Friend·ship

noun
1. The emotions or conduct of friends; the state of being friends
2. A relationship between friends created through a bond of love, likeness, and common faith
3. A special bond created between two or more people that is cherished and treasured for a lifetime

Synonyms
1. attachment, relationship, bond, tie
2. friendliness, harmony, affection, fondness, companionship
3. closeness, love, regard


As I was looking up definitions for friendship, I was struck by how cold, formal, and vague the words were that many dictionaries used to describe such an important, complex, and matchless word.  Of course, there's no way one dicionary could even begin to contain the whole definition of friendship.  It's endless.  And its unique to everyone.  It's a concept that is difficult to fully grasp, and definitely something that I take for granted.  It's easily destroyed if not properly cared for.  Fragile.  And it takes effort from both sides to nuture.   But it's truly one of God's greatest gifts that He has created for each of us.  Most importantly, the friendship He offers to us with Him - although this friendship is of a different and even more incomprehensible nature than our earthly friendships. 

So you see, this concept of friendship cannot fully be expressed in words.  It must be experienced, felt, treasured by each person, themselves.  And yet, we need to all understand its importance, its magnitude, and its influence in our life, continuously being thankful to the One who created it for us to embrace.  Thank You, Lord! 

And now to share with you some friendships that have recently entered my life, somewhat unexpectedly, but forever treasured in my heart.  And some others that have been in my life for many years, but grow more precious each day.  I love you all!

Leigha and Jody (1st two girls pictured L-R), some of Karla's friends from Kansas traveled to IL last weekend, and Karla was kind enough to share them with me! ;)

Saturday we spent the morning together horsebackriding up North.  Emily helps out at a horse-breeding farm and set up the day for us.  We had a blast!  Karla and I were the new-bees but I'd say that we got broke in real fast!  (sorry that this picture isn't very good...I couldn't get my horse to turn around or move for that matter...so yeah... I feel like I'm really big and everyone else is tiny!)
And speaking of relationships...My horse, Larry, and I became reeal good friends.  Actually...I kinda miss him...Snnifff sniff!  He was really kind and gentle to me, and I began to trust him with my life as our ride went on!  (and I'm really only exaggerating a tiny bit!)  For only riding a horse 2 others times, we did some pretty crazy things that I would only trust to special people, like Larry. ☺
Ok enough about Larry.  And he was pretty cute, by the way...

I enjoyed spending the day with these four beautiful ladies, and I hope to be able to spend some more time with them in the future! 

And to all my friends out there reading this post,  I want you to know that you hold a very special place in my heart.  I love you all very much, and praise God for giving me so many beautiful friends in my life!