The inspiration of women

I'm not really sure where the time has gone, but it is now March and I'm getting ready to head into a new decade. It has changed me and caused me to reflect. I have been trying to think about the people who are in and have been a part of my life who have impacted my behavior and decisions. Making the move to Immanuel almost eight years ago was the best decision that I have made. My heart rejoices with the people that only God could place into my life at just the right moment and time. I would like to share about these people without names but these women have truly blessed me.
Back in college, I thought that I was "the stuff" and was so full of myself that it makes me laugh out loud at my ridiculous nature. I met J and she was different...not different in a bad way just didn't buy into every day activities. I was intrigued. She went to church like 3 times a week and was genuinely happy and liked going. I went dutifully every Saturday or Sunday because it was something that I had always done, but not really something that mattered to me. Well, she invited me to her church and the HS was obviously at work in my heart because I accepted the Lord. Throughout the years, we have had some distance because of my issues, but she accepted me back into a friendship and we have been close friends ever since. I can ask her to pray and know that she will do exactly that.
I also have a hugger friend - J. She is sweet and kind and just a nice person to be around to everyone. Whenever I see her she always comes over for a hug which is funny because I am not a huggy person but she draws me in. It amazes me that God knows that I need this hug even when I don't. She also was with a group of people to come to my house the night my father died. To come to someone's home on a night that is difficult and emotional and hard but to come and pray was monumental in my world.
My friend S helps me see out of the box. She is deep and reflective and asks the most amazing questions to direct my thoughts. The older I get the more convinced I am that I have adult-onset ADD. :) She is game for road trips and intimate thoughts and sorrows and doesn't judge or ridicule. She is funny and witty and a good person to focus the conversation back to scripture. I am in awe that God placed this person in my life with her unique gifts and talents.
I have a very special e-mail friend who makes me laugh during long days at school. She knows so much about my needs and the trials of my family and is trustworthy. I will always remember the Sunday after my mom's funeral, I came to church and she was the first person to hug me and I felt okay. She is funny and makes me giggle at work with her antics. C is an encouragement to my always.
My final story is about a person with whom I can share anything and be myself at all times. I don't feel awkward when I ask for help or just need moments of her time. She called me on a Sunday afternoon after I had driven by Immanuel for several weeks on Sunday mornings. She invited me to come back to the evening service and I did and that day began my journey (with God opening His arms to welcome me back). She has become a part of my family's life and shows my sons love and encouragement. She knows my flaws and points them out, on occassion. V also knows my strengths and pushes me to use them for God's glory.

There are so many others with whom I have a special memory. My first Barakel retreat when I was very nervous and way out of my comfort zone and the gals enveloped me. My singing friend L who continues to make me smile when I think of our lack of singing abilities. These women have become a part of my fabric and have helped create me into the woman that God has in mind for me. I may not always listen and I may speak out a little too quickly but I am always watching and learning from the women around me. Thank you. You help me grow and develop and I thank God for you all.