~ F.R.I.E.N.D.S.~

As I type that out all I can hear is the theme song from the T.V. Show " Friends" . It is one of my favorite programs EVER !!!! And it has become a fave of a few of my besties as well . Good thing , who else would I have to play Friends Trivia with if it hadn't ?! Yes, I own Friends Trivia.....don't judge. I love a board game !! Anyway, I spent a few days this last week in Chattanooga . It wasn't a just "for fun" trip, but it was fun none the less . Now that I'm back home, resting, recovering and unpacking I'm reminded of what wonderful friends I have and how much of a blessing that is . I have no siblings so I think God has always given me amazing friends in place of that .

I was able to spend a lot of time with my friends and their little ones. I love being Aunt Stacie . Give them toys, candy , and when they get unruly I give them back to their owners.  Isn't that what Aunts are suppose to do ?! I'm always amazed at how fast these lil' ones grow, change and learn . It's fascinating to me . I adore the time just to go to the park with them , holding them and giving them their bottle . I am so impressed by my super mom friends . I don't know how they do it all . As I walked through the park with one of my dear friends, my dog, and her 3 kids I couldn't help but think , "She is super woman" . I have no idea how she wrangles them all, knows what they need, and stays so up beat . She really is  a super hero in my eyes . Which is handy, cause her son seems to think the entire family is dressing up as the "Incredibles" for Halloween .

Piper Jane and Jack on a little stroll

I house hopped and  stayed with several different friends on my visit . I'm so grateful they all enjoy hosting . I'm not sure what I'd do with out them . Jack Davis got to spend time with a few of his dog friends and I got to meet one of the newer lil' one's added to my "niece/nephew" list . He is so cute and chubby I just wanna hold him all the time . I was able to do a quick catch up with a few former colleagues and have some fun girl time as well . It was totally what the doctor ordered . Laughter is seriously one of the best healers that we have . I'm a giggle box as is, but when I get with my friends there's just no time for breathing between laughs . I don't know why I bother with putting on make up some times . I'm just going to cry it all off with laughter tears anyway . There was also some much needed down time of just sitting and chatting . I'm so glad that my friends are fairly laid back . It makes times like this all that much more healing .

Rett

 



You never know what relationship is going to turn into a life long one . I am proud to be able to call some of my former colleagues friends  . A week ago I went to support one of my former RA's as she coached her Volley Ball team at a near by college . During the game I found myself teary eyed . I was so proud to see how she's grown since our time working/ministering together . She was a wonderful woman of God then and has only grown even more wonderful since .

Melly Coaching

I often find myself in times of trial wanting to lean only on my own strength . It seems so easy to believe the lies of the enemy that we are alone in our battles . The last few weeks have reminded me what a lie that is . I may never easily lean on others, but I'm so grateful that I have others to lean on and that trust me enough to lean on me . I'm grateful to have people who accept me as is and understand this about me . I hope to be as good a friend to all of them as they are to me .  Near or far friendship is a valuable thing . I am blessed to know so many great people and to be able to call them friends .

Whether it be one or twenty take a minute to thank the Lord for the friends He has given you . They truly are such a blessing . Imagine walking this life all alone . I couldn't do it, though some times I foolishly try .

 

John 15:13 NIV
Greater Love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

 

Proverbs 27:17 NIV
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

 

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NIV
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!