Orange (Part 2)

What a great conference. It was such a refreshing time away and also a great time to learn. The speakers were awesome, the break-out sessions were insightful, and the time spent with some of our staff was a great reminder of how blessed we are.
Here's some quick info I walked away with:
Reggie Joiner talked on a "prodigal generation". In the story of the prodigal son there is a loving father and an older brother. The older brother wasn't quite as thrilled about the other brother coming home as the loving father was. Reggie talked about the church having a loving father mentality rather than an older brother.
Sue Miller talked on "unedited children's ministry". She discussed how children's pastors need to set the bar higher on systems, policies, and procedures. Too often we don't stand firm enough and people take advantage of this work for the kingdom. This is one thing Dan and I can really push harder at.
Craig Jutila had a great talk on replacing yourself. A good leader trains someone to take over what they do. If you are constantly filling in for someone or running the show, volunteers will ultimately think that "it's your job." No one will step up and do it. We need to train people to do what we do so there are no holes to fill when we leave.
This conference was all about getting on the same page with your student ministry. Working along side your youth pastor rather than having two separate ministries. The best part of this whole trip was the relief of knowing that Ryan, Dan and I are doing an awesome job at working with each other. Of course, there are some things we could work at but all in all we are not too far off. Ryan and his wife Jessica are amazing with our teens. Ryan is the best at what he does. Our students are blessed to have him be their pastor. I look up to Ryan and all his gifts and knowledge, he amazes me at what he can do. I'm so glad to be on the same team as Ryan and the rest of our amazing staff for that matter.

We flew in last night and got home around 11:30pm. As much as I wanted to drive right over to my parents house and wake up Avalee I refrained. I waited until this morning to pick her up. It was so exciting to see that cute adorable face!! (I think she got fat - they must of fed her junk food the whole time :-) ) I haven't put her down all morning, we've been cuddling - against her will - and I've only given her ten thousand kisses so far. Poor Dan can't see her until he gets home from work. He called to try and talk to her but all she wanted to do was eat the phone. so, until 5:30... he'll have to wait. It's good to be with my baby girl again!