“One of the many advantages of getting older is being able to see God’s hand working in your life when at the time you wondered if He was even there.”
Today I’m inviting you to journey back into my life……..about 25 years! It’s the year 1987, my parents have just gotten a divorce and I’m about to start the 4th grade at a completely new school in a completely new town. A lot of changes are hitting me all at the same time and my family’s future is uncertain.
My mom finds a little duplex near the new school I’ll be attending and right across the street God places a family that will forever be apart of mine, only at the time I didn’t know it. The first time I met my dear friend Stephanie, she came over to my house and asked if I’d like to play. We immediately hit it off and God provided a friendship for a little girl who was needing a friend.
One of the MANY great things about Stephanie (besides her always making me laugh and having a BLAST whenever we’re together) was that she had OLDER sisters. I always wanted an older, cooler sister! Steph didn’t just have one, she had two, and in my eyes you couldn’t get any cooler than that! Teresa was the oldest, then Whitney and finally Stephanie. I remember idolizing Teresa and Whitney and wondering what I’d be like at their age. Steph’s sisters were always really nice to me and kinda took me in as another little sister. Stephanie and her family were a HUGE blessing to mine as we struggled to pull ourselves back together. Divorce is never easy……on anyone.
(Whitney is standing right behind me in this picture)
I only lived across the street from Steph and her sweet family for a year but we’ve been best of friends ever since. Over the years as I would travel to see Stephanie whether it was during a visit to see my grandma who lived in a town nearby, Steph’s high school graduation party, or even her wedding, I always had the pleasure of seeing Steph’s older sister Whitney too.
I have always admired and looked up to Whitney. If I had an older sister, I’d want her to be just like Whitney!
Today I’d like to introduce you to Whitney, she will be contributing here on GMG also and I couldn’t be more excited!
The other day I called Steph and asked her how she would describe Whitney. This is what Steph said:
“Whitney is a dedicated and loyal wife, mom, sister and friend. She has a huge servant’s heart and has always been there for me whenever I’ve needed it. I love her dearly!”- Steph
Whitney is a gifted blogger who shares from her heart how God is working in her family’s life. You can find Whitney’s blog at: http://raisin4.blogspot.com/
I pray she will be as much a blessing to each of you as she has been to me…..all these years.
I just marvel at God sometimes. I’m reminded through this story that no matter what happens in our lives, good or bad…….God has a plan…. AND HE is in the midst of that plan. The year we moved across the street from Steph and Whitney’s family was hard. My family’s future was uncertain. Little did we know that through our pain, God was forming life long friendships that would one day impact the world….all starting with two little girls playing together.
”For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord…”
-Jeremiah 29:11-
Whitney has made a home with her husband Tyler for nearly fifteen years, where there’s never a dull moment raising three active boys and a spunky, hilarious little girl. Whitney writes at Raisin’ 4 about the real, messy life that happens while raising four kids (with lots of love and laughter mixed in!), and intertwines how God faithfully reveals Himself and gives much grace along the way. Whitney is active in her church’s women’s ministry, enjoys creating (and eating!) meals with her foodie husband, longs to passionately love God and love people well, and prays that by God’s grace, her children grow up to do the same.
You can find Whitney at: http://raisin4.blogspot.com/
I encourage you to stop by Whitney’s blog today and get to know her a little better! You’ll be glad you did!
Love God Greatly!
10 comments