friends

Community

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This week I was reminded that we are to live as a community, supporting one another.

This week I got the opportunity to love on a friend of mine as she mourned the loss of her father. I understand her grief as I continue to mourn the recent loss of my mother. Grief is a journey you can get lost on if you are not careful. I believe that is why God has us in communities of people, so that we can support each other as we go through this process.

I have a high priest who understands this type of pain. Although the story is not in the Bible, it is implied that He understands the loss of a parent because his earthly father, Joseph was not around during the time of Jesus’ ministry on earth. Jesus gets this journey on earth and knows that we are better together.  It is the second greatest commandment: love your neighbor as yourself.

God blessed me with the opportunity to know not only the daughter, but the mother as well. Over the last couple of years, I got to know her mother while serving in leadership with her working for God’s kingdom. It took me a while to make the connection that I was serving with my friend’s mother. But I was not surprised because awesome women create more awesome women.

I went to bless them, and they were the blessing to me. When times are hard, the Lord will send a community of believers to hold you up. Let them.  We mourn together. We laugh together. We pray together. Each day He give us what we need. Each other. We are much stronger than we think we are.

13 Days Til Christmas

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I have told you about my crew, but they deserve another mention. The Wrong Way Crew got together to celebrate Christmas. It is one of the momumental moments of my life. We had a great time.  There is always laughter, food and shenanigans with this crew.

Karen

Like sisters do, mine had to interrupt my selfie. The evening was young and payback was getting ready to cash the check she wrote.  The crew celebrated with some good mexican food and present exchange.  We had a great table back in the corner so we could hear what each other had to say. After lots of laughter, we went for a walk and took some pictures.

Family

This is payback for sticking her fingers in my selfie. I invited myself into her picture. Cause that is what sisters do.

WWC Crew

We are a picture taking crew.  But we are really cute, so it is all good. I won’t share the photos with Elvis Elf or our club pose by the red tree. (Someday one of these women might run for office) But know that we had great conversation, excellent food and more fun than many people ever have in their entire life.

22 Days Til Christmas

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This might be a weird Christmas present to some, but to me, it was one of the best.  This year some friends invited us to a Passover Seder.  This is a Jewish celebration of the Passover. Jewish people celebrate the passover to commemorate the night Death passed over them, but killed the Egyptian firstborn.

My friends went through a lot of trouble to walk some Christians through this meal and the readings.  They prepared a meal and bought wine.  They borrowed dishes and made copies of readings.  They walked our Gentile minds through their Jewish experience. It was a great experience.

Seder

 

The bible I read puts the passover in a historical and spiritual perspective.  Walking through some of the steps with my Jewish friends added a physical dimension for me.  I couldn’t help but think, that this is what they did at the Last Supper.

I am grateful for the experience because it has added another dimension to my Christian walk.

23 Days Till Christmas

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It is easy to get caught up in the need for more things. We spend a lot of time thinking about the things we want and dream about, but not enough time grateful for the things we have.

God has given me some awesome friends! I have the best time with my WWC (Wrong Way Crew). We have earned this nickname because we are always going the wrong way (directionally) even with GPS.

With Me

The night this name stuck, we were in Washington DC heading for our hotel.  We had just gotten off the Metro and were walking down some dark streets with our suitcase.  We walked almost two blocks from our hotel before we realized we were going the wrong way.

What I love about these ladies is that they make me laugh. I laugh so hard I almost black out for lack of oxygen. We have learned to enjoy life whether it is travelling across the country or hanging out in our home city.

IMG_2394 (640x427)

24 Days Til Christmas

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Some days God will give you a work environment that is like family. Cherish those moments. I remember being a young woman running around the editorial floor, dodging Shankman, giggling with Lois and wonder “what the world?” about Bob. I was inspired by Serena’s art and got the biggest kick out of Annette.  They encourage me in a way, no one has since. We talked, laughed and supported one another.

Even though the company is gone and regular contact doesn’t happen, it is so sweet to gather together with these folks. This year I went to the reunion. It was a blessing. I loved having all of my sisters together.

Friends

It was a good reminder that sometimes coworkers can be lifelong friends. It is not always true, which is what makes them special.

My work experience over the last ten years has been filled with hateful, mean spirited people that the Lord has used to sand my rough places. He taught me through these people that no weapon formed against me shall prosper. He gave me the reunions and good memories during the tough times, so that I could hold on to them and know they are coming back again. He wanted me to know that not everyone you work with is going to be your friend and encourage you.

If you are having a rough patch, hold on to the good memories. They are coming back. The Lord is very good at separating sheep and goats. Watch and wait.

Friends

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Today I am thankful for friends. I have been blessed to know some of the most interesting people on the planet. They inspire me.

I am not talking about the words Facebook uses as friends. I am talking about those folks who have physically moved me over and over again. I am talking about the ones who we sat laughing so hard we almost passed out for lack of oxygen. I am talking about the ones have supported me through ups and downs.

My friends have taught me more than I ever learned in school. They have encouraged me. They have been God’s hugs and kisses. They bless me.