sue c. smith, songwriter
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“A poet is, before anything else, a person who is passionately in love with language.” 
W.H. Auden

Write Sue

Quick Trip Home

6/30/2014

 
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I flew home early last Wednesday morning to join with family and friends in celebrating the life of Kathy Ball. Kathy is the mother of my sweet former sis-in-law Lisa. She and her husband Bob were also my mom and dad's best friends for many years. 

The photo I've included here says it all. My dad would egg Kathy on. She didn't require much. She would do something crazy. My mom and Bob would watch it all unfold and be the best audience. I have no idea how many vacations they took together, but I'm pretty sure they left a trail of laughter wherever they went. 

When I opened Facebook the day my niece Abbey posted this pic, it took my breath away. My dad was still so vigorous and handsome. Gosh I miss him. 

I was sad at Kathy's service but definitely not for her. I heard a song over the weekend that said, "Only the living regret the leaving." No. my sadness was not for Kathy. It was for Bob and for Kathy's children and grandchildren. Kathy is in Heaven. I have no doubt about that. The other thing I have no doubt about is that Kathy lived life well and to the full. That "abundant life" Jesus promised? Kathy took Him at HIs word.  

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope." I Thessalonians 4:13

We miss our friend. But we grieve with hope. I'm so thankful for that.


conference call

6/29/2014

 
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Last week was one of those that was so busy and full that it's all a bit of a blur. 

I started the week at Immerse, GMA's annual conference for developing artists,  songwriters and worship leaders. I had such a great time seeing a lot of the Write About Jesus family and meeting new friends who may come to Write About Jesus later this year. We've had a big surge in people signing up for the mailing list and several who have registered. 

On Monday, I moderated a panel called "Ministry Without Permission." It featured Steve Siler, Joel Lindsey, Gina Boe, and Glenn Green. Each of the panelists talked about how they are using their songwriting to serve their community and really the whole world in innovative ways. There was such a sweet spirit in the room which was full of other songwriters. We all reminded each other that we each have the opportunity to help change lives if we'll just open our eyes and do something. 

I got to see many old friends during the week, including some folks that I went to India with a few years ago. I'm excited about some incredible opportunities that are coming to find and affirm songwriters in other parts of the world. 

Tuesday evening was the Songwriters Showcase, an event that featured the top songs of the year performed by the writers. It's always a highlight, and this year was especially powerful. Maybe I just really needed it, but I felt like an inspiration sponge, soaking up the stories behind the songs and the music. I went home that night filled with gratitude for the power of songs as well as for God's mercy and goodness. 

Mindy Edlin and Joe Cirafici, our two 2013 Write About Jesus competition winners, were both part of the songwriting track at Immerse. They each made the top 3, and Mindy took home the top prize. How awesome is that! 

More about the rest of my week tomorrow. 

    sue c. smith

    • Staff songwriter for Universal/Capitol CMG Publishing
    • Writer of 9 #1 songs
    • Winner of 5 Dove Awards
    • AGM Songwriter of the Year, 2013
    • AGM Song of the Year, 2012, and AGM Progressive Song of the Year, 2012
    • Diamond Award, Song of the Year, 2010
    • Writer/Creator of more than 50 musicals sung in churches around the world
    • Founder/Director of the Write About Jesus Workshop for Christian Songwriters, since 2000
    Internationally known songwriting teacher and mentor


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Photo used under Creative Commons from Brett L.