The first time I attended Jerry Jenkins’ Writing for the Soul Conference, February 2011, I thought I was having an out of body experience. I was extremely nervous. I wanted to plaster myself against the wall to watch, listen, and learn without being noticed. I wondered if anyone could sense my fear. It wasn’t until I took the initiative to step out of my comfort zone and mingle with the crowd that I discovered most of the writers attending were just as nervous. The second time to the conference, February 2012, was a little less stressful. I met new friends… 

In my Bible one day I read “to mount up with wings as an eagle.” I had to stop and ask, “Lord, how? For I am in no way equal. No wings to spread, no talons to grip. I’m afraid of heights, Lord, what if I slip? No sense of direction, my eyesight weak, stepping out in faith is what I seek.” Bowing my head in solemn reverence, I heard my Lord speak while in His presence… “Come soar the skies with Me in its beauty and grandeur; feel the peaceful tranquility, the freedom and splendor. Trust in Me, set… 

My fingers danced across the keys of my laptop making that infamous tapping sound. My heart pounded at the thought of writing a non-fiction story for a compilation of true stories. Excitement, guarded by hesitation and doubt, seeped through the corridors of my mind as I pressed forward with every word. Is it possible? Am I being presumptuous to think I could possibly submit a story for publication? Is it feasible for someone like me to assume such an accomplishment? Can I? How? No one knows me? Who would even care? The room fell silent. My fingers shook. I re-read… 

I want to stir your thinking about the way you look at breathing. Consider the fact that every time you inhale you are taking in the breath of God and every time you exhale you are returning yours and God’s breath into the air. When it’s cold outside you can actually see your breath as it blows out. So what am I saying? You have natural God-given gifts. What are you doing with them? Are they safely tucked away so no one can compare you to someone else? Were they squelched when someone laughed at your attempts? Has the sparkle… 

Early in the mornings when the house is quiet and the aroma of fresh coffee lures me to the kitchen, it’s the perfect time for me to tell God about everything that’s going on in my life, my concerns, my hopes, and my dreams. The best part of this time is when I stop talking and take the time to listen for His response. I know from experience that life has a way of consuming our time and making us feel we can’t spare another minute. We throw out a quick prayer and run out the door with our cell… 

Haven’t you heard people comment about someone’s singing, dancing, painting, writing, drawing, or whatever talent they possessed with “I used to do that?” I certainly have, many times. I watch my grandchildren jump around, wiggle and dance, turn flips, sing songs, make up plays, and giggle. They color pictures and can hardly wait for me to spout out all the flowery words I can think of in adoration of their creative scribbles. They get excited over approving smiles of anyone and everyone around them. These…are the children we used to be. What happened to us? Oh, that’s right. We grew…