This past weekend was full of many old and true friends. I love my friendships with these special people. They hold a dear place in my heart for many reasons, but the most important is the love that we all share for our Lord-Jesus Christ. I am constantly blessed and amazed at how much that means.



First, on Friday, I got to enjoy time with my friend Sarah. We may have only seen each other, in person, 2 times in the last two years, but we always pick right up as if time hasn't really passed at all. We took in a Tigers' game with some other Olivet College Alumni, which was a good time. My favorite part-being able to chat and catch up on life with her. (A close second: Maglio!!! :p ) Sarah is on her way to L.A. to begin down her road to being famous. I am so thankful that I had this time with her before she left. She's amazing and such an inspiration to me. Sarah, you ROCK!



Saturday was an open house for Rebecca. I am so proud of her-after a lot of hard work she has graduated from college. In less than a month she will be on her way to S.C. for a teaching job that I firmly believe God designed just for her. I'm super excited about this wonderful opportunity for her. I am going to miss her, but know that God has some really great things in store for her. I admire her courage in taking this step in her life and hope that when it's my turn, she can help give me the healthy little shove I'm going to need. :p



A few other really great friends showed up to celebrate with her. Their presence was a gentle reminder of memories that I truly love and of how good God has been to me. Some people are lucky to have at least one good friend. I have been fortunate enough to have many. I have been so blessed in this lifetime with friends that I love and who love me.



All of this came at a time when I am mourning the loss of a friend. Just last week a friend of mine from college passed away. He went quietly in his sleep and for that I am extremely thankful. However, I am still shocked and saddened that someone I used to see daily during our college years, someone who made me laugh, someone who was really good to me and my family, someone who is my age, is gone. Being able to spend time with friends was so helpful and comforting. God must have known that not only would I completely enjoy being with these friends, I was going to need it.

"But as for me, I will always have hope"

Psalm 71:14