Tag: Betty Thomaon Owens

After the Conference, Writers

On By Betty OwensIn Betty Thomason Owens

Hello, Thursday Morning!

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you’ve had a wonderful week. I promised an update on the writers conference, so here it is–

I’m basking in the glow of another successful Kentucky Christian Writers Conference. Most of us agreed, this was the best one yet.

I had loads of fun and met so many new writers, visited with old friends, and made important connections.  We had a lot of fun moments, like this one:My friends and fellow writers, Shirley Crowder (left) and Harriet Michael (right), like to take an annual photo, and we have yet to accomplish this without being photo-bombed by an illusive introvert. Ha ha! As you can probably guess, our friend, Carlton Hughes is anything but an introvert, and we love when he pops by.

And just in case you wondered, it takes quite a team to put together a conference this size. There are folks behind the scenes planning meals, classes, venue, marketing, etc. They work for an entire year ahead of the conference. One of the most important things they do is secure a talented faculty.You’ll find most of us in this after-conference photo. I think we’re only missing the amazing Edie Melson, who had to leave early. I am honored to stand with this group.

So, as we leave the conference in our rear-view mirrors, a piece of our hearts remains behind. But, we’re not leaving empty-handed. Our writer brains are chock-full of information. For a couple of days, we lived the dream and hobnobbed with other writers plying their craft. We return to our desks rejuvenated, and ready to take on another chapter.

I also returned with an autographed copy of Edie Melson’s Maiden of Iron: A Steampunk Fable. A little “light” reading for my vacation. Hah! Can’t wait. I’ll keep you posted on that one.

Any day now, I’ll post a review of my latest read, The Revolutionary, Book 2 of Liberate the Captives, by award-winning author, Kristen Hogrefe. She’s a fellow Write Integrity Press author. I’m amazed by this book. It catches you up in the story from the beginning.

As July rolls in, I’m gearing up for the release of my latest novel, Rebecca’s Legacy. There will be lots of opportunities for you to snag a copy and also get the inside scoop on this final book in the Legacy series. I hope you’ll stick around.

Watch for giveaways! Last month, Jennifer Hallmark won a $10 gift card–my way of thanking my readers for taking the time to stop in and join the conversation.

When I Am Afraid

On By Betty OwensIn Betty Thomason Owens1 Comment

girl-1246525_1280“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
     In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
    What can mere mortals do to me?”–Psalm 56:3-4 NIV

cat-393294_1280If you struggle with feelings of fear, you are not alone. Most of us do, at one time or another. The words of this psalm, penned by David after he’d been captured by the Philistines –wait–isn’t this the same bunch whose champion, a nine-foot-tall giant–fell to the shepherd boy, David?

Yes.

He’s down, but not out. He’ll be back. He knows they can’t harm him–at least, he’s pretty sure–because he’s the Lord’s anointed. But that doesn’t stop the temporary feeling of fear.

Notice I said temporary.

dog-708376_1280Before the actual physical circumstances change, David will talk and sing and praise his way out of the stronghold of fear in his life. Breakthrough. This is an important key. Sometimes you have to take a stand. Sometimes you have to talk your way out of a bad spot, if only in your own mind or spirit–convince yourself–remind yourself of who you are and Who’s you are.

There’s a great example of this type of praise tactic in Psalm 31:

“Praise be to the Lord,
    for he showed me the wonders of his love
    when I was in a city under siege.
22 In my alarm I said,
    “I am cut off from your sight!”
Yet you heard my cry for mercy
    when I called to you for help.

23 Love the Lord, all his faithful people!
    The Lord preserves those who are true to him,
    but the proud he pays back in full.
24 Be strong and take heart,
    all you who hope in the Lord.”

In the beginning of that Psalm (verse 1-5), David gave himself and his circumstances to the will of his Father in Heaven. He was hoping to live, and not die, as the rest of this Psalm shows.

From the cross, Jesus quoted part of verse 5: “Into your hands I commit my spirit;” –He didn’t finish the quote, perhaps because He knew His fate was different. Jesus gave himself up to the will of His Father in Heaven, trusting in His ultimate deliverance. He had a greater outcome in his sights.

But David prayed, “Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.”

Ultimately, we have to trust that God will deliver us, one  way or the other. Sometimes, it’s the only answer.dontdarequit

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