I promise that this will be the last post about ending a season in life, specifically freshman year.

I’ll either cry, or go into a starburst-eating frenzy (which I’m on the verge of) if I don’t.

Love.

It compels, it hurts, it challenges, it cares, it puts others first.

Over the past 9 months I have met some true world changers, who have also changed my world.

I’d love to tell you a little bit about them!

Eliza Olsen. A girl full of pure spunk who knows just about everyone, but strives to know the Lord more fully. She is passionate about missions and has the most incredible story. If you ever meet her, you won’t forget it! This semester we had three academic classes with each other, and, naturally began a weekly studying plan that developed into a close friendship. Eliza constantly encourages, uplifts, and throws me out of my comfort zone (which is a great thing).

Abi Benke. What a girl. A friend told me to not befriend theater majors at college because they’re “kinda out there.” But I happened upon this little gem. We became friends the first day of choir camp (yes, I am completely in love with choir) and have remained extremely close. Abi’s laugh and love for the Lord is infectious and time with her leaves me feeling so refreshed. She’s got talent, people.

Jordan Webb. An insightful little thing with such a talent for writing (check out her blog: jordanonthewebb.blospot.com) that she uses to magnify Jesus. Jordan and I are kindred spirits, I think we’d agree, and God seemed to orchestrate our sweet friendship seemlessly.

Emily Elder is the most patient person that I have ever met. Last year, she gave up complaining for the period of Lent, and one can tell. Emily never complains! She is always so joyous, humble (because she wouldn’t agree to any of what I’m writing), and especially cares about her friends. I feel like Emily is always pointing people to the cross. Her life says, “hey everyone, salvation through Jesus Christ brings me joy, and I’m going to tell you about it.”

Rebekah Grubbs. Coffee enthusiast, reader, smiler, Christ-follower, friend. What more can I say? I haven’t seen an instance when Rebekah hasn’t offered to, or helped, somebody. She’s a diamond in the rough who honours God through her work ethic and her intentional friendship-building.

Brian Anderson. Always asking me tough questions, Brian seeks the Lord and craves His will. He is basically a genius, but he won’t tell you that. He is such a caring friend and always offers to help, which I admire a lot. The amount of work that he puts into both friendships and school astounds me sometimes. How he does it all, I have no idea. I’m so glad to have such a friend as this cool kid.

Sarah Casteel has the energy of a hummingbird. Even though it seems like she’s always on the run, Sarah is a special friend who takes time for friends and, most importantly, the Lord. She is so Spirit-filled and never misses a chance to share the joy that comes from living life full of Christ’s passion.

Russell Smith and Lydia Nace. Russell and Lydia are on fire for Jesus, people. Lunchtimes and dinner with them are the greatest, because not only do they care about each other, but they long to see people come to know Christ. They take time to invest in friendships, and it is so evident.

And, as always, I’m going to brag on my best friend since eighth grade, Andrea Dalland. What a woman she is! Andrea has a fact about everything: from slushies to paper towels to rhinoceroses. I’m so glad to have a friend who’s love for Jesus outweighs her Narnia and glitter obsession. And I am so thankful to have a best friend who talks with me 4 times a week about spiritual things, but is also there to laugh about ridiculously awkward situations that find their way to us both. She honestly builds me up in Christ.

1 Corinthians 13 perfectly defines love.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” 

Phew! See how cool my friends are? It is great to be a part of each of their lives to see how they express that love that Jesus Christ so willingly displayed on the cross. Each one of them blesses my life in unimaginable ways.

Thank you for letting me share that with you. I hope my new, great friends give you a little context about my life and who I am because of their constant encouragement.

Happy Thursday, blog readers!