Thankful for my Bestie

My best friend Amy turns 26 today.

I am so happy to have the opportunity to celebrate with her and rejoice that she is in my life.  She truly is a blessing!

In case you don't already know her, I'll give a quick overview.  She is passionate, loving, giving, smart, laugh til you cry funny, sarcastic, and BEautiful! (there is oh so much more)

I remember around a year ago, after her 25th birthday, that she told me this was the year she was going to get her life in order.  The year she was going to make changes and pursue dreams.  I didn't necessarily know how serious she was at the time, but I was excited for her!  I have and always will want the very best for her.  I was proud of her for wanting amazing, beautiful things out of life.  Proud because you may remember this post a few years ago that I wrote the day her dad died.  She went through such a horrific experience and had reasons to give up, or to just except that the best of life had come and gone.  But she didn't.  In fact, I have seen her stand taller, try harder, give more, and love more ferociously then I have prior to that event.  How inspiring is that?!?

She is the kind of friend that pushes me to be a better person.  I know she loves me and is there for me and wants good things for me.  She loves my family...each of  us as individuals, and we each indivdually love her.  I am so happy little Felicity has Amy as her Godmother...Amy is a prayer warrior, and I know she has my little girl in her daily prayers.  What a lucky little girl I have!

In the past 7 months Amy has been on an amazing journey.  When she said this would be the year she would take life by the horns and run, she truly meant it.  And I can't tell you the number of people she has inspired in the process.  In these 7 months she has lost over 100 lbs.  Yes, you did in fact read that correctly!  And no, there is no gimmick.  She was worked her butt off.  She eats healthy and works out every day.  And I have never seen her happier.  And if her weight loss wasn't enough of a lifestyle change in itself, it really is just the tip of the ice berg.  She has confronted demons and hurts from her past, she has begun to dream big, and she has made huge strides in achieving those dreams.  She has softened her heart and made herself vulnerable to all the good that God would have for her in this life.  And I am so thankful to have witnessed it all!

I know I can't do it the justice it deserves, so why don't you head on over to her fab blog and check it all out for yourself.  Trust me, you won't leave uninspired!

I love you Amy.  I am so proud of all you have accomplished.  Thank you for loving me.  You are loved and cherished by so many...and the best part is I think you believe that more now then you ever have before.  Praise God :)

Happy Birthday, My Friend!  May this coming year be even brighter!!!

One of my faves.  Ames and Felicity!