I Miss My Raleigh and Bloggy Friends!

It has been so long since I've written, tonight I feel like I'm coming home! My April has been so busy and productive, but I just have not been in a place to blog. So, I took a rather long break.

My dad stayed with our family for 3 weeks this month. It was so nice to have him here for a while. He's been with my sister and her family since Christmas in Rochester. He is facing a very hard time in life right now. His 3rd divorce plus numerous health problems. I'd treasure your prayers. He's feeling very unworthy and defeated. We moved him back to his hometown of Greenville, SC last week. I know he is lonely. That is a big reason I haven't been blogging. I haven't returned emails. There was just a lot to do and I gave myself a break from feeling like I had to keep up on the computer!

On a different note...."Hello Raleigh!" I had a speaking engagement last weekend in Raleigh, NC at Hayes Barton Baptist Church. The topic was friendship and relationships and they titled the event, "Sister to Sister". It was amazing. These women were so gracious and welcomed me with true southern hospitality. On Friday night, I even felt comfortable enough to take my shoes off and speak in my "Aloe Infused Hot Pink Slipper Socks"! (they gave me a wonderful gift basket including the great socks and my feet were killing me due to the bunion surgery I had a few months ago...so I took off my shoes. Oh My Gosh! Those Socks were the best things these feet have seen in forever!

The retreat was such a blessing to me as well as those who attended. I hope to have some pictures posted soon. I forgot my camera, so I'm kind of at the mercy of those with cameras at the event. I think what touched me the most is really something I recognize in most women. That is the need to have real authentic relationships...but the truth is those are few and far between. I hope and pray that through our time together that some walls were torn down and some seeds were planted to grow "sister to sister" relationships where the Fab 5 Qualities of Friendship can be displayed. (1. Unconditional and Unfailing Love 2. Encouragement 3. Service 4. Accountabiltiy 5. Forgiveness +++Bonus Prayer)

I want to say a big "thank you" to all of you in Raleigh who made me feel so welcome and comfortable. I wish I could've stayed longer. Thank you for having me!

It's so good to be back! Now I need to head over to http://www.beautifulp31.blogspot.com/ because it's been just as long since I've updated there too! Blessings Y'all!

Love,

Melissa

My Very Bestest Friend...

Who is your very bestest bestest friend? If you were to ask me that question, I'd need more clarification.

Who is my best girl friend? Well, there's my best girlfriends at work...my best girlfriends from high school....my best girlfriends from Bible study...my best long distance girlfriends....etc...

Who is my best friend ever on this earth? Well, that's easy. It's Jeff. My dynamic husband. Why is he my best friend on earth you ask? Well, he accepts me. He loves me and I don't know how or why. He puts up with me. He has forgiven me for my mess ups. I love to spend time with him. Although if I'm honest, I have to say that even keeping a friendship with my best friend on this earth isn't easy. We've had to work at it, and it hasn't been easy. But it's been worth it.

That still doesn't answer the question, "who is my very bestest friend?" My very bestest friend? That would be Jesus. Even though I have friends on this earth who love me, forgive me, and are there for me, no one can be there for me NO MATTER WHAT like Jesus can. Some people don't believe in Jesus. Well, I do. Not because the Bible tells me so. Not because my mama tells me so. But because I've met Him myself. He has never abandoned me. He loves me. He really is my friend. My very bestest friend.

I love the hymn, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus". When I was a little girl, I thought Jesus was unreachable for me. I thought I had to speak a certain proper way to Him. How could such a God want to spend time with such a mess up like me? But now I know better. I can talk to Him in my voice, using my words, and just being me. I'm so glad I can just be myself.

Who is your friend? Who is your very bestest friend?

Today, I thank you Jesus for loving me just the way I am. I need You in my life.

Blessings,

Melissa