10Jun 08
Anointed for Greater Works
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“And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while… (Mark 6:31).”
While much driving took place the last week in May as we traversed over mountains, through valleys, across open plains, and through the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life, our family encountered a week of spiritual rest & refreshment. We were blessed to attend the Institute in Basic Life Principle’s yearly family home school conference in Nashville, TN.
The conference centered around the theme of being anointed 
for greater works. This complimented well the verse Dad has been exhorting our family with, “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began (2 Timothy 1:9).
Few expected the immense blessing God had in store for each attendee. From Georgia’s Gov. Sonny Perdue to nationally acclaimed attorney Roger Magnuson, Tom Harmon, Chris Hogan, Bill Federer, and others, each one exhorted the 
families to, with one accord, fulfill the works they were ordained to perform before the world began.
Pages could be written in summary of the hours of life changing truths received in just 72 hours; however, all too often we find these periods of rest & rejuvenation become mountain top experiences that fade into the scenery of our lives vs. launch pads that energize us to fulfill the Great Commission.
Recognizing this tendency, Dad lead us in a special wisdom search Saturday morning following the conference. Each family member shared one truth they would walk away with 
to apply. Points of application included developing more enthusiasm, conquering fear with faith, investing time into prayer, and reaching the lost.
It has been humbling to see how quick we are to forget 
. However, as each works on and is reminded of their specific point of action, the entire family is exhorted in each of the 11 areas. As a result, this conference is fast becoming the most meaningful, inspiring, and applicable one ever for us!
“But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin (Hebrews 3:13)”
For two other exceptional reports on the conference, check out both the Staddon’s family web site and the Paine’s family web site.
That was really an excellent summary Joshua. Conferences are huge things
and it was good to hear of the faith each of you exercised in finding one thing to walk away with. God grant grace today and tomorrow . . . for those things!
Great report, Josh! It was so much fun to see you and the whole Wilkes team in Nashville!!
What your Dad did in that family wisdom search on Saturday is so important! It is so easy to take so much in that we fail to apply the one main thing that God is trying to teach us. And it is so easy to come away inspired but soon forget what we learned. May God bless you as you apply the truths that God is teaching you!
What a phenomenal conference! I was truly inspired in many different areas. That Wisdom Search we had as a family after the conference really helped me to take what I learned and to begin to apply it.
It also was such a blessing to see and catch up with so many dear friends that we have made over the years.
Once again I was blessed immensely by this wonderful ministry.