giving thanks

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

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Every year I feel like it is so important to really take time to reflect on all of my many blessings. There are so many things to be grateful for. This year has been one of my most challenging years. In fact, I was saying recently that I can not wait to bring in 2011 because in many ways this year has been a doozy. But with that said, one of my greatest joys has been illuminated in these tough times. It has always been there but this year in particular it has shown bright and that is the blessing of my friendships. Someone once told me that the reason birds fly in a V is so that the drag is reduced for the birds towards the back. This is why you will see the birds change in formation. They are moving around to bear each others' burden {per se}. I was struck by this last weekend while Ross and I were walking on the beach. I was watching the birds and thinking that this is how my friendships have evolved.
So here is a little story... this year one of my best friends has been given many struggles including the health of her baby and her own health. In this struggle my group of friends have all gathered together and thought the most important thing we could do in her time of crisis was pray. I have always believed in the power of prayer but through my friends this year it has been shown in a deeper level. During the same hour of her surgery we gathered at my house and we prayed for PEACE, CALM, and GRACE. Through those prayers old and new friends of mine grew closer. Even a friend who wasn't their for the prayers offered to take Henry and gave me such a sweet gift of support. We bore each others burden. When my girlfriend came out of surgery she actually told the radiologist 'thank you' and he told her that she was the first patient to ever tell him that. Our prayers were answered as she was full of peace, calm and grace. I cannot say that I have ever taken my girlfriends for granted but this year I have been shown what a gift they are and that with their love I know I can get through anything. I love all you girls and am so so so thankful for you all.

18 comments:

  1. yes, what a sweet gift friendship is... thank you for sharing. and the power of prayer... another sweet gift from Him who does love us so. happy thanksgiving!

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  2. Kleenex please... Very well said Alexis! Brought tears to my eyes. Hope you and your have a beautiful Thanksgiving and truly enjoy the blessings of the season. I'm thankful to have reconnected with you!

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  3. Love you Lex! Our friendships are cherished gems that will last forever! Thank you! Peace. Calm. Grace.

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  4. Wow Alexis, I know this year has been rough but I didn't know about this situation! The power of prayer is so real and I am SO happy to hear your friend is out of the woods recovering. I'm praying for her now to keep getting strong and healthy!!!

    I would have died ten times without my girlfriends, literally.

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  5. P.S. did you take these shots? They are sooo good!! xo

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  6. Love these pictures and what a moving, inspiring and beautiful story.

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  7. What a wonderful post Alexis, thank you for sharing.
    xo

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  8. Oh this is a good story and one I really needed to hear today. I feel the same way about my group of girls. They are spread out all over the world but I feel close to them every day. And we rely on each other for some much. I really liked hearing about your friend who took Henry so you could focus and have some quiet time with your loved ones. That is so important. What a blessing.

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  9. yes I took those photos ;)... so glad you like my little story.

    Happy Happy Thanksgiving. ox

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  10. it's wonderful to have such great friends all so close to you in proximity and in your heart. you're a lucky girl!

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  11. Wow, what a great testament to the power of prayer Alexis. Sorry that you and some of your friends have endured such challenges this year. I too will pray for your friend's recovery and the health of her baby. I so believe in positive energy as well as prayer which is why even during unfathomable times we need to keep keeping on. I hope you, Ross and Henry have a wonderful Thanksgiving as you keep on:)

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  12. I love the connection with the birds...and I am also thankful for our newly budded friendship - so happy to have been able to help out. xoxo

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  13. this is what i miss most about having uprooted from london to live in france. girlfriends. i have several here but the longterm beauties remain in the uk. we speak on the phone but it just isn't the same. you are so right to give thanks; "lets hear it for the girls" (et garcons)...

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  14. The power of prayer is amazing! I had to read this post several times--I couldn't see through the tears streaming down my face. Beautiful pictures, and post.

    I am so happy that this year has brought me your friendship. Love you!

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  15. I keep coming back to this post...the photos are beautiful and your words are so touching...PEACE, CALM and GRACE.

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  16. Hi, what a beautiful post. Your story of prayer is beautiful and moving and reminded me of an email I received a few days ago from a friend who's baby has multiple problems that require surgery and I thought I would share it with you. Prayer works! xo Sherri (P.S. I took out the name for privacy)
    "Last Tuesday went very well. We went into Tuesday praying that God would give _______'s surgeon the wisdom and discernment to make the best choice for _______, that "ego" wouldn't play any part in his course of treatment, and that he would look at her as if she was his own. When we met with him on Tuesday morning, he literally spoke out loud the words that we had been praying. He explained that he had spent time going over her case and determined that he felt the best option would be to only do the lip adhesion. He explained that while he could go in and try to be impressive by doing the full lip repair, he didn't feel like that was the right choice if he wanted to get the best lip repair possible. He also said, "I need to do what I would do for my own child", and therefore he opted to do her lip repair in two steps. She had step one (the lip adhesion) done on Tuesday."

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  17. oh Sherri... thank you for your story... it brought tears to my eyes. My OB/GYN always said "if you were my wife this is what I would tell you to do" and it always made me feel better. The power of prayer is undeniable. Thank you for your sweet comment. Your friend is so lucky to have your prayers in this time of need. ox

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  18. prayer is amazing. thanks for posting such an inspiring story that gives such a good description of it.

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