Five People

Statistics say that only five people are going to cry at your funeral. Five. Such a menial number if you ask me.

Yet here we are trying to make everyone happy. Trying to satisfy their needs. Trying to fix their problems.

I am a people person. I live for social interaction. When I find out people don't like me it breaks my heart. I want everyone to care as much for me as I do for them... But, according to statistics only five people are going to cry at my funeral.

I'm trying not to waste time with people who don't care enough to let me be part of their lives. Who haven't ever given me a chance at knowing theirs. I have an incredible God who loves me, an extraordinary husband who gives me love I don't deserve, a family who has grown so amazingly close this past year, and the kind of friends that constantly bring me to my knees in thanksgiving.

I'm not wasting time with people who don't fit into that mold. Of course the doors are always open for new friends, I have so much more love to give. But I will be investing my time with those who would cry at my funeral. Instead of caring so much what others think. I'm going to focus on my friends. Building, cultivating stronger relationships and loving them with a love only Jesus gives. I want to make a difference in the lives of my family, my friends, and my husband.

I have a wonderful life, I need to focus more on the people who are here, then the people I wish were here.

Friendships

I am thankful for new friendships and old. I have developed some new friendships as of late, and its so amazing to have so many new people in my life who strive for a relationship with God like I do.

This post is awfully long. :0) But words of encouragement are always good, I know they help me get through the day when I need it, so I hope this will help you too :0) I tried to include my friends who I know read my blog, so if I missed you, leave a comment and I'll add ya!

~~ My girls ~~

Amanda- Your walk with God has always been one that inspires me. Your knowledge of all things God is great, and I know that I can always count on you to help me sort through questions I have, or to understand some of the things I have had on my mind.

Amy- Your friendship means so much to me, how could I ever thank you enough for everything you have done. You always say the right things to snap me out of whatever I'm going through, and give me something to think about.

Bunny- Your eternal optimism gives me so much hope for the world. You are one of the kindest, sweetest people that I know. Your outlook on life is contagious, and I know you will be successful no matter what you accomplish.

Holly- Your faith and strength through this time is inspiring. I don't know how you keep smiling, but you do. And i am so thankful that what you are going through hasn't pushed you into a bad place emotionally. I cannot wait to photograph your wedding, and watch you walk down the isle.

Katie- You have been through so much this past year, I am so proud of all you have accomplished. You have overcome so many challenges, and I know that no matter what, you will make it through everything life throws your way. Your stronger than you think you are, and you CAN do it. Just be positive, and focus on the end result.

Alicia M- Your an incredible woman. I love spending time with you and talking with you. Your outlook on life is awesome. Your God centered spirit is so inspiring and I look forward to becoming better friends with you!

Sara- I have loved getting to know you recently and learning about yours and Adam's relationship, and your walk with our God. I love that your story is so similar to mine, in many ways. Your God centered relationship is one I strive for, and hope so much to have some day.

Julie- I love what you bring to my life, all the conversations we have, the endless laughter. I love working with you, and talking to you about everything and everything. You are an incredible person. I hope for nothing but the best for you and your future.

Suzie- What can I say about suzie?! :0) You are an incredible friend. I love knowing I can count on you for anything, especially advice. Your life has brought you through so many trials, and I know that you and Jeffery, no matter what, will end up on top. Your love for your children is so sweet, I love watching your family together.

~~ ACC Peeps ~~

Lauren- I love talking with you about anything and everything. You have such a unique perspective on life, and its been awesome getting to know you these past couple months. Its great to have a friend who knows the bible so well, that has such a wonderful perspective on what we should be following. Your unique ways of parenting are awesome. I love watching you with your girls, and I love seeing how they respond to you and Nathan. They are incredibly well behaved children. I cannot wait to meet baby #3!

Damita- Your strength is incredible. Thank you for everything you've helped me with these past few months. Congrats on your new job, and your new found freedom. I love coming to bible study, partially because of all the incredibly unique things you know, and the philosophical things that stick with me for weeks on end.

~~ Family ~~

Dad- Things haven't always been easy for you and I. But I am so thankful you are my dad. We have grown so much closer in the last few years, and I wouldn't trade all the bad years, for the fact that you are my friend now. Thank you for everything you have done for me and for Jim.

Grandma- You are the most incredible person I've ever known. You have never had it easy, but you never back down. Nothing can ever drag you down. If I can be just like you, I know my life will be successful. Thank you for everything you have done for all of us. You didn't have to do half of what you've done. But we are so thankful for everything and couldn't ever repay you.

Danielle, Arti & Michael- I wish you nothing but the best while you are in Africa. I think of you, miss you and pray for you often. I cannot wait until you are home, and we can all get together and talk more about everything you have learned in Africa.

Tim- Your an incredible big brother. I love talking to you, I love reading your tweets. Your an incredible father. I love watching you with the kids, and how much they cherish their daddy. I am so blessed to have you in my life, and to call you my Brother

Liza- Your amazing. I am so blessed to have you in my life. Your strength is inspiring. No matter what I know that I can count on you. Your an incredible mommy, and I know that your children will grow up to be very well rounded wonderful people. I love spending time with you and talking with you. I am so blessed to have you as a sister.

Adam- You are a wonderful brother. I know that I can count on you anytime I need help, and know that you are always here to lend a sarcastic comment or laugh. I love that we can talk about anything and everything.

Sara- I absolutely adore you. You are so much fun to be around. I cannot wait until a few years from now when we both start families and can watch our children play together. You will be an incredible mom.

I am so blessed to have so many wonderful friends. I know I can count on you for anything, and I hope you know you can count on me. I love all of you so much. You all bring so much to my life, and I wouldn't trade any of it for anything.

I love you guys

gratituesday

My new friend Sara is a part of this every week, and I love reading her entries every Tuesday, so I thought I'd get in on the fun this week.



I am so thankful for my incredible husband, and all that he brings to my life. Two months ago we pledged our lives to each other, and we're finally settling into that new life. Jim is an incredible man, and I am looking forward to spending the rest of my life with him. I love watching him grow in his relationship with God, and to see the light in his eyes when he makes a connection to something said in Church. It is my prayer that we continue to grow in God together.



I am thankful for the friends who have supported me these past couple of months. It was a much harder transition than I expected, but one that I wouldn't give up for anything, I learned a lot about myself, some things I'm changing, but some that are incredible.


Most of all I am thankful for my new church, Anchor Christian church and all that it has brought into my life. My new friends at church have encouraged me in my walk with God more than anyone else, and shown me Christ's love in so many ways.

Trying

I need to stop trying so hard. I want so much for everyone to like me, that I feel like sometimes I'm just not myself. I want to have a lot of friends, I want people to understand how much they mean to me, and I think I try to hard. I try to be sarcastic on my blog, and say funny things, but I'm just not funny on here, even though I know i'm more funny than this face to face. Growing up I had one friend, and never really reached out to be closer to anyone else. Sometimes, I feel like that young lonely girl who will do anything to be loved, to have friends who love me and cherish me as much as I do them.

I hope you like me, and I hope you will continue to like me.