Beyond Common Sense

This was the theme of the 2025 St. David’s Writers Conference. Yes, it was obviously geared towards authors, but don’t we all have a story to tell? Isn’t each day another page and every year another chapter?

I often say to folks who are in a difficult place that their story is not completely written yet. You may be facing a dark chapter. God knows. God leads. God comforts and strengthens us to follow His path for us. Mac Lynch captures these thoughts beautifully in his song, “The Steps of a Good Man.”

Tho’ dark be the night
And long be the day
Lord make me follow
In Thy perfect way
Tho’ cometh sorrow
Tho’ great be my pain
Lord make me serve Thee
Come sunshine or rain

Chorus:
The steps of a good man
Are ordered by the Lord
And He delighteth in His way
Tho’ he fall he shall not
Be utterly cast down
For the Lord for the Lord
For the Lord upholdeth
Him with His hand

O Thou art all mighty
I am so small
Lord make me trust Thee
Whatever befall
Thou art all holy
You make no mistake
Lord make me Christ-like
Whatever it takes

The conference is over. We’re all home, hopefully applying what we learned, trying to bloom where we are planted and find God’s purpose for our lives–sort of like this tree:

The Allegeny College campus, where the conference is held every year, is beautiful. We passed this tree every day on our way to the sessions. My husband especially loves to see a tree that can grow unhindered by powerlines, buildings, or even other trees. I was told by the groundskeeper that this beauty had recently been trimmed. It is well-cared for, and it stands there majestically, bringing glory to God.

Don’t let anything hinder you from living and sharing your story. And remember, God prunes us all in His specifically designed way to help us shine brighter for Him. It’s never easy or pleasant, but always beneficial!

“But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.”

Job 23:10 (NKJV)