rethink

Dad and I had the opportunity to attend a satellite conference Friday (6:30-9:30) and Saturday (9:30-4:30) with some of the thinkers, innovators, and leaders from the Christian and global arenas. Part of it was live and some taped from earlier in the week. We listened to 20 different speakers: Bishop Charles Blake, Kathy Ireland, John Townsend, Gary Smalley, Lou Holtz, Erwin McManus, Robert Schuller (Jr. and Sr), Lee Strobel, Former presiden George Bush, George Barna, Dr. Ben Carson, Rupert Murdoch, George Foreman, Ben Stein, Chuck Colson, Larry King, Miles McPherson, John Ortberg, and Kay Warren. They each spoke 20-30 minutes on what they are rethinking. Some of them were incredible, like Gary Smalley talking about how in the last couple years he has learned the value of hiding God's Word in his heart to build a strong foundation for his beliefs. Lou Holtz was probably the funniest speaker but also had some really good points about interpersonal relationships. Lee Strobel was I think my favorite. He talked about changing the projectory of how churches reach people. He raised the question - do our churches usher people into an experience with God? George Barna of course talked alot about trends and the church. He says that America has become addicted to media - in all forms. He stated that we have to recognize and admit an addiction before it can be fixed and alot more. Someone I'd not heard of was Miles McPherson (Former NFL player) pastor of The Rock Church in CA. He talked about taking time to listen to peoples cries and their pain and taking hope to the hopeless.

I won't bore you with more, but it really was interesting. There were several books mentioned that I want to look into.

Enought of that. Dad and I cast the last 2 votes last night in SC (probably not, but it was 6:45 when we found our polling place). We are anxious to see more pictures of Elijah and to do a web cast so that we can see him. Let us know when a good time to do it is. I'm off tomorrow too for MLK's bday so tomorrow will work to.

Love all 15 of you!
Mom