International Christian Retail Show/Convention

I can hardly believe it's that time again! Seems I just returned from last year's convention in Atlanta, and now I'm racing to get ready to fly out next week for this year's gathering in Orlando. And oh, what a busy week it will be! With buyers and sellers coming in from all around the world, there will be no shortage of frenzied activity.

Of course, my schedule is no exception. I arrive in Orlando about 1 AM Friday morning and hit the ground running the next day. My few days there will include meetings of all sorts, book-signings, media appearances, leading workshops, making presentations (via the media room on the ICRS floor and in person) to booksellers, and maybe a few hours of sleep now and then.

In the midst of all the craziness are a couple of highlights for me. First, I get to see friends and even family that I seldom see otherwise. People who share my passions for writing and speaking will be there to pass along hugs and encouragement, which is always welcome. This year my sister-in-law, Kacy (also an author), will be my roommate, and we are SO looking forward to that. In addition, my aunt (my late mom's younger sister) Evy lives in Orlando, along with some of my cousins, so we'll all be getting together for an evening out during that time. But the other highlight is one I enjoy every year, and that's meeting and talking with book buyers from other countries and cultures, most of whom are dedicated followers of Christ. What a blessing to share our faith in such a setting and to hear first-hand what God is doing in other parts of the world

So despite the hectic pace of preparing for the trip and the even more hectic pace once I arrive, I am very much looking forward to this annual convention of international Christian retailers. Thousands of us will be there. Will you pray for God to be honored in all that is done during that time? Thank you so much!

***If you'd like to know more about the convention, click on this link:

http://www.christianretailshow.com/exhibitors/