Thankful Thursday

This Thursday I'm really thankful for my friends. I could go on and on about so many different friends, and how much they have been there for me--not just in the last few months, but, with some, many years! Tonight I'm going to just write about 5 friends--if you are not on this list, please don't feel like I don't appreciate you or thank God for you. I could write so many wonderful things about each of you--please know that I love you all so much and am truly thankful for you--I'm just getting kind of sleepy!! =)

Jenny Brannan~~

Jenny and I have been friends since the summer before 6th grade. She and I have done so much together, been through many phases of life together, and are truly lifelong friends. Just this week, I got in the mail two special, thoughtful, and wonderful packages from her. She sent me this devotional study that she thought would benefit me. It is a Bible study all about coping with a pregnancy loss, and the truths that God gives us in the Bible about his promises. Today in the mail arrived this ornament. She had it specially made for us, and it is absolutely PERFECT. Justin and I collect ornaments each year to put on our tree, and this year, I was really wondering what kind of ornament I could get to be Jonathan's on our tree. "Baby's 1st Christmas" ornaments that I see everywhere just didn't seem right--but this one definitely is!! The ornament is called "In God's Hand" and has all of his information on the back--including the meaning of his name!

What a treasure!

Jenny had a miscarriage late this summer. It absolutely broke my hear that it happened to her too--it is not something I would ever want a friend to experience. But she has handled it so well, and has let God give her hope in His plan for her life. Thank you Jenny, even with what you are going through in your life, being there for me. I can't tell you how much these special gifts meant to me this week! I'm praying for you that God will bless you and Jeff with another baby soon! I love you, Bob!

Amy Walker~~

(Hope this pic is okay, Amy--I know you're picky!! =-)Amy and I have been friends for two years, and I am so thankful for her. I'm always amazed how God brings you certain friends, just when you really need them. Amy and I share the journey through fertility issues, and it sure has been an answer to my prayers to have someone who understands the desperate, lonely, scary journey that it is. Even though, after we became friends, we only lived in the same town for a few months, she and I have bonded, and I know we will be lifelong friends--someday going on vacations together with our children!! Amy is such a funny, creative, thoughtful, sensitve person, and is truly and amazing woman. Amy--I'm so thankful to have you in my life--I'm proud to call you friend! Love you!

Diane Rojeski~~

In terms of friends, Diane is my oldest. Not that she is old, by any means, being only years older than me, but in terms that she and I have been friends for over 25 years!!! I was 2 when Diane and I met--our older brothers were in kindergarten, and living on the same street, we went with our moms to pick them up. The friendship was born! From teaching me how to tie my shoelaces to being there for me with such words of wisdom from the Lord after we lost Jonathan, Diane is a blessing from God. She is such a smart person, and is so talented in all that she does!! I have always looked up to her and I have confidence that she will always be there for me. Diane--thank you for your love, your faithfulness as a friend, and for being my sis! I love you!

Dara Bender~~

Dara and I have been friends since our freshman year of college. We lived across the hall from each other, and spent hours together--many late at night!! I can't begin to express what a great friend Dara has been to me. She is the kind of friend who helps you to become a better person. Dara is a friend that truly cares about what is going on in my life--even when her life is busy and full! She is such a talented and creative person, and she is an amazing mom. As I've posted in an earlier blog, Dara and Brian have two of the most amazing and beautiful children!! I'm proud to be Brianna and Riley's Auntie Aly!! Dara--thanks for your love and your friendship. Even though we're so far apart, I know that we will always be close friends! I love you so much!

Jolene Erickson ~~

Jolene and I have been friends for a little over 3 years. We met when we joined their lifegroup and have been friends ever since. Jolene is the kind of friend who you can be yourself with. She has such a great sense of humor, and her Minnesota accent, sayings, and mannerisms absolutely crack me up! Jolene is my Starbucks buddy, and we have so much fun on our "dates"!! Jolene has been there for me this year, and I'm thankful for her love, prayers, and tender heart. Jo--I love you so much, and am so glad that we're friends. Honestly--it wouldn't be near as fun living here in Texas if we weren't friends! You're the best!

It's funny to me, when I think about it, that all of these friends but one, live no where near me! Actually, that is true of just about all of my closest friends. It just shows me that God has brought these wonderful women into my life, and no matter how far apart we live, or how long it is in between talks or visits, each is a lifelong friend, and I am truly thankful to have them in my life!! I can't imagine life without you!