Maxwell Conference

What a refreshing weekend we had over in Boise, ID where the Maxwell Family held their conference! I can not BELIEVE how refreshed, encouraged, excited and blessed I was after that time there. When the LORD is first and He is in the center of things, there is always refreshment for my heart! First of all though, we had a 7 hour car trip over there, so all 10 of us piled in the van and took off as early as we could (that was about 9:45 or so), and to pass time, we either talked, read our own books, wrote letters, listened to a couple tapes, Mom read to us, or some of us napped! :) It was a fun time though, because I enjoy car rides where we are all together. We arrived at our Motel around 5:30 or around there, and got some dinner, then we all headed to the church where the Maxwell's had their introduction evening to the family and had a beautiful concert where they all played instruments and sang, which kind of reminded us of what we did! :)
Leah has been LOVING taking pictures with which ever camera she can, so she requested to take a picture of me on my camera, and this is what she did! :) Not quite centered, but she's getting there! :)

Leah (not quite in a lady-like sitting position) :) -she's still learning!- enjoying the car ride.
Hannah looked kind of comfortable back there! :) I love her yellow shirt! BRIGHT though!

Bekah was having a hard time smiling ;)...
Sam enjoys pictures some of the time. :) He did a nice smile for me. He looks comfy too! :)

(I didn't get pictures of every one, but those are a few of our trip in the car.)

The first night was GREAT!!!!


Playing music as a family. It was lovely! I love the ladies matching jumpers (SO PRETTY!!).

That was very refreshing and I took some pictures of that, along with a few videos. Their whole family is committed to growing and maturing in the LORD, and it just is reflected in their words, music and manners! I was blessed that evening by what each of them shared, and I knew then we would have a very encouraging time.

The next morning, we all got up kind of early, got breakfast, showers and all, then headed to the church for the first sessions which started at 9:00. We girls had a special class which the Maxwell girls shared many encouraging thoughts and advice for what young ladies at home under their father's protection until the LORD either provides a husband, but not just WAITING for that to happen. God wants us to live our lives for Him RIGHT NOW, TO OUR FULLEST, giving Him our all so that He can do mighty things for His kingdom, but we must give up our own desires and fully submit to what He has called us to do. God calls each of us to be good stewards of our TIME, and that time must be spent diligently. And we girls with young siblings at home have a HUGE calling and job... right in our laps. Lots of times, girls may thing, "oh, I need to go out in the world and make a difference... I have to spread the gospel and make a difference for Christ in the world..." or something like that. But I believe that God has given us with a family a great ministry right now in our lives to INVEST IN THE FAMILY!!! We don't need to go somewhere else to "make a difference" or "be something" for God. So I was encouraged in my ministry at home and being diligent with the time I have at home, preparing for the future God has for me. I took lots of notes and enjoyed that session.

As we girls took certain sessions, Dad, Mom and Greg each had a session for them too, which I of course didn't hear, but it was all wonderful.

The next session was taught by the oldest son at home (the oldest is married) and he taught a good session on sharing the gospel and all! (I won't go into huge detail with each session right now). I was impacted by that one as well, and took pages of notes.

Lunch was fun; we all found a shady spot in the church yard and had a family picnic before the next session started at 1:45. That one Christopher taught again on lessons we can learn from Old Testament Kings!! Wow. That was eye opening, and he brought a bunch of examples forward which I was able to find areas to work on in my life.

Last but not least, my favorite session was on "Dwelling Together in Unity" taught by 2 of the Maxwell siblings, John and Anna.
As John and Anna were speaking, they did a fun little... act... demonstrating how you can respond to interruptions or sibling problems in the right way. Giving some examples in this picture :) It was funny.

That was SO GOOD!!! As is my goal and desire, sibling relationships were encouraged to be built and bunches of examples of ways to show more love to them and put them before yourself were given. The two of them did a great presentation of some convicting areas to work on in my own life. After this hour long session, (it didn't go long enough!) I waited my "turn" to go up and talk to Anna, meet her and thank her and her family for the encouragement and everything. It was neat to meet her and talk a bit.

The Maxwell family has a neat website which I have just looked at a bit. You can visit it at
http://www.titus2.com/


I can't say how blessed and excited I was by that time in Boise! I thank the LORD for making that possible to go and meet the Maxwell family. I have much to change and grow in, but by the mercies of God and His infinite grace, I know He will continue the work in my life, as long as I am willing to let His hand move in my life.

Before the evening was up, we had time to go to the park for the kids to run out some of their energy! :) I took a few pictures there.

Mom and Manda <3 onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjcMRlX2iVIOdGdaeaIi-lgoyRcZgrumVk9rR7ARAp3gD8JKaEzyFyzfGxC0I360oURiMbk1u-7IWa7403NVshwA3UCeKI68PqIKk77uNedo1JlWSPCGZLDFyOfWMn5UbtfvO4FBeCIQE/s1600/P1080392.JPG"> Bekah- I seem to be having trouble finding a REALLY happy face :) She DID have fun!
Hannah on the slide! :) They enjoyed that one.

Sam just got a drink of water. :) There's evidence of it on his shirt! Cutie!!!


And Leah, loving all the play time! :)

I praise the LORD for this encouragement. I pray that you all are blessed and may we all continue to listen to the still small voice of God!

Love to you all,