Feeling down? Lift someone up!

Yesterday was a really rough day for me. My kids were great and had nothing to do with it...for once. :) I had a heavy heart. I was worried that I'd offended someone, worried that I was being too sensitive, worried that my van was in for major repair work and if it'd be worth it, etc., etc. I found myself turning completely inward and dwelling on these negative things. It was then, that I remembered advice my mom has always given me. She would say, "When you feel down and depressed, see what you can do to make someone else happy". I decided to splotlight some of my friends. I thought to myself about people who enrich my life and the qualities that I appreciate in them. I hope this will be a "lift" for some great friends! (In no particular order, except the first one)

Carlo-dear, sweet husband, valiant, hardworking, intelligent, loving, best friend. Coby-sincere, kind, great example. Brandie-non judgemental, loyal, sweet. Kim N.-Welcoming, great listener, always ready for a laugh. Jen-capable, fun, great friend. Tera-solid, prepared, wonderful. Marilou-constant, friend, example. Julie-kindred spirit, generous, compassionate. Jackie-kind hearted, strong, courageous. Angi-thoughtful, hard working, sweetheart. Emily-talented, kind hearted, enterprising. Cheryl-loyal, salt of the earth, faithful. Cami-sweetheart, private, reliable. Anne-loving mother, fun, resilient. Anna-full of life, risk taker, fun. Marilyn-happy, great sense of humor, awesome mission companion. Melva-vibrant, cheerful, spunky. Valerie-even tempered, devoted mother, kind. Jennifer B.-Great teacher, dedicated, caring. Molly-organized, hard working, friend. Christine-consistent, accepting, validating. Andrea-stalwart, cheerful, positive. Kim F.-sweet, hard working, reliable. Ashley-sweet, sincere, consistent. Maci-Happy, warm, VT companion. Holly-unwavering, confident, loyal. Tara-kind, strong willed, reliable. Jenny M.-compassionate, kind, perservering. Meagan-devoted mother, great cook, kind. Laura-caring, dedicated, humble. Kim D.-lively, happy go lucky, fun. Simone-Jen's friend, warm, gracious. Rose-kind, fun, scout leader. Maria O.-pure heart, strong, loving mother. Elisabeth-sweet cousin, hard working, kind hearted. Ann Marie-sweet cousin, down to earth, good (i don't know how else to put it). Ballet moms-fun, great listeners, very nice to be around. Lani-driven, kind, non judgemental. Taylor R.-sweetheart, intelligent, well rounded. Mom-compassionate, caring, dear friend.

I could seriously keep going for a very long time. I know I left people out and so I may do a part 2. This was therapeutic for me. I think of the hymn that goes, "when upon life's billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged thinking all is lost, count your many blessings, name them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord has done." There are millions more who have affected me for good and I left out some of the most obvious. This was just a glimpse of all the great people in my life. Thank you! I hope I lifted someone up! I sure feel better. My love to all of you.