Friendship Musings

This past weekend my good friend, Kim, and I celebrated our 12-year friendship anniversary with a road trip to Schaumburg, Illinois. We were privileged to attend the Revive 13 conference hosted by Revive Our Hearts radio ministry. This particular conference focuses on women in leadership roles in their churches. The speakers this year were: Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Paul Tripp, and Elyse Fitzpatrick (need I say more--so good). 

Kim and I were also able to spend some time with Melissa (pictured below) over the weekend. We met Melissa at the very end (literally, it was the last few minutes) of the conference we attended in 2011. Melissa and I have been in contact several times in the past two years via e-mail, texting, and phone conversations. I was happy to hear she was attending the conference again. Kim and I were able to sit with her during the conference main sessions and enjoy dinner together both nights of the conference. It was a lovely time. 

All the speakers were very good, each speaking Biblical truth with passion and compassion. 

Here's a takeaway from each speaker that my mind has returned to many times since leaving the conference. 

Nancy Leigh DeMoss: Speaking on 1 Samuel 4:1-4 and referring to "God our help", she said, "Some people would rather live in defeat for a very long time than do what it takes to get help, which may include a willingness to get rid of the gods we are leaning on for help and turn to the true God (Jehovah Ezer, God our helper). 

Paul Tripp: Speaking from Mark 6:45-53 said this: "God will take you where you did not intend to go in order to produce in you what you could not achieve on your own." 

Elyse Fitzpatrick: Speaking from 1 John 1:1-10 said: "Walking in the light (as were told to do in this passage) does not mean we are sinless. It means we live openly and transparently. We live our lives without hiding. Sin makes us want to hide. Walking in the light eventuates in holiness."

The breakout sessions were equally rich. We enjoyed the entire time. We thank God for the opportunity to attend the conference and for this now 12-year long friendship. May He use both to make us more like Jesus.