unpacking - and sharing - in the coming weeks.

What did I find at Realm Makers 2015? Dreams dusty and rusty from lack of use. And this guy who is loved. With passion to ignite the world... and the knowledge that it's okay to do so.

Be warned, world. I'm coming. And I won't let you pass me by unchanged.

Comments

  1. Kristen StieffelAugust 9, 2015 at 7:16 PM

    Go boldly indeed, Josh. You are awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  2. RaleneAugust 9, 2015 at 8:07 PM

    Best recap ever. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Outcast_writerAugust 9, 2015 at 8:22 PM

    I look forward to the rest of your insights, about the conference, it was great to meet you.

    ReplyDelete
  4. HorsegirlAugust 9, 2015 at 8:30 PM

    Awesome, Josh! So glad you had a great time and looking forward to how God is going to use you in this big, needy world!

    ReplyDelete
  5. mr_discoAugust 9, 2015 at 8:41 PM

    Josh, it was great to meet you in person this weekend. I'm excited to continue our friendship and get a little critique group together.

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownAugust 10, 2015 at 5:50 PM

    Great to meet you, Josh!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Kat HeckenbachAugust 10, 2015 at 6:35 PM

    It was great meeting you, and so glad you found your place at Realm Makers!

    ReplyDelete
  8. UnknownAugust 13, 2015 at 11:03 PM

    It was fantastic getting to meet you folks! I'm looking forward to changing the world with y'all!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Cover reveal for Rebirth!

Image
So I met the wonderful Amy Brock McNew at Realm Makers last year. Within the first ten minutes we were family. She's a fantastic woman full of love for both people and Spec Fic. And best of all: she's not afraid to spill her guts all over the page! Amy's first book, Rebirth, is releasing May 24, 2016, and today is cover reveal day! Here's the back cover copy:      Liz Brantley has a gift she wants to return.      Able to see and fight demonic forces, she has spent her life alone, battling the minions of hell bent on her destruction, running from the God who gave her this curse. The demon Markus, drawn to her abilities, unleashes havoc on her hometown and pulls Liz further into the throes of battle.      She’s desperate for a normal life.      When she meets a mysterious man who seems unaware of the mystical realm that haunts her, the life she’s always wanted flits within reach. But her slice of normal slips from her grasp when an old flame, Rylan
Read more

Cover reveal for RECONCILIATION!

Image
Another successful foray into the L2L2 vaults brought another cover to share with you all! Reconciliation is the sequel to Amy McNew's Rebirth . Here's the back cover copy: Some ghosts from the past refuse to stay dead. Finally. Finally everything is coming together for Liz Brantley. She’s marrying Ryland Vaughn, the man of her dreams. She’s embraced her calling and battles the minions of hell bent on her destruction. And she’s left her dark past far behind her. Or so she thought. A secret she holds close, stuffed down deep, surfaces at the wrong time for everyone in Liz’s life, leaving a trail of devastation. Left reeling, Liz wonders if she made a mistake, putting her trust in God, her guardian Arie, and Ryland. And the demon Kade capitalizes on her shaken faith. With a vengeance. Torn between her tortured past and the future she craves, Liz is desperate to defeat every demon that stands in her way. Before all hell breaks loose and swallows her whole. And now
Read more