Monday, November 10, 2008

Friends

Today I want to tell you about a very special friend that I have in my life. Her name is Chatty Kelly (well, that's her bloggy name). Kelly and I have been friends for a very long time (14 or 15 years-Kelly would know!).

When we first met, we were both working in the corporate headquarters of a large retail corporation. We became friends quickly and soon were eating lunch together daily! We also sent IM's to each other constantly and still managed to be excellent at our positions. Then she got promoted to work for the CEO and the IM's stopped. We did continue the lunches. :)

Our friendship changed once again when I had my first baby and stayed home. What a lonely time that was for me! After the birth of my second child, Kelly gave birth to her first and began staying at home.

It was challenging to transition our friendship from corporate to home and we didn't get together all that often. Over the years we've tried to keep in touch, and whenever we're together it's as if no time has passed since our last meeting.

In the Spring of this year Kelly encouraged me to start writing with her (blogging). God was giving me a new calling on my life and He knew I would need my precious friend, Kelly by my side. We went to She Speaks! writers conference together and had a blast!

Now we're both writing and submitting articles and the best part is that we are getting together much more frequently. Kelly is one of my biggest "cheerleaders" when it comes to writing and I am so grateful for her.

I want to toot her horn a bit and say that her first published article is in the November issue of the P31 magazine (If you don't have a copy, buy one quick!). I am so proud of Kelly for using the talents that God has given her.

Real friends are a gift from God. He has given me many friends and I am thankful for all of them. But today, I want to praise God for my friend, Kelly! She brings joy and encouragement and love into my life. What a treasure.


This picture was taken last week when we decided to have our portraits taken professionally for our future web pages. It's always more fun to do things with a friend!

8 comments:

Kelly said...

Well Bless my soul! You DID bless my soul today!!! What a lovely surprise and tribute.

It was definitely easier to be friends when we were "together" 8 hours every day, had lunch every day and had no other real like obligations (like kids!). But I am so happy that we have worked to transition and how the writing process has brought us closer together.

You are a joy in my life!

Sue J. said...

I'm glad I knew you both before the whole bloggy thing--but it's been great to be connected through this thing....not quite IM but as close as we can be to that, given our busy lives.

The best part of your relationship is the strong spiritual bond that continues to grow through Christ--and you both share that with everyone, in person and in your writing, beautifully!

Sharon said...

What a great post!! It's wonderful to have such a great friend, especially one to share God's word and experiences with.
We all desire friend's like this in our lives.
Be Blessed all of you!
Sharon

Bonita said...

The friendship between the two of you blesses me so much. Just knowing that it has grown and changed with the changes in both of you is beautiful. Kelly is a sweetie and so are you!

You girls are really moving up! Professional portraits, wow! I saw Kelly's article and cheered for her. I'll do the same for you one day.

Bless you both!

Debra said...

Sonya,

I loved this post. Its's exciting to see what the Lord is doing with the talent He has given you.

I want to tell you that you have encouraged me in a post a few days back. The one about celebrating...I needed this today. I was rejected at a craft/art Internet store. I was tempted to be discouraged, and I was-a little. But I decided to have a good attitude anyway. Then, reading your post made me celebrate! Just knowing that God has gifted me a certain way-uniquely me-and given me talents He wants me to use-that's a celebration!!
I'm sorry-I don't know how to tie this in to this post, but I didn't want to miss the chance to tell you how much it helped me to see it in print. Just celebrate! Thank you!
Love, Debra

momstheword said...

It's funny because I thought she was "Chatty Kathy." I had a Chatty Kathy doll as a kid!

I have some dear friends that I don't see much, but we find that the distance and time melt away when we're together, and it's like we were never apart.

You both look so pretty in your picture! Aren't friends great!

Edie said...

What a Great post! That is a long friendship that appears to pass the tried and true test. You are both a blessing to all of us.

Love the photo too!

Edie said...

Oh ... and I was wondering if you two went together for the photo shoot after seeing both of you change your profile pictures at the same time. Ha!