faithful, friends, and the number 4

for the Lord is faithful... in all things.

genuine friendships present the best and hardest experiences in life. because we take risks in friendships and allow our true selves to show, being vulnerable and sharing dreams and fears, hard times can arise between friends. and then there's the good - the laughter, the spontaneity, the sharing of big dreams and planning of the future, the presence of another person by your side, knowing that you're loved and that someone would notice you were missing if you didn't show up to a party or gathering of lots of people...

almost 2 years ago, i wondered about the friends i would have at ISU/in Bloomington-Normal. i wondered if, one, i would even make any. not like meet people, but honestly and truly make friends. friends that would be there for me. friends i could live life with in the most natural way. friends i could laugh so carelessly with and cry so vulnerably with. friends that would listen to me and teach me and inspire me, and friends who i could do the same for.

i trusted in the Lord to provide these friendships that i believe did exist and await me.

and just like with everything else, the Lord was faithful in this.

just a few months after moving to Bloomington, i met katie... and chelsey... and katie... and tabitha. in the last 20 months, it has been confirmed to me that each of them are true and honest blessings from the Lord. not just because they're great and lovely and have big hearts and beautiful spirits, but because they have been the greatest friends to me.



with them, i have traveled across the world. i have cried. i have gone on adventures. i have watched the sun rise. i have drank too many cups of coffee. i have become a quicker speller due to our games of bananagrams. i have laughed so much. i have walked miles just chatting. i have made dinners and desserts and breakfasts. i have done early mornings of yoga. i have shopped. i have watched movies and seasons of shows. i have dreamed bigger. i have prayed longer. i have hoped for more. i have loved deeper.

with them, i have truly LIVED these few years at ISU.

the summer is quickly approaching, 4 of the 5 of us will graduate (1 with a masters and 3 with bachelors). 1 of them will celebrate their 3rd wedding anniversary... and another will soon be married. some of us will spend our days nannying children and others of us will serve the community in our work. it's difficult to say but this may be our last summer where we all are together... the last few months that we do get to genuinely and in the most natural and best way, live life together.

they are my best friends... they are the blessings that God overwhelmed me with. as hard as it is to imagine life without all of them just a mile, room, or couch cushion away, i believe that the Lord brought us all together for this season (if not more) for specific reasons. these girls have taught me so much and as long as i live i will never forget the imprint of their life and words and actions on my heart and life. we're forever friends and we're committed to following the Lord's leading of our lives... maybe to another country, maybe to another city, maybe apart, or maybe we'll be together... but wherever we go, i will always consider each of these girls to be one of the greatest blessings i've received in this life.

thank you Lord for being so faithful. thank you for bringing us all to Bloomington-Normal for THIS part of our lives. thank you that you have never left us, you never will, and that you desire to bless us more each and every day. You are good and i am forever grateful. lead us Lord, i pray... to follow You and never let the strings of our hearts that tie us together be loosened.

dear 23 year old me

 dear 23 year old me,

you are growing up so fast!

you are only going to be called miss davie and miss davio for 4 more weeks so enjoy it.

you are moving into a home in 3 weeks and i hope your heart finds so much contentment there.  i think this home is going to be a great place of growth for you.  create a simple space where you can think and pray and be in peace... you will need it this year.

my prayer for you is that you allow the Lord to move in your life.  that you won't be afraid and that you'll just trust him.  i pray that your heart desires to know him more than ever before and that you would let go of all that is hindering you from pursuing a sold-out relationship with your creator.  he wants to spend time with you and i hope you take him up on that offer. 

i pray that you are brave and bold and wise with your money.

i hope you really do brush your teeth every night.

i want you to remember how nice it is to receive compliments but don't forget to give them to others.

seek first the kindgom of god, dear sarah, and all things will be added.

i pray that you are equipped with divine discernment for all situations and that you are rightly faithful to all that you commit to. remember 2 timothy 2:2.

in your self-conscious moments, remember your victories... remember the love you've been shown.

never forget how faithful the Lord is.

remember "7"... and don't let excess creep into your life.  i hope you are strong enough to get rid of some of the current excess.

please create something every month!

and write something every day!

oh hey and maybe, lil re, you learn how to play the djembe a bit this year?

start preparing for the 5k... it'll be here before you know it!

i pray that you're able to accomplish genesis-revelation before 2012 is finished. dive in little fish!

remember others before yourself. and remember that above them, seek Him.

have a fun summer because you have fun beloved friends and you MUST cherish this time that you have together!

i think you should ride your bike more and drive less. try it, it might be fun!

don't forget the promises you made to your students when you get a teaching job.

do something spontaneous at least 4 times while you're 23... not illegal or dangerous, just fun and out of the ordinary!

be humble and let the Lord find great delight in you.

i am excited for you and this year!

with much love,

22 year old me