Living Abundantly. MORE Abundantly.

April 15, 2013

The thief comes not, but to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

King James 2000 Bible (©2003)

My weekend at the Mount Hermon Christian Writer’s Conference was nothing if not impactful. Above all, I was humbled by the company present. Here are three of the many shining stars from that weekend.

Amy and Tom Hauser, of Made For More Ministries. “Empowering people impacted by cancer to discover their God-given more.” An article from a Houston paper explains more.

I fully expect to see Amy leaning in on Oprah’s couch within the next year. You heard it here, first.

Ann Clark Van Hine simply describes herself on her website like this: I am a mom of grown daughters, “personal assistant” to my aged mother, widow of a firefighter, volunteer docent, children’s ministries worker, friend, avid reader, and breast cancer survivor. On long car rides, I like to drink coffee, eat sour patch kids and listen to books on cds from the public library.

What she fails to mention is that she was widowed on September 11, 2001. The story is coming, I hope, and just watching her as she went about her weekend with grace and determination was encouragement.

Monica Bennett Firebow sat next to me in one class, and after we exchanged hellos, she offered me a one-sheet on her project. What Happened to Mr. Bennett? an extraordinary tale of a man who would not let life dictate his joy. Burdened by a rare illness that left him physically maimed, he ignored his prognosis and chose instead to live, and live fully, with the time that he had here on earth. Follow her progress in creating this biography of her father on Facebook.

Each of these people with a story to tell, a story of hardship, loss, and brokenness. Each of them using their broken places to bring Light. Shining abundantly.

Happy Monday. Go and do the same!

Grace and peace be yours in ABUNDANCE!