I found this quote and thought is was appropriate for this week's Illustration Friday topic: Chair. It is also particularly fitting for my frame of mind. One of the hardest things about moving away to another state was leaving my dear girlfriends behind. I miss them dearly. But they are a part of me, woven into me for all eternity - they are the type of friends that you pick right up with where you left off - even if it's been a year or two since you spoke.

Just recently I met a wonderful group of folks here at my new church - they are part of the large Singles ministry here, and they have adopted me - and it's wonderful. So I have now been blessed with great new friends. God knew that I needed to avoid isolation and re-connect, and He led me right into their path. So, I am rich in friendships, both old and new.

And I cannot forget my virtual friends on the internet - ones I've never had the pleasure of meeting face to face. We have shared sorrows and triumphs , inspirations and pet peeves, hopes and dreams. Plus, I've met people from all over the world that I never would have met otherwise - the internet is a wonderful tool for connecting, and I am forever blessed by those fine folks I've crossed virtual paths with.

So to all friends, old, new, and virtual I say: