a best friend

Going into college I understood the foundation of who I was but I really became "me" over those four years. When I started my art school adventure I knew what it meant to come from a loving and encouraging family, I knew that Jesus was alive and I knew I loved talking to people. The first week of school I met lots of wonderful individuals (including my husband:) but it was a few months later I officially met Ginger in drawing class. I was on the hunt for a roommate and Ginger just happened to be looking to move on campus. It was a match made in Heaven! Becoming Ginger's friend just.. happened so naturally. She moved in and we were best friends :) 

(**side note for the picture above** You have no idea how amazing this photo is. We took like six photos on our computer together, not looking at each other, and made the SAME FACE every time. We're awesome and totally weird that way)

Best friends are so important. A real girl friend that you can be totally honest with and who will be totally honest with you, even when you don't want to hear it. A huge part of figuring out who I was and who I wanted to be has been through my friendship with Ginger. Getting to know her heart for people, being surrounded by her love, seeing her strengths, hearing about her weaknesses, every late night adventure has brought me where I am today. I'm a better person because of her.

I want to encourage you today to look around at the friends you've had + the friends you have and ask yourself these questions.

- Whose caused a positive change in my life?
- How did they do it?
- What did they do that made me feel loved?
- What do I wish they did differently?

And most importantly
 - How can I become that life-changing-kinda friend to others?

We need to use our experiences, whether good or bad, to help us reach out to the people around us. You have been made to change lives. You can help people become the person they've been called to be. It doesn't matter where you are or how you feel, the truth is you are a light where ever you go. Don't let fear or bitterness from the past keep you from becoming the very best friend you can be.


I'm so thankful for Ginger. For her patience with me, her never ending forgiveness and her constant presence in my life, even when we're so far apart. I'm excited to love on people the way she loves on me.

Happy birthday my Gingy :) I love you forever and always.

Photo Credit Kristen Marie