This past weekend, a few of us drove down to West Virginia to attend a Family Encouragement Weekend Conference there. The weather was gorgeous for travelling down and the scenery was beautiful, especially as we got further south.
We’ve often commented that American freeways are much better than Canadian ones. However, when we arrived in WV, we discovered West Virginian country roads differ from Quebec ones in a very different way! These roads are very narrow (so narrow in places that if two cars meet, one needs to back up to the nearest driveway!) and twist back and forth along the mountain sides. It was very picturesque, but also nerve wracking for some (not me 🙂 ). Unfortunately, I didn’t get any photos of the WV countryside, though.
The conference was very encouraging. The theme this year was that of staying the course with joy. Many of the sessions were exactly along the lines of what the Lord has been teaching me over the past year or two. Walking in the joy of the Lord at all times stems from truly trusting God – being fully confident that all He is allowing and doing in our lives is for His glory. And when we believe that, we can go forth with joy! Or as Mr. Neely put it: “What are we going to do when the events in our lives aren’t going the way we want? We”re going to love God; we going to trust God; we’re going to obey God; we’re going to serve God; no matter what.” And in this we find the depth of joy that the world does not know or understand.
And now for a few pictures… It may be observed that the place was well decorated!
Leading the singing
The orchestra playing
Watching the musicians
During the children’s hour, there was a skit illustrating the need for keeping our eyes in the right place in order to be able to “sail on” with joy and not be “shipwrecked.”
And then the young people went outdoors for some games…
At the end of the day on Saturday, there were some specials.
Dressed for the 4th!
A couple getting married in two weeks!
Fireworks we saw Friday evening
“The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage. I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” (Psalm 16:5-11)