You Gotta Have Friends
This picture was taken today. . . .my son took it. It’s me, “K”, and “Writer” (who is almost 8 months pregnant!)
I feel rich in friendships. Each one is valuable to me and has taught me so much about myself and life. My friend Joanna has stood the test of time and distance. . .we’ve managed to stay in constant contact for almost 10 years, seeing each other face to face only a handful of times during those 10 years! My friend Christie taught me that in order to have a friend, you need to be one. She made many of the first moves in our friendship and I will never, ever forget how that made me feel (and it helps me reach out to others now). I had to move away (geography-wise)from that friendship, too, but we still email almost every day.
I’ve known what it feels like to be lonely, to want another woman to talk to. I remember crying to the Lord about it years ago, and writing in my journal about it. I just needed friends! When we first moved to this area almost 7 years ago, I didn’t know anyone. It took time, but the Lord has really given me above and beyond what I ever asked and hoped for with the friends He has given me! Not only that, but he also orchestrated my sister’s life and moved her here, too! (That’s a whole other story in itself!) I had some friends come over today, which is what prompted these thoughts.
Do you have a friend?
Do you need one?
Here is a quote from a book I read that may inspire you:
If you don’t have that special friend or healthy support system, begin praying that God will help you find one. (Remember that God knows your needs and will take care of you, even in this area.) You can help the process along by making yourself available for friendship, even if it means paring down your schedule to make room for friends. Look for kindred spirits in the midst of your many activities, and don’t be afraid to make the first move. Sometimes all it takes is an invitation to share a cappuccino at the neighborhood Starbucks or a sack lunch in the park.
When looking for friends, keep an eye out for people who. . . .
Share your values and faith
Know how to listen
Believe the best in you
Possess a positive attitude
Keep confidences
Accept you and your differences
Communicate honestly and directly
Take the time to be there.
Stick with your quality friendships! They will change and grow better and better every year.
I attached the link to the very best book that I’ve ever read on the topic of friendship. It’s the kind of book that you nod your head through, and it is Bible-based.
Good to be Home 
Awe… that is so sweet!!! I do have friends that I have been friends with since well, one since we were 3 years old! A few more since Jr. High and High School. I also think it is so important that we stay in contact with those few “Good” friends that we have.
Good to see all three of you!
Writer doesn’t even look pregnant!
What a great post! Thanks for sharing your testimonies to friendship. Isn’t it amazing who God brings into our lives and how friends enrich our lives in so many ways. I am definitely going to read that book…it sounds right-on!
Praise God for friends thanks for sharing.~Michelle
Thank you for posting this. I will definitely look for this book.
friends are so important! I am so blessed to have a very wonderful support group and a few ‘best friends’ who are there in rain and sunny weather. Praise God for them!!! 🙂
We had such a good time with you. I can’t wait to come back. You are such a good friend and I really needed some “girl time.”By the way, my brother just taught a Sunday School class at my dad’s church on that book.And, couldn’t you have mentioned that I’m nearly 8 months pregnant in these pictures? 🙂 I feel like I look fat, but apparently ebabe didn’t notice. 🙂
I wanted to say thank you for your comment. I am feeling much better over the whole thing now. Even though I got some really nasty emails from my mother and then my grandmother and they hurt me bad. But I have decided to ignore them and go on with my life. If they want to be negative and just mean for the rest of their lives, since they have been anyway, the let them!
Thanks for sharing this, I’ll have to look for that book!
Writer- Wow! You look great for 8 months
I will be looking for that book, probably at the end of August when my closest friend here moves away. 😦 I will be a lonely soul once again… But I’m already praying for new friendships for her and new friendships for me- and I am excited to see how God blesses us with an answer to prayers. Cute pics of you guys!!! 🙂
What a great post! You 3 look so happy…friends are so awesome!
I love the pictures, and the topic, the quote made me stop and think! Shanda you have been that friend that has taught me how to be a better friend!
I read this after I had put up my post on my bf Amy! LOL. great minds think a like! 🙂
That’s a great truth about friends. God will provide a good one if you only ask. He provided for me!