Monday, December 29, 2008

Some Things Never Change

So this weekend I took a bit of a road trip (6 1/2 hour drive) to Mesa, Arizona to visit a recently engaged best friend. You know how you have those friends that are in your life forever? I know especially with girls, our girl time with our girlie friends make some of the best memories in our lives. Well this friendship started the end of freshman year at Grace Bible College and has not dwindled since. She is definitely one who makes me laugh, no matter the situation we are in. One time we ran out of oil on our way to take her to the Chicago airport (3 1/2 hours away), so we pulled over on the side of the freeway, in the middle of the snow and traffic, and changed the oil. We were complaining…yes, but with laughter in our voices and smiles on our icicle faces.

But just like every relationship, there comes a time when conflict makes itself present. And though they have been few, Elyse and I have had our share of conflicts. However, we never let them get the best of us. After a big one, she knocked on my dorm room door and asked if I could help her eat this pint of Dove’s Double Chocolate ice cream. What girl says no to chocolate?? So I did and over that pint of delicious unhealthiness (I’m pretty sure the label advertised for love handles), we apologized, forgave, and laughed until way to late.

There’s a verse in Ecclesiastes (4:9) that says,

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!”

That is Elyse! In so many ways, she has shown the love of Christ to me. We never have a meaningless conversation. And I can tell the Lord is the center of her life and of her will. We have a freedom in our friendship to rebuke, a love to support and encourage, and the confidence that it is all done with a heart of gold. And so my friends it is my hope and prayer for you, that you would surround yourself with people who love you for who you are. But also, that you would be the friend you wish to have. Is Jesus Christ the center of your life? Is He the center of your relationships? Does He radiate off your face so that others know you are a child of God? Do not live life so busy that you lose time for the friends and family that truly care about you. One day, they may be all we have, and if so, then there is great treasure that needs to be polished.

~Julianna

Sunday, December 7, 2008

A Bubble Full of Joy


So this weekend was a series of crazy events…but the most amazing crazy events that could have happened. I do not have time to write now because I just came from brushing my teeth and washing my face and realized that “LACK OF SLEEP” is written in the form of dark circles right below my eyes. But it will come. I promise! :) I just wanted to share with you guys how amazing our God is and how perfectly He works things out…in His timing.

“A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.”
–Proverbs 17:22

What do you have to be joyful about?

Good night and sleep tight.
~JH
^^^Opinions, two-cents, questions and ramblings are welcome. And go above. Go ahead. Try it.

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