(That's Niki on the left and my mom on the right.)
Niki has been my very good friend since about 2005, and, recently, she has become like a second mom to me. And I do not use that term flippantly. Sadly, though, she and her family will be moving soon, and I won't get to see her as much. Since today is her birthday, I wanted to share what she has meant to me over the years.
Dear Niki:
Because of you, I know that beautiful and modest can go together. The wardrobe of a true lady is appropriate and fashionable.
Because of you, I know how to be a fun hostess. And a really good hostess can put together a party by the seat of her pants.
Because of you, I know that lifelong love outweighs short-term affection. Boys will come and go; but a man will be there for the long haul.
Because of you, I know that loving Jesus is fun. Jesus is my Savior, my Redeemer and my Lord; but He is also my Best Friend.
Because of you, I know the value of coffee. And French vanilla creamer.
Because of you, I know how to have fun AND be ladylike. At the same time. It really is possible.
Because of you, I know how precious my own family is. We may disagree, but we'll always stick together.
Because of you, I know what high heels can do for morale. Flats just don't cut it sometimes.
Because of you, I know that curly hair is not the end of the world. It's all in how you manage it.
Because of you, I have been blessed by Selah. If you wouldn't have introduced me to them, I would have missed out on the many times their music has ministered to me.
Thank you for the sleepovers, Super Bowl parties and campouts.
Thank you for sharing your heart in Bible studies.
Thank you for the encouragement, the prodding and the hugs.
Thank you for giggling with the little girl and listening to the melodramatic teenager.
Thank you for being my friend.
Your "child" rises up and calls you blessed.
Love, Joanna