"I Would Just Like to Thank . . . "

I would just like to begin my day by publicly thanking the Lord for the people that He has purposely placed in my life for specific seasons such as the one we have been going through for the last 3 ½ years. While I know that I have numerous friends and family who are constantly praying on our behalf, I’d like to point out two individuals specifically who have overwhelmed me with their love and support throughout this process.

First, there’s my big sister, Harmony, who never ceases to amaze me. She has always been my best friend, even through times when we’ve been far away from each other (both physically and emotionally). But as we’ve grown into adults and began our lives as wives and mothers (obviously only on her end there), she has become my strength, my confidant, my prayer warrior, my encourager, and an amazing example of how to live a life of service and faithfulness to our God. Almost daily she will send scripture, cards, gifts, and reminders of her love as a means to uplift my spirit and reiterate that I am not alone in this process. One thing that speaks to me the most is that even though we live in 2 different states, separated by 7 hours in between, she has never allowed that to be an excuse or reason to not be there for me every time I need her (and even during those times when I don’t realize how much I need her). She has proven her dedication to me relentlessly, and for that I am humbled and most grateful.

Secondly, there’s my sweet and dear friend, Kelly. Having only met Kelly and her husband Rob a short while ago, they have moved in like a freight train in our life and we have been changed for the better as a result of it. I have found throughout my 27 years of life on this earth that true and genuine friends are very difficult to come by. For the most part, people are always looking for ways that their life can be enhanced by your presence in it – and not in the best ways. However, Kelly has proven to me that there are still people out there who genuinely care for others with no expectations of anything in return. Not only is she super fun to be with, but she is constantly caring for me and loving me in ways that I haven’t felt from friends in a very long time. Just this morning she sent me an email that brought me to tears explaining how she feels led to begin fasting in prayer for Chris and I until our last round of treatment. She has vowed to give up all sweets so that when a craving or temptation comes she will begin to pray for our future family instead. What an amazing sacrifice! I don’t know what I could have possibly done to merit such a friend, but my life has truly changed because of her and the example that she is to me.

It goes without saying that we feel more than blessed by these women (and others) in our life. We cannot thank God enough for surrounding us with these dear people during the most difficult season in our life thus far. What we can do is continue to praise God for them daily and show them that they are just as important to us as we are to them and that we intend to do our part to deserve such sweet and wonderful friendship.

We love you so much and thank our God every time we remember you! (Phil 1:3)

Craftiness!

My friend, Sarah Tucker, has this wonderful new blog ("Create") where she features all sorts of wonderful homemade crafts (click on the link on the right side of the page). Well, needless to say, she has inspired me to bring back my creative side! I don't have too much time to allow to being creative, but I do love to be crafty, so I give it whatever time I have available. I find that mostly I enjoy creating baby items - pace clips, burpie cloths, onesies, bibs, etc. Perhaps because there's always someone having a baby and these make for such great gifts! My friend, Jaime, is having a shower this morning and here are some things I made for her.