Dear God ...

... thank you for giving us friends ... old friends that knew us when we dreamed dreams that we now live and watched us develop into what we have now become. Thank you that miles and locations play no role in the closeness you keep in the hearts of friends. Thank you that small trips to see one another make huge impacts in our emotional and spiritual well-being. Thank you that weight and health issues fall by the way-side when friends assess value of one another. Thank you that when friends share faith in Jesus Christ, life on earth is just an introductory chapter to what lies ahead of us in eternity.

Thank you for giving my friend, Beverly, the vacation time and resources to spend a week with us Elledge's. Thank you that she made a kindred impression on my daughters. Thank you that she revived my spirit by just talking the same language my heart does. Thank you that she knows how to laugh ... and to cry. Thank you for letting her find the biggest "bling" I've ever seen on the planet and makes Libby want to grow up and be just like Beverly! Thank you that she told stories about my "out of the box" thinking as a young woman that inspired Parker and Addison and gave them a peak into my "younger" years.

Thank you for the tears at the airport ... and her scent lingering on our pillows. Thank you for creating pockets of time that brings such sweetness.

Thank you that only a day later, Marcie got to hang out with us for a short day. Thank you for the vision and purpose you've put on her heart to serve you. Thank you for a cool day to show her the sights. Thank you for her words that reminded us that you have a plan for the whole world. Thank you for her journey of faith that inspires our own.

I'm tired. But I'm full to the gills with giddy sweetness from visits from friends. What will heaven be like? You are so good .... and I'm so grateful.

Your happy daugther,
Christina