Return from the National Sheriff's Association Conference
Rick and I just returned from the National Sheriff's Association Conference in Ft. Worth, Texas. It was an awesome trip....long drive, but well worth it.
Sunday morning, we headed out early and made our way to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where we stopped to pay our respects at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building memorial. Though it was hard to fathom the carnage that plagued that spot back in 1995, the serenity of it now delivers a thoughtful look back and remembrance.
We also got to meet and have lunch with a good friend that we had not seen in quite a while, then headed on towards the Texas state line. Of course, we had to stop and get a picture just to prove we were there! :)
On Monday, we headed to the convention center and milled about the large vendor hall. We were able to talk with numerous folks about our ministry - what we do and Who we do it for, and also check out the latest gadgets and information.
I especially loved the huge star that hung in the main lobby area that was made up of cowboy hats from around the state. Got to love those Texans!
Around lunch time, we headed out and met with some Facebook friends that we had not yet had the pleasure of meeting, then off to Stockyard City for some fun activity and anticipated "God moments." We were not disappointed on either.
We were able to see an old west cattle drive, talk to a couple of cowboys and visit a few quaint shops. But the highlight was the opportunity to pray with and for a Sheriff from Georgia and his wife who just "happened" to stop and get their picture made with the cowboys we were talking with. Come to find out, they were believers and were encouraged by Rick's prayer and our conversation.
We also happened to "bump" into a Sheriff from South Dakota who had plans to come to our break-out session on Tuesday. What are the odds? Hmm.
Tuesday was the day of our conference. Though the schedule was packed with other great activities and conference opportunities, we still had a pretty good turn out for our hour long presentation.
I talked about many of the frustrations of law enforcement life (rotating shifts, financial difficulties, politics in the office, loneliness, missed special occasions, etc.) and the number one complaint in all LE marriages....lack of communication, and gave some simple remedies to help couples minimize the stresses and open the lines of conversation.
After the conference, numerous folks thanked us/me for the information and for doing what we have been called to do. Made the long drive, the pouring rain, and even the car getting stuck in the mud, all worth it. :)
Soooo....looking forward to what the rest of the year will bring (Arkansas, Tennessee and Missouri) and for new opportunities next year in South Dakota and Oklahoma City.
That's us...one step at a time, following the Lord's lead, helping marriages heal and offering the only true resource...Jesus!
Here's to Texas. Yee haw!
Kristi
Sunday morning, we headed out early and made our way to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where we stopped to pay our respects at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building memorial. Though it was hard to fathom the carnage that plagued that spot back in 1995, the serenity of it now delivers a thoughtful look back and remembrance.
We also got to meet and have lunch with a good friend that we had not seen in quite a while, then headed on towards the Texas state line. Of course, we had to stop and get a picture just to prove we were there! :)
On Monday, we headed to the convention center and milled about the large vendor hall. We were able to talk with numerous folks about our ministry - what we do and Who we do it for, and also check out the latest gadgets and information.
I especially loved the huge star that hung in the main lobby area that was made up of cowboy hats from around the state. Got to love those Texans!
Around lunch time, we headed out and met with some Facebook friends that we had not yet had the pleasure of meeting, then off to Stockyard City for some fun activity and anticipated "God moments." We were not disappointed on either.
We were able to see an old west cattle drive, talk to a couple of cowboys and visit a few quaint shops. But the highlight was the opportunity to pray with and for a Sheriff from Georgia and his wife who just "happened" to stop and get their picture made with the cowboys we were talking with. Come to find out, they were believers and were encouraged by Rick's prayer and our conversation.
We also happened to "bump" into a Sheriff from South Dakota who had plans to come to our break-out session on Tuesday. What are the odds? Hmm.
Tuesday was the day of our conference. Though the schedule was packed with other great activities and conference opportunities, we still had a pretty good turn out for our hour long presentation.
I talked about many of the frustrations of law enforcement life (rotating shifts, financial difficulties, politics in the office, loneliness, missed special occasions, etc.) and the number one complaint in all LE marriages....lack of communication, and gave some simple remedies to help couples minimize the stresses and open the lines of conversation.
After the conference, numerous folks thanked us/me for the information and for doing what we have been called to do. Made the long drive, the pouring rain, and even the car getting stuck in the mud, all worth it. :)
That's us...one step at a time, following the Lord's lead, helping marriages heal and offering the only true resource...Jesus!
Here's to Texas. Yee haw!
Kristi
"Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you."
Genesis 12:1
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