Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

Here we are just weeks away from the conference. You have already thought about how you are going to get there and maybe even have plane reservations. You have been polishing your book proposals and articles and continue to do so. You have made a list of who you’d like an appointment with. You have your snacks by your suitcase ready to put in. But have you included the most important thing? Your “prayerparation.”

Even in the midst of the busyness of getting ready, the most important thing we can do is pray – for ourselves, for our directors and faculty, for the conference center personnel, and, especially for God’s presence and direction.

Prayer Focus

• For yourself. If this is your first conference, pray that God will direct your steps, calm your nerves, and have people cross your path who can share valuable information. If this is not your first conference and you already know how to navigate a conference, ask God to lead you to the right contacts and help you grow your networking system. Do not try to run ahead of Him. Follow His leading. You may think you need to attend a certain workshop but for some reason feel very strongly pulled toward another. Listen to God’s nudging when He want you to redirect. Be flexible and your conference experience will be multiplied.
• For our directors and faculty. This group of folks has worked tirelessly on your behalf for much, if not all of the year. They will arrive at the conference as the most excited people there. Edie and DiAnn have spent the entire last year planning and talking with the faculty as well as making arrangements. The faculty has come to serve you. Pray for their strength and wisdom as they teach us and meet with us to help us find the right placements for our materials.
• For the conference center personnel. If you have been to Ridgecrest, you know that they have a fabulous staff and team of volunteers. Pray for them as they prepare for us. They are not just sitting around waiting for us, they have other large groups between now and then. They rarely have a break. So pray for strength and stamina. And be prepared to bless them with a smile when you see them.
• Ask God’s blessing on the entire conference. We need His presence. We need His direction. We need His affirmation. He wants to bless our time together. Let’s not miss that because we didn’t ask for it!

Even now we have a prayer team who is praying for each of you. They will also be available at the conference to pray with you if you have a specific need so please don’t hesitate to find one of us. We will have a special ribbon on our nametags and would be honored to pray for you. If you can’t find us, leave your name and cell number at the bookstore and we will give you a call.

Can’t wait to meet you and see what God is going to do with your writing. And, don’t forget to include the most important part of your preparation – the prayerparation!

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Linda Gilden is the chaplain for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. She is an award-winning writer, speaker, editor, certified writing and speaking coach, and personality consultant. Linda recently released Articles, Articles, Articles! and is the author of over a thousand magazine articles and 18 books including the new LINKED Quick Guides for Personalities. She loves to help others improve their writing through editing and coaching and especially enjoys being part of their “Aha!” moments. Linda’s favorite activity (other than eating folded potato chips) is floating in a pool with a good book surrounded by splashing grandchildren—a great source of writing material! www.lindagilden.com