My friends

This picture was taken back in September and is a long over due picture of some of my friends from church.

On the far left is Meredith, our Pastors wife, one of the most humble and honest woman I have ever met. She often inspires me on in the little things that help in our spiritual lives thriving. I love how much she just wants to help those she comes in contact with, and how much she truly cares for all of us ladies. Victoria is her daughter, she's the little girl in the middle with the straight brown hair. What a fun little one she is.

Next to me and Ellie is our good friend Kara, and her daughter is Kyla with the curly hair. Kara and her family moved to southern Missouri at the end of September. Before the move Kara would watch Ellie for me at least once a week so that I could attend some counseling baby free. Kara also would often feed me lunch and just chat with me about life, God, and every day things that can sometimes take our focus off of the most important things in life. I miss Kara and her family greatly but I am so thankful that she is only a Facebook chat away most days.

Standing behind Kara is Liz and her daughter Hannah is being held right next to her. Liz is truly one of the most servant minded women I have ever met. Whenever there is a need for a replacement in the nursery Liz always steps right up even if she is not guaranteed someone else taking over for her on her original week to serve. I love that Liz can often be seen with a smile on her face and laughter in her heart even in truly difficult trials. I love that she is always honest with us during our ladies bible studies and she freely opens herself up. Liz recently just gave birth to another beautiful baby girl 4 weeks early. Little Rachel is currently still in the hospital due to breathing issues relating to her early arrival but is on the recovery. Please say a little pray for their family as they continually trust their Heavenly Father with the precious gift he has given to them.

Last but certainly not least is my friend Heather and her daughter Becka. Heather is the kind of person where I feel blessed and privilege to know her. She watches Ellie for Carl and I at least 2 sometimes 3 different times during the week. In fact Ellie sees so much of Heather that Ellie's face lights up with joy whenever Heather is around. I can just see how much my little girl loves this dear friend of mine and that truly blesses my heart. Its so wonderful to know that when I leave my precious gift with Heather, that that gift is being taken care of with the greatest care and love. Ellie has even spent the night with Heather and her family and has done wonderfully every time :).

The other thing about Heather that blesses me is that if there is something that she can do to help she gladly and freely offers to do it. Like today, she came over to my messy house and helped me pack up all the little things that I have been avoiding. Not only did she help me pack but she went out and bought me some more packing tape when we ran out and she took out all of my garbage in the house including stinky diapers! Wow! That was such a huge blessing to me because I hate taking out the trash and Carl doesn't always have time to empty things before he leaves for work. Not only does Heather serve in these little yet really big ways she is also a huge encouragement to me when it comes to talking about God and life. She and her husband have been where Carl and I are at and her stories of God providing for them, growing them, shaping, forming, and molding them is often a huge encouragement to my heart.

Now this picture doesn't include all my church friends, its missing Rebbecca who always seems to get my little funny stories. Jen, who I can always count on for a deep theological discussion as well as full heart to hearts about life. Beth, whose daughter is 3 weeks younger than mine, and is someone that also volunteers to help and love on my little family. Plus its great that we can bond over the differences our two girls have and why they will make for great but very interesting friends someday. Bethany, who I am still in the beginning processes of getting to know but has such a huge heart for God that I find myself automatically drawn to her every Sunday. Kim, who I think is one of the most hilarious, honest women, that I have ever met and I just love that about her. I love talking to her about life, love, God, you name it and Kim can make you laugh about it and yet is extremely serious about growing in her own spiritual life.

I'm pretty sure that that is all of them each woman has her own unique gifts and yet we are all drawn to one another because of Christ. I love each and everyone of them and my life is more blessed because of them. I am extremely grateful :)

Praise God for wonderful friends :)