Who's In Your Cloud?

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith...."  Hebrews 12:1-2a (NIV)

I just returned from an amazing weekend of fellowship, learning, and inspiration!  Our annual Write2Ignite! conference was fabulous!  We were greatly encouraged through our Keynote speaker, Marybeth Whalen, to seek the Lord diligently and run hard and boldly toward the dream He has placed in our hearts.  Through the lineup of workshops, attendees were instructed in a broad range of topics from beginner "how-to's" to what agents want to the ins and outs of  publishing contracts.  We were able to meet with seasoned writers, editors, publishers and agents.  It was a blessed time of meeting with fellow Christians pursuing like interests.

As I reflect on the weekend, my heart is filled with thanksgiving for new friendships made...reunion with those whom I don't get to see as often as I'd like, and the thoughts of  "who's in my cloud"!

It's so important to consider who we are hanging out with! 

Do those around you help you as you "throw off everything that hinders"?  Do they hold you accountable in keeping away from "the sin that so easily entangles"?  Do they encourage you to "run with perseverance the race marked out for [you]"?  Are the people "in your cloud" ones that challenge you to "fix [your] eyes on Jesus"?  Are they the ones that support you so that "you will not grow weary and lose heart"?

Think about it.  Who's in your cloud?

If you are surrounded by that "great cloud of witnesses," give thanks and praise to the One who sent them your way.  If you are in need of some thickening of that cloud, pray for the Lord to provide!  Be watching!  He will bring them into your life!

Our heavenly Father, thank You for Your amazing love for us.  Thank You for the race that You have marked out for us...for Your desire to live in us...to work through us.  Lord, please send those our way to encourage us in our walk with You...down the path that You've designed.  Fill our clouds, Lord!