Blessed beyond measure

Time is flying by

the year is coming to a close

I cannot believe in a very short time

I will have to say goodbye

some for just a few months

but others for who knows how long

There have been so many people God has brought to me this year

Some relationships were strengthened

Others were new, but flourished quickly

It seems impossible to believe how some friends

I never knew until this year

God is so good

and has blessed me beyond measure 

I thought I had already received my blessing here

I figured last year was the best I could ask for

and although I miss those girls like crazy

and wish they were back here again

I have so many more relationships to thank God for every day

I have received such encouragement

strength in the hard times

support when the skies were gray 

or the homework seemed to never end

laughs in both the good and the bad times

hugs when I thought I couldn't stand

or when our joy overflowed 

If you would have asked me 9 months ago

who I would befriend this year

who I would miss when the year came to a close

who would make an impact on my life 

who I would discover as role models 

and people to just have a good time with

I would have never in a million years

named those who have become those things for me

I would have never chosen them

but God knew better

He knew who I needed

who would make an impact

be an encouragement

be a friend in hard times

and I am so grateful for His wisdom

for His work in my life to bring these people to me

I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world

and would not want anything different for myself

They each have played different roles

each important in their own special way

every one of them having left a mark on my life

which I hope never to forget

This has not been an easy year

I could sit here and complain about all the reasons why

but there is no need

God has walked with me

and I have been blessed with friends

who were there through think and thin

through sunshine and rain

I want to thank you

each and every one

thank you for your kindness

friendship

love

compassion

support

encouragement

hugs

laughter

tears

prayers

and even your criticism 

Now with the year ending shortly

we will be going our separate ways

back home for most

to friends we have missed and cherish also

and for some, to a new job or location for the summer

where new relationships will be built 

I wish those of you who are graduating

blessings upon blessings

and for those who I will see in the fall

have an amazing summer

make the best of it

You all are beautiful and created in God's image.

He loves you and so do I.

Stay strong and I will be praying for all of you

God Bless!

Quote of the Day:

""Just when you think that a person is just a backdrop for the rest of the universe, watch them and see that they laugh, they cry, they tell jokes ... they're just friends waiting to be made." 

-Dr. Jeffrey Borenstein

"Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather is one of those things that give value to survival." 

- C. S. Lewis