Dallas!

Jim and Kathy graciously came out in October to watch the children so Sy and I could attend a conference (together!) in Frisco, TX.  We had a couple days before the conference to spend with friends and decompress before launching into a really wonderful time at the conference.

Our friends, Rolf and Laura, from Seminary days (and part of our Utah reunion crew) live in McKinney and arranged for us to stay with a couple from their church the first two nights.  The couple lives in the country, with enough land that they lease to a cattle farmer.  They had a lovely pool and grounds which we enjoyed, in the heat of the TX sun!  Another seminary/Utah couple, Jason and Kristin who live in Billings, MT were able to be with us as well.  It was such a restorative time!  Rolf and Laura even came to spend the first night with us, so the six of us lived it up kid-free :)  AND slept in...

The conference was put on by CCEF (Christian Counseling and Education Foundation) and although I've read books by some of the authors presenting, it was such a blessing to be among the thousands in attendance and soak up the teaching and encouragement!  The theme of this year's event was "You Are Not Alone."  If you've ever wondered how Christian counseling is different from secular counseling, how the Scriptures speaks to different issues, how to approach the issues of our lives seeking to honor God, or even how modern psychiatry interacts with a Biblical perspective on mental illness, they are an excellent resource.  You can download all sorts of podcasts as well as the conference audio at their website:  www.ccef.org   I'd recommend it all, but Eylse Fitzpatrick, David Powlison and Ed Welch were my favorites :)    Talk about wisdom. 

Jim and Kathy successfully and amazingly held down the fort, getting the kids to swimming lessons, a birthday party, and accomplishing their lessons!  It was so nice to come back and not feel light year's behind in everything...  Unfortunately everyone was ill when we arrived back home...maybe the late nights of "Five Crowns?" :)  They all love this game!  http://www.amazon.com/SET-Enterprises-4001-Five-Crowns/dp/B00000IV35/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384285269&sr=8-1&keywords=five+crowns

Now, if we could just convince them to move out here full-time!