Critic's Choice =)

My Heatha'-  My boo-  My friend

And here we have it-  my other favorite person in this entire universe.  Heather Renee.  Even though we're not "family", I feel closer to her than even most of my kin.  She's STINKIN' AWESOME!!  Of all the people I've known my whole life, I've never had someone I really felt I NEEDED... except my Heatha'! 
Before I moved out of state, we made it a priority to spend at least one day a week together, if at all possible.  Those times got me through some of the hardest times of my life.  She is someone I feel that I can be absolutely retarded with, a little immature, and cause trouble with.  (wink wink)  Yet, at the same time, she is my most loyal confidant.  I confide in her about nearly everything.  Why??  Because I KNOW she cares.  Truly.  She has left no room for question.  She has been there to offer a hug when I was scared or fearful.  Her shoulder was always available when I just needed to cry like a big ol' baby.  When I was down and discouraged about things that did or didn't matter, she was there to listen- and do whatever it took to make me smile.  I love that girl!! 
 With our busy schedules, and 180 mile separation, we don't get to talk or visit as much as we'd like.... not even close.  Heather is a mom of three- and I have no children right now, so it's sometimes a little easier for me to break away from life and call her, then it is for her to call me.  So, there are a lot of times I call, and she just can't talk.  I totally understand.  I still know she loves me- cause when she does call, she dedicates at least 3 hours just for me.  *I feel so special!!*  Anyways, I remember one time I tried to call and she couldn't get a break to talk, and she sent me this text apologizing for "being a bad friend... and because I had to chase after" her all the time.  The first thought that entered my mind was, "Some friends are just worth chasin.'"  She is!
Not only is she a friend for my emotional, physical, and mental (lol)  needs- she is faithfully there to help me spiritually.  Every time I get off the phone with her, or leave a nice time of visiting her, I leave uplifted and encouraged.  Always.  My spirit feels free.  My heart feels light. I feel happy.  I feel supported.  I feel loved. 
I can always sense the sincerity in her words.  Her genuine love for the Lord is evident, and her desire to help His people and reach for the lost is obvious to anyone with opened eyes. 
She is incredibly talented, too-  that comes with an anointing.  And as amazing as she is, and yes, I mean AMAZING, she still finds words to brag on me... and push me on.  The many dreams in her heart do not stop her from helping me reach mine. We work together, we share good news, information that will help us succeed in our goals.  That's friendship!  Loving and appreciating someone so much it makes you just as happy to see them happy and excited about something, as you would be if it were all happening to you.  We got that!  She's the only friend I can truly say understands me 100%.  She was a God send for me. When I've felt like Moses standing by myself with my arms raised, she's the one who comes up behind me and holds my arms for me.  She won't let me fail.  She'll refuse to let me give up.  I fully believe she'd do whatever it took to keep me pressing on... and with a big ol' cheesy grin on our faces... I'd make it through anything... cause she'd drag me by hair if she had to! 
 I want her to know how incredibly special she is to me.  How unbeatable her friendship is.  Of all the wonderful people in this world, she's one of the very best.  Hands down.
Heatha' from the Ghetta'...  YOU MY GIRL! 

Some Things Never Get Old

I can drink a McDonalds coke 2 times a day, every day, and that will never get old to me.  There is just something about their coke.  It's amazingly refreshing, and tastes so good.  Every time I eat there, those that know me, never have to question what "I want to drink with that,"  They know!  And there have been countless times I have used their drive thru JUST for their coke.  Who needs food- when they have their COKE? It's amazing.Can you think of anything in your life like that?  Something that never bores you, but always the opposite? 
Another thing I think of- I never get tired of being around happy people with a genuine love for the Lord and zeal for life.  Never.  My husband- God knew I needed him.  That man is the best man I know.  Yes, he's goofy- (maybe even slightly insane :) )- but he's incredible.  He is the happiest, truest person in my life.  His desire is to see everyone as happy as he is.  He loves making people laugh- (though some sadly refuse to)- and more than anything- he loves talking about the Lord and the things he can do for Him.  I love being with him.  He always encourages me to do my best, draw closer to God, and pursue my dreams.  If I'm ever in a bad mood- he can lift my spirits quicker than anyone.  I love him... and that never gets old.
There's a lady I work with... I've only known her about six months or so, but already it's evident to me that she is so full of the joy of the Lord.  Even when she's not so happy- she's joyful.  (Hard to understand?- Not if you, too, have that joy in Jesus.)  I love getting to talk to her each day about the Lord- and the calling He's placed on our lives.  She never has ANYTHING negative to say.  It's always uplifting and supporting.  Our conversations never bore me.
I have a friend, my closest friend, Heather, me and her both tease each other on how we need "a Heather day," or in her case, "a Kristi day."  We share similar interests- but more than that- we both want to see the other succeed.  It's in our hearts to help the other reach the goals they so desparately want to reach.  It's precious, and I love it.  I'm so thankful that God put her in my life.  Even though we've both been hurt, aggravated, and hindered- we constantly share scriptures and thoughts- and we have both made unbelievable progress in the ambitions we've set.  God has us well on our way to seeing some dreams come true.  I so look forward to the days we get to visit and those long hours on the phone.  I don't care how often- or how few- those times always feel just as sweet.
I pray with every piece of my heart that I can be that type of person to whomever I meet.  God is good.  God is a keeper of promises.  "He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him."  No matter what life brings our way- inspite of what people may throw at us- God will work it for our good.  It's in His Word.  He will.  He wants to see "whatsoever we put our hand to, prosper."  He knows the best way for that to happen.  So if seemingly everything in your life is going wrong- for seemingly forever-  keep holding on, because He will turn it around.  I know this from experience.  I went through a time of, probably close to 3-4 years, where I was so unhappy.  I would get disappointed and hurt left and right- and nobody could tell.  And it felt like nobody cared.  I was given positions and opportunities that were taken away so unfairly.  Other "jobs" we were given always had stipulations that no one else had to deal with.  I was actually told while being offered something else that, "I was NOT first choice."  The list could go on.  It happened over and over again- so much, that I guarantee the people doing it- didn't even realize it.  They thought they were helping, teaching.  It was just routine.  When, in fact, we had never been so hurt and discouraged in all our lives.  I really had to pray through bitterness and everything.  Awful place to be.  BUT- GOD... (I could just leave it right here and cry at the awesomeness!)  BUT, GOD... turned it all around!  He made a way to bring us out, open unexpected, unbelievable doors- and give us the joy in Him that I'd been praying for for so long!  I wish I could even just barely put into words that happiness I've felt every day for the last 4 months or so.  It might sound a bit monotonous- but oh, does it feel great!  When you can let go of everything else- and just grasp the fact that GOD IS AWESOME- that He loves YOU- that YOU do have purpose- and that your life can be incredible through Him- you can experience it, too!!  I hope you do, if you haven't already.  Living for God is amazing.  His unexpected surprises are so enjoyable. The plans He has for you- the "packages" He tosses right there on your doorstep are fabulous.  "His mercies are new every morning."  They never get old.