My Sharpener

So last night, I acted like a teenager. I was giddy, nervous, and down right stupid acting. Why? Because I was watching the DOVE awards. The DOVE awards are Christian music's equivalent to the Grammys. Why so crazy about an awards show? Because Ivy was there. And I kept seeing her...on TV. Ivy's husband, Brian, is the new drummer for the Christian band Casting Crowns. I was texting people, chatting with people, running up the stairs to yell at Joshua that I had "seen her again!" It was nuts I tell ya!

This morning, as I sat down to do my quiet time, my devotional had this verse: Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17 It occurred to me why I was so excited and happy for my buddy last night. We sharpen each other. Ivy and I are friends in Christ. We have always been able to give and accept advice, encouragement, and criticism. We lift each other up in prayer and speak Truth in times of need. We hold each other accountable to the Word and "sharpen" each other for more productive service in Him. Praise God for such friends! Without them we cannot grow (a knife cannot sharpen itself). We would become dull and rusty with ignorance, poor habits, and depressed spirits. Without the sharpening steel of Godly friends, we would simply rust and decay!

So, no wonder I was beyond excitement last night! It's not that I know that person on TV...I sharpen her and she sharpens me! Thank you God for awesome friends!

The summer we met at Flint River Baptist Camp.

Ahh...carefree college days.We kept in touch throughout college (she was at UGA, I was at Shorter)

Three years later, we wind up teaching at the same school in the same town!

She's gonna kill me for this one. From college, to career, to marriage, to babies....

I thank God for our friendship!
(and you looked AWESOME on TV, by the way!)