Honoring My Friends

These are verses honoring my friends. I'm putting them in time order. Wyn is first because I've known her for thirty years now. Debbie is last but certainly not least.

Some of my friends were like a brief flicker in my life that have come and gone. Others I still communicate with and they remain deeply intertwined into the fabric of my life. Regardless, they have all made a difference in who I've become. Each and every one have impacted my life. Each have influenced who I am in some way.

For each and every one of them, I am thankful. I honor them and thank them for being the beautiful women they are. I am so blessed to have these women around me.

Whether you've been with me since my childhood, or if you're just getting to know me: you are in my life for a reason, and I pray I can bless you half as much as you've blessed me!


Wyn

Our friendship has been thriving for three decades-
just toddlers when we met, but the friendship remains.
You love your family and of them you're proud;
you aren't afraid to live your life out loud.
You can do whatever you set your mind to...
you're strong- but have a soft fragility about you.
Though you live quite a distance-- several states away;
you're always in my heart...that's where you'll stay.


Tracy

We've been friends since the elementary days;
How did we weather that awkward, preteen stage?
You turned out to be such a beautiful girl-
all of our friends thought you had the world.
Parents who never divorced and still loved each other,
a pretty younger sister and neat little brother.
Then life brought losses that rocked you to the core...
it made you determined to keep fighting for more.


Trish

Also from grade school you have been my friend-
you had energy to spare and rules to bend!
Never could be contained, never dreary...
but of opening up your heart you were often leery.
You were full of pain but it seldom showed through;
life was a challenge to be conquered by you.
An accident broke your neck but not your drive-
you fought back and now walk on with pride.


Sheila

My life changed, friend, when we met at age nine;
I can still relive the entire scene in my mind.
We are so much alike that it is almost bizarre
but our individual differences make us who we are.
Your outlook on life continues to inspire;
life has been tough but you still reach higher.
You push me to think, to study, to pray
I thank God that I have you in my life every day.


Holli

Met you in Jr. High but we're true friends these days
you support me in prayer and in so many other ways
I'm in awe of the faith that defines who you are...
in just the last year God has brought you so far.
You are kind and encouraging- such a joy to know;
your laughter bubbles over wherever you go.
When I count my blessings, you're always one-
you're a woman of strength, character and fun.


Betsy

I met you through mutual friends in our youth group
we were all ages and personalities...what a troop!
You seemed so much more responsible and wise-
I loved seeing life through your remarkable eyes.
You dated my brother but never held that against me;
you married a guy that I had dated briefly.
It's surprising to see how our lives have turned out!
Knowing you enriched my life, without a doubt.


Toni

Toni, my friend, you may be the most blessed among us
for over ten years now you've been in heaven with Jesus
I'll always remember you; your grace and your style
I can still see your beautiful, ever present smile.
I cherish your letters and photos- for that's all I have of you
until we meet again one day when my life is through
Until then, you aren't forgotten, how could you be?
You are my friend then, now, and through eternity.


Marilyn

You were an unforeseen friend I met in the mid nineties;
God continues to unite us with his loving mercies.
You were sure I'd be friends with your youngest daughter-
now I work with your husband who is like my own father.
I am close to your oldest child and still bonded with you,
when we became friends I got three friends that are true!
I think of you as an extension of my own family...
I hope you know just how much you all mean to me.


Luree

I saw you, my friend, and could see Christ in your eyes;
I mentioned it to you and you seemed so surprised.
We started talking and we felt a connection-
our bond grew out of love for God and mutual affection.
Over the years life has pulled us all over the place!
It's so hard to keep up with life moving at this pace.
Though we don't have the time we'd like to spend,
you'll remain in my heart as a sister and friend.


Brenda

Eight years of friendship have come and gone;
without you some days I couldn't carry on.
Your influence has shaped me, made me strong;
my life changed dramatically when you came along.
You just don't see the beauty that others see in you...
or the strength you possess that is obvious and true.
We have seen each other at our best and at our worst-
and through it all we remember our friendship comes first.


April

Seven years of friendship and family ties we have known;
you've moved, but we stay connected by email and phone.
Sometimes I reflect on those days you were here
your practical joking kept us full of laughter and cheer.
We understood each other's uncertainties and pain;
we saw each other through difficulties, sunshine and rain.
We acted like sisters, you being the sibling five years older than I;
I'm sure I'll pay for saying that next time you stop by.


Sandy

Six years of friendship now; how can that be?
You came in to my life and become such a part of me.
You're my teacher, mentor...so many hats you wear
You've enriched my life greatly by just 'being there.'
You have such a sweet spirit, giving and kind
caring, talented: these attributes in you I find.
Thinking of what you mean to me, it's no surprise:
that I now depend on you more than I realized.


Beth

My friend, you have your mom's sense of fun!
I have admired your adventuresome side from day one.
At first you were 'Sandy's daughter' when I thought of you,
but now you're an individual that I enjoy talking to!
I hope that we keep writing and emailing regularly....
you have been a breath of fresh air in my life lately.
I am looking forward to seeing what God has for you;
you have the most important gift: a heart that's true.


Myrtle

Our friendship blossomed over many weekends;
Two years since we met and now we're fast friends.
My bond with you fills a void in my heart-
You've been like a mother to me from the start.
The smile on your face is familiar and sweet...
always quick with a hug and a kiss when we meet.
You've quickly taken root in my life and in my mind;
God brought us together at just the right time.


Debbie

I met you last year, but we became fast friends of late.
I can't imagine not knowing you now- it was fate.
At first our focus was our spouses and kids;
we talked because of them, and about what they did.
Over time things changed like a butterfly's transformation.
There isn't much we don't share now in our conversations.
If I don't talk to you each day, it just isn't complete...
but soon we'll be neighbors; that is going to be a treat!