I Admire You.

 Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God has plans for us, good plans. He tells us that God's plans ultimately lead to our betterment, and not our demise. Every experience, good or bad, will shape us into who we become. God knows what we need and when we need it. He knows what we don't need as well. He knows the situations we need to be in, and when and how to remove us from them. He knows the people we need to be with, and when to separate us from them. 

That being said, today, I'm thinking about my friends. I'm thinking about the people and the lessons their friendships have taught me. These aren't my only friends. There are so many unforgettable ones that I couldn't possibly mention them all, but right now, a few people come to mind.....

There's Candice. When I started thinking about writing this post, she's the first one I thought of. From her, I learned the power of an honest compliment. Candice talks in compliments, and doesn't hesitate for a second to tell the people she cares about not just that she loves them, but how she loves them. By her example, I saw something I needed to improve. Hence, I have written this post.

I thought I should tell Kim that because of her, I try not to wear black and brown together....ever. I should say that before I knew her, I didn't really understand the importance or even the need to have friendships with other girls. I also know from knowing her, that just because people may be separated by miles, their friendship doesn't have to suffer. So, I thought I should probably say thank you.

I have Robyn to thank for ever even meeting Kim, but her friendship has left me with a lesson too: Compassion. Compassion is not just a synonym for caring. Compassion is Romans 12:15 "Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep." Compassion is listening with both ears, feeling with your whole heart, and knowing when to speak and when to close your mouth.

Shalana left a lesson too. Hers, though much lighter, is just as important. Shalana lives life, and she's crazy about it. She make makes me remember that life is fun, and the funnest way to live it, is by the seat of your pants. It's ok to be a least a little goofy sometimes! Have an adventure. Thanks Lana.

Tina showed me that everyone has a love language, a certain way that they express or interpret love. Knowing her, is teaching me that in order to really love someone, you have to figure what their language is and speak to them through it. The message you think you're sending is not always the one that others perceive.

I learned the value of a support when I met Stahr. I was in a new place, and I thought I could handle it, but all the new stuff was more than I could take. I guess God knew that and had put her on standby or something, because there she was...right when we needed each other. I'm learning that being supportive and having support is often the difference between success and failure.

I had no idea what I was getting into when I became friends with Liz. I knew right away that she was "from the race that knows Joseph,"  as Anne Shirley says ( that means I figured we were kindred spirits). What I didn't know was, she "cray cray"! But that's ok. Liz made me remember something I forgot about myself. I'm Cra(z)y Cra(z)y too. I've learned from her not to hide my personality for the sake of making a good impression, and waiting until later to let people really get to know me. I've learned to let my true colors show from the start, but to make sure that those true colors are worth showing in the first place.

"Friends are the flowers that bloom in life's garden" I've heard it said, and I have a big garden. Every single flower in my garden is special, each in a different way. I cherish every one. I want to have the nerve to show them just how much I cherish them. So, today I've shone a spotlight on just a few, but I hope all the others know that as much as I admire these, 

I admire you...