ACFW 2009 Conference Reflections

Having returned from the literal mountains of Colorado and the figurative same of the annual ACFW conference, I’m pleased to report that after one week of reflection, I do believe I’ve finally unpacked my mind. Whether this is a good thing or not remains to be seen, but what IS good is what follows:

1.  I met some truly wonderful people on this trip. Where else can one go (an introverted one no less) and be assimilated into a crowd of 500+ and feel at home? I think what makes ACFW so intoxicating (if I can use that term to describe a CBA fellowship) is the fact that as an organization, ACFW has one head … Jesus Christ. It follows then that ACFW is one body under that headship. A microcosm of the Full Body of Christ.

2.  Grace … it was everywhere. Contestants dined with one another and shared experiences, wisdom, and camaraderie. Industry professionals made themselves readily accessible. Faculty freely gave of their time and talents to the betterment of all. Again, the model of the Body of Christ was on display … Even as God tells us that he’s no respecter of persons – so too, I saw that truth modeled throughout the conference in the body of attendants.

3.  Humility and service. Modeled again as above.

4.  Harp and bowl … worship in the genuine.

5.  Facilities and staff. In a word plus one. Well done!

There are many that could be mentioned by name but so many too whose names I don’t know or recall that deserve mention so I’ll just say that every last one I encountered was terrific. Thank You all for making this a splendid stop on the scenic route of so many, on this shared writer’s journey.

As to what I packed back with me from the mountainous experience … I’ll share a few words on my takeaway.

First of all, I made this journey with express hope of getting clear direction from God regarding the dream  and desire he’s placed on my heart. My expectations were exceeded.

I now have clear direction and confirmation with respect to my writing. I was humbled by being a triple-finalist this year and if there’s a 7th level of humbleness (like a 7th heaven) … I think I reached that level with a category win and a category runner-up finish. This is why it took several days to unpack the mind.

The feedback I’ve received from several quarters adds up to at least $10.00 (a roll) worth … that’s 2 cents of input times – well, many times.    I’ve learned you must be approachable, teachable, & “encourageable” (as opposed to incorrigible) … and yes, I’ve just coined a new word there; sometimes I just cannot help myself.

Bottom-line. I have some writing and rewriting and rewriting and rewriting to do, and all I can say is … Bring it on!!

And I did say rewriting as opposed to ‘rewiring’ which reminds me of the enlightened words of Michael Keaton from the movie Mr. Mom:  “Yeah. 220… 221, whatever it takes.” <– That quote hits a bit too close to home for me. But I digress …

Going forward, my focus is on the stories. Period. This may require a pullback from online presence but I have a commitment, an obligation to those future readers and I don’t want to let them down. I already let my hair down and we see where that got me. 

So thank you ACFW, thank you to all you wonderful ‘encounterers’ out there and thank you God for putting me on this particular path. You’ve blessed me in wonderful ways and I will remember.

And so, the stories go …