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Written by Pamela Rosales, OCW Secretary
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Thursday, 07 January 2010 |
OCW’s October conference attendees at Multnomah University were blessed as Eva Marie Everson shared her writing and spiritual journeys from Florida to Israel. God taught her how everything works together for good when we submit ourselves to His timing, His way, and His wisdom.
She cited Joshua 1:8–9 as words for writers to live by: “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (NIV)
Everson encouraged writers in several ways using the example of
Nehemiah’s commission to rebuild the city wall. She offered these
points:
• View your writing as a job assignment from God; therefore, say “no” to whatever detracts from your writing time.
• Christians and non-Christians alike are broken, battered and
bruised. Writing needs to be relevant and point them to the hope,
healing, and forgiveness of God through Christ.
• As Nehemiah’s contingent manned the city wall during its
rebuilding, some held a sword in one hand and worked with a tool in the
other. Writers can help rebuild broken lives, homes, and communities by
combining God’s Word (sword) with their pens (tool).
Everson said our commission is to help repair those broken lives so
that instead of crawling into heaven, they walk—or run—their hearts
uplifted with joy.
Her concluding questions caused me to search my own motivation as a writer:
• What does He want me to write?
• Who does God want me to write to?
• What part of the wall am I to work on?
The business meeting followed, which included thanking Sue Miholer for
four years as membership and corresponding secretary and Maxine
Marsolini for her term as program coordinator. Jennifer Anne Messing
introduced Marilyn Rhoads as the nominee for program coordinator, and
President Mary Hake reported that Pamela Rosales agreed to serve a
second term as secretary. Both candidates were approved unanimously.
Hake announced that OCW’s board recognized the need for a business
manager to handle the increasing responsibilities of OCW, as had been
presented to the membership previously. The motion passed unanimously.
OCW’s one-day conference fees have been kept artificially low.
Treasurer Billie Reynolds shared a cost analysis with the board that
revealed a negative balance for each conference over the last several
years. Reynolds moved to increase the one-day conference fees to $25
for members and $50 for nonmembers to cover the costs. Dues will not
increase. The motion passed unanimously.
The conference fee still remains comparatively low, serving OCW’s goal
to bring excellent speakers and teachers to inspire us and help improve
our craft.
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