Friendship Is...

Today I feel very inspired to write on the value of friendships....

As I prepare myself physically and emotionally to leave what I've always known as home, I've been re-evaluating my belongings and throwing out what is old and worn-out and carefully boxing up what I know will continue to be a part of my future. I find it ironic how in some strange way, friendships can be quite similar. There are those that come into your life for a season or a purpose and then its over and time to move on - and then there are those friends that are like a well-made piece of furniture - they're timeless, beautiful and will always fit. You know you have a true friend when no matter what changes you go through in life, they will always stand beside you, believe in you, trust in you and bring out the best in you. If I can, I would like to thank those friends of mine who have always been dear to me - who have always been faithful and true. This is not a good-bye by any means, for we know that the depth of friendship we've been blessed with, can surpass any amount of distance. But more than anything, I really wanted to take a moment to really recognize those in my life that show they care, respect and value the friendship we share.

Here are some great friendship quotes that really ring true:

"Some friendships do not last, but some friends are more loyal than brothers."

Proverbs 18:24

"An honest answer is the sign of true friendship."

Proverbs 24:26

"A friend is one who strengthens you with prayers, blesses you with love

and encourages you with hope."

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If I can be a little more sappy, I have to say, that time is an incredible thing. If you find yourself continually fighting to keep a friendship alive, maybe you should ask why? Is it an uplighting or encouraging thing? Pastor Jeff Knight at my church said in a sermon of his once that relationships are like elevators, they will either bring you up or bring you down. Aren't you amazed when you think back on your friendships and you see that no matter what stage of life you've gone through - whatever valley or mountain top you've experienced...maybe a death, or new life or even a marriage...how wondeful it is to see how God keeps certain people in your life to always encourage, lean on and celebrate life with?

I feel truly blessed with those in my life that I know will bring out my best and that I can bring the best out of them. They are those that don't judge, speak falsley behind my back, slander, gossip or make assumptions. They will love you and stand beside you, no matter what church you attend, where you live or who you marry. They are an expression of unconditional love. Thank you my dear friends for your faithfullness...you know who you are.

A Time for Goodbye's....

27 days to go!

I'm very excited to begin my new life with Jason in Nashville, TN - at the same time, it's very bittersweet. I have such a wonderful family and incredible friends that I will be leaving behind. And yet at the same time, I have learned through practice, that distance does not need to seperate or weaken relationships. Some of the closest friendships I have, are long-distance and have only deepened with time. Absence can truly make the heart grow fonder, if you let it. Many years ago, I was prophesied over by a man named Doug Sherman who said that he saw me"going beyond what I knew as home" and that he saw me corresponding through letters - well here ya go, its all beginning to unfold.



2 weeks ago Jason and I headed back to Nashville for a few days with our dear friends Tina & Jay Frees. We had a fabulous time and we met some new friends, saw some sights and even secured our new apartment. While trying to figure out a place to live, Jason had remembered that when he had first moved to Nashville he roomed with some guys at a complex called Twin Oaks not to far from the airport in Nashville. We checked it out and they had a couple apartments available that were 2 bed/2 ba and 1250 sq ft - ALL FOR $775 A MONTH! Can you believe it? The change in the cost of living will sure be a nice change for us. It's perfect for a guest room and seperate bath too - so we can have our friends & family come stay with us when they visit.

So now we're in a process of preparing to move. We've hired a moving company to pick up on our stuff on Friday the 14th of April and then we'll stay the weekend with my parents while Jason gets in a couple more nights of work and then we're off on our roadtrip across America! We love roadtrips - and I'm so excited to make some really fun memories with Jason during those 8 days we're on the road! So far our stops include a couple nights at my cousins in Montana, a stop in Denver, CO where we'll see a Colorado Rockies game and also stay the night. Then we're off to Mill's, New Mexico (hopefully) for a night or two to stay with some friends of Jason's on thier ranch, a night in Amarillo, TX with the Skypala's and then finally our last night at a B&B near Little Rock, Arkansas. I can't even tell you how excited I am!!!

As we get closer to moving, I'll try to get some more pictures to post on the blog!