This post is dedicated with love to two very dear friends that I miss very much.  Mattie, your life has inspired mine so many times.  I love you for many reasons, but you have especially impacted my life with your genuine honesty and forthright manner.  In this world where we have learned too well how to hide our true selves away behind smiles and polished words … I deeply appreciate real people, probably above all because it speaks to the need of my own heart.  Thank-you.  God blesses you for that by causing you to grow and grow in Him.  I love you.  It is a great joy to see you holding your very own grandson, and imagine the warm twinkle in your beautiful eyes when you look at him.

My most recent ‘favorite mother’ is my dear heart-friend and ‘cousin-in-law’ (or was that ‘sister’?). Congratulations and welcome to your precious little son!  What a joy to see you delighting in your own baby … I can hardly wait to see and hug you both.  Thank-you, Melissa, for your example of fervent love for God and your hubby and now your tiny son.  I pray the blessing of God would pour out upon you and give you much rest in Him every day.  You may think you are far away and unnoticed, but this is to encourage you otherwise.   You are my heroine.  I love you.