a repost from 11/07 in honor of s4j's BirthdayThis is Judi.
We became friends one fateful day in 1987 when she jammed into the high school locker room with her Walkman's earphones, on singing George Michael's Faith loud and proud.
We became cousins in 1995 when she married my husband's cousin in a beautiful wedding it was my honor to be a part of.
We became sisters in 1997 when she accepted the Lord standing in church right next to me.
It's been my honor to know this phenomenal lady with a voice like an angel, a heart that aches to follow after God, and wisdom I'm just not even sure she knows she has. This twenty two year friendship (gasp! how can it be so long?) has been one that has had far more ups than downs, and has taught me so many lessons about friendship, parenting, love, and life. I am a better person for having met her that day in the locker room, for I was introduced to this quirky, beautiful, talented girl who would challenge me even as a teen to be honest about who I am and what my motives are. She is an encourager who pushes me to be better and try harder. She bailed me out when I found out I was having twins, she was in my wedding (and I hers), she makes herself available at the drop of a hat (or tear or whatever) and knows me better than I know myself.
There's so much more I could tell, about her gifts of organization & photography- or about her insightful analysis or amazing parenting skills. But today I want to give her extra love because she is facing a huge sacrifice with courage and dignity that I am not sure I would have. This sacrifice is looming over her head as she celebrates the birthday of her twins, keeps up on her housework, leads worship, and takes care of business. I'm so proud of her. The faith that she has developed over the last few years quickly overcame any faith I thought I had and now serves as a model of who I'd like to be. She's my own personal Proverbs 31 woman.
Friends like this are rare, I know. I thank God for her often. I can't imagine who I would be without her and the other amazing women He's put in my life.
Happy Birthday, My dear, sweet friend. I love you.
PS: GLAD YOU'RE OLD NOW TOO.
The heartfelt counsel of a friend
is as sweet as perfume and incense.
Proverbs 28:9
is as sweet as perfume and incense.
Proverbs 28:9
12 comments:
*sniff* The blessings are truly mine.
I know of these special friends that God truly GIFTS to us. There's nothing like them.
Awww...how sweet! It looks like you got married around the same time I started college. It seems like a lifetime ago. :) BTW: beautiful floral dresses! I'm sure I had something similar. :)
Woot! I.heart.S4J. She is totally awesome. I enjoyed loving on her today. I got a hug and everything. If I could have traded places with you for the day, though, I would have so you could have enjoyed her today.
I thank God for awesome friends, and for my bestie, Nene. :)
P.S. She's the incredible shrinking woman! She looks great!
Happiest of happies, sister-cousin-awesome friend of HG's, & now...of us. Many happy returns.
*smile* it truly is a blessing to look over at a friend and see them for the gift that they are - even if that 'looking' is from a great distance. Such a strange and wonderul kind of love that God has made. We need to e perience it more often.
Ok girl, between your post and CarpoolQueens, (and my hormonal state(...this post has got me sniffling!
What a beautiful, beautiful and honoring post to your friend/cousin/sister.
Beautiful!
You are a sweet friend. Happy Bday S4J!
Ok...I am crying and....I know you've spent more time with here then I ever have and probably will ever get the chance to...and she is my blood cousin darn it all!
her*
HAPPY BIRTHDAY S4J! She does sing like an angel and I'm honored to know that first hand!
Beautiful words, HisGirl.
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