Because it makes me smile...

Obviously this picture is quite old... almost two years.  But it was the only picture I had.

Last Saturday, my dear friend Katherine and her brother Matthew took me up to see HPA's production of The Wizard of Oz. It was a great show, but it's more the memories that make me smile when I think about it.

Cause you see that guy up there? The one sitting next to me? His name is Mr. Cole and he's amazing. I'll probably talk more about him later, so for now, you'll have to take my word on it.

So when we went to Oz... (I love that statement. It sounds like we were actually there- in Oz. ) I was so crazy excited to see Mr. Cole. I hadn't seen him since the wedding (I was too busy looking for certain people at Beast.) And when I finally found him about 45 minutes after the show ended, he was talking to someone on stage. So I went up, expecting a side hug and maybe a smile before going on my merry way. 

He looked straight at me, said "You stay right there." and continued his conversation. I sank down, crossed my legs and rested my head on my fists. Yes, I get goofy with my friends and it was late. 10:45ish. 

Meanwhile, my group of friends was about 10 feet away, talking and laughing. I later found out that Katherine had asked "What is she doing?" and Breanne answered "She's basking in his wisdom." What was I saying about us being goofy?!?!? :)

When Mr. Cole had finish his conversation, I stood up. He picked me up, swung me around and gave me the best hug I've ever received. It makes me smile just thinking about it. I got to talk to him for probably 5 whole minutes. straight. Seriously, guys. It's the little things in life. :)

"Why is this important?" you might ask. Well, it's not. But it's a memory I wanted to catalog. Deeper thoughts coming soon, I promise.

Blessed

I really am blessed.

I have friends who are truly amazing. I love them so much and what's more is that they love me.

They love me. I'm far from perfect. I definitely have my faults. I don't always answer emails on time. I sometimes leave them when they need me. I don't give them what they need. But still,

They love me.

Katherine and I

These are the friends who encourage me when I am down in the depths of despair.

Jeremy and I. He's the best "big brother" ever.

These are the friends who I can trust with my whole heart.

Lidia and I

These are the friends who lift me up in prayer and who are always positive and ready to tell me that Jesus is good.

Veronica and I

These are the friends I can get really hyper with. They've seen me at 2 in the morning and they still like me.

Anna and I

These are the friends who know that I wish I was there so they send me pictures.

 

These are the friends that hold me when I cry and recite scripture to me until I'm okay again.

She's engaged!!! So happy for her and her prince!!! (Miss Elizabeth and I)

These are the friends that come running down the road and jump into my arms when they haven't seen me in two whole weeks.

Katherine and I again. :)

These are the friends who share my love of photography.

These are the friends who share big family jokes with me,

Naomi and I

 and who brighten my day with their sweetness,

Genevieve and I

 These are the friends whose purpose in life is to give God all the glory.

Yes, I may not be perfect. Yes, I'm only 14. Yes, I have faults. But yes, Jesus is good. Yes, this is only a small portion of my friends. Yes, they are the best friends in the whole world. Yes, I know that Jesus is the Best Friend ever. Yes, these friends draw me so much closer to Him.

Yes, I am blessed.