The Desiring God 2012 National Conference Weekend!

The last weekend in September our family attended the Desiring God 2012 National Conference put on by John Piper's church in Minneapolis MN. It is amazing to look back and see how the Lord worked it all out. Ana first brought up the idea of going in the spring and we prayed about this for a long time.  There were many things that had to be worked out...and sometimes it seemed impossible that it could really happen.  But it did!

It worked out for our friends from Washington state and Mr. and Mrs. J., (friends who live near where the conference was held) to attend along with us!

We were all able to stay with Mr. and Mrs. J. in their lovely home - they were wonderful hosts!  

We had transportation for all of us. 

The weather was beautiful; sunny and warm.  

We all were encouraged in our faith and learned a lot. :-)

  Our home away from home for the weekend!

Amy enjoying their piano!

Friday....

Friday morning we girls went out for a walk and took pictures together. 

On the trampoline! See Dad and Mom in the background? :-)

This year's topic was Sanctification.

 "The action by which we bring our feelings and thoughts into conformity with the infinite value of God's transcendent fullness." - John Piper

The Exhibit Hall - I thought the ceiling was really neat!  There were table and tables of books in the center and around the edge were exhibits from different publishers, mission organizations, churches, etc.

The first session we ladies went to was by Carolyn McCulley.  She was excellent. :-)  I have her book "Did I Kiss Marriage Goodbye?" and it is one of my favorites - in spite of the odd title!

R.W. Glenn...another one of my favorite speakers!
I encourage you to go HERE to listen/watch to his talk entitled "Work and Rest"!

Ready for more good teaching!

Supper break outside. :-)

Fernando Ortega did a session on worship, and then in the evening he and his cello player gave a concert.  It was wonderful!

Saturday....

A view of the Convention Center from the park across the street.

Panel discussion.  From left to right: John Piper, Kevin DeYoung, Ed Welch, Jarvis Williams, Russel Moore, ...and the moderator David Mathis.   This was so good as well!!

Before supper on Saturday we went out for a walk to get some exercise and sunshine.

A fun musical wall!

Beautiful architecture. :-)

Sunday...

Our friend's cute little guy up bright and early Sunday morning!  

Visiting with friends after the Sunday morning devotional by R.W. Glenn.

Mr. Piper giving the sermon...it was really good!!

A pretty tree in the city.

Sunday evening we went to a nearby town along the St. Croix River. The guys went to Mr. J's office to get the boarding passes printed off.  We ladies went down to the river and took pictures until the guys joined us again. 

Dad and Mom and Mr. and Mrs. J

After walking along the river, Mr. and Mrs. J took us all out for pizza at The Grand. Yum! 

The fall colors were very pretty - especially the yellows and golds.

It was a special weekend it was....we all learned so much...and are so thankful we were able to go! :-)

All the talks from the conference are available to listen to (for free) HERE!! 

The Greatest Food in the World?

Episode 14:  Mr. Collin Gunn shares the results of his search for the "greatest food in the world" at the Reformation of Food and Family Conference!! This is a really fun video!!

A Few Notes From the Food Conference

We've been enjoying the live stream of the Reformation of Food and Family conference that Vision Forum put on this past weekend.  Here are a few notes from the talks I was able to listen to so far....

Exercise fits us for a more useful purpose. It revives our minds.
Four hours of TV a day = 46% higher risk of death by anything.
Gratefulness produces chemicals that are like an opiate to your body.
Pay your grocer, not your doctor. It’s a lot less expensive to eat well than to fight higher medical bills.
~ Gary Powers


A meal needs to be peaceful for digestion and communication.
Eating food on foam plates is like putting a fine painting in an inferior frame.
I do believe butter is better.
~ Chef Francis Foucachon


Mercury in the body is related to Alzheimer and Autism - it is an ingredient in vaccinations.
Lead causes learning disabilities and seizures.
A toxin used to induce diabetes in rats is also used to make flour white.
~ Dr. Michael Bernui


God is a God of order and pattern.
There is no ecology without animals.
Herbivoros do not eat carrion.
~ Joel Salatin

Gregg Harris Conference

Near the beginning of November Dad, Mom, and I made the trip down to Texas for a Household of Strength conference by Gregg Harris which was held at our friends' church.

 Mr. Harris spoke several times Saturday.  His talks were excellent!

 Here are a few quotes from the various talks:

~ Noah included his family in his life's calling.  Lot attempted to save the city by neglecting his family.

~ The law of God is for our good.  Not doing God's will is shooting yourself in the foot.  Every command is a delivery system for blessing, or a protection from harm.

~ Take delight in doing the will of God.

~ Nations don't survive long when the family declines.

~ Row yourself to the battle.

~ Men grow with the heat lamp of respect on them.

~ Be careful how you introduce something to your child.  if you don't love it, they won't either.  Give your children a taste for your own delight in God.

 Making breakfast Sunday morning. :)

 Dad and Tim talking before church.

 Mr. Harris gave the sermon Sunday and also installed the first elder and two deacons for this new church.

 It was a full weekend - but a very good one!!

Quotes from the Conference...

"If people are wrong about Christ
they are wrong about everything. " 

~ Voddie Baucham

"We have to be willing to be alone
and seek God's will for our lives."

~ J. R. Haas

"If God can provide a wife for Adam, Cain and Seth,
He can provide spouses for our children."

~ Voddie Baucham

"Practical evangelism begins at home.
If you do not have time to preach the gospel to your children,
forget about going out to preach it to others."

~ Javier R.

"Evangelism is a spiritual battle,
and the battle is won in prayer."

~ Gabriel O.

The Semper Reformanda Conference!

Exactly two weeks ago tomorrow afternoon we arrived at our friend's home in Houston Texas for the Semper Reformanda Conference that GfBC puts on. We are so thankful for the C. family's invitation to stay with them. They welcomed us into their home and made us feel like part of their family.  We are so grateful for them and their hospitality to us!!



Lunch time Q&A time

The conference was a huge encouragement and challenge to us in many ways. In the main sessions, (and also the breakout sessions I went to), I was really struck by the emphasis that was placed on prayer.  Also, the reverence and care with which they preach the Word and run their church was very refreshing.  They really desire to do what would be pleasing to the Lord and not just follow along with what everyone else is doing.

The courtship Q&A session.

 Here are a few quotes from Mr. Paul Washer's talks:

"The heavens declare the glory of God" - man created in God's image should be declaring it even more. 
Don't let the heavens take over what should be our ministry.

I must love and cherish Christ and look out and love the elect of Christ.

The greatest gift I can give my children is to pour into them the word of God.

We must be alone with God so He can empower us through prayer.

Our sword is a book and you must know it in order to conform your family to it.

Can you be alone so that God will be the greatest reality in your life?

Give the first part of your day to prayer and the word of God. "I have discovered that my flesh hates praying more than it hates the study of God's word."

You do not adapt the church to the culture. Do church according to the scriptures and not according to your whims.

Ana and me with new friends Elena and Lauren!

Lovely ladies ready for lunch!

Amy Ellen H. came by Monday morning to visit. :) 

We were sad to leave, but are looking forward to seeing our Texas friends again someday!