damn good friends

The first years at school completed their second exam in Formation today (I am so glad those days are over).  Walking around the Common Room and checking in with them, (being a pastor I say) one stopped me and we chatted for a few.  He mentioned a status I recently posted on Facebook (another means of communication in this day of age that I consider vital and necessary).  The status read, "BEAT has damn good friends."  He responded, "I hope I am one of them."  I laughed, mentioned this requires money and gifts, and gave one big smile. 

Yes Whitney, you are one of my damn good friends.  I am one lucky human!  I may not be "lucky in love" (whatever that means), but I am blessed in love.  I have friends that bring me the greatest joy, challenge me with the toughest questions, love me unconditionally (bless you), and are a main means of grace.  

His hope to be one of my damn good friends reminded me that I must tell those I consider my damn friends just that.  You are my damn good friends, and I l-o-v-e you.  Thanks for keeping me in check.  Thanks for listening to my rants.  Thanks for conferencing with me during the good and the bad, about the good and the bad, and for the good and the bad. 

Three Business Items:

1. I got a Fortune Cookie tonight and it read: "You will soon be receiving sound spoken advice. Listen!"  I think that is an affirmation of this blog.  I'm ready.  Tell me. I'm listening. 
2. My favorite blog of the moment: Margaret and Helen                                                                 If you love me and love this blog, please buy me this t-shirt.  I so completely think it reflects my relationship with the Nine.  I'm the big, tall, brash, outspoken one.  Bless me. 
3. I am United Methodist.  If that is not apparent yet, I don't know what is.  This letter is one reason I am glad to be United Methodist.  The Council of Bishops sent a letter to President Elect Obama and his family, along with signed bibles.  This has been a tradition of the Methodists since George Washington.  Did you know George W. Bush is the only president in history to NOT accept this gesture of hospitality from the Methodists?  Interesting?  I would say so.

Grace upon grace,

BEAT