incredibly blessed...

It can easily be said that the older you get the better your friends should get. They should get better because as you grow in relationship together-you learn each other. You learn weaknesses and strengths about each other and good friends look past just those and know your heart, or your intentions. They learn how you receive love best and also understand why you do what you do. They have probably met your family at one point or another and so that adds to their understanding of who you are. All close friendships have usually gone through the fire of some sort where a decision had to be made, 'I accept you as you are.' You don't leave each other there, but exort and at times confront each other to bring out the best in one another.

This past weekend over my birthday I realized how greatful I am for so many good friends! There were definite decisions made at one point or another in many of my friendships and I'm sure they had to make a decision about me too. At points learning to leave the door open, but expecting nothing in return, knowing all God appointed friendships will come back around in the right timing. Choosing to quickly forgive. Choosing to walk with each other through hurt, frustration and disappointment. That's what relationship is all about. I learn a little more each year.

Two very close friends of mine and I were suppose to drive up to Nashville this past weekend, but due to the impending ice/snow we cancelled our plans. My best friend then began planning a spa day for her and I on Friday. I realized though I'd love to have a spa day, I often don't take the time and effort for myself to make it happen and she made it all happen! She found a very cute little place in an old antique house where we both enjoyed a massage and then a facial! It was splendid! That night I went to dinner at close friends (as I do every Friday) and they had prepared a meal (of which they must have known I'd love), all broiled fresh vegetables along with pasta and sauce. Then for desert was two platters of yummy fresh fruit and a rum fruit dip! My tastebuds were going crrrazy! They'd also gotten champagne and we had a few toasts. I felt incredibly special by the end of the day!

But the celebrations continued...Saturday I slept in and then went to brunch with one of my roommates! We then went to watch a movie and had a great time just hanging out. That evening my best friend had made all the plans for a group of our close friends to eat dinner and go bowling! It was such a fun group and though I didn't break 100 on either game, (i know, so pathetic) we still had a blast! Several people had to go home after that, but a group of us ended up going out dancing for seveal more hours! So many laughs and memories made in one day! I couldn't have planned a better birthday!

My decision on birthdays isn't so much if you remember them years from now, not on how much money is spent or on how long it was stretched out, but on if you feel special at the time. It could be because my top love languages are 1)quality time 2)words of encouragement, not negating the others, but cards and personal comments by people is like speaking my language :).

So thank you to so many of you who made this birthday extra special, with cards, comments, giving to Haiti, gifts and Ang for planning most everything this weekend! My heart feels incredibly blessed!