Pictures from the Conference

Atkins on the trip to Warm Beach NWPC

Atkins on the trip back home

(The afternoon sun is shining on them turning their skin red - I guess that makes them real redskins!!!)

Notice Bobi's mouth as she gazes upon Steve's ribs                   Full Plate of ribs Mitch & Matt            

Lindsey looks on as Matt partakes                      Marci watches Mitch eat his ribs

Steve, Zach, Christy                                              Notice those eyes!

The NWPC Report (North West Pastors Conference)

I want to start by saying, it was a great conference and......  There were lots of flies in the main meeting room.... fortunately not in the dining rooms.  They ended up adding flies to the overhead graphic... there is even a fly pictured on the CD's from the conference.  I would say that's hanging a flag on it.    The weather was hot and so all the windows were kept open no screens. 

Enjoyed the teaching of Don McClure very much and also Jack Hibbs.  Both from California Calvary Chapels.  "Grandpa Chuck" Smith, as he is affectionately called, was also present via live video feed.  In past years he has attended in person.  Louis Neely was the scheduled main speaker but had a health issue that kept him away.  I like Louis, but I think the Lord definitely had things turn out the way that was best.  To hear past NWPC Calvary pastors (no charge) go to this link:    http://www.calvaryfellowship.org/audio_nwpc2004.asp

We listened to concerts both Monday and Tuesday nights.  The Lost Dogs  played first.  I gotta admit, I did truly enjoy their music and their humor.  I uploaded some video of them so you can see/hear them.  They are from the old bands, "Daniel Amos" and the "77's", etc.  For now a still shot and the web link:  http://www.thelostdogs.com/main.html

The next night we listened to some really young cute guys play really, really loud. The voice of the lead singer was superb and the drummer was excellent.  They are called Majestic Rose (I think) and are very new and appear to still be in their teens. 

Pictures from the CLAIM JUMPER will be coming.... Ribs, etc

Another piece of information on "The Lectern":  Apparently "Allan", the previous mentioned gift lectern giver, was indeed a boyfriend of Louise in 1927 before Elmer came on the scene.  Elmer and Louise were married sixty some years before he died.  Thought the mystery might be gnawing at you, so I better let you know right away.

THE LECTERN 

Here is a picture of one of the things I bought.  I really like this and it has to be around 60 years old or even older. 

This is what is written on the bottom.

The magnifying glass is missing, but Louise's daughter remembers it from when she was a child.  The Bible appears to be truly printed inside but very, very small print as you might imagine.  I am gonna find a magnifying glass for it.

Here we are tonight at Greg & Jen's.  Sharalee invited us up for pie after dinner.  Zach & Christy were gonna be there too!  So when we got there everyone was heading up the hill to Greg & Jen's for a campfire experience.  There was marshmellow roasting and even a couple hot dogs.  I took some pictures  with and without flash so here they are.... enjoy! 

   The Direct TV guy is coming between 8am - 12 noon.  Garbage Day

   I am going to an estate sale of my friend Louise that went home to be with the Lord.  Hoping to find a little something to keep as a reminder of her sweet walk with the Lord.  Her daughter will be there too!

   Tomorrow Men's "Petite" Retreat all day.  At least one of the Pastors thought the word "Petite" connected with a Man's Event was just wrong.  It apparently originated with one of the wives typing up the announcements and titling it such because it is merely one day not a whole weekend like usual.

   Sunday, Church in the Park... last one this year.  The weather is supposed to warm up more on Sunday which will be nice since it is down by the river.  Next, wash van.. pack for leadership/pastors retreat.  Sure glad I got my brother to watch stuff while we are gone...

   Will have pictures after the retreat... maybe before.  Ok... it's off to put out the garbage.  Blessings to you all.....

PS  Awoke in the night and had Thad on my mind... so I prayed extra for him.  (He's my fireman son!)

Last night I went to a presentation done by my employer.  It was on hormones.

  One of the ladies there I knew from years ago.  She was wired.  I am not sure why she was acting that way... and it was very funny.  I am wondering if it was the nicotine patch on her arm, and the fact she had given up both cigarettes and espresso three days prior.  She had bought herself a new sportscar, gotten her hair cut, and was out to get some "_ _ _ drive".  Did I mention she was very entertaining? 

   Today is a work day.  The first of next week is the Pastors/Leadership retreat.  It runs from Monday to Wednesday.  We were sent a schedule which includes Starbucks at 6AM, breakfast in Ellensburg on them.... etc, etc.  We share a cabin with another married couple.  My hair is always the big problem when I go to these things.  I am growing it out and it goes through a stage where it seems impossible to handle.  It is just about there right now. 

   Well, I better get ready.  I feel sort of hoe hum today.... good thing I don't get to live by my feelings, huh?

      The girls had their Bible Study here last night.  It is an "Excellent Wives" study.  They have been doing this for two years.  Young marrieds mostly attend.  Uncle Tom and Auntie Kathy went shopping, you know.... Costco, Albertsons... oh and Wendys. It was a good night.

   I worked at the doctor's office yesterday.  At home, in the FraterFactory, I have been working on a Patient History form for the office.  It is looking rather good I think.  Deb (the family nurse practicianer) added more stuff for me to work in.... and I got it all done last night BEFORE going shopping.  Yephee! 

   Things aren't as lively around here with the kids gone and now all the company gone.  But at least I got to have Connie yesterday and then this morning, Ruthie is coming out.  Jim & Shar are out of town and we both really miss them.  It is a bit unusual for Uncle Tom to say, "why don't you give so and so a call and see when they'll be back."   So I did and we put each other on speaker phone so we all four could talk and laugh etc.  They will be back Monday afternoon.  Uncle Tom told them they were the closest thing to a gypsy he had ever met.  (Cause they are always going, going, going!)  But they haven't a "going" problem as some of you have heard about. 

   The Pastor's retreat is next Monday - Wednesday.  In the past that has been the most positive uplifting way to spend our time.  It is a long drive and Tom has to take time off work, but we really get fed and get to hang out with some truly delightful and ornery people.    Afterwards, I will report and let you decide!

Here's a couple more old pics for you!

This is yet another picture of Great, Great Grandpa & Grandma (Joseph Turner & Mariah Frater) when they were young.     It is funny (don't you think?) that even young, they still look old!   

   Here is a picture of Joseph & Maria Frater when they are much older.  (remember the 100 year old house a couple days ago?)   PJ's Dad & Mom and PJ was Tom's grandpa.  So this is Tom's great grandparents way before he was even born.

I must head off to work.... Maybe I can write more tomorrow. 

Love you guys.