When I think about God’s blessings, one of the ones that comes to the top of the list is the blessing of friendship. It’s something I believe every women longs for, and every women needs.
#1187. Technology – keeping up with her in Colorado.
Friends strengthen and encourage one another, shape and sharpen one another, speak truth to one another, and just do life with one another. A true friend is someone you can be real with. They will love you at your worst, and encourage you to be your best.
#1188. She ALWAYS points my gaze to see the good in others.
As much as I enjoy being the recipient of any one or all of these gifts, my prayer in recent years has been that I would become this kind of friend, and be the type of women who draws others closer to Jesus.
#1189. 
Having a friend has many rewards, but being a friend is a gift from God. He has a lot to say about friendship:
“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”
Proverbs 12:26
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
Proverbs 17:17
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
Proverbs 18:24
“One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend.”
Proverbs 22:11
“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”
Proverbs 27:9
Two of my personal favorite scriptures on friendships:
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Proverbs 27:17
Will you join me in prayer today?
Lord,
I thank you for each and every one of the friends You have brought into my life to sharpen me and make me more like You. Their friendship is truly a gift. Help me to be the kind of friend they each need, and as Your Word says, a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Help me to love them with a pure heart and speak to them with grace. When they fall down, help me to be there for them. Show me ways to touch their individual lives, to be an encouragement to them, and point them to a closer walk with You. Bring women into my life that I can disciple, and mentors that I can learn from. Unite us together in love through Your spirit, and let our example of friendship be a tool for witnessing to the lost.
In Jesus Name
#1190. Being in the right place, at the right time, to fulfill a need for others.
#1191. Fall leaves and early morning fog.
#1192. A spontaneous get together with friends…
#1194. And photographing the afternoon.
#1195. She brought lunch, pizza, warm and delicious.
#1196. Meeting new friends, and sisters in Christ, as we begin our fall Bible study.
#1197. Brownies.
#1198. Giving up coffee.
#1199. Tea.
#1200. Pitching a home made tent with Melissa and (4) 5 year olds on the floor.
#1201. Telling Jesus stories in it.
#1202. A quiet evening at home.
#1203. Deer in the back yard.
#1204. Hearing her play the piano, so one day she can play as well as David Nevue.
#1205. When the dog was in the dishwasher, licking the plates, “Mom, she wants to help do the dishes, too.”
#1206. Text messages from the oldest two.
#1207. His grades are improving – college life.
#1208. He’s learning to drive with Dad – 16.
#1209. Encouragement from friends – a reminder that I have them.
#1210. Twinning with the youngest, wearing our matching pink t-shirts to the store.
#1211. When she tells me I’m her best friend after asking for advice.
#1212. Dinner with the oldest daughter and son-in-love.
#1213. Warm, homemade apple pie with vanilla ice cream.
#1214. Sunday evening choir practice – worship.
#1215. Jaime and Amanda – music specials that were truly special.
#1216. An hour to talk with a close friend – sisters forever.