Proverbs 27:9

"Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel" Proverbs 27:9.

There are some people who are blessed by maintaining friendships with people from their youth. For example, my brother has impressive relationships with a group of guys from his grammar school days. They still get together, many of them now with wives and children of their own, and they include each other in their lives. I fondly respect the friendship he has with these boys (now men). I remember them when they were in first grade, running around on the soccer fields. Of course that seems like yesterday!

I, on the other hand, do not have a core group like my brother. Perhaps it is because I have moved so many times. Also, my mom encouraged me to grow close with Christ, because Christ is constant and gilrfriends can be fickle. Now don't get me wrong, I have friends with whom I keep in contact, like Cindy, my kindergarten friend. We email every now and then. And my friend Cassie from Virginia; it doesn't take long for us to catch up. My cousin Karrie is a dear and trusted friend, and my sisters-in-law, Carey and Sarah, are considered true sisters in my heart. And Todd is my best friend!

But it was our move to Charlotte that brought a wonderful and true friendship. My friendship with Amy Parrott blossomed a little of a year ago over lunch at Chick-fil-A. Over the past months, she has reminded me of the importance of having "girl"friends and has encouraged me to foster relationships with other women.

We were talking about our friendship today, and how it has effected our lives. I am happy to know that I have positively influenced her life, because I know she has blessed mine. Not only is she, "perfume and incense [that] bring joy to [my] heart," but even more importantly, "the pleasantness of [her] springs from [her] earnest counsel." It took me 30 years, but I now have a friend who brings joy to my heart and sharpens me both in matters of life and spirit. What a true blessing and definitely something for which to be thankful!

I am thankful for...

1. God's gift of friendship.
2. Michael and Daniel sleeping 12 hours at nighttime now!
3. Caden being so much fun when he comes over to play.
4. my friend Jason, who has been a blessing in my life for over 10 years. That's right Jason, you are a gift from God :)
5. yummy blueberry muffins.
6. my mom and dad teaching me the love of Christ at a very young age.
7. Todd only having one more grad class this semester.
8. the extended hours at the post office.
9. being rested and healthy.
10. my wonderful neighbor friends, Jennifer and Laura.