Old Friends, New Friends

There's something about having a history with someone. Shared experiences create invisible, irrevocable ties, even though they may be unrecognized in the weaving. I think this is what allows friends to jump headfirst back into life, even though they live great distances apart.

Sarah and Donnie are our old friends. The four of us attended the same high school youth group and even went on trips to Mexico together. They began dating just before Ty and I. It was pleasure to attend their wedding in October - the first we attended as newlyweds. :)

Sarah taught in Korea after college graduation, and Donnie moved to Houston to pursue his rocket-science dreams. We haven't seen much of them in the last four years.

But you'd have never known that if you'd have hung around us in April. We had the great pleasure to stay with them in Houston while on our recent road trip, and it was a splendid time. They are our old friends because of our shared history, but they are our new friends, too, because we had a blast as newlyweds catching up on current life.

At Growth Group last Tuesday, we read through Philippians 1:1-11 and spent a great deal of time discussing true community like what Paul describes. His heart is deeply connected to the believers in Philipi. Not only do we have ties of friendship with our fellow believers, but we have a bond in the Spirit that is most tightly knit.

³ I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, ⁴ always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, ⁵ because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. ⁶ And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in youwill bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. ⁷ It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.⁸ For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.⁹ And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, ¹⁰ so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, ¹¹ filled with the fruit of righteousness that comesthrough Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:3-11) 

Sarah and Donnie treated us like distinguished guests from the Far East. We felt right at home and easily fell into life with them. They spoiled us silly. They were Grace to us. Dear friends are hard to find. Thankfully these dear ones are on the map. If only we didn't have to cross Louisiana swamp land to see them...

Old friends...

Sarah and me with sweet Jasmine, Mexico 2007

Mexico team, 2007

Aww, Sarah and Donnie just before they started dating (Again, Mexico, 2007)

Sarah, me, Jasmine, and Aleah in Mexico, 2008

Mexico team, 2008 (can you find Ty, Sarah, and me??)

New friends...

All married and grown up.

Goodies left in our room!

Down by the bay

 

It was so cold and windy!!

The gentlemen enjoying something technical, I'm sure. Please notice how Ty is holding Brooklyn.

Tex Mex!

Pancake Breakfast!

Eating Sarah's yummy food yet again!


NASA Tour!

Yes, that's was the direct line to the President.

We were separated by the train :)

Ending on a good note with DQ!

Remembering

It used to be that you would hardly find me without a camera and a journal on my person. While I have been lazy about my photography and journaling habits in recent days, tonight I am reminded of the importance of documenting and recording life.

Every now and then I spend some time pouring over old journals. This is not because I'm entirely self-obsessed or find my words particularly elegant. It is because I long to remember. Tonight I found myself spending some much needed down-time with folders and folders of photographs. Just as my journals tell stories of a range of emotions, each photograph conjured up specific feelings. It's as if I can place myself back there entirely. Almost like jumping right into the picture.

Scanning the faces of my family and friends, I remember the celebrations and joys.
I remember why some smiles seem forced. Because sorrow is a part of life, too.

I remember what it was like becoming an aunt for the first time.
I remember the shopping trips that did not necessitate photography (but we brought a camera anyway).
I remember warm welcomes and bear hugs after long separation.
I remember laughing so hard about nothing.
I remember the sound of baby giggles.
I remember the weather and the details behind why I was wearing that.
I remember waiting on answers from God.

I remember.

And I am thankful.

Each memory is an evidence of God's continued goodness in my life.
Not every present moment feels Kodak-worthy, so I stop recording.  Consequently, I not only miss the opportunity to give thanks in this moment, but I also forgo reaping the benefits of looking back on today.

I know I suffer from Gospel Amnesia. That is, I am quick to forget the promises of God that are yes and amen for me in Christ Jesus. This is why I look back and reflect. This is why the people of God were commanded over and over throughout scripture to remember.

"Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name;
make known his deeds among the peoples!
Sing to him, sing praises to him;
tell of all his wondrous works!
Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!
Seek the LORD and his strength;
seek his presence continually!
Remember the wondrous works that he has done,
his miracles and the judgements he uttered,
O offspring of Israel his servant,
o children of Jacob, his chosen ones!
He is the LORD our God;
his judgements are in all the earth."

-1 Chronicles 16:8-14