Thinking of you

Before I get started, I have to share this story...Yesterday I had a couple of friends over for lunch. In an attempt to pacify my child, I let her get on barbie.com & then open a word doc to just type for a while. Well...before I know it, she is blogging. On here. In another language. She's 4; of course she's typing in her "own language." No, like, she changed my dashboard to appear in a different language so that I couldn't change it back because I couldn't discern anything on the page. I finally decided to go to my dashboard & scroll over all the buttons to see what they would say & basically got lucky & figured it out. As for my 4-yr old blogger, I'm putting the computer back on hands-off indefinitely. (And she just mentioned she better get in the bed or she'll be put on Santa's "Snotty" list, haha! She also came up with this one, "Oh you better watch out, you better not cry. You better not shout I'm telling you why..." And I've left it at that b/c it's more useful around this house.)

I would like to dedicate this post to some special people that are on my mind a lot. In a crazy-busy time, I am constantly aware of friends who are hurting in various ways or are inspirational by how they live their lives but I am so busy with my own family & work/church that I hardly take the time to either love on them or let them know I appreciate who they are and that I truly care. I'm going to do it namelessly so as to not give away some private hurts.

To my loves who are sacrificing so beautifully for our country; their strength & faith is amazing. Their love and patience unwavering. I love you & I am so proud of you.

To my friend who has suffered from one highly consequential fall but has choosen to glorify the Lord through it. I hurt for the pain & sorrow you went through. But God has redeemed you & you ARE beautiful even though you don't see it. May He bless your sweet baby, your marriage, & your self-image.

To my friend who has miscarried, is so hungry to mother & is so vulnerable with her story. Thank you for allowing your testimony to be so honest & shared with many; God is using you in soo many ways. Your miracle will come in His timing. I long for it for you. I love you.

To my friend who just graduated, defeating cancer & all the effects of it. You are the biggest joy to be around. I have been so blessed watching you break free from that painful chapter of your life. I pray that you can experience God as your Redeemer & Friend.

To my "family" that we are leaving...I am so thankful for your graciousness to us as we leave. You all have been so understanding and loving during this difficult time. We hurt for your loss but trust God's hand to provide & to use us where He has led us.

To my friend who is still battling cancer. I just hurt for all that you have gone through & continue to endure. I hope deep in my spirit that you feel peace that only our Father can offer, that you feel joy in spite of pain, that you feel loved & never alone.

To my love who is patient & consistent to a fault. You are my rock. (You & Jesus, that is.) You are more than I ever dreamed of although sometimes not what I wanted, if you will understand the positive side of that. God knew what He was doing when He paired me with someone who would make sense out of my madness, forgive and overlook my countless faults, & stay on course when I want to focus on everything else around me. I am in awe of how God has blessed us & how He continues to mold us to be a wonderful pair.

To my loves who are far away & content with their lives even though I'm not right in the center all the time anymore, lol. I'm so proud of all that you do & who you are. It's been my blessing to see the Lord grow in each of you; thank you for your faithfulness.

To my friend who just knows. Who just is. Who is as crazy as I am & sees God in me when I can't. You are such a joy to me, an unexpected BFF almost twice my age (or you were when I was 14, anyway). I hope we always stay close.

To my friend who has had a tough life. Who has made me see how much difference making good choices while you are young makes. I love you & I'm not giving up on you. I'm fighting for you.

To a new friend who I'm not really sure I trust 100% yet...I really do like you a lot; I think a little time will make the difference. I thought I would see something "special" in you but I don't. And that's a good thing because I trust that what has happened through you is Christ alone. So I have to pray for you a lot, which is also a good thing. I'm excited for what's to come. Thanks for having faith in us.

To my creator, I am just in awe of the work that I, in my small piece of this world, have seen you do. I love you. Thank you for not giving up on me and for allowing me to be part of your team even though I've never done a thing to deserve it.