I ♥ Janell

ear Janell,

You're such a great friend, have I told you that lately? I just love you so, so much. You're a wonderful encouragement to me. I am truly blessed to have a wonderful friend like you! I hope that you feel the same way about me, too!
Love,
Crystal

I have known Janellybelly for about 3 years now. At the time, I had been a believer for a little over 1 year. It was a transitional time, and I really didn't have any Christian friends. The Lord was gracious to me by bringing her into my life. Here are some ways that I have been blessed by our friendship.

1. Janell is a godly wife
   
   
   Janell desires to serve the Lord by being a dedicated and obedient wife. When we met, I was still a newlywed. It was so encouraging to meet someone who didn't think I was crazy when I would say, "I have to ask my husband..." or something of that nature. Many of my old friends would consider me oppressed and tell me to be my own woman. Having a friend my own age who understood a proper husband/wife relationship kept me sane and still does.
   
   
2. Janell is a devoted mother
   
   The Lord recently blessed the both of us with children. Janell's son, Payton, is 14 months old, and my son, Caleb, is 7 months. Janell and her husband, David, had prayed for many years to have a child, and I am praising God for His timing! Janell has been a huge inspiration and encouragement to me as she raises Payton. We have the same mothering style, the same goals, the same schedule, and the same dreams for our sons. She goes through all of the baby stages 6 months before I do, and her advice has been priceless to me.
   
   
3. Janell desires to grow in Christ
   
   It has been an immeasurable blessing to have a good, close Christian friend in my life. Janell and I can spend hours talking about what we have been reading, learning, and teaching others in our walk with the Lord.

Okay, so it just totally hit me, Janell! Your Spiritual gift is ENCOURAGEMENT! Good for you... and good for me too.

You can visit Janell's Blog Mama on a Mission and I'm sure you'll be blessed by her as well!