Rebekah and I checked one off our friendship bucket list–we attended a ladies’ Bible conference together, and it was worth it! A while ago I had suggested we attend a conference together, so when Rebekah saw that the True Woman conference in Indy was coming up, we bought our tickets a year in advance. The plan had been for the boys and Stephen to visit his parents while Rebekah and I attended the conference. But, with the unexpected trip home in August for Grandma Moody’s funeral, only Cooper and I made the trip back.

Cooper had a blast at Grammy and Grampy’s house. He could see cars and trains pass by out their front window, which thrilled him. Also, he loved the kitty, Pip, and Mom and Dad’s mini poodle, Pierre. Uncle Ben spoiled Cooper with some new cars, and the little man also got to hang with Uncle Jon, Uncle Jason, & Aunt Stephanie. Mom said Cooper was perfect and didn’t cry for me. I love giving him time with his faraway family.

The True Woman Conference is a ministry of Revive Our Hearts–headed by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Going into the conference, I honestly didn’t know much about the True Woman movement or Nancy, but I was definitely impressed with Nancy’s balanced, gospel-centered, Biblical teaching.

The first evening of the conference was especially nourishing to my bruised soul. Keith and Kristyn Getty led the worship. I couldn’t get over how many women were gathered in one place, worshiping Jesus Christ. There were over 8,500 women in attendance from 48 states and 5 countries.

The theme of the conference was Finding Freedom, Fullness, and Fruitfulness in Christ, and the three keynote speakers I enjoyed were Joni Eareckson Tada, Mary Kassian, and Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Joni–who has been wheel chair bound for 48 years due to quadriplegia–shared her testimony of praying for physical healing. Instead God chose to give her the spiritual healing of sanctifying her to be more like Christ. She said, “I’d rather be in this wheelchair with God, than walking without Him. And that’s worth living for.” Speaking from 2 Timothy 3:6-7, Mary’s challenge was about not being “weak-willed, wimpy women.” She exhorted us to be vigilant and to fight against sin that creeps into our lives. Nancy taught about God’s deliverance and steadfast love from Psalm 107–a psalm Rebekah had introduced to me this past year. I loved learning more about God’s faithfulness to rescue those who call to Him!

Rebekah and I had so much to share, and it was fun to spend a few days together. After the conference we walked along the Indy canal and ate a picnic lunch in the beautiful autumn weather. Friendship is one of God’s good gifts.

I was so thankful to have some special time with Rebekah and with the Moodys, but I loved being reunited with these two heartbreakers!