Friends who have enriched my life......

This week was a good one just busy as usual. Getting back in the states and building friendships is one of the most important things right now. I've been on Face book since Josh went to college. It was one way for me to just keep an eye on him and to stay connected. I really hadn't done much with it since it seemed most of the folks on face book were my kids ages. Well, Justin went off to college and so many of our friends kids were going off to college too that it was one way again to stay connected. I started thinking about our friends through the years and how their kids were probably on face book. I've looked far and wide to find some of our friends but sometimes it's just impossible unless you know just where to look. So anyway, I took the chance and started looking for some of our friends kids.

I found one friend- Taylor who was the daughter of some very dear friends while we were in Seminary. I found 2 girls who looked like they could be a child of Kelly and Michael Phillips. I was almost sure it was the 2nd and SURE ENOUGH it was!

I was so thrilled. :) It feels good to get reconnected with such dear people! I have missed them so much over the years. We had some good times together during our 2 year stay at Seminary and there have been so many times I had longed for their friendship again. There's just nothing like having such grounded and real people in your life.

Kelly was one of those friends. Someone who could get mad at you and yet you knew she would work to make the friendship work.... she was a dear friend and unfortunately - time and space caused us to loose connection.

I just look forward to getting reconnected and getting to catch up!

I loved the picture of these feet. I don't know why, but feet just make me think of intimate moments...

Here's to friends - I have been so blessed in my life..... to have amazing women in my life- for the good, bad and even the hurt that comes at times from friends.. I wouldn't be the person I am without the friends I've had throughout my life!

Life Means So Much......

picture taken in Turkey...



Days turn to weeks, weeks to months, months to years and before you realize it - Time has passed so quickly that you can't hardly believe it.


We will be finishing 11 years this July here in Asia. It's been an amazing journey and oh how I've grown through it all. I will forever be changed by the culture, the life style, the people and the experiences. Dwayne and I have over the years felt as though we have been so undeserving and obviously not worthy of the Calling the Lord has placed on us. In and through it all though we have loved almost every moment. There have been events that of taken place that I wish had never happened. Times of hardship that I wish I had handled better. Times of persecution that I sincerely wish it had been me instead of those who were dear to us. Times of frustration that I caused so many nationals and yet they hid it so well. I could go on to name so many things that I wish hadn't happened but the fact is without all these things I wouldn't be a changed person. Without them I wouldn't have grown or been stretched beyond what seemed physically , emotionally, and spiritually possible. Yet, that is how the Lord works. Through these difficult times if we so chose to learn and grow from them we are blessed with that peaceful fruit of righteousness.....

I saw this picture and was just reminded of a song that is at the present time one of my favorites. It is a reminder that each day brings new opportunities. Each day is a blessing and as today comes to a close I stop to reflect over my day and I say, Thank you Lord- for the privilege of serving you and for having been given today!

Life Means So Much : by Chris Rice "Short term memories"
(thanks Karla for sharing this cd with me)

Every day is a journal page
Every man holds a quill and ink
And there's plenty of room for writing in
All we do is believe and think
So will you compose a curse
Or will today bring the blessings
Fill the page with rhyming verse
Or some random sketchings

Teach us to count the days
Teach us to make the days count
Lead us in better ways
Somehow our souls forgot
Life means so much
Life means so much
Life means so much

Every day is a bank account
And time is our currency
So no one's rich, nobody's poor
We get twenty-four hours each
So how are you gonna spend
Will you invest or squander
Try to get ahead
Or help someone who's under

repeat chorus

Has anybody lived who knew the value of a life
And didn't He give His own
To show the worth of yours and mine?

repeat chorus

Every day is a gift you've been given,
Make the most of the time every minute you're living

Sorry but sometimes I just have to drink in all that has been in my life and realize I should not take one moment for granted... While it seems at times more than I can handle :) it is my portion from the Lord and thus.. I rejoice...

I pray as you start or end your day that you too stop to just reflect on the things that Father has blessed you with, places he's called you too, and people he's given to your care to share about Him... That we would all be fruitful and that we would say a hearty THANK YOU to the Lord our God for His call on our lives! ;)

Blessings -
Melissa