What I take for granted (or words unspoken) part 2

Friends (My second Family)

I have recently been challenged by a friend to memorize Philippians. I don’t say this for any sort of praise or compliments. I say this because in this time I have come across a verse the hast taken hold of my heart and how I pray. The verse in particular is Philippians 1:3-4 It goes something like this ” 3 Every time I think of you I thank my God for you. 4 Whenever I pray for all of you, I pray with Joy” . I pray these verses almost every day. These people, these friends in my life mean very much to me. I am not the greatest at showing it I know. I apologize for that.
Alright no more stalling….

Chris and Megan
I don’t know what exactly to say. What you both have come to mean to me is without words. When I first met you, attempting to film a video my first few months at RPC for Married Life Live. I approached you and asked why you weren’t married and to get married immediately so that I could use you in my film. This is around the time Chris had his big poofy hair and a full beard. I thought this kid is one of those indie kids who was like “Dude”. Lets just say you proved very quickly that looks can be deceiving. Megan if I could point out only one thing I remember about you it would be  how nice you were and TWLOHA(okay thats two shut up). You wore the shirts and talked about it quite a bit. For good reason I later found out. You both invited me to the only small group that had anyone younger than 28 at the time. It was an interesting group of people. I grew to know you both very well over the past years. I remember Chris sharing with me that his wife and I were identical in personalities. Talking to you on the phone, wishing you both were closer. Then you did move closer and I am pretty sure I owe you rent and grocery money for the many nights I have stayed with you. I sent a check a while ago, it must have been lost in the mail. I have come to you many times for advice. I’m sure not all of those times you wanted to help me but you always did. I enjoy watching you as a married couple, not perfect but trying to do the best you can at putting God first and each other second. I love the messages encouraging messages you write on each others bathroom mirrors. You have challenged me and had a hand in helping me grow closer to God. I am being forced to prepare myself for your departure. I know that draws near. God has great things in store for you both. I hate the idea of you not being apart of my daily life. I love you both dearly.

JJ and Beth
The time has passed so quickly since I first met you and your family. It seems like yesterday I was asking who is the funny guy with the huge goatee, to sharing hotel rooms. I feel I instantly hit it off with you both. It took a little time but I grew to love your kids as well. You have both challenged me as a leader. Honestly I had a hard time seeing myself as a leader until I began getting involved with you both. You both are amazingly creative in your own ways. It was an aspect I didn’t realize I was missing till you brought it to the table. I have grown close to you both, whether it has been because of the lack of space (that house was way too small) or my need for advice and friendship. You both model a marriage I hope to apply to my own someday. I have always said I would consider adoption when I get married. You make me think I could not avoid it. You are so great with Jahid, Hamee, and Karam. They are great kids, and resemble their parents in many great ways. JJ you are the first person I have found who matches my love for David Crowder. I didn’t know if anyone could understood that man crush of mine. You have made me feel like one of your family since the first day you moved over. The long day that changed into night as we unloaded and moved you into a house 3 times too small for you all. You have become a big part of my life as well. Some how you attract the most ridiculous people. But you always find the craziest adventures. I am a very organized and planned out person. You force me to be spontaneous and learn to welcome change. I don’t say this to slight my youth pastor or my youth group. There are days I wish I was in your youth group growing up. You challenge kids in ways I was never challenged. You give me advice and help only to the point of directing me. Even though actually telling me would be so much easier, you help me to grow by letting me make my own decisions. I want to scream at you when you do, but thank you for them now. Even the future situations that haven’t happened but I know will. I love you and your family very very much.

I honestly mean it when I say I thank God for you all every time I think of you. You mean so much to me I doubt I could ever begin to describe it. There are others that were not named but I can’t see the screen through these tears I can no longer hold back. To not have you in my life would not have allowed me to grow as much as I have these past couple years. Thank you so much for putting up with my crazy thoughts and worries. 

This word has always stuck with me and I believe it is one of the best ways for me describe what you mean to me.
 Ohana
Definition: Part of Hawaiian culture, ʻohana means family in an extended sense of the term including blood-related, adoptive or intentional. It emphasizes that family are bound together and members must cooperate and remember one another.