Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Highlights from ICRS

I just got back from a three day trip to Atlanta and ICRS (International Christian Retail Show). For those who don't know, I work at Hearts at Home as the Publishing Director. Jill Savage went to ICRS to promote her newest book, My Hearts at Home, and asked me to come along so I could get to know our Hearts authors better as well as our publisher Harvest House. It was a blast!

ICRS is where book retailers (like Berean) go to purchase their merchandise. As you walk the floor, you see author's signing books everywhere. To get a free book all you have to do is get in line! I was like a kid in a candy store. I brought home around 25 books, so if anyone needs something to read let me know, I'd love to share!

Besides the free books, here are a few of my highlights (in no particular order):

1. We had the opportunity to hear Brennan Manning speak (author of The Ragamuffin Gospel). His talk was packed full of thoughts on the "consistent, overgenerous" love and mercy of God. (If you haven't read the Ragamuffin Gospel, READ IT!)So many good things were shared, and the following quotes do it so little justice, but here are few soundbites!
"Francis of Assisi said of God, 'In loving me, you made me lovable.'"

"God says to us, 'I dare you to trust that I love you as you are and not as you should be because you will never be as you should be.'"

"The courage to accept acceptance is what we call Faith."

"Healing our image of God, heals our image of ourselves. In healing our image of the Father, Jesus heals us of fear of the Father and dislike of ourselves."


2. I met TED DEKKER (and got a signed copy of his next book). He is one of my favorite authors and I must admit, I was a little star struck! I actually called my brother-in-law Clint right after I met him (Clint is also a big fan), I just had to share with someone who would appreciate it!

3. We had lunch with the HAH authors. They are such a special group of ladies. It was an honor to spend some time with them. (Pictured are myself, Pam Farrel, Julie Barnhill, Mary DeMuth, Suzie Eller, Jill Savage, and Jenn Doucette) If you are interested in any of their books let me know!

All in all it was a great trip. I learned a lot and am very thankful for the experience. It ended on a little bit of a downer. Our flight home was delayed 3.5 hours and I didn't get home to my bed until 2 am. I am a little tired this morning, but glad to be home. Gotta go, I have ALOT of reading to do! :)

8 comments:

Amber said...

How fun Megan - I'm a little jealous . . .all those free books at your fingertips (and Ted Dekker no less -we're big fans too). It sounds like such a neat experience . . .hope your 3 kids give you a chance to catch up on sleep! I just may have to check out some of the books you mentioned.

megs @ whadusay said...

I'd really love to share them. I may type up a list of the ones I got and then I can e-mail it to you. If any of them sound interesting, I'll bring them to church! That goes for anyone else out there reading this too!

Anonymous said...

Ted Dekker! I am jealous! Still havent started the trilogy you lent to me, but I will! I just know that when I start them, NOTHING will get done around the house until they are all 3 read! : )
I would love to see a list of books too! So glad you had the opportunity to go and that you were blessed!

Taylor said...

Wow! Sounds like quite a treat and so much fun! I can't imagine what that would be like! Your head must have been spinning! Hope you had some time to relax too.

Mindy said...

Sounds like a fun trip! Glad you enjoyed it and got a lot of books to pass around! I would be interested in seeing a list of your books and maybe borrowing one or two!

Anonymous said...

Your trip sounds awesome! Matt is sitting here next to me and wasn't interested in the blog til I told him you met Ted Dekker & suddenly he was VERY interested--he really likes his books!! We were wondering if we could borrow The Ragamuffin Gospel?

Janelle

megs @ whadusay said...

Janelle - Sure thing. The only thing is, the copy of The Ragamuffin Gospel I got is a "visual" copy. I am pretty sure the entire book is there it is just arranged very differently than a traditional book, but you are definately welcome to borrow it. I will bring it to church on Sunday (if I remember!).

Rebekah said...

wow! you got to meet one of my fav authors too! he's probably one of a lot of people's favorite authors! how fun!!! it sounds like you had a great time!

-rebekah