Friday, September 24, 2010

Gratitude on a Few Levels

First of all, I must admit to a little bit of surprise when Kristin at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia told me she was featuring my laundry room on her blog today! Thanks, Kristin, and anyone here visiting.
 My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Next, I hope you've been thinking of someone who changed your life and that you're prepared to link up to today's post. You can read my original post here.

Finally, here's my thank-you post.


My Friend Marva

She led me by example--God and family are first and they deserve the best we have to offer.
She taught my children--and her service in the nursery at Church taught me that no calling is small or unimportant.

She instructed me--I sat at her feet and learned and studied and pondered.
She gave me opportunities to teach--and those times revealed a passion for understanding doctrine that I never knew I had.
She mourned with me--I'll never forget when she showed up unannounced at my door when I lost my baby.  It had been a few days, and people had been in and out.  I opened the door, and she stood there silent for a moment.  Then she almost whispered, "I'm so sorry I haven't been over sooner.  I don't know what to say."  But she came anyway.
She showed me how to include others--everyone needs a friend, and anyone can be that friend.
She sat with me--when I was confined to bed for months on end, she'd pull up a chair and sit and talk, no matter how busy she was.
She illustrated how to serve others with grace and acceptance--and showed me I have miles to go.
She motivated me--I would often subconsciously ask myself how she would act in a situation, then I would follow her lead.


Adult me has always lived far from my family.
Since I can't live close to my mom, I count my lucky stars that I lived close to Marva. And now she's off serving full-time in Idaho.  But I still feel blessed to call her my dear friend.
blog

Linking up to Follow Friday Forty and Over at Never Growing Old.

Link your gratitude posts here, or if you'd just like to leave your thanks in a comment, feel free.

16 comments:

  1. Marva sounds wonderful (I've resisted saying marvelous because humor seems inappropriate after such a lovely and loving tribute.)

    I hope she reads it! I'm glad I did.

    Hugs.

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  2. I popped over from Kristin's blog. You have a beautiful laundry room!

    What a blessing to have such a friend who can be a friend and a mentor to you.

    My mom has always been such a blessing to me. I also have some very good friends who have been there when I needed them. I hope that I will always be there for them as well.

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  3. Hi I found you through Kristin's blog....what a great room! I would also like to say what a beautiful family you have. I am the mom of 5 (16,11,9,3,6 months). I do not live close to family, Ive always been on my own. I have my husband and my children and thats good for me. It is wonderful that you have Marva. God sometimes sends us people to help us along our journey. God bless!

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  4. I love Marva too. It makes me happy just to look at her lovely face.

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  5. She is an amazing woman. You are, too :) I am not thankless, but brainless in my composition. I trust you can understand :) It was good to see you last night.

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  6. I love those friends that leave a mark right on your soul. There's nothing better. Marva definitely sounds like one of those.

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  7. We've finally crossed paths, I've been waiting to meet you!!!
    Found you blog via blog hop and now your bloogy friend(had to recheck that I didn't type boogy-friend)
    Following your blog and hope you have time to check my blog and follow me as well

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  8. Marva sounds wonderful - I am wondering where in Idaho she is - Maybe I'll see her.
    It is a wonderful thing to be able to tell someone how you feel - We should all do it more often!

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  9. Marva sounds like a blessing sent to you.
    I loved this.
    I know I have certainly been good and loved in my life by many people.
    This is a really good idea, Jen.

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  10. I love this, "...everyone needs a friend, and anyone can be that friend." So true. Good to remember.

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  11. You are so fortunate to have had Marva as a friend and mentor. The Marvas of the world make a difference wherever they shine their light.

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  12. She sounds like a wonderful, wonderful friend!

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  13. Your laundry room is beautiful, but your family is even more beautiful! I too am blessed with a large family. My husband Bruce and I have been married 33 years, we have 8 children. Ages 31,29,27,22,19, 5,5,5. Blessings to you and yours!

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  14. Your family is beautiful! I too am blessed with a large family. Ours are truly spread out over years. Ages: 31,29,27,22,19, 5,5,5. They are what I am grateful for. Or and of course my best friend and husband. We have been married 33 years. :} Blessings to you and your family!

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  15. I want your laundry room....not your laundry, just the room. Beautiful!!

    I am late, but I am following from Follow Friday Over 40. I would appreciate it if you could stop over and follow me back.
    http://myjourneywithcandida.blogspot.com

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  16. Hi I am Nicole from ColiesKitchen.com I found you on a blog hop and wanted to drop by and say hi. I really like your blog, and am now a new follower. I would love to have you stop by Colie’s Kitchen if you get a chance.

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