HEAV fun!

Anyone who has ever watched tv, or more specifically TLC, will know who the Duggars are. 
This family, whose first show was going to just be a documentary- has for almost ten years glorified God and preached His name to the nations through the "living life" of their family. 
i have enjoyed the times i have been able to watch their show, but never thought i would ever be able to meet them. . . until this weekend!

HEAV held their annual convention this weekend and the keynote speaker just happened (not really- God's hand was totally in the moving process of getting them to our convention) to be the Duggars!!!

My family was excited to say the least! We registered early. We waited like kids for Christmas for this weekend to get here - i must add it was NOT just because the Duggars were going to be there, that just how awesome the VA homeschool convention is! You can be challenged by workshop breakout sessions like the one i went to by "The Busy Mom" - Heidi St. John, get to meet-up with long time friends you only see at the convention, and even meet people you never thought you would - like i did with the Duggars! =)
It was a lot of fun to meet them and it was encouraging to hear their hearts! The thing that Michelle challenged me with was JOY! She always had a smile on her face, and really sought after keeping a spirit of joy in and about her, and whenever her husband, Jim Bob, spoke, her eyes would fill with admiration and never divert from him! God has certainly worked in and through them over the years! It sure was fun getting a few moments to say hello and take a few pictures! =)

  

 Jinger and i are on the left and the Mr. J and i are in the center picture with Jim Bob and Michelle and on the right i am with Jessa. They were all SUPER sweet and a joy to talk to. i mentioned earlier about Michelle's challenge of joy to me. You must choose JOY! When you feel you are upset or about to raise your voice, choose to lower it. Choose to smile. Choose to remember that God has given you joy and it is a fruit of the Spirit. When you exhibit joy, it is just evidence of your growth in God's Word!! 
 "this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10b

May you be strengthened this day. . .