Sunday, March 16, 2008

Dallas ATF

Some of you already know this, some of you might not.....my husband Sam helps to put on a show called Acquire the Fire (ATF). It is an incredible, two day live event for teenagers. Sort of like a cross between a rock concert and a conference....lots of fun for the kids who attend, and also life-changing for MANY! Anyway, that is what my husband is doing most weekends. He is on the road helping with this amazing ministry.


This weekend the show was in Dallas, so the kids and I got to go along! :)



We stayed in a nice hotel and had babysitters at our disposal the entire time. We actually were invited to have the boys included in a really great children's program throughout the weekend, so they were immersed in crafts, games and activities pretty much non-stop. Thursday and Friday they finished up around 9 pm. On Saturday they were up until 11:00 pm!!!! Yes, these are boys who are used to going to bed at 7:30! Needless to say, they didn't get much sleep this weekend. We also had a nanny dedicated to taking care of Bridget whenever we needed her.


The real fun for me was actually seeing the show. I see my husband (and the people he works with) pour his heart and soul into this show, and I had never had the chance to see it or be a part of it. I did go to an event last year in Detroit, but I didn't have babysitters for the kids so I missed pretty much everything.
It was incredible.
Unhindered plays the worship music throughout the show. Have you heard these guys yet? They're amazing. I meant to get a picture of the band, but when I tried we couldn't find everyone. I did get a picture with Pat (he plays guitar and sings) after the show:

I got to meet Pat, Ben and JR from the band, and I just want to say these guys are the real deal. Sam has gotten to know them from touring with them, and he was really excited for me to meet them. They could not have been nicer! And so very sincere. Really. you should check them out--they are worth a listen!

This guy also played this weekend's event:

Recognize him? I know the picture is terrible. Is this next one any better?

Ha! Yep, I got to meet David Crowder too. I've really enjoyed his music (I think I've even posted some of his lyrics on this blog!), and his show was even better. This man is a great entertainer! His show was captivating. And he was gracious and humble when I had the chance to talk with him.

Here is what Bridget did while David Crowder rocked the house: She slept! It was SO LOUD, but she just sat there and watched the lights and then fell fast asleep! MaryBeth enjoyed holding her throughout the concert and held her hands over Bridget's ears the entire time. :)

And here is my hot husband! Do you love the sport jacket/shorts/white socks with dress shoes look?

I thought you might.

So what did you do this weekend? I hope it was fabulous!!!

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh Lisa, I am so glad you got to go. Sam is the best and I know God sees all of his efforts every time he heads out.

My family loved David Crowder. I missed him. We are all listening to Unhindered in our cars non-stop. There is nothing like seeing and hearing these guys in person. We are going to suggest one of their praise song to our church praise leader.

It looks like you had the best babysitter for Bridget...grammy!

As for the photo of Sam...ROFL! What a guy! So so so GLAD I met him face to face!!!!! Dave and I just loved him.

Just Mom said...

I had the most exciting weekend; I hung around the house all day. It was fantastic!

(I'm being sarcastic, btw.)

It does sound as if you had a fantastic weekend. That nanny thing sounds spiffy.

Oh! Your man is stylin'.

Unknown said...

Great blog...great weekend...I share your sentiments about the ATF/Battle Cry show. TO GOD BE THE GLORY...and I know HE blesses Sam and Jon and Russ and all those who work so selflessly to put this show on. I love hearing the stories of interns and how their lives were changed for eternity through attending an ATF. Thanks for sharing Bridget with us...we love you guys so much!

michelle said...

So glad you shared this...brings back memories. Rich traveled with ATF every weekend for 4 years...where I missed not having him around I loved what he was a part of. Blessings on all you guys for touching this young generation. You are doing a great thing...and yes, you are very much included.

Okay I don't recall "kid activities" at ATF's...then again it was the stone ages. :-)

Heidi Jo Comes said...

sounds like fun...except for the crying baby! too bad.

your husband sets a new standard:0)

Grace said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Grace said...

Oh what FUN Lisa! Sounds like an exciting weekend.

I wasn't for sure what your husband did, however, I knew he traveled. His job is AWESOME! How wonderful, and such a great example for your boys (and for others, too!).

I love the pictures. Thanks for sharing your weekend!

We spent time outside enjoying the beautiful weather. The boys got new bikes (I will be posting pictures in the near future). It was a wonderful weekend spending family time with one another.

Anonymous said...

Oh, what a FUN weekend!!!!! And, yes, your hubby is stylin in his white socks!!!

Tamara B. said...

Sounds like a fun filled weekend. I bet the boys really enjoyed themselves. I actually got a weekend away with a bunch of other mom's. It was my first time away from Sarah, ever. It was great! Gonna have to do that again! :0)

Amy said...

Wow! How fun! Of course I've heard of ATF, how neat that your hubby is a part of that!
And to meet David Crowder, very cool.
I'll have to check out Unhindered.

Blessings!
Amy