Our Energizer bunnies

Breathtaking view from the highway

If I see aright, the cross of popular evangelicalism is not the cross of the New Testament. It is, rather, a new bright ornament upon the bosom of a self-assured and carnal Christianity. The old cross slew men, the new cross entertains them. The old cross condemned; the new cross amuses. The old cross destroyed confidence in the flesh; the new cross encourages it.

A.W. Tozer

If Christ had not gone to the cross and suffered in our stead, the just for the unjust, there would not have been a spark of hope for us. There would have been a mighty gulf between ourselves and God, which no man ever could have passed.

J.C. Ryle

Thus ended Part 2 of our trip to the Love the Church Conference. An encouraging, soul-strengthening week! Thank you Lord for providing the way for us to go and enjoy such a fantastic week and for giving us such wonderful friends for our traveling buddies!
Stay tuned for Part 3-Cabella's!

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Arrival in NC

We arrived in at the Ridgecrest Conference Center in North Carolina late on Tuesday night after driving straight through from the Maira's. Seth demonstrates how we all felt.

Breakfast Wednesday morning,
We and the Fourniers adopted each others children at different times during the week. :)

After breakfast we stopped by the Goodwill store...

"I had a terrible time finding a suitable basket"
~Percy

The girls found the some of the baskets quite entertaining :)

Felicity's practicing the Indian way to hold a basket

Once we had sufficiently exhausted the Goodwill store we headed to Amazin Savings.
This grocery store was, in many ways, like a Whole Foods...only, at a fraction of the price!
For instance: Kombucha  5 for $5!
(Sorry Tayla, I did take a picture for you but we can't seem to find it...) 

Emily and her freshly ground peanut butter
Mrs. Fourner was talking to the store manager and apparently they are planning on installing an assortment of nut grinding devices so people can grind their own hazelnut butter, sesame butter, etc. Perhaps they will be ready for next years conference! 

Dutch Honey!

Out of the assortment of honey my Mom has tasted none that can compare with Dutch Gold honey, it is superb!

KETTLE CORN! $2 a bag! 

Looks like someone was shopping for a party ;)

Visiting the Winfrey's!

"The road to a friend's house is never too long"

 Wednesday evening we split up with the Fourniers and went to visit our dear friends the Winfreys!

*SMILE!*

Isaac is such a cute, huggy little guy! Seth loved playing with all the little boys!

 
 Enjoying a very delicious dinner by Mrs. Winfrey! 

Mom was walking up the stairs at this point and she heard Chariti say, "Empty your pockets boy"

I'm not sure if Chariti or Seth enjoyed playing Nerf guns with the boys more

Quietly sneaking up, preparing for the ambush!

Caught! Failed ambush attempt and now is prisoner

Ethan showing off his artwork for Mom's admiration

The wonderful Mr. and Mrs. Winfrey!

Two masterminds try to figure out the passwords while Mrs. Winfrey snaps a picture

Meanwhile the ladies enjoy a cup of coffee and a discussion

Stephanie trying to help Mr. Winfrey figure out the password for their internet

Hannah and Sarah loved playing together!

Mrs. Winfrey always has such tasteful and beautiful decorations! 

Time for bed! We didn't intend to stay the night. However, we had so much to catch up on and not noticing the time, talked until very late. Because the hotel we were staying at was about 2 hours away, we thought it would indeed be a much better idea to stay the night. Besides, we were very glad to stay with the Winfrey's a little longer and enjoy their delightful hospitality!

The girls all shared Sarah's room.
Good night girls!

The next morning...

Isaac helps push the air out of the air mattress

Breakfast turns into a picnic for the little people!

Ethan, adorable little guy!

 The Moms and the two oldest Winfrey boys from left to right:

Richard, Mom, Mrs. Winfrey, Seth

Mom's little buddy Isaac

Benjamin takes note of the phenomenon of the squished basketball,

nope, we didn't do it!

The night before Mr. Winfrey had moved the van and accidentally ran over the basketball!

Family picture

Awww, Mommy and her little princess!

Mom and Mrs. Winfrey

♥ Friends forever! ♥

"you see, it's just the sweater!"

LOL!

Friends can make you laugh like no one else can.

Awww...that's better!

The little one's enjoyed playing "waterfall" down the stairs...

One last run before it's time to go.

Saying goodbye...

God be with you till we meet again;
by his counsels guide, uphold you,
with his sheep securely fold you;
God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again;
neath his wings securely hide you,
daily manna still provide you;
God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again;
when life's perils thick confound you,
put his arms unfailing round you;
God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again;
keep love's banner floating o'er you,
smite death's threatening wave before you;
God be with you till we meet again.


 Till we meet, till we meet,
till we meet at Jesus' feet;
till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again.

“May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.”

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