Special Thanks to a Friend

I'm writing tonight to thank a very special friend. She won't read this, unless I send her a link. I've tried to talk her into blogging, because she is an awesome writer. I can be having the worst of days, and yet, I'll sit down and read a personal e-mail from her, and I am literally in tears from laughing so hard. She really has a way with words. (Although she has questioned my sanity at times when I say I was laughing- and she was actually pouring out her heart to me in frustration. ) I'm telling you - she just has a way with words.

Now I realize that I have had a blog for a lot longer than some, but because of the fact that we have been in dial-up land up until now, I haven't posted nearly as much as most people who have been on here for a month! I doubt that I will ever catch up, nor do I think I want to. I have trouble journaling, and I'm sure blogging will be the same. Although the ability to update many people at once does have its advantages! But I digress.

My purpose for writing this first REAL post is to thank this friend, WPH. For thinking of me... for being all that "friend" means. For pouring out her heart to me, for listening to me do the same. For the little gifts. For ALL the books! (For introducing me to my favorite author, and reminding me that I DO like to read, and that it's ok to read fiction!) http://www.angelahuntbooks.com/ The NoteThe Note (Women of Faith Fiction #2)

What prompts me to write at this time, in particular, is that my dear friend came up to me in church two Sundays ago and, during the ministry time, sat down in front of me. Reaching across, and touching me, she beckoned me to lean forward to hear what she wanted to say. With the moving worship music playing in the background she said something like this: (and this doesn't do her justice, because she is much more eloquent than I)
" I am baking cookies for the reception next Sunday. I am doing it not because I want a lot of attention, or because I think I should, or because I think children need more sugar (which they don't) I'm doing it because I think you might feel obligated to do it yourself, and you don't need more "responsibility" piled on your plate."
"Furthermore" she said " If I see you next Sunday with a plate of anything then I'll...(deleted for content--but it was a true threat!)

Now my friend didn't know that as I came in to the service that morning exhausted, I read the bulletin and saw the request for desserts for the reception. Absolutely overwhelmed, I thought, No! Then I reconsidered. If everyone did what they felt like and didn't do what was hard, what would get done?? Besides, I have four children that were going to attend, as well as grandparents, and great-grandparents, as it was the reception for the children's program. So I talked myself into it. I thought, well,maybe I can make it a fun thing to do with the girls. The truth was, I was dreading it, but felt responsible to do it.

So how did this wonderful lady know that I had been struggling for the last two hours with this? I think the Holy Spirit told her. And although she would doubt that she could actually "hear"- I'm a believer. And I always have been. For while my friend may have many doubts about herself, this one thing I am absolutely sure of. She is one of the most compassionate people I know. And spin. She's the queen. She can find the good in most any situation. Yep, one day (when I grow up) I want to be just like her.

Thank you, my dear friend. Now you know why I burst into tears at a seemingly innocuous offer.You will never be able to convince me, ever, that you are not prophetic. For you have blessed me beyond measure.