Sometimes There Are No Words.....

We were blessed to have four college kids come and help this weekend. I know I'm bragging on them but they really helped so incredibly much. They encouraged the youth, gave them strong examples and led them in so many different ways.




So to Shelby, Trace, Sam and Jordan. Thank you. There are no words to express what you all mean to us and how much you have touched our lives. My prayer is that our children will grow up with you all as a continued example in their lives.




Trace you continually warm the hearts of those around you and influence so many through your laughter and encouragement. You have and will always remain a special part of our lives. Brandon enjoys dinner with Trace at least twice a week and my kids continually talk about Trace and laugh at something he has done.




Jordan and Sam, you amazed me this weekend. Really all of us. There was a young youth that has a troubled home life. Mom has died, dad is in jail and he currently is living with his great grandparents. He was a little hyper this weekend but still very well mannered. We had just done a talk on prayer and prayer partners and you boys waited for this young youth so you could go and pray with him. Tears came to my eyes and were streaming down the faces of so many of our chaperones.

You see, you college kids, you didn't have to come, but you choose to be here. Not only did you choose to come but you strengthened, challenged, encouraged and embraced each and every youth. I firmly believe that lives were changed this weekend because of God but also because you listened to His call. Words can not describe what you all mean to Brandon and I, Britton and Paityn. You challenge us to be better and to do better. You encourage us through your faith. So thank you from the bottom of our hearts.



After prayer time and mentoring we headed out for some flag football.


The serious competition began.


I had stayed back with the kids but heard the chaperones were dragging kids on the ground (Brent)


And there were plenty of jumping and running involved,























Not really sure what was happening here ;)


























It was a really close game!





And then the frisbee landed in a tree.








Can you find Jordan?


So glad Trace and Sam were there to catch him!





Successful day so far!

It's Cold and Wet

After some food and fellowship, we went outside to play some games!
It was cold!

What a great way to get the morning started.

All four teams participated and the adults did as well!

The views around the cabins were beautiful.
Competition began and it was so fun to see them get so excited and cheer their teams on.

At first everyone was close until the blue team started to pull away.
It's always fun to see people coaching each other on!
Unity started...

When we came this weekend, we weren't sure what everyone would think about the games. We knew they would enjoy them if they allowed themselves to just let go and have fun.
It didn't take long for them to open up and start competing!






Blue team won!


Paityn thought the whole thing was pretty funny!
After warming up, we headed into Gatlinburg for worship with the Hearts on Fire Conference.
Clayton King was speaking and he challenges youth and adults alike.
This morning, 3 of our youth accepted Christ. One of our youth went down last night for rededication. The whole weekend could end right now and it would've been all worth it. Clayton made a really good point, information does not equal salvation. You can have all the information in the world but without a personal relationship with Christ you are lost. God is good.

Unity Day 2

We woke up this morning to a beautiful view and a wonderful breakfast.





So thankful to everyone who helped cook!





After breakfast we were ready to play some games.





Darean was too short so Trace had to lift him up!


The next thing we all heard was "eat it!!!"


Sam was seriously dedicated and when part of the donut fell on the ground he bent down and ate it!


Thank goodness he won!


Jordan came in second, then Cameron


And finally Darean covered with evidence of the donuts!

Unity Retreat

This afternoon we headed out for unity retreat in Gatlinburg. We were excited and nervous since we had never been to this particular conference. We left after lunch and headed towards Gatlinburg. When we arrived, my mom, Britton and Paityn, Joann and Tricia headed to the cabins to check in.


After we checked in we headed to check out the lodge which we had rented for meals. Our first mistake was missing the road to turn onto, then we ended up at a gate. Mom got out to see if we could push it when Tricia realized we needed the key card. The next thing we knew was the gate swinging towards the van! After finally making it through, we made it to the lodge. We couldn't get into where we were supposed to be and it was so far away from our cabins. At this point I was starting to get a little nervous! Many turns and twists and turn arounds later we arrived up the windy dangerous road at the girls cabin. It was gorgeous! The kitchen was plenty big to cook in so finally a plus! Joann, Tricia and I went to go check out the boys cabin which was within waking distance. It was perfect for some boys! I set all my stuff down to check out the porch when Joann closed the door locking all the keys inside! At this point all I could do was laugh. We walked back to the other cabin where we had luckily left open a side door and then headed back down the mountain to get another key. As we were driving back to the other cabin I saw a skunk right in front of us. I yelled skunk, skunk, skunk!!! Finally Joann stopped right before she hit it! They hadn't seen it. Then the skunk went right by the door of the boys cabin and turned to look at us. I swear as I ran into the cabin door I heard scratching like it was climbing up after us. Tricia and I got the keys and ran to my van where the skunk waiting for us again! I really think it was stalking up. We dove into the van, drove back the girls cabin and ran inside. What a beginning....


I stayed up to wait for everyone to get back from the conference, we divided out teams and rooms and then crashed. What a night!