We arrived in the area about 1:45 p.m. Friday. Bus got parked uneventfully, and Dad and I went on the “lay of the land” tour (aka scouting out the facility). After figuring out where each session would be, we were thrilled to see our friends, the coordinators, and two more friends show up. We spent the afternoon fellowshipping, setting up, doing music practice, and the dads prayed.
Then, Friday, during dinner, low and behold, Nathan, Melanie, and the girls come in! There was definitely much excitement and chatter that ensued.
The group that came for last weekend’s conference was simply put: incredible. The girls were one of the most attentive groups we have ever had, which made it such a pure delight. The guys were great too. The parents also were attentive and had open hearts.
We always have many stories to tell each other after a conference–and this one it seemed the stories and talk went on for so long. Even though we were physically drained (that’s normal as we push hard), our spirits were extremely blessed. It makes the anticipation for the next trip even higher after such a great conference!
Lots to do between now and Sunday afternoon.
Love,
Sarah
When Nathan introduced Abby, he asked her to say “hello.” Her very enthusiastic “Hewwo!” caused a warm response from the group. On an impromptu whim, we asked Abby to recite several verses she has memorized from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Without any inkling of being shy, she recited it beautifully. It was precious. The enthusiasm she received when she was finished was also sweet.
At the end, our coordinators gave us an amazing gift. They had a beautiful, framed plaque with a Scripture verse in the middle, and in the mat, most of the families who had attended the conference, signed and/or wrote us a note. It will be such a treasure. Thank you all!
“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” Romans 16:24
This looks like such a wonderful conference! I so hope that we will be able to make one eventually.
When do you estimate that Winter Days will be ready? I’ve been reading them aloud to my brother and have enjoyed getting to know your characters again. We can’t wait for the next one!
Thanks, Sarah!
In HIM,
Lindsey
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We are projecting before the end of the year.
Steve
Thank you for sharing this post and these wonderful pictures! I’m so happy and thankful the conference went well—I’m sure you all were a blessing to so many. 🙂 Continued prayers for all the Maxwell family, as you travel and minister for our Lord.
Wonderful conference! I believe everybody who came was touched! Glad the young people’s sessions were so filled! Oh! I look so tired! Sorry!!! Can’t to read your mom’s new book! Dad is planning some life-altering decisions which is great! Your purple outfits were lovely! We enjoyed the fellowship so much!!! Praying! God bless with so many ”thank you”s from many families at the St. Louis conference! Rebecca K.
So glad that you were encouraged & refreshed by the attendees at the conference, am sure every conference is different, depending a lot on the mix of those attending them. Nice to see a photo of Rebecca K, often see her comments on this blog.
It looks like a wonderful conference and what joy to see that many young people attending, and learning moreand more and about God’s love, blessing and the path to follow.
Abby is so precious. I still remember her reciting scripture at Christopher and Anna Marie’s wedding reception. I was so amazed and continue to be–Nathan and Melanie are such good Godly parents to their little girls,and it is a joy to watch the girls grow.
Hoping you have a good week of preparing for your next trip and no mishaps with Uriah or anything else. You will be in our prayers (as always.)
Blessings, Mrs.Mari
I really like Mary’s skirt. How old are Bethany and Abby, now? They’ve grown so much!
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Abby is 3 and Bethany is 1.
Steve
Just wondering, do you often meet your blog followers or was this a unexpected surprise to meet Rebecca?
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We love to meet those who read the blog and often do. Nathan also met someone who had completed the IT Home Track.
Steve
Oh, wow! I cannot believe Bethy is walking already…get your skates on, folks! Miss Abby is growing so fast, it is unbelievable how time flies. Such darling girls! I also never noticed how much you and Jesse look like each other until I saw the picture of him bringing in boxes for the conference.
I hope you all have a good week, and you are all in our prayers!
Love you all,
Lori
Steve & Teri, your conference was amazing! Your chore pack’s have been a true blessing to us. This was our first conference & we were not disappointed. My husband especially had such a great time during the dad’s session. All of us came away with a renewed spirit. Seeing your family was inspirational for us. We saw a family work together & share their love of our Lord! Glory!
Maxwell family, thank you for bringing your wisdom to share but most importantly the light of our Lord. May the Lord bless you & keep you.
Charity Mae
Hi Maxwell Family!
Just wanted to thank you all again for coming to St. Louis. It was so nice to meet your sweet family after following your blog all these years. My whole family took something away from the conference. I have a 12, 10, and almost 9 year old that keep mentioning things that they learned during the young people’s session. They came home with gobs of notes, so I guess they were really listening! 🙂 I also wanted to let you know that we are on Day 4 of family devotions! This is a first for our family… Thank you for coming along and encouraging us!
God Bless You!
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Very encouraging, especially that you all are having family Bible time. Amen!
Steve
Abby and Bethany are so sweet and they obviously adore you Sarah. I hope you have your own little ones soon!