Friends

"And they devoted themselves to the apostes' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all , as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved." Acts 2:42-27

A Pastor told Drew and I early in our marriage that one of the hardest transitions in marriage and adulthood is friends. Making friends is hard. It is especially hard when each of those friends has a different job with different house, a wife/husband who needs love and time and possibly even children who have certain bed times and needs. Each person might be involved in different church and extra-curricular activities. And we all need sleep.
In college we didn't seem to need as much sleep and our schedules were so much more flexible. There were hours through out the day for fellowship and most nights were as good as any Saturday night to hang out and fellowship, if even over coffee and books. Most college students are involved in the same or similar ministries where they see each other frequently. Most college students are also only responsible for themselves and not another person's schedule to consider, like a spouse.
We love marriage. We would not trade it for such a flexible schedule. We love Louisville and God has blessed us with some amazing friends. We have truly experienced the heart behind giving to any as they had need. We live among mostly lower income newly weds and yet when one or another is in trouble we have seen the most generous and sacrificial giving of time and money to help. It is awe-some. We have broken bread with many couples and have even come to a place with many that a clean house is not necessary nor a fancy meal to enjoy time together.
However, as school picks up and jobs are lost or gained, it becomes hard to meet with people. We truly desire our home to be a place where its doors are open to all to come and eat and fellowship with us. I want to be able to cook a meal for guests at the last minute and not have to plan weeks in advance to get together. We have come close to this with some and yet it seems so distant and impossible. We cannot reach this task alone. Others have to be willing to embark on this journey of vulnerability and sharing. We also realize that this open door policy cannot simply be for those like us or that we like... but for all people in need and who love the Lord or need to know about him. We truly desire this. I dont think friendships can replace the longing in our hearts for God and for restoration but I think that God did put a place in our hearts for friendships and community. The purpose of all this sharing and community is to praise and glorify God and thank him for all things.
So... in honor of all the great friends that God has given us and who we long to live in/continue to live in godly fellowship with...I want to introduce and honor our friends. (I will try to be exhaustive over the next weeks and months but if I don't include you, it's probably only b/c I don't have your picture... and we will stick to Louisville friends for now... but other people will be added.) This should keep this blog hoppin for a few weeks at least.
Our first couple to introduce is Brandon and Bethan


Bethan and I went to school and church together and yet only knew each other briefly over a row of class seats or in borrowing a cup of sugar on Carnation St. or in passing and mutual friends. Briefly after we moved in we discovered they were also moving to Louisville and I sent them information about our cheap apartments. They ended up moving in and living right behind us... a 1 minute walk away. I have never had close neighbor friends!! From the first time they came over and enjoyed Lewis Lattes we were friends. Brandon and Drew got along great from the start and have a very similar sense of humor and yet a deep love for God. We have shared many cups of coffee, meals and laundry facilities!! We drove to work together and attend the same church. We are sad to say they are moving across town now due to their debacle of an apartment (sorry!) and we are just as sad as if they were moving states away. We love these two and appreciate their unique personalities, their depth and character and sense of humor. I appreciate that Bethan is always pursuing godliness as a wife and woman. She is quick to submit to Brandon and is a diligent worker in her home and outside her home. She is always a joy and a friend you can rely on to talk about deep things, with out getting weirded out. She is hilarious and I am so thankful for her friendship! This is not a eulogy or whatever like a funeral, but you are fresh on our minds since you are moving today, so you get to be first. We are thankful for you guys!