Ode to the Girls

I love my friends. I love my family, too, but this particular entry is just about my friends this time. I have been reading what seems to be a lot of books lately. They are different story lines, different locations, different times even, but they have all been about relationships of one kind or another. They have inspired me to look at my friends and the relationships that I have with them and to appreciate how wonderful they are! They don't backstab or manipulate or judge me. They love, they pray with and for me, they laugh at my oftentimes corny jokes. They listen and they even sometimes read my cheesy blog. I love them all. I have to say that I am especially blessed to have several friends that I would call close and that I can tell personal things to. My friends are so wonderful (and I'm not being sarcastic on this one) that they even tell me when I have messed up and offended/insulted/angered/etc. them. That might sound weird, but I really do appreciate that. I know I have a big mouth and I tend to run on about weird stuff sometimes and say things I shouldn't. They let me know in a loving way. You ladies rock! So here is my ode to each of you...in no particular order...

Amanda...I totally appreciate your patience with my big mouth and how you are such a great wife to your hubby. You have such a gentle spirit and sweet soul. Your walk with the Lord truly inspires me.

Jen...I LOVE your sense of humor. You have such an honest air about you. You don't stew about things that bother you. You let it out and wear your heart on your sleeve. I love how you are so transparent about your walk with the Lord and your stumbling blocks.

Stacy...I love that even though we don't get to talk as much as we used to, we can always just pick up where we left off. You are so faithful and kind. You have always been so supportive to me, your hubby and your family. You are such a great example to me.

Debbie P...You are an amazing mother and wife. Your love for the Lord is evident in everything you do. Even though you have a few years on me (and you have had 5 pregnancies!), you are in AMAZING shape! You inspire me to take better care of myself.

Renese...You are so gorgeous and intelligent! You are the best hygenist/beautician ever! I have so much fun hanging out with you. Thank you for letting me have girl talk about s-e-x without thinking I'm a pervert. You are the perfect wife for David, and a fabulous auntie. You still amaze me with your grounding in and love for the Lord. I love to hear you speak at small group.

Cori...You have such sweetness and patience. You are a wonderful mother above everything else. You always put family first. You are a very generous giver of everything you have: time, love, smiles, kindness. You are the best salsa maker EVER!!!

Debbie S...You are so sweet. I love your contagious laugh. You are so friendly and fun--there is no way you have social anxiety disorder or what ever you call it. Your love for others is so apparent through the kindness of your children and husband.

Ruth F...You are so faithful to the Lord--it completely inspires me to see someone so normal that has such a beautiful love for God. You are an amazing mother to your beautiful and fantastic children. You see everyone around you through God's eyes.

Grace...Your smile lights up the room. You have such a big heart. You are so intelligent without being a know it all (like me). You are a super patient mother to your residents and will be a fabulous mother to your biological child. AND you are so on my team anytime we play Cranium!

Jessi H...You are such an amazing nurturer. You love on challenged kids all day at work and come home to love on your own family more. You are so kind and easy to be with.

Tina...Your creative energy and ideas astound me. You are a truly gifted artist. You inspire me every day that I get to work with you.

I could go on and on about all the fabulous friends that I am blessed with. I love my book club girls. You are all so insightful and fun! I just want to openly and honestly say thank you to God for all of my friends. So there you have it. Thank you to all of you for being my friends. I know I am kooky and off sometimes. You are all so patient with me. Thank you. I love all of you!