Friends Forever

My friend and neighbor came by the other day and gave me a lovely pillow that she had made,and hand embroidered this quote "Those who live in the Lord never see each other for the last time." This was a simple gift, yet it was a precious treasure to me. I will look at it often over the course of this move to remind me of what is true, what is real, and what matters most. Loving Jesus has changed my life. Only in my relationship with Him have I found the ability to truly be a friend, and to receive friendship like I've never known in my life. There are no words to describe what a gift He has given me in the friends that I have.

The light blue, gingham pillow made, and the words lovingly stitched on it reminded me of the song that I used to sing to Kendra years ago, when she would miss her friend Elisabeth who moved away to Colorado. It always brought tears to her eyes, and yet was such a comfort. I'll put them here:

Packing up the dreams God's planted
In the fertile soil of you
I can't believe the hope He's granted
Means a chapter in your life is through

But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends

And with the faith and love God's given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you live in
Is that strength that now you show

We'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long -----
to live as friends


I pray I can keep these words close to my heart and remember them on days when it seems like it will be excruciatingly difficult to move away, and always keep in mind…..
"It ain't heaven till it's heaven."