Love is a verb; crayon edition

I've said for years, "Love is a verb." Love is an action word. So, today's example comes from my dear friend, Courtney. This lady works SO hard as full time single mother that's ALSO going to school as well as volunteering for our Drug Court program. She is something. So, she sent me a text today asking me if my kids liked to color. Of course they do! Then she sent me these pictures:






Yes, folks....the one day off my sweet friend has...she spent making heart-shaped crayons for my kids!
Seriously?! Yes. I couldn't make this up! I'm humbled by the friendships that God has hand-picked from his angel tree & placed into my life.
Love is indeed a verb----as so colorfully demonstrated by my dear friend, Courtney.

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My heart is full

I am blessed each week to participate in a therapy group for mothers in recovery.  I can honestly say that these group of phenomenal women teach me far more than I could ever teach them.  They have survived countless traumas, addictions, and have endured more heartache in their young lives than I could ever imagine in a lifetime.  They inspire me, fill me up, challenge me, and move my spirit.  It is truly God's work, and I am happy to bear witness to the beautiful difference that God and healing has made in their lives.  These women inspire me.  Tonight, as group started, I was happy to see that one of my long past group members (and current best friends) joined me for group. Courtney has amazed me since the moment we first spoke on the phone. I don't think I'll ever forget that first phone conversation.  I knew she was something special, and boy was I right! The ladies from my group brought me a birthday card that they had all signed, and they were so thoughtful in their messages.  It brought tears to my eyes.  Courtney also brought me some presents...so thoughtful as always----and although I don't have a picture of everything...here are some of them.  Devotion books for mothers---perfect. What mother doesn't need to slow down and have her cup filled? I know this mother does!   Courtney also gave me a plaque which read, "So many people come into our lives then leave the way they came.  But there are those precious few who touch our hearts so deeply we will never be the same."  I read the words, and looked up, my eyes finding hers.  Tears filled both of our eyes. She whispered, "That's my favorite. That's what you've done for me." 

I am beyond blessed and deeply humbled to have even a moment with these incredible ladies!
As I am an untraditional kind of gal...I don't always open a book to the first page. I just opened my devotion book up, and the page I landed on read,



"It's not what your have but what you give that touches another's life."

 

 

INDEED! My heart is full. 

Happy 29th birthday Courtney

- Happy 29th Birthday Courtney!
Courtney is a dear friend of mine....one of the strongest, most inspiring people I know.  She has taught me so much.  Today is her 29th birthday! In celebration of her 29th, I met her for lunch. In typical Courtney fashion, on HER birthday...she has a gift for ME?!? WHAT?!? Who does that?! My amazing friend, that's who. 
Courtney did not have the charmed childhood and life that I have had.  She suffered some pretty huge bumps in the road.  But she has learned, grown, gained insight...and taught me so much about the human spirit throughout our friendship that grows stronger every day.  She just gets it. She quotes ME to ME....and to other people! She's now in college, a single mom, working full time, doing a great job as a mother...and one of the purest hearts I've ever known.  Today during lunch, she told me that she brought me the flower because she didn't believe that she would've made it to her 29th birthday if I hadn't been in her life.  She told me how I was the first person to really believe in her...and that it made all the difference in her life.  There is no greater gift than knowing that you've made a difference.  She has made such a difference in my life.  I quote HER to people all the time...so much, that Judge Clark now uses some of Courtney's phrases with our clients in court. "You, sir are what we call duckin' and dodging!"
I am so excited for her future...and I'm blessed to call her my dear friend. 
"This bitch will cut for you." (A Courtney-ism and one of my all-time favorite compliments!)
Happy 29th, dear friend!

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