This past weekend was the 10th Anniversary of the Christian Writer's Guild Writing for the Soul Conference. It was tremendous.
A couple of highlights:
Max Lucado was the keynote one evening. He reminded me that I will never write better than I live. I want to be a good writer. I better live well.
Phil Vischer surprised me with his powerful story. He created VeggieTales in 1990 and has a new company called Jellyfish Labs. The real story however, is in the way God moved in his life. Reaching a place of utter brokenness, Phil is now able to integrate faith in a fresh and authentic way, through his new company. I encourage you to check out his story, you'll be glad you did.
And a classic Audra moment:
At dinner one evening I sat next to a Neurologist, who was accompanying his writer wife. I let 30 minutes go by before asking if I could get his opinion on a medical question. He welcomed my question and I launched into Landon's story of his severe head injury. I threw out all my big terms: post traumatic memory loss, post concussive syndrome, etc. I wrapped up with, "So in your opinion is it normal for him to have these headaches for so long?"
"I really couldn't say, that's out of my area of expertise," he said.
"But you're a Neurologist."
"I'm a Urologist."
I died a thousand deaths.
"Well, you'll be happy to know my son's urine is a pale yellow, he seems really hydrated. . ."
Love it! :D
Posted by: Carolyn | Monday, February 22, 2010 at 01:28 PM
Thank you Carolyn. Hope your writing dreams are going as you wish!
Posted by: Audra Krell | Monday, February 22, 2010 at 01:30 PM
Audra, it was a surprise running into you during the last minutes of the conference. Glad I did!
Your post concerning Landon and his headaches...assuming Landon is your son? My oldest son deals with post-traumatic headaches from an auto injury that occurred 18 months ago. We've had little luck with medicines, and doctors (even neurologists) could not figure out a solution.
I'll email you tonight with more details...I'm also interested in Landon's story.
Posted by: Brock Henning | Monday, February 22, 2010 at 03:28 PM
Audra...sorry, I must have skipped over the last line in your post...of course he's your son. :)
Posted by: Brock Henning | Monday, February 22, 2010 at 03:30 PM
Brock,
I'll look forward to swapping stories, yes Landon is our youngest son, age 11. Talk to you soon!
Posted by: Audra Krell | Monday, February 22, 2010 at 04:28 PM
LOL! Love the bit from Max Lucado tho... ha!
Posted by: Ginger | Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 07:46 AM
Max Lucado was a wonderful speaker. If you ever get the chance to hear him, take it!
Posted by: Audra Krell | Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 08:02 AM
One more thing, Jerry replied to your comment... ha! And if I do get that chance, I will go see him... reading his current book.
Ginger
Posted by: Ginger | Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 09:53 AM
Urologist, neurologist. The pronunciation IS very close. Could happen to anyone.
Glad you went away from the conference with such a lite nugget to live well. Do that and the writing will follow, eh.
Just popping into your sphere. Hope Landon's headaches are easing up? Headaches sure are unpleasant.
God bless! And I know he is blessing you, it shows in your spirit.
Posted by: Jannie Funster | Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 07:39 PM
So good to see you Jannie!!! Â He still hasn't had a day without a headache, but the last two days in row he has said they are better!!!! I'm so happy! Blessings to you Jannie girl.
Posted by: Audra Krell | Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 08:31 PM
Haha. Love that. Glad you had a good week!
Posted by: Michele Cushatt | Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 10:38 AM
Too much information Audra!!!!!
Ha!! Okay - very funny! (I am laughing..WITH YOU!!).
Sounds like a great conference!! And some wonderful insights...
Posted by: Lance | Thursday, February 25, 2010 at 03:39 PM