Forever friends

There are some friends you may not get to see as often as you'd like, but you know you'll always pick up just like no time has even passed.

They're what you can call forever friends. And they are just that: forever.

I was privileged enough to be able to spend time with two of my forever friends—LizRaz and Kebbers—today, and I was reminded just how blessed I am to have the people in my life I do. These are the type of people who would drop everything they were doing and come rescue you if you were stranded on some road with a flat tire or would show up at your doorstep with cookies and tissues if you called them crying with a broken heart.

Liz went red!

Because, even if they're not there with you, they will find a way to be there for you.

And they teach you so much about life, even if they're not trying.

My friend Liz has gone through so much in the past few years. In 2010, she lost her sister, Mary, to cancer. I saw how hard it was for Liz the entire time Mary was battling cancer, and I was there with her when Mary died. I can't even begin to understand just exactly how much it hurts to lose your sister, but I know it would tear my world apart.

Liz continued training for triathlons in memory of Mary, whom we had always referred to as her "sherpa" at races. She trained her tail off and finally completed a full IronMan, a race I know Mary was watching from above the entire time. Liz taught me about real strength as she worked to reach a goal that was going to honor someone so dear to her heart, and in the past few years she's truly grown in faith and hope.

And in love.

Liz went through a few not-so-great relationships until she finally met Chris, the man who changed her entire world and helped bring her to a new level of happiness. They're married now, and it's so refreshing to see their support for each other and desire to honor God in the way they live their lives.

Fairies for Mary

Both Liz and Kebs are such great role models for me, and they never get bored of the ridiculous stories I have for them or the silly things I say and do. They're always on my side, and I know they would kick the a$* of anyone who tried to hurt me. They are genuine forever friends.

While many of us are blessed with those forever friends, we all also have the gift of a true Forever Friend who will never ever leave us and offers more grace, mercy and love than we will ever know. And, if you don't spend as much time with Him as He wants you to, He welcomes you back with open arms—no matter where you've gone or how long it's been.

He's strength. He's hope. He's love. He's forever.

He's your Forever Friend you often see in those forever friends He's given you here on earth.