I Have One friend...

I have one friend. Actually, I have more than one. I have many friends. Many great friends. 

I have one friend who has been my friend since elementary Girl Scouts. She is funny and talented and treats me like a sister. She is the only sister I've ever known. We've schemed together, prayed together, cooked together, laughed together, cried together, dreamed together; we enjoy being together. She has taught me that it is never too late to take up a new hobby. She has also taught me that when you start it, finish it and do the best job you possibly can. I've learned that she handles adversity better than I do. I've also learned that, through Jesus, friends can grow closer with each passing year.  

I have one friend who joined my life when I needed a spark of creativity and energy. She keeps me up on the latest, the greatest, the trendiest.  Each time I am around her, I am reminded of how real she is. She is honest, she knows herself, she knows me and she still loves me for all of my shortcomings. This girl has rhythm.  She is dramatic, funny and full of life. She makes everyone feel comfortable and as though they are her best friend. The Lord has shaped her and changed her and blessed me through her. Because of her, I have learned that the Lord has my greatest desires in mind and is able to do more than I can ever ask or imagine. She is a great teacher, daughter, wife and friend.

I have one friend who knew my husband long before I did. This girl knows how to trust. She is a testimony of God's faithfulness and provision and the way she chooses to live her life reminds me of these attributes. She knows the truths of God and they are always on her lips.  I complain to her and she lets me. Then, she gently rebukes me and sharpens me in the sweetest, most loving manner. I see her often, but much less than I would like to. She is a precious fragrance in my life. She, her husband and her children have brought so much laughter and joy to my family. Together, the Lord has changed our hearts from knowing only the facts of Jesus' love, to the ways he still chooses to work in the hearts and lives of believers.  She is gentle and patient and accepting and prayerful and encouraging.

I have one friend who is so similar to me. She thinks much like I do, she lives much like I do and she is precious to me. I admire her and respect her. I love her pure, deep love for Christ and the way he woos her heart to his each day. She is funny and strong and wise and a deep-thinker. I have sought her counsel and trusted her advice.  She is a great mother and wife and really loves the people in her life. I love her stability and intensity.  She has taught me to treasure each moment and to find simple ways to remind those around me of my love for them. She is as refreshing as the ocean breeze!

I have one friend who gives. And then she gives some more. And more and more and more. She is one of the greatest friends I have known. She is funny, witty, like-able and strong. She has not let life's set-backs impel her future. She serves the Lord and people with no reservations. She gives of her time, her money and her talents. She is true, down-to-earth, and loved by so many. Her life of ministry has had far greater reach than she will ever know. I can testify; it has reached so far down into my heart that I am more in love with Jesus because of her. I watch her, I study her and then I thank Jesus that he placed that precious heart inside of my friend. She is a treasure!

I have one friend who is family. I loved her before she was family, but being family has strengthened my love for her. She is prepared, thorough and kind-hearted. She has shown me what forgiveness means. Forgiveness is a lifestyle, a daily choice. Through her, I've grown to understand the discipline of following Christ. She is a fabulous mother and friend. She is a loving sister and daughter. She is an encourager and a perfectionist. She is sensitive to others and speaks only kind words. She is open, honest, witty and fun. I am so thankful that we are family!

I have one friend who is the life of the party. When she shows up, memories are made. She is smart and talented. She is also honest and giving. She pours her self into her tasks and always produces perfection. She is adveturous and spontaneous. She is a supporter.  She goes out of her way to give to others. Because of her, I've laughed until my side hurt on too many occasions.

I have one friend who is new. She has been a huge blessing in my life. We are similar in spirit, in heart and in life. She has encouraged me in motherhood and been available to me. She is easy to be around, loved by all and so special to me.  She is beautiful, genuine, a steward and full of energy. She pours herself into her family and because of that, her children will call her blessed. She has given me her time, her ear, her love and her resources. I am so thankful for my newest friend.

The Lord has poured loving and pure women into my life. The greatest thing about each of these friendships is that, in the end, they all reflect the love of Jesus. The creative, perfect, genuine, joyful, real, wise love of my Savior. Thank you Jesus for friends! 

I am so grateful for my one friend.