A horse named Sundae. A friend named Sherri. Love.

When I was 15, I owned a horse. She was the sweetest horse I have ever been around. Her name was Sundae. Sundae got her name because she looked like an ice cream Sundae. She was a pretty little paint, a racking horse. Nothing special to anyone but me. But for me, she represented a freedom that I have rarely known. I could ride her with no saddle (which is how I usually rode) and at times I would jump on her with no bridle either. I would guide her with my words and a gentle tug on her mane. It was as if she read my mind. What a special animal.

Few people know about my passion for horses. I love everything about them. I love their soft noses, their smell, seeing them run, or just peacefully graze in a pasture. I love their unique markings, and colorings. For me, a horse is one of Gods most beautiful creations. There have been many times that I have seen a horse and its brought tears to my eyes. I long to own one again. I long to ride, to run, to feel the wind on my face and the freedom that riding brings.

One Sunday when I was 15, I invited a friend over to ride Sundae with me. She was so excited. She shared my love for horses and couldn't wait to climb on Sundae and go for a ride. We rode double, and bare back. I remember that day so well. What fun we had! We laughed, and giggled. It was as if Sundae joined in on our party. She seemed to be enjoying every second of the day, too.

Little did I know, that day was a life changing day for me, and for my friend, Sherri. After that Sunday afternoon we were bonded forever. It was as if God used our ride, Sundae, and that afternoon to knit our hearts together forever.

Since then our friendship has gone through ups and downs. We still laugh about all the mischief we got into. We've had our hard times. There were seasons in our lives where we didn't talk as much, and then many many seasons when we were inseparable. We've raised our kids together, dog sat each others dogs, cried together when our precious pets have passed away, colored each others hair (oh my!), met the Osmonds together, (haha!! true story!), and seen Alabama more times than I can remember. We have lost family members so dear that I can hardly speak of the unbearable grief, walked through marriage and divorce together, suffered heartache together, cried rivers, and shared more laughter than any two girlfriends I know of.

Tomorrow, Sherri has a birthday. I am sitting here and replaying so much of our lives in my head. She is such an amazing woman. She loves God and her family with unwavering passion and faithfulness. She is a faithful friend to so many. I consider her one of the wisest women I know. She's usually the first one I run to when I need advice, or just an ear to listen. How blessed beyond measure I am to have a friend like Sherri Turner. Our friendship is a treasure. And I thank God for her faithfulness and love.
Who knew that day that we jumped on my precious Sundae and rode the day away, that the most beautiful friendship was beginning. Almost 40 years later, we're stronger than ever.
We've always had a saying we say to each other. It's the best way we have to describe our love.
So, here's to you, Sherri Turner....For time and eternity...Happy Birthday, my dearest friend...
I love you so much!

"Testing the Strong Ones"

What a week! I have taken each moment step by step, knowing I was going through a lot, but trying to just take it as it came. My son moved out this week. I got some devastating news about something a loved one is doing. My dear friend went through the one year anniversary of the death of her son. I was flat out rejected by someone I hold close in my heart. I found out a dear friend has breast cancer. Found out of more lies and betrayal. I've been coming to terms with some uncertainties. Carrying it all pretty much alone. And then today, to ice the cake, on my way out the door this morning, our toilet ran over...no time to clean it because I was already running late....and then, I lifted my hands to praise God in church and realized my deodorant wasn't working. Holy cow!!! haha How embarrassing! Who on earth does that happen to?? Oh, that's right! ME!! lol haha

Then the dam almost broke. You know...the final straw... I almost went into the ugly cry. All of us women know exactly what that looks like, and its not something you want to do in public. (Even though I had already lost it twice in public this week and cried the ugly cry, I didn't want to do it again. Certainly not in church, where everyone acts like they have it all together...) But subtly my tears began to flow. I remember one day last week crying before God and saying "This is all I can take! I am at my limit." But it kept coming. And He kept giving me the strength as I needed it.

 I cried all the way home this morning, called my daughter, and cried to her. Then I began to realize I did have plenty to be grateful for. I began to think over the little things that also happened that brought me great joy. Gordon (our dog) always brings a smile to my face. I briefly spoke to an old friend that I hadn't talked to in months. I had lunch with a friend, and even though her grief over losing her son was so deep, we managed to laugh a little. I got to see my son's new apartment. And I ate way more ice cream than I should have... Most importantly, God sent dear friends to encourage me along the way. Time after time my girlfriends text, or messaged me or called and said the very words I needed to hear. I am convinced that they were messengers from God. He was using each of  them to hold my arms up just as Aaron held Moses arms up when he became weary.

My Bible study this week has been about believing God for miracles. The teaching was on the parting of the red sea. And I am believing God for a few 'red sea' miracles in my own life...
Not sure why I am writing this except to say, if you're going through more that you think you can bear,  God will carry you through. He is always sending us hope, and bits of joy if we will keep our eyes open for it. And yes, I believe He is in the miracle business and He has miracles in store for me, and for you. In the mean time, I want to be your Aaron and help hold your arms up. I want to walk by your side until the stormy season passes.

 Much Love to my readers and friends! I am humbled that you take a few minutes to spend with me. I pray somehow God uses my blog for His glory...That's my hearts desire...
Oh, and my blog Title "Testing the strong ones"...Came from Copeland! Missing them lately!