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Crossing Cultures Memoir

Hopewords

Last year, I saw a random ad for a writers conference called HopeWords. In Bluefield, West Virginia. 

Glancing at familiar and not-so-familiar names of presenters, I somehow knew—I’d be there in April 2024. 

I recruited my friend and fellow writer to sign up. It’s not like other writers conferences, we were told. But then, having never been to one before—what did I know?

This past week, I’ve been reflecting on those 24 hours of HopeWords Writers Conference 2024. Remembering Bluefield’s generosity: homemade desserts, excellent musicians, rides on the trolley. Considering the words of Travis Lowe, Daniel Nayeri, Mitali Perkins, Jackie Hill Perry, Hannah Anderson, and more. 

And feeling thankful for that not-so-random ad.

Some of the authors and books at HopeWords 2024.
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Devotional

Enemy at the gate

Enemy at the gate. In our everyday lives. Enemy of our souls–the deceiver.

Making promises that entice. Feeding our longing for things to be easy. Comfortable. 

Highlighting our fears of future unknowns. Making us wonder about God’s good purpose. His ordained plan.

Sometimes it’s tempting to give in to the lie. What sounds better. Almost true. 

Enemy at the gate. Image by Dan Gold on Unsplash.
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Categories
Crossing Cultures Devotional Memoir

Eclectic

Eclectic. “Composed of elements drawn from various sources. Synonyms: Assorted. Mixed. Ragtag. Varied.” (Merriam Webster Dictionary)

The term entered my vocabulary during Interior Design undergrad studies. And became the predominant style in our various homes over the years. 

Local culture and prominent traditional hues. Availability in textiles and furniture. Differing patterns and color combinations. All these things dictated our interior decor. And changed my own perception of beauty and order.

The girl who couldn’t imagine deep reds in her color scheme, now embraces them.

Eclectic languages. One Savior. (A few years ago I designed and calligraphied this piece for a meeting in the Pacific Rim. It was silkscreened on t-shirts and wall hangings.)
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