"More Than You'll Ever Know"

A friend loaned me a CD over the weekend, and I must say that I have listened to it nonstop. Some of you are familiar with Watermark's latest album "A Grateful People." On my way to work this morning, an old favorite was playing: "More Than You'll Ever Know." Although I've always enjoyed the song, it was never one that really resonated with me. However, things have changed over the past year. Things I once took for granted have suddenly become so much more valuable. As I move forward, I don't dwell on the past, but my appreciation and love for those I hold dear has dramatically increased.

And this picture speaks a thousands words: me and my best friend. The casual onlooker may say, "That's a fun picture," or even, "You two have been friends for so long," but it's so much more than that. This a woman I have grown and laughed and cried with since those awkward years of junior high. We made it through high school, sometimes wondering if it would EVER end, and entered the college years knowing that anything was possible. We went to different colleges and met new friends: became involved in different organizations, took different trips around the world, and individually witnessed the transforming power and grace and mercy of the Lord. Through all of the changes, the times of growth, the occasional valleys, we have continued to persevere in faith and by His incomprehensible grace. And still...we have stuck together. I still look at pictures such as this, smile, and thank the Lord for my friend. She is still a rock in my life, a voice of truth and genuine compassion. I still learn so much from her. In certain ways we are still very different, but the Lord has so intricately ordained that our lives be intertwined throughout the years and the many changes.

So thank you, friend. I love you "to infinity and beyond!" And with you in mind, I'm sure I will be humming this song for the remainder of the day. And one more thought as you're viewing this picture--You can take the girl out of Texas, but you can't take Texas out of the girl~

"Something brought you to my mind today
I thought about the funny ways you make me laugh
And yet I feel like it's okay to cry with you
Something about just being with you
When I leave I feel like I've been near God
And that's the way it ought to be...
(CHORUS) 'Cause you've been more than a friend to me
You fight off my enemies
'Cause you've spoken the Truth over my life
And you'll never know what it means to me
Just to know you've been on your knees for me
Oh, you have blessed my life
More than you'll ever know
You had faith, when I had none
You prayed God would bring me a brand new song
When I didn't think I could find the strength to sing
And all the while I'm hoping that I'll
Do the kind of praying for you that you've done for me
And that's the way it ought to be... (CHORUS)
You have carried me
You have taken upon a burden that wasn't your own
And may the blessing return to you a hundredfold"