My life savers

I believe that so many people go through life without ever really truly opening up to people and letting themselves be vulnerable. I on the other hand, almost have the opposite problem where I usually throw my heart out there even in situations it is not safe to do so. And in recent years I have learn the health of boundaries and vulnerablity and try really hard to maintain an appropraite balance.I remember my amazing councelor, Chris, pointed out to me that even Jesus did this with his friends and people he interacted with. What a refreshing thing for me to realize. Jesus had what Chris labeled a "Circle of influence". If you look at the example of Christ's life, he had God in the center. Then John was the next circle out. Then Peter and James. Following them were the 12 disciples. Then the women and the 70 other disciples. Next came the crowds of people that he interacted with. And last were the Pharasees. Chris pointed out that Jesus apprpriately interacted with all of these groups of people, but he also had strong boundaries with them as well, being the least vulnearable with the Pharasees and the most vulnerable with John.

All that to say, that I am so thankful for the women who I have close in my circle that I can be vulnerable with and that I can trust. These women are truly live savers for me and I am so grateful for them.

JAMI: I have known this girl since I was in diapers. She has been with me through thick and thin. And while we may not always have a lot of time to connect, we are always there for each other. We have gone from playing together in each other's back yards, to standing with each other in weddings, and now she has her own child that one day will play with mine and the cycle will continue! I love this girl and she will always and forever be the friend I have known the longest because one day we will be 90 years old and remembering when we were 5...or not remembering because we lost our memory, and it will be awesome! I love her. By the way, this is a picture of her being sneaky after her and Paul agreed to be our "get away car" at our wedding so no one would to anything to my car. And what does it look like she is doing? Yep, she got my car.

Allison: Al and I have lived together in college and she currently lives with Aaron and I in my house. She will eternally be my "roommate" even when she doesn't live with me. We have had our ups and downs but no matter what we have stuck it out and just grow stronger. She is like family, she sees me at my best and at my worst. She has taken care of me when I had a broken ankle and has let Aaron and I take care of her when she has needed some cheering up. Also, she is ALWAYS a person I know will be praying for me and it is the most reassuring thing ever!

My mom: This woman is amazing. I can't say more than that. She has been my sounding board, my outlet, my comfort, my friend, my mom, my councelor, my cheerleader, my nurse, and so much more. I am so grateful for her. And while we sometimes drive each other nuts (and others who are around) because we are so stubborn, I would do anything for her and she knows that.



Naomi: What a breath of fresh air. Naomi walked in to my life at the absolute perfect time. Truly there was something very divine in us meeting. She brings out the artist in me in a way that is so freeing! We can talk about everything and I know that she sees me for who I am. She is my MTV-watching, scrabble-playing, blog-reading, BFF and I am so glad that she is in my life.





Laura Lily: This was another divine meeting. Long story short, I had to rearrange my college orientation because of medical reasons and ended up going to the last one of the summer. I didn't know anyone and felt super awkward there. However, at this lame dance that was put on I met this awesome girl Laura who ended up being one of my absolute best friends and truly a soul mate if you will. This girl has spoken truth into my life unlike any other, she has helped me to laugh so hard, she has been a great companion on roadtrips, she is the best co-dancer in a car that I know. She helped me to love coffee and "The hampster dance" song. Also, we have our special tradition of painting our toenails whenever we need to laugh, cry, or anything in between.

Beth: I have known Bethy since the second grade. We went to the same elementry school, middle school, and college. She was my roommate for a year and a half during which we had some wicked dance parties and have lots of memories of talking to each other on our bunk beds. I have seen her say goodbye to her dad and hello to her new son. I listened to her talk in middle school about this boy name "Chad" who is now her husband. We have only got in one fight that I can remember during which I called her an earing and she called me a bracelet...which at the time was the meanest we could be to each other. Later we apologized and moved on.

Becca: Becca and I met when we were both working with students up in Greeley and ended up leading "Platoon 4:20" for quite a few years. Her husband was my boss at one point, and they both were life savers for me in college. Becca and I were always late to meet each other, so we would plan things 15 min. early so we would both be there on time. We both love art and good coffee and things that are genuine. Becca and I have a hard time connecting but we leave each other fun messages and know that no matter what, we are still always there for one another.

Jada: This is my older sister. I lived with her and her family for two years, during which I became family. I am "Auntie Cheryl" to her children, I saw her daughter Jamison when she was only a couple min. old. I know both her and Jon's families and I know many of their friends. They were the ones who answered the door on my first date with my now husband and they were both in my wedding. I tell her that I know her better than she knows herself...and I am too stubborn to believe differently!