Christian heritage Home Builders Conference 2012

This year's conference was the biggest and best yet. 

 We have attended this conference in Kirkland, Washington for four years.

  Each year we are refreshed,

 encouraged, 

convicted, 

challenged, 

and strengthened by attending.

We also look forward to seeing people whom we only see at this conference,

 and meeting new faces as well.  

We met some great folks this year whom we hope to see again next year.

Last year, we took along our crockpot for conference meals, and ate tailgate style in the parking lot.  

We added to that plan this year, purchasing a folding table and parking near the middle of the parking lot.

We set up a buffet along the side walk, where it was safe for the children, 

and much more atmospheric, (very important in my life.)  

This done, we invited our friends who were also attending the conference to take their meals with us.

  One lunch found 26 of us there together, partaking in hot Venison sandwiches and fellowship. 

 This was so much fun!  Definitely a highlight of the conference.

  One dear friend brought along some seriously good cookies to add to our potluck lunch,

 so good in fact, that I must share her original recipe 

so that you too can appreciate Sherry's divine baking. 

 Recipe below.

  Another dear friend spent his lunch hour reading to the children.  

This loving act so endeared him to their hearts they asked for lunchtime again after about an hour.

The music, both special music for family night and the home school choir were nothing short of amazing.  Selected individuals or small groups performed each evening. 

 One young man played the William Tell Overture on the piano.  

It was incredible.  I have never before heard it on piano.

  The conference is worth just going for these selections.

  Neil Craig leads the choir in outstanding performances year after year. 

 Singing in the choir is a great highlight for Rose and Anna.

We have come home focused on our true priorities,

 motivated to not be weary in well doing, 

and make the most of every day discipling our family.  

We are ever thankful for the good teaching of Voddie Bauchum,

 who was the main speaker, and blessed us each time he spoke. 

 Bethany liked him well too; 

one session when she was with me, and Brian was listening to Voddie,

 she asked if she too could go listen to "the big brown man preach."

Doug Philips will be the main speaker next year.  We are looking forward to it. 

 It would be great to see you there!

Everything Oatmeal Cookies

1 1/2 cup butter, room temp
2 cups brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 c unbleached flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
 6 cup rolled oats
1 cup dried cranberries
1 1/2 cup chocolate chips
1 cup pumpkin seeds
1 cup sunflower seeds
2 cups chopped walnuts or pecans

in large bowl, cream butter sugar and eggs.    Add vanilla.  In another bowl, add flour, soda, salt, and cinnamon, mix well. Blend in Oats.  Stir into butter mixture, incorporating thoroughly.  Add nuts, seeds, chocolate chips, and cranberries.  Shape into balls and bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes.  This makes a BIG batch of scrumptious cookies.  Hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

"He that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit 

reap life everlasting.

  And let us not be weary in well doing; 

for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."  Galatians 6:8b-9