Totally Off Topic - Well, Sort Of

Last spring I called my good friend and said 'We have to go to this SHE SPEAKS Conference being put on by Proverbs 31 Ministries'. The calling to write a book about my life experiences with my daughter who has Spina Bifida had been on my heart for quite some time. But shortly after that conversation with my friend, our family relocated for my husband's job and the money for the conference just wasn't there. So I resigned myself to looking forward to the 2009 conference. Well,this year doesn't look any more promising financially, but my calling is even stronger with the experiences I have had since last Spring! Seeing the She Blogs track resulted in a happy dance right then and there!

A book is still roaming around in the back of my head, but blogging has really captured me and fulfilled the need to share portions of my story and the satisfaction of knowing I can be an encouragement as I journey towards 'writing' someday.

I would encourage you to check out Proverbs 31 Ministries and to research the conference that is coming up in July. Perhaps this is a calling you have had, you just needed the tools. Or perhaps this will be the seed that needed to be planted so you too could further the kingdom with your speaking, leading, writing, or blogging. Whatever the case, I hope you look into it. At the very least, check their website for the amazing daily devotions. I just love how God has spoken to my heart through other ladies in Christ at Proverbs 31.

I started this blog - with the help of my DH - as a way to keep family and friends updated on what was going on with me after my 'out-of-the-blue' diagnosis of adrenal cancer. Is there ever a cancer diagnosis that is not a surprise? I am guessing 'NO', but it was truly a shocker at age 34 and 'healthy'.

However, this blog has ended up as so much more than a medical update. At times I try really hard to keep it to the facts, but really it is therapy and I cannot separate my medical issues with who I am in the other areas of my life.

I have known for years that God was calling me to write. I have a 7 year old with 'special needs' (I hate that term, but 'disabled' and handicapped' aren't any better) and there is SO little out there for moms going through the struggles of raising a child with health issues. I have a dear friend with a daughter four months younger than mine with the same diagnosis and we truly would be lost without each other. To KNOW that one is not alone on such a journey is awesome. I understand that we are not alone when we are believers - followers of Christ -and that He will never leave us or forsake us. But I also believe that he gives us people here on earth to help us through the tough times as well. I am certain that there are moms out there who are alone - or feel alone. Who struggle through each day with no encouraging words or glimpses of hope. God has brought several of these ladies across my path and I have been so blessed to know each of them and to have new friends to share this journey with. But now I am wondering if that is my only mission. There are now three in our household with major medical issues. We've had layoffs, and wildfires, and doctors, Oh My!

At every turn I have a brand new potential 'audience'. A new group I can relate to and speak to from the heart because I've been there - or am currently in the midst of!

Now I need help in my focus. Discerning the where do I start? Do I roll all my experiences into one package, or am I to break it down into separate pieces? I used to think that a book was the only avenue to reaching those who needed to hear the message God had given to me to share, but since beginning this blog last fall, I am invigorated by the INSTANT nature of a blog. I don't have to wait until I have completed numerous rough drafts and pitched to a number of publishers to get - perhaps - on a bookshelf and pray that the right person finds what they need to hear so desperately. A mom can do a search for 'mom with cancer' or 'raising a child with special needs' and Viola! I'm there. More importantly, GOD is there - ready to meet her need to be understood. The need to connect. The need to be loved, especially by her Creator.

Although I continue to pursue writing a book, I believe He is calling me to reach others swiftly.

All that being said, I obviously need help honing skills, coming up with a Blog name (Insert Catchy Title Here was a placeholder while I thought of something else and that was FIVE months ago!), narrowing down my target audience, and growing my blog so that I can reach more moms - to offer them the light of Christ and be a friend to those who are also overwhelmed and tired, just like me.

Attending the conference would be such a treat. Winning a Scholarship would be a tremendous blessing! I have read many other bloggers' entries and there are so many talented ladies with incredible hearts for God. I must continue reminding myself that God's timing is perfect that if it is to be, it will be. God is in control and He knows the right time for me to attend the conference, if ever. I may not always understand His timing, or His path, but He continually reassures me that He cares about every detail of my life and has my best interest at heart. Perhaps this blog will encourage you to enter the Scholarship contest with She Speaks and catapult you into an unforgettable journey!

I hope to see you there ladies! If not, I will continue to visit with you on the World Wide Web! =)

In Him,
Triann