Why a Baby Conference?
In 2010, as the focus of much media attention centers on the victory of selfishness and the defeat of the biblical family through the introduction of “the pill” fifty years ago, Vision Forum Ministries is committed to defending and celebrating life — in particular, the blessing of children and their role in building healthy cultures and vibrant households.
As the world lauds barrenness for economic and personal convenience and marginalizes the value of our aging populace, we purpose to celebrate life and to explore a myriad of practical and theological issues that are pertinent to Christian families of the twenty-first century, such as: adoption, home birth, the coming cry for euthanasia on the horizon as our elderly generation increases, and the many blessings that come from raising children in the fear of the Lord.
Who’d want to miss that?! This was our first conference of any kind outside of chiropractic. Despite my nerves over how my children would behave, I had an extremely blessed time. San Antonio, although only an hour away from our home, is very humid! That would be my main complaint 
My Top 10 Favorite Moments
As is common with any great event, it was difficult pinpointing 10 aspects that really stuck with me.
10) Electronic Polling. I am so impressed with Vision Forum’s foresight to arrange a time to poll their audience. What better opportunity to get some valuable statistics?! There were approximately 1700 people in attendance and after the polling I can tell you:
- They were homeschoolers (>90%)
- They had/would consider a homebirth
- They wanted as many children as God gave them
- Most had not used birth control in the last year
9) Large Family Logistics Panel. I loved getting to hear from mom’s with large families (3 w/ 10 children, 2 w/ 8 ) and how it all worked out logistically. They discussed pregnancy (how to delegate from the couch when you’re sick), birth, laundry, dad’s involvement, schedule, chores and cooking. Completely silly but my favorite “tip” came from Kim Coughlin who said that each kid had their own bath towel and it didn’t get washed until it needed it. In our family of 6 we have a towel problem.
Modesty Abounds. What a sight for sore eyes! I loved the variety of modest clothing I was able to see. Some families wore very traditional neck to ankle dresses while others wore more modern skirts. All of it was beautiful and I never felt uncomfortable with anyone’s choice of clothing. I also cherished that my daughter’s were able to see hundreds of other girls wearing skirts. They don’t often see others dressed like them.
7) Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar. If there was a family today that truly lived out humility, gratefulness and love it would be them. I’m sure that each one of the hundreds that spoke with them would all say they felt special. Michelle Duggar was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love as she received the Mother of the Year award from Vision Forum. Even my husband cried a bit from the show of gratefulness.
6) Meeting a blogger. I was blessed to meet Kelly of Generation Cedar!! I am not good at introducing myself to people but I stepped out of my comfort zone and spoke with her. I enjoyed our conversation and now I can say “I know her!”
5) Biomedical Ethics Panel. I thought this would be a snore. Far from it. I’m not sure I want to be completely controversial but I will say my eyes were opened about organ donation, termination of life and eugenics.
4) Kevin Swanson. How could you not love a speaker that jumps around on stage and makes every point relevant and personal? His topic was biblical discipline. The illustration that impacted me the most was his use of a Texas Highway Patrolman. When you get pulled over you are scared (if you’re me VERY scared). They come to the window in a cool, calm and matter of fact manner. There’s no “I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU JUST DID THAT! DON’T YOU KNOW THE RULES!?” He just simply says, “Ma’am, do you realize you were breaking the law?” Hmmmm…which one are you when your children break the rules? 
I will pledge to be a Texas Highway Patrol from now on.
3) New Friends. Might seem silly to be my #3 but I’ve always desired to meet families similar to ours no matter where they live. I’ve read of families visiting friends across the U.S. that they met through events like these and I always thought that was a blessing. Who knows if our friendships will endure. At least the next time I attend a conference similar to this I will recognize some faces! Hi, Amy, Melanie, Lisa and Sharon!!
2) Tea with Michelle Duggar. I’ll sum up my experience with my take home lesson: “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” That is how she deals with frustration and being overwhelmed. I’ve taken it to heart and it’s really began to change me. Not because she said it but because the joy of the Lord really is my strength!
1) Commonality. Hands down my favorite part of the Baby Conference was being around hundreds of families that trust the Lord with their family size. What a true testament of faith. I believe the average number of children per family in attendance was 6 or 7. We were a small family with 4 1/2 but if the Lord wills it we’ll be there someday!
To read my husband’s perspective head on over to Theological Thoughts.
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