This one is for you, Spa Mommies!

The following "essay" was written as a submission for a contest our local Christian radio station, KTIS FM, is hosting. Knowing how many wonderful submissions are likely to be received and therefore, the small chance of mine being chosen, I didn't want to keep this to myself. *smiles*

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How does one sum up the life-altering experience that is a wonderful group of friends? For me, a west-coast transplant to Minne-snow-ta, the ladies affectionately known as the "Mom's Spiritual Spa-at-Home" have inspired and supported me in more ways that I can count in the 4 years that we've been together. I moved to Minnesota to marry my sweetheart and raise our family. Leaving my very tight-knit and large family, knowing none of their familiar faces would be there to welcome me after the trek, this was quite a difficult move for me. I would love to share with you the women God brought into my life to fill those missed family connections, to help challenge me to grow, and ultimately became the best friends I've ever known.

Andrea has a heart of gold. "Do unto others as you'd have them do unto you", must be her mantra for there is never a moment in her presence when you do not feel important and cared for. This dear woman has been gifted a listening heart. When I speak with her, I can feel her gaze taking in not only my words but the spirit in which I'm saying them. Andrea has a compassionate spirit and my interactions with her cause me to feel so very appreciated.

Angela, with her quick wit and giving spirit, has gone out of her way to share her passion of healthy cooking, that doesn't break that budget. Her encouragement has led to many happy smiles at my dinner table and a feeling that I *could* actually conquer this thing called dinnertime". As she's walked her path towards God's plan for her life, it has been a testimony to the good that comes from perserverance. This woman is on tough cookie and helps me remember that even if I can only see making it to the end of the day, God has given me plenty of blessings to get me there; with leftovers even!

Brenda has a gentle soul and a roaring passion for people. She listened so patiently as I lamented the tough path it can be to make the decisions surrounding the health and care of my children. Our resident chiropractor, Brenda was always there to share her gifts and passion for health and healing. She has since moved on to Nashville with her family and while she cannot be present for our meetings any longer, our spirits are forever joined thru the love of God we share.

Cari I consider a strong backbone of our group. Her consistant presence each Thursday morning has blessed me immensely. Not a stormy day, a runny nose, nor the absence of a shower or breakfast, keeps her from meeting with us. Not even her recent diagnosis of breast cancer or the subsequent surgeries, chemo, and radiation treatments has dampened her spirits or caused her to hide away. The dedication she offers to me and the other ladies is truly immeasureable.

Carla, the original "leader" of our group, is one of the best cheerleaders out there! She is a bold and true friend and never lets me see myself as less than blessed, even when I'm more than stressed! I am as equally blessed by her encouragement, as I am by her transparency in her own challenges. Carla is quick to see the blessings in her life and has helped me numerous times to see those in mine, as well.

Laurie is a quiet soul and full of determination. Her children are up against some pretty severe allergies and learning difficulties and yet her dedication and insistance for the right treatments is unending. Her undying commitment to their health and well-being has ministered to me in strong ways. When I see her smile and hear her looking for that often-elusive silver lining, I am reminded of how blessings often come thru the most crazy of challenges.

Libby has brought me back to earth more than once since I've known her. She is quite a pragmatic woman and has reminded me of the beauty in the simple things. To spend time in her
presence is to be reminded of the importance of family and the beauty in the sacrificial acts for those you love. To spend time in her home is to smile, laugh, and be made to consider life, for surely practicality has never equaled boredom!

Sarah is a woman after God's heart, that I know. She can't, and surely doesn't want to, hide the importance of her relationship with The Almighty Creator. When I feel unsure of my place in this world, I am often reminded of a prayer request Sarah shared several months back: "I am distracted and want more of God". Her constant effort to focus on our Giver of Life reminds me of my purpose on this earth: to know and serve our Lord and Savior. Sarah's honesty with her prayer requests has helped to straighten out my perspective time and time again.

Shannon is warm-hearted and a wonderful mother. The spirit in which she mother's her children has opened my eyes to the dynamic trait of patience. Dynamic because to have it, brings peace and a purposefulness to your actions and to minister in it, allows the true love and concern in your heart to shine. Watching Shannon with her children is inspiring and I always walk away
with a glimpse of the good I want to shower on my own kids.

Shawn, our current "leader", is as spunky as they get. I love this woman's outlook on life...I cannot remember the last time I saw her face without a smile. She has love and fun to share! God has gifted this woman with the ability to laugh at herself and at the craziness of life and that is a class we could all stand a few lessons in, I think! Her contagious smiles and laughter brighten my mornings and have helped to knock out the grumpy from many a morning.

And while all of these words have chiefly describe the support and love *I* have received, the truth is that my definition of friendship is forever deepened as I witness the "give and take" of this unconditional love and friendship, between all the ladies in our group. True, our friendship began when we all found ourselves seeking a Christian community of mothers with whom we could study God's work with, but I hope you can understand the truely profound affect these ladies have had on my life.

They are in every way, the most fragrant of flowers in the garden of my life.