February 16 Final Newsletter & Roster

February 16 Final Newsletter & Roster
Sunday, February 16, 2020 by Cindy Sproles

Your Roster is attached.

So we are just 4 days out. It's crazy here. But it's a good crazy. So here are your final instructions. Last week I sent you a map of Ridgecrest. Please enlarge that map so you can see where to go to get to Mountain Laurel. It's easy. Drive in the front grate (regardless of what security tells you, smile and say thank you, then do what I TELL YOU. Security doesn't know we have the room keys so they will instruct you to go to Pritchell. DON'T DO THAT. Drive through the gate, straight ahead. Follow the road around and up the hill to the top. Mt. Laurel is on your left. It's big you can't miss it. You may park in that lower lot, drive on around to the front where there is limited parking, or mosey on around to the other side of the hotel side parking lot. Remember, park your car. Leave your suitcases in the car! You'll get those after the early bird classes.

It is important you follow these instructions. We can't have tons of luggage sitting in the lobby of the hotel. So please, leave your bags in the car. Take your pen and paper and go to the Conference level (C) on the elevator. Go into the auditorium and enjoy Edie Melson and Edie Jones as they do your early bird classes. After early bird classes are over, line up at the registration table and we'll get you into your rooms as quickly as you can say Jack Sprat. P.S. Be patient. Be kind. And we will get your keys, badges, and meal tickets to you quickly.

Here is the link to your roster:
OOPS...unless you are a conferee...you don’t get this. Sorry!

If you look at this newsletter on the website the link to the roster will be gone. We do not want the world to know about your bio and photo. So you have the link here. Once you click on it, save it to your desktop or print it. But keep a copy, this will be the only one. We don't want the link hanging onto the website for spammers to grab. I will also send this to you in an email.

How should you dress? We don't require professional dress. It's generally cold this time of year. So we tell you to wear nice jeans and sweaters. We want you warm. We do however, ask that your dress be modest. Leave the holey jeans at home and present yourself in a nice casual manner.

Social time - There is always social time in the evenings. We encourage this to be around the fireplace on level 1 or on the conference level in the lobby area. Please do not gather in groups in your rooms. Remember we are not the only group on campus and once you retire to your room, there are others who may be sleeping. Socialize in the lobby areas. It's comfortable and laughter doesn't bother those who want to sleep.

Do not place yourself in a position that is compromising with members of the opposite sex. Follow the Billy Graham rule. Groups of three. Never just a man and a woman unless you are married.

We run a tight schedule - Please be on time. It's easy to lose track of time in the cafeteria. But we ask that you be mindful of the schedule. Eat and move back to the auditorium as quickly as possible. Johnny will begin worship promptly.

Remember - we believe in giving back to others so we support Bob and Robin Hostetler as they work to earn money for the Cystic Fibrosis foundation. We have a box in the bookstore, loving called the Bob Box, where you can donate to help Bob's grandchildren who fight the battle daily of Cystic Fibrosis. Because of the money they help raise, their grands have received ground breaking medications that drastically improve their quality of life. At the end of the conference, Christian Devotions MATCHES what you give. Last year we gave $1500 for Bob and Robin's race to fight Cystic Fibrosis. Then that was doubled by his son's work. What a gift. So come prepared to donate even a dollar. God instructs us to care for those in need and I believe that is those who fight battles daily just like this.

MP3's and Pre-Conference Deposit can be purchased and made in the bookstore with Wendy Leech. Also, we have faculty books for sale and our faculty is great to discount the books. Please mill around through the bookstore and purchase some awesome books.

Don't worry about signing up for classes or appointments. We will give you all that information Friday night at general assembly.

If I have made special payment arrangements with you, please be sure to settle up at the bookstore. Just give your check or charge pmt to Bennie or Kevin and tell them you are setting up with me. I trust you will each one make good on your commitment.

I think that is all. Come ready to work. We're gonna fill you up and send you out. I know you will enjoy our time together.

A Prayer for You

Oh Lord, hear our prayers. I offer up our praise for this opportunity to serve You. I pray, Oh God, that You will inspire our faculty, speak through them, guide their paths and their words. Give them the necessary tools to serve You most effectively. Father, I pray for each conferee. We have asked for You to send those You would have attend and You have answered that prayer. I ask for your hand to be over them. For their hearts to be softened to direction and for their passion to rise. I pray, Lord, that they will be the hands and feet of You to the world through the words they pen. Give them good words. Do not let frustration bear down on them and if it does, strengthen them in Your name, that they would wear Your mighty armor. Use them Lord. Use us. May we work in harmony to bring glory and majesty to Your Name. Bring them safely to Ridgecrest and then return them equally as safe, filled to overflowing with the power of Your name and Your calling.

You are mighty Oh God. We bow before You as the Master, Savior, Father, Provider, and Abba to us all. It is through You all things are possible and nothing, dear Lord, nothing...is impossible. May we mount as wings on eagles. May we walk not grow weary. May we be faithful to wait upon You oh God.

We offer this conference fully to You. May it be a glory and an honor to You and only You, for You are worthy of all praise, glory, and honor.

In the name of Christ Jesus.
Amen and Amen

Blessings to you all.
Cindy Sproles
Director, Asheville Christian Writers Conference