Thank you for being a {REAL} friend.

Every now and then, in the everyday of life, a person comes along who you just know is a good, pure, authentic person. A person who has that special something, that ability to remain {REAL} in a world that is always telling us that we should be a certain way, look a certain way, earn a certain amount of money, drive, dress, etc. a certain way. This type of person accepts you for who you are from day one. And that is the type of person who is a friend for life. A person who not only encourages you, but also challenges you. Does so many things to uplift you but to also keep you accountable to the life to which Christ has called you. A person who can tell it like it is, but does so in love. A person who is not ashamed to lay all that she is on the table, including her insecurities, confusions, faults, and places where she doesn't feel that she measures up. A person willing to use her own trials and valleys to help others through theirs.

Many people go through life never knowing such a friend. I have had the chance to have a few such friends in my lifetime, and I am privileged to have acquired such a friend over the past year. And today is the day for celebrating that friend and all the ways she has made my life and ministry richer, deeper, and more focused. I thank God for His plan which brought us into each others' lives, working together as partners to develop a program that God is using to grow up precious kids in Him. I feel privileged to work alongside her, to learn from her, and to partner with her in God's work.

What do I appreciate about this friend? First, her passion for kids shines so intensely. She just loves kids and really GETS them. Kids are drawn to her and just love her. Second, she loves Christ intensely and with all of her being. She desires to fulfill His plan in her life, and to sacrifice whatever it takes to surrender all to him. Is she perfect? No. But she is a picture to me of the passion and love to which Christ calls us. Third, she is a person who constantly seeks to build others up....to love and encourage and challenge and nurture and build. That is so unusual in today's world, and I love that about her. Finally, SHE IS JUST PLAIN FUN! She laughs and plays and giggles and isn't afraid to get "dirty." She reminds us all to have fun, laugh, and not take ourselves too seriously. I love that about her!

So, today I am honoring my good friend and sister in Christ, Tonya, for all that she brings into the lives of so many people. Happy Birthday, Sister.....you are loved and appreciated this day and every day. Know that God is using you in deep, lasting, and unexpected ways. Happy Day!