Winterfest news

We returned last night from Winterfest/Smoky Mtns. Winterfest was wonderful! We had an awesome time. If any of you ever get the chance to go, I highly reccommend it. Amazing to see 20,000 young people worshipping with all their might. Nothing like it! Friday night was the best service to us. Jentzen Franklin preached on the Spirit of Python. He actually had a 16 foot long python on the stage with him. He talked on how Satan slowly squeezes the life out of you, one breath at a time, just like a python with it's prey. That's what we are---the devil's prey. We have to be on guard and not even let him close or else we loose our breath until we die. The entire arena sat motionless, completely quiet during his whole message. It was the best sermon I have ever heard Pastor Franklin do. On Saturday night, Casting Crowns-my absolute favorite group- and Eddie James performed. During Eddie James's part of the service, he had some of the young people from his home testify. Several testified of being delivered from drug addiction, pornography, but the one that caught my attention was a young man who testified of being delivered from homosexuality. I danced at my seat! He said " No matter what the world tells you, you are NOT born gay." He said lots more, but you get the idea. Tommy Bates preached a great lesson. He talked about "affirmation" and how if a young man is not affirmed by his father, all sorts of things happen, like abusing women, homosexuality, etc. If a young woman is not affirmed, she may turn to promiscuity, homosexuality, etc. It gave me lots to think about, especially trying to raise a young woman of God. Sunday's service was good also. Reggie Dabbs preached a sermon about Gomer. His point was basically that our lives do not have a price tag. Jesus paid the ultimate price for us with His blood. Now, it is up to us to not make His purchase of us be in vain, for nothing.

We were so happy to run into some friends---Sis Terrie, Shay, Caleb, and Courtney. We actually sat with them Saturday night and Sunday morning. It was great to meet their youth group and leaders. We were welcome and felt right at home. Thanks guys! We miss ya'll. Love ya more than we can ever say.