If there is one thing I appreciate, it's encouraging conversation with friends. Throw that in the mix with Italian food and a lot of laughter and the result is always a heart that feels a little lighter and a face that smiles a little more genuinely than before.

My husband and I shared a dinner with friends just like this the other night. There is something comforting about knowing that there are people in your corner with whom you can share the truth with about how life is really going, knowing that they will not only have an encouraging word to share, but will also keep you in their prayers because they really do care that much.

A night filled with an overload of carbs and the best Italian canolis are always worth it when it's shared with friends like that. For real.

Happy Thursday!