you find out who your friends are...

I'm not that smart.  As a matter of fact, most things that I am halfway decent at are because I made stupid decisions, or fell flat on my tail at some point in my life.  So...girls (actually anybody), listen to me when I say this.

Don't ever give up on your friends. 
Start dating someone? Don't forget about your friends. 
Move to a new location? Don't forget about your old friends.  
Start a family? Don't forget to include your friends.

See a trend here?

Lately, my life has been about developing a strong friend circle.  Agriculture is a male-dominated industry, so naturally, I grew up around and became friends with guys.  A good guy friend is extremely valuable to a woman, but having a couple of girls that you can pour your heart and soul into is important as well.  I want and need a strong friend circle.

Thankfully, I have two wonderful ladies at work that I absolutely love spending time with.  We lean on each other when the times get tough and spend a lot of time together outside of work.  We all have different interests, but we mesh those interests together beautifully.  

My Sunday school class has blossomed into a great group of friends that I have really started to enjoy. I moved churches in search of fellowship with people my age and couldn't have picked a better place to land. We sit together at church, go out to eat together, and even pull for our beloved not-so-good  Wolfpack. These people challenge me and remind me how important it is to be part of a community of believers.

Right now, I am satisfied with where I am in life. Do I feel the pressures of dating and getting married?  Absolutely. But, I have found that listening to my own heart is the best way for me to love and live during this season of life. I am learning what makes me happy and what makes me sad. I am realizing that where I am is exactly where I am supposed to be.

This community of bloggers has done so much for me too...when I felt lost and without friends, many of you picked me up and encouraged me to be the best that I can be.  I love that I have gotten to meet some of you and cannot wait to meet more of you as time goes on. 

As I sit back and think about it, my friend circle is rather large. Some live near, others live far, but we still stick together through the good times and bad.  My problems are theirs and their problems are mine...and that what makes our friendship special. I still am best friends with some of those that I met in elementary, middle, high school, and college.

After watching crying through waaaaaayyyyy too many Hallmark movies this weekend, I saw this quote after each Hallmark commercial.

Life is a special occasion.  Celebrate each and every day.

I think I have a lot to celebrate. I hope you do too! 

P.S. I hope some of you enjoyed these throwback pictures! And if you're not pictured...you are still my friend :)