CDG Recap: My Top Ten

The Children Desiring God conference exceeded all of my expectations. And though it would be quite difficult to capture all that went on in one post (since I am not, nor am I equipped to be, a live blogger), I have decided to post my top ten. Some pertain directly to the conference sessions, and some pertain to other things surrounding the event. So here they are, in no particular order:

1. Talking with people and making friends, especially my dear, new found friend from Hong Kong. I pray that God blesses her ministry to children richly.
2. Fellowship, upon fellowship, upon fellowship. Some with people from my church, others from all over the world. But the fellowship that was had at this conference left me full of joy in our Christ.
3. Wayne Grudem’s theology laden messages. Who says theology is not important in children’s ministry? I love learning about election and justification, especially when it pertains to our children. I also would like to mention that this was Dr. Grudem’s first speaking engagement at a children’s conference. He was fantastic.
4. Pastor John’s unbelievable explanation of the Gospel—floors me every time. It also made me rethink how I tell my conversion story. The message in one sentence—your salvation story started 2,000 years ago, at Calvary. Listen to it, if you can. Amazing.
5. Pastor’s John’s quote on why we teach hard truths to children: “You don’t hide truth because of its potential dangers.” This should be a guiding principle in all of our lives.
6. The fact that there are at least 1,100 people out there who think and believe that theology-driven ministry matters for little ones. It makes my heart sing with gladness to God in the ways He works in people’s lives. May God be pleased to bless their ministries.
7. Mr. Tomaszewski telling me what “HT” means in the blogosphere. I had been dying to know for some time, but was too scared to ask. Now I know. (And for those of you still in the dark, it means “hats off to”.)
8. Knocking over the impressive and large flag display right next to my table. Apparently my bag was too big and when I turned around it was a massive domino effect that resulted in many flags on the floor and many eyes on me, and a laughing Kristi Michael. I knew that there was no way I could make it through an entire weekend without making a fool of myself.
9. C.J. Mahaney telling me that he wished there was a way he could let me see Dr. Mohler’s personal library. That was very kind of him.
10. Leaving with a greater appreciation for my church, my fellow believers in Christ, and for the Church of God in the world.

Pastor Sam left of us with a very encouraging verse, which reminded me of why we are doing ministry. Often times if feels like the words we say aren’t getting through and that are labors are in vain. But God sees our labors; God sees our tears for the souls of those under our care. This verse greatly encouraged me to keep fighting the fight of faith in my own life, and in the lives of others. No matter the circumstance, God knows. God has an appointed time for all things, even answers to our prayers—and when that time is right, we can rest assured that it will come quickly and with power, because God keeps all of His promises.

“For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay” (Habakkuk 2:3).