Birthday Girls

This year I've thought about friendships that I've lost in the last year. Within 2 weeks Brandy moved to India, Aimee went to be with the Lord, and Melissa moved to Prague. These were girls who the Lord blessed me with. Brandy has been my best friend since our freshman year in college- the Lord has sustained our friendships across the world once before, I know he'll do it again. Aimee played an integral part of our family and I miss her dearly. Melissa was my deepest rooted friend in Charlotte. Really my first friend I met here in Charlotte. We prayed together weekly for 4 years. We walked together through infertility and births, seminary and support raising- what a gift she is to me! Often times I just focus on what I miss and not how the Lord has blessed me this year with newer friendships.....

Sage, Mary, and Ashley at our birthday dinner

This year was a precious one to me as Wes and Sage Andrews moved to Charlotte. I knew Sage (and Wes though not well) in Clemson. We reconnected when we were both pregnant with Bennett and Wyatt. Labor Day of '08 Sage and Wes visited us in Charlotte with this crazy idea to come to RTS and pursue ministry in the PCA. We dreamed that day of maybe working on staff together. The Lord has done this (Wes was hired as our part-time youth minister) and so much more! Bennett and Wyatt were in the same preschool class. Camilla and Walker will be together this year. The Andrews joined our lifegroup and have blessed our lives so much by their presence. We're so thankful the Lord has brought them here! Sage has been so tender and prayerful in the midst of all of this. She points me to Christ and lets me cry when I need to, not rushing me past the pain.

Ashley Icard is a sweet friend who joined our lifegroup this winter. She showed up to the group the week before Aimee left us. Ashley has been such a gift to me! Without even knowing she's played a huge part in my grief process. Every Friday (and lots of Wednesdays) we meet at the Harris YMCA and dance. Yes, I said dance. Cardio Funk to be exact! This has been something that I've looked to each week. She's been with me while I've been able to let go of pain and just have fun, laughing all the way! She just brings joy and laughter wherever she goes! I'm thankful for how she reminds me of the blessings the Lord has given me.

All 3 of us share August birthdays. We enjoyed a birthday dinner at PF Changs earlier this month! And there's one more birthday girl who was hiding in the picture, Lalla Andrews (born just 10 days later!)