(And no, they're not ranked in order of preference. Well, I did put my family first, because that's what you do with family. But the rest...just in the order I found the photos on my computer.)
My Mommy.
First of all, I completely adore this woman. She reminds me of the verse in Proverbs about being clothed in strength and dignity, and laughing without fear of the future. She has taught me pretty much everything I know...about everything. Especially being a woman of God. My favorite thing about her is how we've become more than just a mother-daughter team; she's one of my best friends and closest confidants. She inspires me by being a constant source of encouragement.
My younger brother.
This kid. MAN. He's something. There isn't a sad day I can have where he won't make me laugh with his affectionate and goofy antics. He has a heart eager to know Jesus and love people, and he's the sweetest guy you'll ever meet (quite a feat for a high school guy). My favorite part about being his sister is getting to be the lucky one he comes to for advice on so many wonderful topics. This kid is my favorite.
My Daddy!
By far, he is one of the most loving men I've ever known. He understands the struggles of life, and he's open with me about anything I want to talk about with him (by the way - dads are super great for boy stuff! They really do understand the best...probably because they are a guy). My favorite memory is him swinging me by my ankles when I was little, and second to that is the bedtime stories he used to tell me and my brother. And yes, he'll still tuck me into bed. Hands down, best dad ever. Unashamedly, I am a daddy's girl.
This guy:
Oh man...I can't write enough about this guy. But I'll force myself to keep it short. Completely in awe of God. Definition of humble servant. Best prayer-partner. Sacrificial leader who inspires people to follow him because of how much he cares for them. Knows all the good books to read. Somehow just as weird as me. Favorite inside jokes. All-time best hugs ever. He's the friend God brought my way when both of us were crying out for a friend like each other, and there's not a day that goes by that I'm not thankful he's in my life. Favorite thing about him...is him. (Sorry I'm not sorry that I'm completely sappy)
Miss Virginia.
She is the first time God answered a cry of desperation with the most bountiful friendship. I love this girl to pieces. We've done the long-distance thing for four years now, and we're still going strong! This girl knows my brokenness and understands my heart so well. Favorite thing about her is that when we get together, it starts with us basically trying to out-weird each other, and then we jump into these ridiculously deep conversations.
The restored one:
Testimony of God's love is how he swept in and restored this friendship to both of us. She constantly inspires me with her love for broken people and being in service to encouraging them and aiding them in any way she can. She calls it like she sees it and doesn't pull her punches, and as such I know I can trust her judgment calls on many things. The picture is around 5 years old, but I am blessed to know we still laugh like this when we're together.
The restored one:
The sweetest one:
And also the most loving person ever, by the way! We chose each other as roommates sophomore year of college simply because we had similar study habits and moral codes and belief systems, etc., and it bounded into an incredibly beautiful friendship. I can trust this girl with anything and everything, and love seeing her impact on the girls around her. My favorite thing about her: we have a particular way of singing each others' names when we're being silly or having fun.
Fall.
The name goes back to an old soccer joke. I've known this girl since middle school, and the most striking characteristic about her is her loyalty to our friendship through the stupidity of high school. She has an unwavering character, and I completely adore her. Plus, don't we look cute all dressed up? Favorite thing about her: her sweet prayers in lifegroup -- super real, just talking to God right there with us.
Punk/Punkette
Little Miss Spunky! My first real friend at college, even though I was a freshman and she a senior at the time! (Also, this picture, back to the days of my short hair! Good golly) She lives a life that screams a testimony of the ongoing change God works in a person. Admittedly, we get into more conflict than I ever thought possible. But everything has always refined us and our friendship, and I am so proud to be "in the trenches" with her, raising disciples by her side.
The Jesus Girl!
This girl is all about Jesus. Like, in the best way possible! We became friends in a way that shocked me. It started when I began discipling her shortly after she came to know Christ. I'll admit that at first it was a lot of hard work and I thought that my heart would just get broken because I would love her to pieces but it would never be reciprocated. But it was! She's my "person," as we say - you know, the one you text all day, every day!
And just because...
Fat cat Percy:
RIP Reggie:
(Told you I love cats)
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