the people *warning: over-use of the word 'amazed/amazing'*

i just read a great story that someone shared via "comment" on a previous post of mine that touched my heart (thanks pastor rick :) ). i immediatley felt so grateful for his tale that related to the struggle i was experiencing in the beginning of the week. (the house situation, go back and read if you have not yet)

but since then, i've been reminded over and over that a house is just that, a house. it's the people in my life that matter the most. sometimes i look around at the people that surround me and i'm in awe at how my heavenly Father knows me so well, and has orchestrated every detail of my relationships with the people in my life. sure there are people that i don't always get a long with..that would be boring..but in nearly every situation i find myself in, i'm constantly exposed to amazing people.

my two sweet daughters (10 and 5) and my hilarious, playful husband get first mention, but of course, and i should hope everyone feels this way, they're my number 1 babes and i am MOST thankful for my kiddos and my man.

but for explanatory purposes, i have to mention my siblings who, no matter what we're going through, when we're together, it's basically amazing. and even when it's not, the non-amazing stuff, like sibling rivalry; petty fights; sarcastic comments, is over pretty quickly. two sisters and a brother capture my heart every time we're together. bonds that can never be broken, history that only we share, secrets that are just for us. i'm so grateful for my three loves, deanna, derek, and debbie.

then there are my co-workers who i spend more of my time with than probably any one else. i mean, can i say enough good things about jill, beth, and michelle? i think not. we are a foursome of women who have a connection of sorted pasts, promising futures, and sometimes troubling presents.  but through it all, we are so close. it is unlike any female-office situation i've ever encountered. these are the girls that would bail me out of jail without even asking a question. they keep me smiling day in, day out. i love them so much.

last but SO not least are my church family/friends, and friends in general..whether on twitter, facebook, at the salon where i'm groomed,etc. i am so amazed at the way that some of these people can lift me out of a dark pit when i'm in my most desparate hour. i have been insanely, ridiculously, undeservingly blessed with spiritual mentors, coffee buddies, email-pals, text partners, smiling faces, and kind words.

it's the people that matter. the ones in my past, the ones that surround me now, and the ones i have yet to meet. everyone matters. every person. every heart.