Tag Archives: John Weston

The Ottawa Christian Writers’ Conference

13 Wednesday Jun 2018

Posted by in Books by David Kitz, Ottawa Christian Writers

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On April 7th, the Ottawa chapter of the Word Guild hosted the fourth annual Ottawa Christian Writers’ Conference with about 60 writers in attendance. The conference featured two plenary speakers, Faith Today, senior editor, Karen Stiller, and former west coast member of parliament, John Weston. Both speakers stoked our passion for writing while providing a host of practical tips and real life experiences that can prove invaluable.

In addition, conference attendees had a choice of six workshops taught by experts on a broad range of topics from poetry to editing.

Denyse Workshop 04-07-2017

Denyse O’Leary teaching her workshop

There is something almost magical that happens when Christian writers come together. We find ourselves on common ground, with common interests that rest on the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Though the genres we labour in may differ, our faith underpins our work.

This year’s conference took place on the seventh floor of the Cardus building in downtown Ottawa. The beautiful location, delicious meal, and amenities added significantly to the enjoyment of this event. Thanks goes to Word Guild board member, Peter Stockland for acting as our host at Cardus.

Please take a moment to check out this highlights video. Who knew that being a Canadian Christian writer could be so much fun?

Cathy Goddard 04-07-2018

Cathy Goddard leading worship

You know you are meeting a need when participants are eager for more. A number of events are planned for the coming months, including the 5th annual Ottawa Christian Writer’s Conference on April 6th, 2019.

David Kitz is the author of a number of books, including The Soldier Who Killed a King and Psalms Alive! David is the founder and chair of the Ottawa Christian Writers’ Fellowship and serves on the board of the Word Guild.

On! Achieving Excellence in Leadership

05 Tuesday Sep 2017

Posted by in book review, Psalms

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Character and personal values: Do they matter? John Weston certainly believes they do.

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A guide to values that are personally transformative

As a west coast Member of Parliament, Weston’s values and character were put to the test in government over a seven year period. This 177 page book reflects the values or guiding principles that kept him on track, running his race throughout that hectic period of his life and beyond.

So what are the values that Weston sees as essential for achieving excellence in leadership?

“Eight powerful values are waiting to turn you and others On. Integrity, responsibility, compassion, courage, freedom, equality, fitness and resolve are nothing new. What is new is the need to awaken them.”

Chapter by chapter Weston discusses these values and how they have animated his daily life and work. I found the chapters on fitness and resolve particularly challenging on a personal level. This is a book that calls us higher. It calls us to live out values that are transformative personally, nationally and globally.

I recommend this book for anyone who wants to improve their performance in the game of life. As a bonus, those with an eye on the Canadian and international political scene will find many points of interest within these pages.

A book review by David Kitz