Oh me! Where to begin? I have been typing for an hour, and I have just started over! I feel I need to issue a warning!
Disclaimer: This blog initially started off as a way to chronicle my weight loss and the changes I have made in my life. However, I have come to realize that my journey includes so much more than weight loss. God is working, and has been working in ways I cannot understand, and He is leading me on a spectacular journey in all areas of my life!
So, now, for tonight's topic: Friends. And tonight's scripture: Genesis 1.
I know, I know...You are asking yourself what does the Creation Story have to do with friendships? Well, you see, I have spent the last hour sorting that out, and this is what I have decided.
In Genesis 1, we see God create the world. This happened pretty systematically.
Day 1: Day/Night
Day 2: Waters/Heaven
Day 3: Earth/Plants
Day 4: Sun/Moon
Day 5: Fish/Birds
Day 6: Animals/ Man (Male and Female)
There was a plan. This did not JUST HAPPEN. It wasn't a coincidence. God didn't shake out a million piece puzzle and add things willy-nilly. He was the Creator. When we build a house, there has to be a creator, and there has to be a plan. When we build a car, yep, both things are there. The creator, and the plan. That dollhouse/Lego building/desk that we want to build require a plan. So, it stands to reason, that if God had a plan when creating the world, He still has one.
In the children's class I help teach at church, the scripture for this week was Genesis 1. The lesson pointed out that just as God had a plan for Creation, He has a plan for each of us. I, Jolie Reid, am fearfully and wonderfully made in HIS image. Just like you are. And God has been revealing to me that not only does He have a BIG plan for the world, He has a little plan for me. This has been evidenced in so many ways, and God is opening my eyes to that this week.
So, how does that relate to friendship, you might ask. Well, God is showing me this week that He has placed so many, many special people in my path years before the moment I needed them. He knew long before I met people, that we would be friends. And tonight, I want to just point out a few of these wonderful relationships, and the ways these people have blessed me.
1. The other 3 members of the "Fabulous Four." Sally, Teresa, and Victoria. These women are so fun to hang out with. I just love our dinner dates! But that's not all. These women are also my family. They listen to me complain about my gifted kids, and put it in perspective for me. They calm me down. They bring me food and check on me when I am sick. And, last but not least, dropped everything and prayed for me when I was in a potentially dangerous situation. Then, they took action for my children, notifying counselors and letting everyone know a plan. And guess what, their plan was just exactly what I would have told them to do, if I could have. I hope you 3 know how much I love you!
2. My sweet, sweet friend Krista. Krista was my first friend at Lawndale, and we met 6 years and 3 days ago. She took care of me, and showed me the ropes. We grew very close in our 2 years together. Krista is the person who invited me to FBC Tupelo. And now, I am helping her teach a 3rd grade class. Why is this important and what does it have to do with a plan, you ask? Well, my sweet JC was saved at FBC. It is where my family has learned to love to worship together. And now, I am teaching while she goes to get her new babies. God knew 6 years ago, that He would need me to help her out while she goes from a family of 3 to a family of 5! (Whoo-hoo!!!) He knew that. It was in His plan.
3. My precious friend Rachel, who is on her own journey. A precious friend who, when she found out that I was in a not-so-good situation, stood up in a room full of people and led a prayer for my safety. For those who don't see us on a daily basis, Rachel and I are the emotional ones at the end of the 5th grade hall. The 2 who will either be laughing over some bizarre action of a 5th grader, or crying over nothing at all. That is just who we are now. We are sharing our hormonal imbalances (which have occurred for very different reasons). Just ignore us, but know I love her!
4. My neighborhood crew. My late-night texting buddies. The providers of a cup of sugar, (at midnight) sunburn cream (at midnight), a friendly text/chat when the power goes out (at midnight). My neighborhood watch buddies. The one who watched my children no questions asked when Dan had his heart attack. The one who came and bought me a milkshake late on a rainy Sunday night when she needed to be writing lesson plans. The ones who are like additional moms to my children when they are running up and down the street. Amy, Alison, Anna, & Lindsey - I want you to know I think God for sending you to Church Street. I truly believe He has a plan. A plan for our boys to grow up with buddies, a plan for us to have a support system, a plan for us to make changes in this neighborhood, that will make changes in our town. I love having you girls as buddies, and I thank God for sending you all (and your baby girls) to me!
There are so many, many more people God has placed in my life. It is so awesome to look back and see how God has planned for my peace and protection by providing the perfect friend for me.
Thank you, God, for Your plan! I think you are making a beautiful picture with my life!
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