If you read my blog somewhat regularly you will know that I am all about the Hearts-at-Home's conference. Karla, my friend who introduced me to Hearts-at-Home (HAH) and my traveling companion to the conferences, and I are counting down the days until this years conference starts. I do have a countdown on my sidebar...it is malfunctioning and I haven't had the time to fix it yet, but that hasn't dampened my anticipation and excitiement to be refreshed, renewed, and re-encouraged!

I will admit that going to my first HAH confernce last year was mostly exciting because I was going to get away for the first time from my responsiblities and duties as a wife and mom. I would be able to eat FOUR meals that would be hot, if they were served that way. I would not have to cut-up, fix-up, or clean-up others' meals before eating my plate of food. I would have adult conversation, no bickering or silly conversations...well, okay, we did have silly conversations but they were fun to have with other moms. I could order AND eat a dessert all by myself! Yeah, this is the kind of stuff that turned me on to HAH in the beginning.

However, little did I know that this conference would be a life changing eventfor me. It would be the beginning of a slow quake of finding that God really does have a purpose for me, my circumstances, and my life! Over the past year the events that seem to be "bolded" in my mind are:

• The HAH conference
• Zephaniah 3:17's truth spoken to me
• Building 429's concert in February and their song "Singing Over Me"
• Discovering the quote "Be brave...you were made for this"
• Living a marriage that has much seperation due to Tom's job
• Beginning a new adventure with writing my first column, Marriage from a Distance, at Take Root and Write.

These all began with HAH. The conference was so much more than just a get-a-way. During the many sessions I attended God, like a true gentleman, extended His hand to me offering to help me through the stage of life I am in. I willingly accepted with tears in my eye. Tears of joy, hope, and relief. I was a changed woman.

What was the moment I knew that this wasn't just any conference? Hmm...good question. I still am not sure. I believe it was the entire experience. Yes, ALL of it was needed to morph me into the woman I am today. The music, the skits, the speakers, the food, the chocolate, the friends, the laughs, the tears, the praises, the...ALL of it!

Interested in Hearts-at-Home's ministry and conferences? Check them out here!

I have to share with you this awesome song of Building 429's. This song is directly linked to who I am today...God gave it to me. Crank up the speakers...this song is great!