Monday, November 2, 2009

1000 Gifts: Best friends


"A friend loves at all times..."

Proverbs 17:17

The gift of true friendship... one of God's greatest gifts.

After a delightful weekend in the woods with 4 of those gifts, I rejoice!

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the generosity of parents, who opened their home for our weekend retreat

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traveling mercies and friends finally here

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late night chats and late night chuckles with brownies and ice cream to boot

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early risers, eager to play

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a trip to pick apples and fresh apple cider donuts


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a picnic on a bench, a game of tag, a path that winds under the expressway, and energetic little bodies... ready, willing, and able to savor it all


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new adventures... every single time

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a place to sit and rest


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a treasure hunt through the forest. Getting lost. And then finding our way.

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little boy buddies and the tenderness of one slightly older as he gently leads the rest

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God's provision

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a hot meal at the end of a very long (yet wonderfully fun!) day and ten weary bodies to share it

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from my son to theirs, "I'm so glad you came!"

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hours to talk. hours to share. hours to enjoy... together.

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honesty, understanding, encouragement, acceptance

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a sounding board, a confidante, a prayer partner, a sister

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an extra hour of sleep!

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ten years of best friendship... and this blessed reality-- that even though the miles now separate us, when we finally get together,
it's as if we've never been apart.



"Greater love has no one than this,
that one lay down his life for his friends."

John 15:13


holy experience


and the list continues...

8 comments:

gretchen said...

I couldn't wait to post this morning - so I did it last night. Your family is one thing for which I am truly thankful...

I'll see your comment about the music and raise you this one--

an anxious moment on the mountain - holding our breath to see if the van makes it up the hill after sliding off - and up it goes! Whew!

Love you, friend-

We're counting down the days til next time!

Unknown said...

those kids on the bench , with the leaves... oh my, what blessings.

Linda said...

What a joy to read your list Heather. Friends are a precious gift from the Father. I love all the pictures. The children are just precious. Brings back so many memories from when our children were little (they have children of their own now).
Thank you for sharing this.

Carrie said...

Sounds like a treasure of a friend ... So glad you guys had a great weekend together! ;)

Manderly Ringor said...

You have a beautiful family! Thanks for sharing your list. :)

Traci Michele said...

Beautiful children, beautiful words, beautiful friendships!

Thanks for sharing!

Hugs,
Traci

Come check out my gratitude list when you have a chance :-)

Jennifer said...

Apple cider doughnuts... divine! : )

Sweet photos...

Leslie said...

I can totally see Gretchen in her boys! (I'm sure they look like Jeremy, too.) So glad you all had a wonderful retreat together. :) Leslie