My Beautiful Friends
 
“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
 
I have wanted to do this for a while. I have these amazing people in my life who bless me constantly, and who give me an incredible amount of insight, help, counsel, and of course love.
 
My friend Paola--beautiful (she could have been a supermodel), fun, funny, smart, shy, stylish, artistic, a great cook, and always with the quickest wit--never hesitates to call me dense (mensa) among other things, when I need to hear it, challenges me on why I do things the way I do, and would give me both her kidneys if I asked her to. She is a bleeding heart with a tough spirit, and that combination makes her the most loyal friend. Thank you, Paola, for all you have meant to my life. I believe that God brought you into my life, and that he has a special plan for you and your family. You will never know how much I think about you, pray for you, and long for you to be in the same city again. I love you.
 
And Cynthia--faithful, faithful, faithful. You make me laugh, you make me think. I could kick a puppy and you would still love me, take me to a psychologist, ask me “what were you thinking, stupid?” and love me some more. You are the one who stands beside me, and props me up as I droop. I can feel when you are praying for me, and I know that not a day goes by that you don’t think about me, which is extraordinary since we have only seen each other twice in 15 years (and both of those times were at Christmas!) I can see God using you daily, and how he is growing his love in your enormous heart to bless those around you. You are a real, true treasure.
 
God, you have given me two kindred spirits. Thank you for providing them for me, for surrounding me by women of nobility, women of grace, strength, beauty, and love. They are more than I deserve, but everything that I need. You are good, God. And I see your goodness in my friends. Thank you.
Saying Thanks
Monday, May 26, 2008
Paola--with just one of many ways that she shows me how much she loves me. They actually stopped on the highway in Arizona to take this picture for us, amidst crying kids, fatigue, and just wanting to get home. Now that’s a friend...