Film Festival recap (Mom’s highlights)
For me, the best part of the film festival each year is seeing old friends and making new ones; greeting familiar faces even if I don’t quite remember the names; and meeting people in real life after knowing them online. I guess it’s a little like an extended family reunion - a big one, where the in-laws of your mother’s third cousins attend and you’re all family even if you’ve never been properly introduced.
Out of an estimated 1,200 attendees, I think I knew roughly 25% - not bad for a quiet sort of girl like myself. 
It was such a wonderful feeling to see old friends and new friends around every corner!
Another 25% of the people I saw had familiar faces or name tags. That means that in another year or two, I can add them to the ranks of People I Know. 
This year I was privileged to finally meet Crystal (along with her husband and children), Jennie Chancey who was great with child and always seemed to have a different selection of little ones with her, and Lydia Hayden with her sweet mother.
I ran into Colin and Emily Gunn, who had a bit of their own excitement this weekend. The Gunn Brothers’ Monstrous Regiment of Women was this year’s Jubilee Award winner at the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival! (Check out free trailers and clips here and then go tell Emily congrats!)
We listened to Ray Comfort speak and spent the ride home alternately repeating his punchlines (”I’m going to close with this thought…[long pause]… This is stupid! You don’t have a clue what I’m thinking. I’m going to say it out loud.”) and excitedly discussing his program (see free episodes here), his website (The Way of the Master), and his message. The man is on fire for God and left us feeling the same way, even while we laughed at and with him, especially the part where he really was on fire.
We watched the world premier of Return of the Daughters, and I went from nodding in somber agreement to grinning like an idiot when I saw hubby and Kait appear in footage from the 2007 Father Daughter Retreat.
In other news, I was one of the bouncers tonight, standing in the hall with crossed arms and a purposeful look, keeping curious onlookers out of the main theater during sound tests and rehearsals before the award ceremony. I found that it was far easier to stop people when I didn’t
have a baby on my hip. There’s something utterly non-threatening about a woman bouncing a baby on her hip.
Then again, the baby on the hip seemed to be working for Hubby in the other hall. I guess that’s why bouncers are typically men.
Speaking of babies, we always have a good laugh over the number of strollers parked in the hallways. Where else do you see sights like this? And how often do you think the parking garages downtown are filled with rows of 15 passenger vans?
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Filed under: Vision Forum
Thank you, thank you Kim for the pictures and peek into the weekend! I’ve been haunting a small selection of blogs for news and was so tickled to actually find some!
I’m glad you all had a lovely time.
God bless,
Jennifer
I LOVE the stroller picture! I have also really enjoyed your news from the film festival. Thanks for taking the time to share…I know that time is precious as a mom of many (congratulations on your newest family member!).
Thanks also for your blog. I always enjoy reading, and am alternately laughing, nodding in agreement (my baby boy is almost 18 months), or soberly contemplating your thoughts. You are a blessing.
While I read here often, I don’t think I have ever posted….but please know that I appreciate you and your hard work! My husband and I especially appreciate the public stand you and your husband have taken about defending friends- especially on your blog. You have taken a stand that is right, and takes strength and fortitude- unfortunately that is a stand that is rarely taken in this world.
In Christ,
Sarah E.
mom of 7 treasures
I am so glad that you enjoyed Ray! We have been using his method of evangelism for 4 1/2 years and my dh Gene has witnessed with him in LA and Las Vegas. Do you know about the radio show? It has lots of great info and you can listen to all of their previous shows. Just go to
Way of the Master Radio
For some reason I can’t listen to it on Firefox, but it works fine on IE.
I haven’t stopped by in quite a while. I love the banner picture! And the little guy is the absolute image of his daddy, isn’ t he? So cute!
WOW! What at treat to hear Ray Comfort!! We love his show and we listen to Way of the Master radio every day, it is phenomenal (the host is Todd Friel; Ray and Kurt Cameron are on occasionally).
Thanks for posting, I just found your blog and am trying to catch up, LOL! I also loved the stroller picture.
maybe some day we will take the treck there!
Jennifer,
I met your sister and your brothers too!
Sarah,
Thanks for your encouragement. It’s nice to meet you, and we hope to hear more from you. I’m sure other readers would love to hear from a mom of 7!
Mom2Fur,
Thanks for stopping in. It’s nice to hear from you again. I’ve missed your comments here.
That baby of your looks just like his daddy! My girls and I were reading the highlights of the film festival and loving the stroller picture!
Fun!
Love the photos you shared. What a wonderful time to get to meet all of these great ladies.
Love the stroller photo!