I know Wendy and Kami both posted about last weekend's successful Northwest Writers Retreat, but I wanted to show a few more pictures and share a thought or two. First the pictures:
(Oh, I forgot. Blogger always puts them on top before everything else. If there's a way to switch this around and put them within the body of the post, please let me know. In the meantime, since I can't seem to get around it, I'll share just one more picture--the one of me with the two friends I brought to the retreat...two of ANWA's newest members--Kristen Jenson [L] and Marcie Daines [R].)
Together, the three of us are gearing up to begin a new chapter here in the Tri-Cities by the beginning of next year. There's a fourth member, Kelly Coughanour, but she's in the middle of planning a wedding for her daughter and hasn't gotten around to joining yet.
My thought about the retreat is this:
Everything worthwhile in life begins small and grows.
The novels we produce begin as small ideas. All living things, including our children, as well as organizations and groups start small and increase in size with time and attention. The reorganization of the Church bears this out, as does the organization of Relief Society. ANWA is also a testament to this principle. Kristen, Marcie, Kelly, and I can't wait to be a part of that growth.
The Northwest Writers Retreat is no different. Liz and her group were truly inspired to begin it (and I know Monique has a similar idea in mind once she moves to Southern California, so be ready you California ANWA members). Last year's retreat had about 32 in attendance. This year, we had 37. I encourage any of you who are wavering about coming this far north next year to set a goal now.
I think the reason Pam felt like this had been planned by a group of Relief Society Presidents is because we truly felt the Spirit the whole time we were together. And that shouldn't come as a surprise.
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, as I said unto my disciples, where two or three are gathered together in my name, as touching one thing, behold, there will I be in the midst of them--even so am I in the midst of you." (Doctrine and Covenants 6:32)
Our one thing may be writing, but when we gather in the Spirit of the Lord with a desire to magnify our talents to build up His kingdom, he will surely be there.
I hope to attend a retreat someday. I also hope to build up the kingdom with my writing.
ReplyDeleteAs for putting photos within the text of a post, just switch over to HTML (instead of Compose) and move the text dedicated to the photo to wherever you want it within the post. If that does't make sense, email me and I'll tell you in more detail.
Tanya, this is a wonderful message to remember. Thanks for posting about the Retreat again.
ReplyDeleteTo move photos, click on the chosen photo in Compose, and more information will appear, including the "move" symbol, you know, the arrows pointing up-down-left-right. Just drag the photo to where you want it, and tell it to go left or right, if you want that, or leave it be for centering.
ANWA is changing, so Retreats will be handled differently in the future. Stay tuned!
Thanks, Rebecca and Marsha. Maybe I'll add a few more pictures after all.
ReplyDeleteAnd Marsha, that's a bit of intriguing news. I'm all ears!
Every day I pray for the Lord to show me how to use my talents in His service, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. I'm sure that with a support system like ANWA we can reach that goal.
ReplyDeleteI hope to attend some day.
ReplyDeleteVery nicely said. I love the scripture!
ReplyDeleteVery nice picture. I'd definitely like to come in the next year or two :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the pictures, Tanya! I sure wish I could have been there...we baptized our oldest grandson that weekend, so I got to enjoy family, but I dearly want to come next year! Especially now that I am really truly working on a project or two!
ReplyDeletehugs~