Most of my life, I've lived with long distance
relationships by regular mail, e-mail or phone. Some people think
it odd to consider a close friend someone 1,000 miles away and
whom you've only met a handful of times -- or none! But those
friendships have been the greatest blessings from my Lord, each
holding a distinct place in my heart as we relate on various levels.
Here is a small sample of those friends.... far from complete,
as you never know who God will bring next into my life for encouragement
or growth.
"...the Lord is with
them that uphold my soul." ~Psalm 54:4~
Amanda Wells, TX
This is my bestest girlfriend, my faithful
companion of 12 years. We've shared so many adventures, joys and
tears, and never dreamed we'd one day live only two hours apart.
I so admire her servant's heart and feminine ways. Her December
wedding was my 2005 highlight! I love you, dear! (and Jonathan
and Baby) Remember: "Pray for me, and I'll pray for you.
And one day love will bring us back around, again."
Jessica Boling, TN
Jess is my "other half" in writing;
we both share the joys and trials of putting the thoughts of our
heart into words, how to express a familiar Truth in a new way.
It was in this category, nearly a decade ago, that we became kindred
spirits. Jess has an adorable hint of mischief, and a heart of
gold, willing to follow the Lord anywhere despite questions or
doubts.
Laura Bogner, TX
September 2004 held two of my dad's annual
music workshops in Indianapolis, but I never dreamed this vibrant
young woman would quickly become a precious friend. Laura's continual
smile is just a reflection of the One she serves wholeheartedly;
she loves to laugh, loves the ministy, loves deep phone conversations
-- and loves her man, Aaron (whom
she met at the music workshop! Our three families together are
something else.)
Abigail Paul, IA
Miss Abigail is amazing -- I love her continual
positive outlook on life's adventures, yet openess to share struggles.
My dad first met her family at a local organic grower's convention
in 1997 and subscribed to her magazine;
Abigail and I picked up on writing and were thrilled when our
familes got together two years later! Since then we've exchanged
hundreds of e-mails and enjoyed meeting in various places, from
weddings to quick lunch breaks during vacations.
Natalie Nyquist, MO
Natalie is so full of life and holds an honesty
that makes her down-to-earth and irresistable. I love how her
every effort is an encouragement for me to give my all for a greater
purpose. Our friendship over the past 8 years has been one of
many lessons, that ultimately bring us closer together. Check
out her ministry website: Young
Ladies Christian Fellowship.
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One rides in the summer wind beside me,
One flies with the stars
That set the wild night on fire,
One runs close and steady as a river...
One’s up where the clouds brush the mountains,
One rushes down a stream
Past the bright columbine –
I could drive for miles
Just thinking about them,
How I love the road
And these true friends of mine.
"Road Song", Fernando Oretga
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Psalm145 e-mail group
I can't say enough for these dears that rally
to cry, laugh or encourage me at just the right moments. Hugs
to Julie, Laura, Samantha, Skye, Natalie, Lizzy, Erin, Amanda
W., Melody, Esther, Jess, Kelly, Maggie, Amie, Kelly, Summer,
Amanda M. and Krista! (and the next generation: Nathan Jr., Sam,
Leah, Lucas, Brianna, & Emma, plus Bard baby #3 & Wells
baby #1.) There's been five weddings
(and counting)...who will bring us all together?
ALERT Friends
These are some of my girlfriends who
share the ups and downs of life on a guy's campus: 1st photo:
Jessica Stano (MN), Sharon Stillwell
(GA) and Sandra Dumont (WA); 2nd photo:
Hannah, Emily & Stacey Smith (TX). I love
how we can be so diverse in personality and interests, yet come
together to serve -- and enjoy it! Over the past three years,
I have come to see them as undeserved treasures that continue
love and encourage in every moment.
Jaime Rowland, WA
Jaime is...Jaime! We call ourselves twins because
it's often shocking how similar we are -- and that similarity
can be our downfall or greatest strength, as we've found firsthand.
We became acquainted in 1999, but it wasn't for a couple years
later that we really "clicked." In sharing our struggles to put
off self and seek Christ in "singleness of heart," Jaime has become
a great blessing to me.
Amber and Ashley Stockdale, WI
When our family was starting to consider moving again 1996, we
met often with some friends about 30 minutes away to talk about
possible locations. One afternoon, another family joined us, the
Stockdales -- and the rest is history! I love Amber and Ashley's
humor, and their sweet spirits always ready to serve. They hope
to visit me soon at ALERT!
Joy Crow, FL
The other day, I realized that Joy was the
only pen-pal that I have had for a substantial amount of (almost
10 years), yet have never met! For the most part, it's been thru
good old regular mail and each letter brings fresh encouragement.
I love eagerness to servce the Lord where ever He leads, her faithfulness,
and her beautiful handwriting. Someday, I pray we will meet on
earth!
Rachel Jodrey (NC), Hannah
Spillman (TX), Katie Barlow (WI), Katie Farr (TX), Emily Rebhan
(WI), Shaina Stearn (WI), Alex Garcia (WI), Sara Vasquez (WI),
Laura Boggs (NC), Joy & Grace Burch (TX)
Over the years, I've gathered
a sweet bunch of "little sisters" that continually brighten
my days with letters, phone calls, or e-mails! Our friendships
have begun in numerous ways and I am so blessed to have been able
to meet all but one in person.
