I was blessed to attend (and speak at) the Hearts at Home Conference last weekend. There's something about women's conferences that brings me such joy--the women together, laughing, connecting, bonding. And not just women, we all need that. There's nothing more amazing than connecting with our best friends. At conferences like this we often have a lot of time to talk on the way there. Then we have a lot of time to listen to spiritual truths. Finally, we get to end the trip by talking all about the spiritual truths we learned on the way home!

I met many wonderful women at this conference, including Emily and Chris who were my personal assistants for the day. (I wanted to bring them home but their husbands and children protested. The nerve!) I also got to connect with author/speaker friends who I only get to see a few times a year: Suzie Eller, Mary Byers, Susie Larson, Jen Doucette, Julie Barnhill, Leslie Vernick, Jill Savage. These were a few of the women who blessed the socks off the conferencees.

I'm always amazed after my talks how people come up to me and tell them my words were exactly what they needed to hear. God gets the credit, not me. I just have to check out what He's been doing in my life lately and then talk about that.

God also did a miracle while I was there. He gave me a special gift. In Montana, one of my best friends was Marie. I've missed seeing her and hanging out with her since I've moved to Arkansas. Just last month her family moved to Wisconsin. Last week, Marie's mom (who lives is Iowa) was transferred to St. Mary's Hospital--which is part of the Mayo Clinic complex in Rochester where I was for the conference.

Marie came over to Rochester Thursday night (after being here also the previous weekend) when her mom started going down hill. I got to Rochester Friday--the day her mom passed away. After my evening session, Marie came to my hotel room and we were able to talk and pray together. What a gift that we "just so happened" to be in the same town and I could be with her on the day her mom died. God is good! Embracing each other, we realized God knew this would happen when Hearts at Home booked me to speak. With tears in her eyes Marie said, "God knew I'd need you here." Of course, God also knew I needed to see one of my best girlfriends.

So what about you?

Have you taken time to go out with one of your best friends lately? I know, I know you're busy. I make the same excuse. But God has given us these people for a reason. For the laughter and talking, yes, but also for when we need physical arms around us. Someone to step in and hold on, until we get to heaven and he can get his hands on us, his way.

As we head into Thanksgiving next week, take some time to look at the people God has placed in your life, both near and far. I pray you'd turn to our Father and thank Him for His provision in all things, both physical and spiritual. Then reach out and thank your friends.