You Can Be My Wingman Anytime....

*** PREFACE***

I wrote this last Monday, July 13. I have failed to publish it for one week based on pure procrastination. It is unlike my typical post but I would still encourage you to read it and allow the LORD to remind you of the friends He has so blessed you with in your life and may it persuade you to also express your gratitude to Him and to your sweet friends.

*** *** ***

The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear Him
and He makes known to them His covenant.
Psalm 25:14

Tonight, as I sat under the teaching of my dear friend at youth girls’ Bible study, I couldn’t help but think back to the day that I met her and give thanks to the LORD for the way He has used her in my life over the years. I am blessed, and far too often I forget to say “THANK YOU” to those people in my life that encourage me to press on and follow hard after JESUS. Allow me this opportunity to do just that for you, my dear friend, Amelia.

I still remember the day I met her. Spring of 2004, I was a freshman at Auburn and she was a homeschooled junior in high school. Given the opportunity to spend one weekend in her home for a college retreat, hosted by her family. I don’t know what it was about her, maybe I saw lots of myself in her, but by the end of 2 ½ days, I knew she would be a big part of my college experience. I like to tell people that Amelia was God’s call on my life to work with teenage girls, and I stand by that. Still a young believer, I had not yet found my outlet for service within the local body, but after spending a weekend getting to know her, laughing with her, and discovering a heart for JESUS behind her sometimes “not so nice” spirit, I knew the LORD was using Amelia to show me that He would have me to serve with youth girls, with an extra special heart for high-schoolers. We have had some of the best times of my life together. Between adventures that almost got us killed and just sitting around in my apartment having serious, spiritually sound conversations, she so encourages my heart. It’s interesting to look back and see how the LORD used a college retreat weekend in my life for His glory and, without question, my good. My love and passion for youth girls only continues to deepen with each passing semester that the LORD calls me to serve.

Imagine the pride within my heart tonight as I watched Amelia passionately teach the Word of God to youth girls. Going through the book of Ruth this summer, Amelia has invested hours of preparation and time in prayer to be sure that she is knowledgeable and well-versed on her subject matter. But all of her study and wisdom aside, she brings such an intense enthusiasm to the table when she opens her copy of God’s Word and proceeds to expound His truth to teenage girls. The students of Lakeview Baptist Church and the Auburn community are blessed beyond imagination to have this amazing leader in its midst. Gratitude does not do justice to what we owe. Thank you, Amelia, for loving KING JESUS with such zeal and contagious excitement. Thank you for fervently and joyfully serving the LORD for one reason, because you know that HE IS WORTHY! You, my sweet friend, are a blessing and joy to my life. I grow more and more proud of you with each passing day. I am thankful that the LORD has given me the chance to watch you grow in your faith and yearning for Him. Thank you for your friendship. God is so good…