Real Friends

Last time I wrote about 'pretend friends' and today I want to write about real ones.

I'm learning that I need some more real friends in my life.

I have lots of friends. I'm surrounded by them. I spend tons of time with them. But who are my real friends? You know, the ones that know me inside and out. The ones that have permission to ask any question. The ones that are willing to get in my face because they love me. The ones that knows me 100% and we're both Ok with that. The ones that can walk into your house without calling first. The ones that have your back all the time. The ones that don't let you fail. The ones that see the best in you. The ones that don't allow you to be anything less than what God created you to be.

Those kind of friends take a ton of energy to find and maintain but they are worth every ounce you put in.

Here's some stuff I've learned about these kind of friends:

1. Proximity matters -- Real friends are "5 minutes away". They can be at your place in moment's notice.

2. Honesty matters -- Real friends are 100% disclosure friends. They lay it all out on the table and expect you to do the same.

3. Numbers matter -- You need more than 2 people. It's tougher but it's better. At any given time your 2 friends might be unavailable at the same time. That's not good enough. You need access to real friends 24/7. A guy told me the other day that the number should be between 10-15.

4. Priority matters -- Real friends make you a priority and you make them a priority. They fit you into their schedule. They answer your calls. They drop things for you when you need them.

5. Encouragement matters -- We need people in our lives that will cheer for us, motivate us, inspire us and by doing that keep moving us to achieve the dreams God has given us.

I'm on a quest to find these kind of friends here in my own town. I hope you are doing the same where you are.


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A Pretend Friend

So a friend of mine is going through some tough times of reflection, repentance and restoration. Sin grabbed him like it does many of us. It wrapped around him slowly but steadily and then all of the sudden he found himself entangled and unable to get free.

As we've been walking together through this it has been a clear reminder that his story is my story and all our stories. Sin is constantly coming after us and we're constantly succumbing to it....many times agreeing with it and aiding it to take us over. We cover it up. We justify it. We learn to live with it. At first we think we've got control over it...but soon enough the tables turn and the control is not ours anymore.

What sin in your life do you think you have a hold on? Beware! It may be pretending to be your friend but in reality it's trying to destroy you. Get rid of it now while you still have the chance.

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California Favs

Just got back from our California vacation. Here are a few of my favs from the trip.

A Bug's Life...

Mickey!

Minnie!

Beach!

American Girl's Place....not really for boys!

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Another round of pics from Vietnam

Our last goodbye picture at Sa's house.

This is Sa's son Nam Anh. We were playing Kung-fu!

Riding a horse cart to Ban Pho and Na Hoi. Fun, Fun, Fun on my buns. :-)

Went by the Ban Pho Clinic to give a gift. Nothing official. Just a quick hello.

Having a little tea with an English teacher in Ban Pho.

Games and Fun in Bao Nhai.

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Another shot of Vietnam Traffic