Two reasons I love life...Because I knew you, I have been changed for good

Do you have these kind of friends? The kind of friend that even though you are miles apart and can't talk all the time, you just love each other and have a bond. Literally the best friends you could have even though life goes on and you're not five anymore, your lives are completely different. It doesn't look like the typical friendship, but yet, it works. I have five of these friends. We literally are all over...Dayton, Columbus, Raleigh, Chicago, Colombia...special bonds with special ladies.

This is one of them. My Sarah, known fondly as Sarah Kate, Say-rah, but mostly to me as my best friend. We met when we were two. There was a group of us and I keep in touch with most of them, but Sarah, Beth and I did spend our sunday mornings together long before AWANA started. Sarah and I haven't had the perfect relationship. It was seemingly perfect and than came crashing down. And I mean crashing...painful, heart-wrenching time. But I believe this time cause both of us to turn to God and good counsel harder than we ever had before in our lives. A few years went by and things were awkward as we waded through desperately wanting this friendship back, but not really knowing if it were possible. I stand here today being better for knowing and loving this beautiful young woman. As only Christ is able to do...we have been restored. There has been radiant reconciliation! I praise God that He had brought us together again, to share in life, and what an honor to stand there with her as she excitedly moves forward into this new chapter of her life with a fine man who loves our Lord. At the rehersal, we both ate our typical meal...only instead of walking to Dairy Queen, we drove to TGI Fridays. Yay for chicken fingers and fries!

Sarah and her father. She got married in the backyard of her childhood home...just like her mom did.

She did in GREAT job of picking out beautiful dresses and colors

Myself, Elizabeth (sister) Sarah, Christina (sister) and Stacey (sister)


Also, since Justin (Sarah's hunsband) and I went to high school together and we all went to the same church. How funny is it that Bo was one of his groomsmen. Bo was Prom King and I was Prom Queen in addition to being great buddies...Here's a picture of us in the Fall of 2002.

And here we are in the fall of 2009...and now I feel old!!! What the heck happened!

The end of a busy and fun day. Oh Sarah, I love you!

In any given box of pictures at our houses, there are atleast 100 pictures of us in 100 different outfits on 100 different days, but the same pose. I have long arms =)

Here is the second reason. This is the Lovely Lindsey, AKA Lou, Linds and aggressive twin...of which I was the other half. Lindsey and I met in 3rd grade but didn't really become friends until we started playing volleyball. Even that was a bit rough at first as we both played the same position and are both highly competitive. Once we figured out that we both can play the whole game,just opposite of each other, our friendship blossomed. Both being believers on the team and going through the same things outside of school at the same time, we became a stronghold for each other and constant encouragement. Our friendship has continued through going to different universities, me traveling and her traveling both for our jobs. James is one blessed man and I could not be happier!

Also at the wedding was Andrea. She is a dear friend of the family and we laughed...a lot

Lindsey's photographer caught this shot. I had no idea, but it is one of my favorites! Linds mom told me to go up and see Lindsey before the wedding. I came around the corner and she came running across the room in her dress. We did the typical hug and scream...can't express my excitement for her!

Also, Sarah and Lindsey, thanks for both getting married in the same weekend!

Love Thy Neighbor?

Situation: My upstairs neighbors are LOUD. I hear everything. Every step, the cabinets, when they move stuff. Pretty much everything but conversation...and they constantly seem to be on the move. I've gone up to talk to them, the man was smug, denied everything and basically told me I was wrong and must have been hearing someone else. I went to the office, spoke with the manager who promised to send them a notice. A few nights later, I had to knock on my ceiling three times to which they stomped three times. And there went a call to the security officer. Then tonight...doors open, two fans on, and my TV on watching the game and I can STILL hear them. I knock, they stomp, I lose it. I walked myself right up there and knock firmly on their door. The man looked at me like "here we go again, what's your problem?" The first words out of my mouth..."Why do you insist on being so inconsiderate?" I said it calmly and with a look of dumbfoundedness. That was the beginning of me being berated by the man and the two women. Once again, they were rude, denied everything and implied I was the one with the problem. The conversation ended when the woman told ME that I was disturbing THEM and to please leave. I strongly stated, "I'll leave, and you have a WONDERFUL night!" but part of me wished I would have said right back "WHY DO YOU THINK I AM HERE WOMAN!?!"

Upset, I called Mom who sympathized and told me that I needed to continue to pray about the situation and pray before talking to management agian tomorrow. I did that very thing, and as only Jesus can do, I was covered in peace. The noise hasn't stopped, but my heart is sad for these people. And once again, the question rose to the surface that I always seem to struggle with...How do you love others without getting walked all over? If they were purposely being loud because they wanted to annoy me because I was a Christian...I'd let them bang away and I doubt it would bother me. But they don't know I'm a believer. A fact that I am ashamed of and considering that our only interactions have been heated discussions, I doubt that it has even crossed their minds. I'm annoyed with them for refusing to acknowledge that maybe they might be louder than they realize. I'm annoyed in general when others live in their little world and don't consider others. Small things like stopping in the middle of a walkway, putting your cart in the middle of an aisle, talking on your cell DURING a movie and having to be the first person on the plane bother me just as much as a parent insisting their child is sicker than every other child when my other pt just died or found out they have cancer, or that people state "I don't care, I'm not paying for it" when I work hard for my paycheck and insurance. On every level, lack of consideration and thoughtlessness are like fingers on a chalkboard to me. Not that I am never guilty of this! I feel bad everytime I am on my phone when I am checking out or am lost in thought and make a stupid move driving.

But I am to consider others better than myself. I am to be a representative at all times. I am to extend grace and mercy. I am to practice patience. The fact that I love God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength should be shaping my every interaction. I'm mad that they just won't simply say "sorry, we don't think we're making that much noise, but we'll try and keep it down." when I should be devastated that they could be going to Hell. Who knows why God placed them above me. All I know is, my attitude needs to change and I need to be praying more for them. As my mom used to say even though she thought it sounded cheesy...you can't kick those who you are on your knees for. And honestly, if I wouldn't be charged for assault or I was still a two year old...I would have been happy to kick them.

But the question still remains...how do I love without rewarding their behavior? How do I love without feeling I am getting walked all over and am constantly just having to let things go. I'm a pretty easy going gal, it takes a lot to upset me...but inconsideration and lack of respect will put you in the fast lane to reaching that destination. How do I love and express my frustration when we can't see eye to eye?

So I have learn to love my neighbor as myself...I just have to trust God to show me how.