Weblog
Dear Chris and Anne, I thought I would share just one of the small yet big things that happened after our time with you in May. After returning home from the Zero to Hero conference, I walked in my kitchen and saw a cross-stitch wall hanging that had been on those walls for over 35 years. I had made this for my mom when I was in highschool and when my parents sold us the house she had left it up. The hanging proclaimed the following…
Rules of the House
- Rule #1 Mom is always right.
- Rule #2 If Mom is wrong see rule #1.
It had always been pretty funny to me as kid because that was the way my mom was and is with my dad but not so much with us kids…however I was the reverse…I was that way with my kids and I had to take it down from the walls.. My oldest daughter was the first to notice it was missing and asked me why. I just explained to her that perhaps that sentiment was true when my kids were under 2 but she knew better than most all the mistakes and errors I had made. I wanted to make sure my kids didn’t think I knew it all when my life revealed something different. She and I had become distant over the past months and it was a frustration to me but I know that my action of taking down those words and explaining my purpose has moved us to a place of safe and real conversation….I am so grateful especially as she is in a serious relationship with a young man and the tools of courageous conversation have allowed me to speak mercy and truth into her life and I have had the treasure of hearing her heart. I have gained so much confidence in the wisdom of God that is in her heart. We are very much in process but so grateful for each step that moves us towards reflecting the mind and heart of Christ. To God be the Glory,
Posted by Chris Hogan on Aug 05, 2008
Selah at One Month
On December 9, 2007 my seventh daugher, ninth child was born. I was in Indianapolis during the weekend when I got a call from my wife Anne that I should think about coming home because it was going to snow and ice. She didn’t think the baby would come for another week but just to be sure I might want to come home while I had a chance. I packed up and drove home just in time before the storm hit in full strength. The next day we awoke and received a phone early in the morning and afterward Anne said, “We might have the baby today if these contractions continue.” We called the midwife my 9:00 am and she left right away so she could get through the snow and ice. The girls and I prepared for the home birth and it wasn’t long before the midwife arrived and two other guests who thought we were still having church at our home. One was a 32 year old single woman who had never witnessed a birth and another was a friend whose husband was working that day so she came to help. My oldest two daugthers came in to be of help and my next two oldest daughters talked us into allowing them to witness the birth.
Anne was prepared and ready to deliver and we all witnessed a beautiful birth, which Emily and Sophia got to assist the midwife in delivering while I supported Anne.
Emily and Sophia Assist
The Delivery Team
Savannah was still not walking by this time, she had her casts on from falling off a rock climbing wall but she did not let that interfere with helping out in prayer and rejoicing.
All Seven Girls
Selah enjoys her first daily devotion the next morning with the help of her two older sisters Ava and Victoria.
Posted by Chris Hogan on Feb 13, 2008
Revealing God’s Nature
One of our main goals as parents is to reveal the character and nature of God to each child He has given us. This is the work the Father gave Jesus to do while He was on the earth “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do…I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me…” (See John 17:4,6) One of the scriptures that reveal the character and nature of God is Zephaniah 3:17 “The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.”
I want my children to know that God is:
- In their midst: He is present and available to them at anytime, anywhere.
- Mighty to save: He is a protector over them and able to heal them in spirit, soul, mind and in body.
- Rejoicing over them: He is joyful and well pleased with them in Christ Jesus.
- Renewing them: He is their strength and he renews them as they rest in his love.
- Delights in singing: He is glad to be with them.
Delighting in Our Children
We bring great joy to our children when we delight in them. One of the greatest ways to delight in your children is to be glad to be with them. As a father of seven girls I’m learning how to delight being with them in ways that are meaningful to each one. They are all so unique, my one daughter feels delighted in when I spend quantity and quality time with her talking. Another daughter knows I delight to be with her when I take her to the fabric store to help her pick out fabric for her projects. I took this opportunity to learn how to delight in my four year old daughter Ava. This was one of our first dates all alone, she was so excited just to get in the car with daddy all by herself.
A Date at the Salon
We began our date by taking Ava to the beauty salon. She went through the whole process of getting her hair washed, being prepped for the hair cut and meeting some of the special people who work at the salon.
Ava had previously cut her own her a couple of times so this was a bit different to watch someone else cut it. I wondered if she was getting any new ideas for later. My sister Jacqueline is a master stylist and she helped us to make this day special by giving her a classic hair style.
When she was finished, Ava looked in the mirror with satisfaction. She gave her Aunt Jacqueline a big hug and we were off to the store to find some special gifts for the birthday girl.
We arrived home after a long day and a little nap in the car to find some gifts that her brothers and sisters had made for her. Sophia had made a special apron for Ava and her little sister Victoria so they could be matching.
We had a birthday dinner and gathered around for the birday cake. We all delighted in Ava and she knew that we were all glad to be with her.
Posted by Chris Hogan on Feb 13, 2008
It was the day of Sophia’s blessing ceremony when Savannah fell thirty feet off of a rock climbing wall. That morning we had studied 1 Samuel 30 as our passage of Scripture for the day, and I asked all the children to write down verse eight: “And David inquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And He answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.” We prayed this back to the Lord and received His blessing to act on this Scripture during this special day for Sophia, who had just turned 12 years old.
The Rock Climbing Wall
After completing the final preparations for the blessing ceremony, we drove out to the church camp reserved for the special occassion. One of the highlights for the children was the opportunity to climb the rock wall prior to the ceremony.
Someone Fell
Savannah was one of the few children who had climbed to the top and rung the bell earlier. She thought she would take one more turn. Just as I was
getting ready to call everyone together for prayer, I noticed my brother turn around in anguish and say, “Someone just fell from the top!” I
quickly ran over and saw my little Savannah turning green, blue, and then white as she struggled on the ground. Anne arrived soon after and we began
to pray over her as a friend held her head still.
Encourage Yourself in the Lord
The verse we prayed that morning came to mind: “inquire of the Lord…Pursue…overtake…and recover all”! Anne and I agreed in prayer
over Savannah, claiming her life for God, and she began to catch her breath. My good friend Todd started to check her body and she seemed to be fine except for a burning sensation in her feet, which she had landed on. At that time I began to notice all the people (about 60) who were crying and trying to comfort one another, concerned about their little friend. Many of them had observed her fall. My son Josiah was at the top of the wall on the other rope as he watched Savannah reach for the bell and at the same time unintentionally disengage her clip on a rock. She fell back 30 feet and hit the ground with her knees coming up to her chest, and then fell back against the floor.
Inquire of the Lord
Savannah was cognizant of all that was happening, and saw her brothers and sisters crying out of concern for her. When the ambulance arrived, the paramedics immediately saw how far she had fallen and began to put her in traction. This frightened the children even more, but Anne and I knew she seemed to be fine except for her feet hurting. Savannah cried and said, “I didn’t want to ruin Sophia’s blessing; I wish she could still have it.” I inquired of the Lord if I should stay or go. I then told her that we would recover all just as we had prayed that morning. She gave me
permission to carry on as her mom, my good friend Todd, and my father escorted her to the hospital.
Pursue and Recover All
I then gathered all the families together and let them know about Savannah’s condition and her request that we carry on. It was a time of prayer, a time of answering questions, and comforting one another. We sang some songs to revive our hearts, we cried out to God for Savannah, and we encouraged ourselves in the Lord; so we could pursue God’s blessing for Sophia and recover all that God had intended for that night. Looking back on it, I realize just how important it was to carry on; the people who witnessed the fall (nearly everyone), were traumatized and needed the time in the Lord’s presence to recover. I reassured everyone that my father would call us with the news of Savannah’s condition once they checked her in the emergency room.
A Good Report
We all ate what we could and began the blessing ceremony. Shortly after, my dad called with the good news that Savannah had no broken bones in her neck, back or legs. These are typical breaks that occur when a person falls from such a height and lands on their feet. The doctors marveled at
Savannah’s good condition. We all rejoiced at the good news and continued to recover all the blessings of the Lord that He intended for that night.
After the ceremony, many of those attending shared that they were most blessed to observe God’s grace through our response in the moment of crisis.
I was thankful for the Lord’s preparation that morning; He had given us a Word to claim in our time of need.
God Gives Us Counsel
I arrived at the hospital to see Savannah and go with her for a final CT scan of her heels. The doctors told us they noticed a small fracture in
each heel; her left heel required surgery. We wondered if we should proceed with the surgery because the only available surgeon was leaving for Africa in a few days and it would need to be done prior to his departure. We had a night to think on it, so Anne and I went to the Scriptures and asked God to give us counsel in the night. “I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons” (Psalm 16:7). We awoke with the thought to search the Scriptures God had given us the day of Savannah’s fall. In the remainder of 1 Samuel 30, we read that David took counsel from an African man in order to recover all.
We found it interesting that we, too, were relying on the counsel of an African man in order to recover all for our daughter Savannah. He had given
us the counsel that she needed a pin in her heel to help it mend properly. We went ahead with the surgery, and Savannah has indeed recovered all and is now walking again. Our family has seen the supernatural protection of God and we are thankful for His mercies that are new every morning.
Posted by Chris Hogan on Feb 13, 2008
We are embarking on a new school year, which means reviewing our priorities and prayerfully arranging our schedules. Families are asking how to set priorities so they can press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. As we set family goals and develop our schedules, these are the three priorities we must keep in mind.
Top Three Priorities
1. Be Person Centered
This means we have placed Jesus Christ at the center of our lives. We allow Him to live in and through us to do the will of the Father. Without Jesus at the center we cannot even desire to do the will of the Father. Jesus gives us the freedom to choose and to willingly offer our freedom unto God as a pleasing sacrifice to be used for His glory, just as Christ did as He walked this earth as a man. Centered in the Person of Christ, we find Jesus meets our deepest needs and provides security and significance in Him.
This priority will develop you into a credible messenger of God’s love to your children.
2. Be Principle Governed
This means we govern our relationships by God’s Word. All relationships are governed by principles. God has taught us how to love through the principles contained in His commands. Principles are God’s universal cause-and-effect sequences that are true throughout all eternity and applicable at all times in all places. They differ from values in that values are subjective and may or may not be based on principles. The closer our values align with God’s principles the straighter will be our paths. God gave Adam and Eve His command and blessing for a couple, He gave Israel the 10 commandments to govern their nation, and He gave all of us the commands of Christ to govern every sphere of life. God balances His truth with equal and opposite principles such as law and grace. Acting on principle is never an either/ or choice but a both/and action to apply with God’s wisdom. We need to be Person (Christ) Centered to have the wisdom to apply His commands.
This priority will turn your home into a safe, joy-filled ministry center.
3. Be Purpose Motivated
We experience God’s energy and power as we discern His purpose for our lives and understand that we are God’s workmanship created for good works. (See Ephesians 2:10, Titus 2:14.) Our goal is to hit the mark for which God as made us by developing the our full potential in spirit, soul, mind and strength.
This priority will help you incrementally release your children into God’s purposes for their lives.
When we are Person-centered and principle-governed we will be able to do God’s will, in God’s way, within God’s timing because we are supplied with His resources to bless the nations.
To go deeper read the article Noble Planning Part 1: Person, Principle, and Purpose
Posted by Chris Hogan on Aug 22, 2007
We take turns reading through the Wisdom Booklet and stop to discuss key points. It is amazing to see how the children can relate current activities to the principles of God’s Word. Some of my goals for a proper education of my children are found in Proverbs 22:19-21
Goals of a Christian Education
1. My children will trust in the Lord
“That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.”
2. My children will be certain about the infallibility of the Word of God
“That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth”
3. My children would share the truth of God with their generation.
“That thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee”
I used to imagine that my children would sit perfectly upright around the table and listen with rapt interest at all that was read, shared and discussed. I have now come to understand that sometimes children will be under the table, drawing, writing and doodling but they will pop up and enter into discussions letting me know they were listening.
One of the things I’ve learned about doing research with my children is that they want me to be a learner as well. A great method for teaching is to ask questions so the children become curious and discover for themselves the truths of God. A goal I have for myself is to draw out the counsel that is deep within the hearts of my children with wise questions. Solomon wrote, “Counsel in the heart of man is deep and a man of understanding draws it out.” Proverbs 20:5 Instead of trying to teach my children material, I want to introduce God’s Word, help them research it’s meaning and then tell me verbally what they are learning, discuss with me ideas, and put it into writing. We don’t try to cover material as much as we try to facilitate discussions around the material in our Wisdom Books.
The last part of our time in study is to pray these things back to God. David said, “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee,” When truth is cast upon us, we are to pray it back to God and allow Him to work it into our lives by grace and the Holy Spirit. We cry out like David, “I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth [all things] for me.”
Posted by Chris Hogan on Aug 05, 2007
Here is a group photo of the people who took the training in Indianapolis, Indiana. They learned how to facilitate a conversation to help people resolve their most pressing issues. They learned about the two agreements each person must agree to before beginning a courageous conversation. These agreements are based on the process of reconciliation taught by Jesus in Matthew 18. “
Two Agreements of a Courageous Conversation
1. I agree to hear until my conversation partner is satisfied that I have understood their viewpoint and their feelings regarding the issue. This does not mean they have to agree with the person’s viewpoint or feelings, but understand it.
- Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. Matthew 18:15
2. I agree to go for the good, acceptable and perfect will of God by considerately listening to your perspective as well as courageously sharing my perspective.
- Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 18:19
Couples learn through interactive training sessions that are facilitated by Chris Hogan. The training consists of teaching, opportunities to practice each step of a courageous conversation, and facilitate a courageous conversation as a coach. Particpants witness Chris facilitating a courageous conversation and they have opportunities to ask questions.
Each question of a courageous conversation is reviewed and the reason for it is explained so a trained facilitator knows what to look for during each stage of the process. There are five stages to a courageous conversation that we review.
Five Stages of a Courageous Conversation
- Pressing Issue Discover Truth
- Painful Consequence Accept Reproof
- Personal Responsibility Course Correction
- Potential Future Vision of Hope
- Powerful Plans Training in Righteousness
Goals of a Courageous Conversation
The participants gain a thorough understanding of the goals of a courageous conversation so they can maintain a proper focus throughout the conversation.
- Come To reconcile our relationship through God’s wisdom.
- Call To research and gain understanding of the core issues.
- Clothe To resolve our core issues with the knowledge of God.
- Connect To restore one another with God’s love that casts out fear.
“Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” Proverbs 24:3-4
To read more click on 10 Questions of a Courageous Conversation
Posted by Chris Hogan on Aug 05, 2007
Developing the Full Potential of Our Home
One of our goals as a family is to develop the full potential of our home. This includes developing five centers of the home: worship, learning, health, hospitality, and productivity. We want people to experience God’s design for a home when they visit us; this includes how we keep our home, both on the inside and outside. Since I have been travelling more in the past three years I was getting behind but I was able to experience the joy of getting outside once again to work the ground and do what Adam was first assigned by God, to keep the garden and dress it.
The Great Provocation
We bought our two-bedroom home twelve years ago and have had to steadily increase its size as our family has grown. Since purchasing the house, I have not had the time or resources to complete a landscaping project that has been on my mind from the day we bought the house. God tells us to count it all joy when we experience trials, and last year we had an opportunity to do this as a tornado came through and uprooted many trees and destroyed our garage and rear deck— but because God hears our prayers— the tornado miraculously jumped over our house.
During the night of the tornado, we found shelter in our basement and began asking God to place a hedge of protection around our home. I forgot that my garage and rear deck were not attached to the home, and consequently did not ask God to protect them. The tornado passed directly over our home, destroying much of what was surrounding the home. Our house was nearly unscathed; we only replaced a few screens! After the tornado, we rebuilt the garage with an upper room that is now used as a ministry center for couples in crisis. It is also used on a weekly basis for men’s discipleship and Friday night couples discipleship.
The Landscaping Project
After rebuilding the garage, I decided to tackle the landscaping project in the front of our home that used to be filled with ivy. I decided to make this a family project, teaching my children how to make a plan, research a design, contact professionals for advice, negotiate deals, and then do the layout and actual landscaping work. I contacted an owner of a landscaping company, Frank Mosdcardelli from Pleasant Nurseries, whom I met twenty-one years ago when I sold him his first Ford truck. He has since bought
many more vehicles from my father’s company and was glad to help me put together a design, giving me expert advice on each stage of the project.
Frank helped us pick out the tree, plants, and stones we would use in the project. He
is now in his eighties and is still a driving force in his family business. He enjoyed helping my family get involved in something that is very meaningful to him, and it was great to watch him pass on some of his experience and wisdom to another generation of children.
We began the project on a Wednesday afternoon and finished Thursday evening. The children learned how to level a wall and rebuild it on a rock foundation, and how to choose the best plants for sun and shade.
They also learned about spacing plants, choosing colors, and knowing what plants look best in the front and back of the garden. They learned about transplanting trees and plants and how to feed and water them.
Josiah and Ben became my helpers. They saw the inner workings of a nursery, and enjoyed seeing all the equipment, as well as watching the men load our truck with a Bobcat skid steer. They observed the many types of equipment necessary to run a business like Frank’s, and I asked Frank to tell them what he looks for in a good employee. Frank gave them a lot of insight into what he values in those who work for him and why others are let go. He pointed out those employees who were demonstrating good character and why this was essential to keeping his customers satisfied.
Children learning to work together as a team to prepare the area for landscapting.
Building a wall on a rock foundation.
Leveling the wall one stone at a time.
Working as a team.
Emily planting annuals to compliment the perrenials.
Learning how to use equipment.
Josiah shared with me how much he enjoyed working with his older cousin, TJ, who let him use his tools and wasn’t afraid that Josiah would break them or ruin the job. Josiah learned how to use a paint compressor, a air paint gun, and many other tools. I decided it was time for him to learn how to drive his grandpa’s tractor and learn how to use the bucket and box scraper. It is great to see Josiah grow in skilfullness of hand as well as integrity of heart. Boys become men as we their fathers confirm that they have what it takes in Christ. They look to us to say, “Son, I am well pleased, you are a fine young man.”
Some final shots of the project as we were nearing the end of it.
A before and after shot
Posted by Chris Hogan on May 22, 2007
Mobile Ministry Mindset
I Enjoyed the Variety of 13 Beds in 28 Days
April 11, 2007 I left my bed in Springfield, Illinois
April 11-12, 2007 I Spoke at the Dad’s Conference on “How To Go From Zero to Hero”
The meal times were as exciting as the sessions. God’s Spirit directed our coming and our going as we willingly allowed Him access into our each area of our lives.
Ken Pierpont enjoys the conference sessions with his sons. Many fathers brought their older sons to experience the power of men meeting together with God. This must be why God set up a system of gathering the men together on a regular basis throughout the Jewish year for men to be renewed in the worship of God and in their love for one another.
Bill Gothard taught on the history of the House of God going back to Genesis when Jacob experienced God at Beth El. The men experienced the power of being in one accord and enjoyed the presence of the Lord during our worship.
April 13-14 I Spoke at the MACHE (Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators) Conference
I was given the privilege of sharing three messages at the conference. It was a true joy to see all the men attending with their wives. The three messages I shared were chosen by Mrs. Watkins, an organizer of the conference. I started in a room of around 500 and it became standing room only, then they moved me into the grand ballroom of what I’m guessing was over 1,000 and it was standing room only. The next day I shared a message on Courageous Conversations to a crowd of around 2,500. I asked Mrs. Watkins her thoughts on why there was such an interest in the homeschool community on messages such as those I spoke on? She shared with me that people have focused on academics and have realized that their relationships are suffering due to a lack of balance.
My three messages were:
- Becoming Somebody or Containing SomeOne? Three Things We Cannot Fail To Do As Parents Or All Our Efforts Will Be Rendered Inconsequential
- Fruits of a Balanced Early Education Devleoping Four Types of Intelligence
- Courageous Conversations Resolving Your Most Pressing Issues while Energizing Your Greatest Relationships”
I spoke on behalf of Noble Call Institute but enjoyed working in the Advanced Training Institute Booth explaining the joy of raising up Ambassadors for Christ. ATI is an organization that helps fathers disciple their families by using Wisdom Books which expound on the Sermon on the Mount. All learning is based around the Bible and the character of Jesus Christ. The vision of ATI is to build the foundations of many Godly generations by turning the hearts of fathers to the children and children to their fathers in order to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
April 15 I Spoke at Church with Pastor Watkins and his Family
It was a joy to equip families in the skill of having a courageous conversation. We focused on making sure your content was in agreement with your intent so you will experience fulfillment. The three elements of content and the associated importance on clarifying intent are:
- Words 7%
- Tone 39%
- Non-verbals 54%
April 16 Arrived at the South Campus of the Indianapolis Training Center
Our children get to experience a guerilla education opportunity. They learn about he fine art of milking goats and caring for their offspring. Josiah got the chance to work with Kim Whitten in the wood shop making bunk beds for the Institute in Basic Life Principles. Each child was able to participate in the life of the Shipley family who has graciously watched over our flock twice now when Anne and I have travelled for an extended period of time. Our great joy is to know that Mr. Shipley will lead them in morning devotions each morning keeping them focused on the main thing, Jesus. Mrs. Shipley works hard to keep them focused on homework in the morning and then they get to do the wonderful chores unique to a training center.
April 17-18 Anne and I stayed at Dan and Kathryn Pinkerton’s home
Dan taught me how to take my family devotions up a notch. He currently is having his family listen to a KJV Dramatized version of the Bible on tape and going following along as they go through the Bible in a year. He then reads a page from the Daily Success E-mails he receives on the 49 commands of Christ, and finishes up with a short reading about character from the Power of True Success book that describes the 49 character qualities of Christ. They have incorporated many wonderful scripture songs that they intermingle into their devotions.
April 19-21 Anne and I spoke at the Noble Partners Marriage Conference in Post Falls, ID
This conference was unique in the number of couples who were separated, contemplating separation or ready for divorce. We were amazed at God’s intervention that was due to the intercessors who volunteer to pray for those who attend the conferences. We introduced some new content that seemed a little disorganized and yet God moved in spite of our weaknesses. You can see more testimonies under the weblog entitled “Transforming into a Noble Partner”
April 22 We Returned to the Pinkerton’s
April 23 Trained Coaches at the Courageous Conversation Coach Training
This is becoming a favorite training workshop. One husband wrote, “The time was extremely valuable and to the point. You have really given me the tools to acccomplish what I’ve been spinning my wheels on for a long time – hearing one another’s heart. We are excited about the living this out in our own family and shariing this with other couples and families we minister to as well.”
April 24 We arrive back home to a Welcoming Party
April 24 Back Home for a Few Days
My brother sold my van for me so we had to quicly purchase a new van. I decided to finally purchase a trailer so we would have more room in the van. This also provides a back seat for me to lay down when we do all night drives and Anne relieves me during the hourse of 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Josiah got to come with me to pick out a trailer, our goal was to find what we needed and get the best quality for the best price. He learned about researching the best quality, and negotiating for a fair price. Josiah was in on every part of the process.
Josiah went with me to purchase the things we needed to outfit the trailer for our customized needs, like a hanging clothes bar.
We Enjoy our Noble Family Fellowship
The men at Noble Family Fellowship are a great support to my family. We hold each other accountable in our relationships with our wives and families and with God. Many of us meet on Monday mornings in my upper room which is above my garage for discipleship. Eddie King and his wife Diana have been a great joy to our fellowship this past year, he has taken over much of the teaching on Sundays with each of us adding a word of wisdom or a spiritual song. One of the conditions for joing Noble Family Fellowship is that a couple gives one another the freedom to call another couple of their choice to help them work through the stages of nobility in marriage. We also ask every man to lead his family in communion on a weekly basis during the fellowship time. Our men are growing mighty in the scriptures, fervent in spirit, and noble in character.
April 30 Stop in Springfield, MO. to Visit Our Mentors
Ginny and Alec Wade mentored us as a young couple and taught us how to turn our home into a ministry center. They now live in Springfield, MO. and have purchased the Finley River Ranch. They have started a 501C3 organization for the purpose of helping leaders be restored, renewed, and equipped. They are a true source of refreshing to our family.
May 2 The ATI Big Sandy Conference
Josiah enjoyed his days in the Alert Cadet program that is designed to teach character and life skills. It is a great joy to see Josiah becoming a man and getting the opportunity to try new things each year as he goes through this unique training.
Gary Smalley shared two wonderful messages about transforming scripture into beliefs by meditating daily on key passages of God’s Word. Bill and Gary pray together for the opportunity to spread this message of gaining success God’s way.
The little children learned new skills in the camp ground each night as families would enjoy a special fellowship at one another’s camp sites.
May 5 We visit the Wades for some more horseback riding lessons and gun safety training
The children enjoyed watching the saddle bred horse of John Whalen, who is a well known trainer throughout the U.S. He gave them lessons one evening from 10:30 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. and again in the morning. They truly enjoyed and appreciated the expertise of a true horse trainer.
Josiah and Emily got the chance to learn gun safety from Alec who is a fire-arms specialist. Alec is now retired from the F.B.I. and enjoys training children in the art and skill of fire-arms. They were able to hit the mark after taking the time to learn the basics.
May 7 Arrive Home Safely
Posted by Chris Hogan on May 10, 2007
Opening Ceremonies
Each year the Alert Team opens the conference with a rousing patriotic theme. They are an inspiring sight of what God can do when men give themselves fully to the service of God and mankind.
Singing in One Accord
One of my favorite parts of an ATI conference is when families sing together in harmony. I caught these two sisters singing together as they practiced and those of us who were backstage thought it was a CD that was being played. The glory of the Lord rests upon those who have a perfect heart, one that is fully yielded to Him.
Praying in One Accord
Families spent a day of delighting in the Lord which included:
- Asking God to open spiritual eyes.
- Enjoying a jewel from God’s Word.
- A search for wisdom from Proverbs.
- Turning scripture into prayer.
- Identifying their most pressing issue
- Outlining history’s greatest sermon.
- Sharing exhortations.
- Getting alone for personal study.
- Learning how to delight in God’s Word
- Delighting in Scripture more than in food
- Learning the rewards of waiting on God
- Develop the skill of waiting on God
- Enjoying the sweetness of silence.
Families were given the opportunity to have communion at the end of a day of delighting in the Lord. We were able to enjoy the power of one accord as we loved one another with a pure heart cleansed by God’s Word, a good conscience from experience forgiveness during communion, and a sincere faith that comes from removing hypocrissy form our lives.
General Sessions
We enjoyed many excellent messages that exhorted us in our faith. Anne and I shared on The 6 Barriers to being in One Accord We had the opportunity to put it into action an hour before our message. I had just purchased a new van and we figured out that we spilled raw milk in it on the way down to Big Sandy. The smell began to get stronger each day with the heat of the sun and the humidity of Texas. God motivated me to take the time to learn it at a deeper level before sharing this key message with others. I have been using this tool as a means to getting to the root lies with accuracy and speed so we can help people take their vain imaginations captive and rescue them from the ocean of emotion. Anne and I were able to come into one accord within 45 minutes and then speak to an audience without having time to practice, or even look at the power points together.
God’s Deliverance
Because the process includes crying out to God for Him to deliver us, God delivered us from the smell of raw putrified milk when a man came up to me afterwards and said at the prompting of his wife, “Would you like for me to professionally clean your carpet with a commercial machine and use enzymes to help eat up the protein that is causing that smell?” I was thrilled and he did it that night. The next morning I had to sit in my van to do a coaching session on the phone and I could only smell a hint of it and it was enough of a reminder to thank the Lord for His deliverance. Anne had her opportunity to practice when I took her through the process weeks earlier in a moment of crisis. I look forward to making this information available through an article. In the mean time you will be able to purchase it through IBLP’s website.
Gary Smalley
Gary shared from a life of experience the greatest key to success in life. He was a credible messenger who shared with great authenticity and transparency.
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Posted by Chris Hogan on May 10, 2007
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