Alumna

As my time at OU, and my time as an OU Tridelta collegiate member comes to an end, I can't help but thing about the great relationships I have been blessed with. The friendships have meant the world to me and have been my help in growing tremendously because of the examples I have in my life. Each one of the tridelt senior women in my "crew" ;) have impacted me in specific and different ways.

In my friendship with Meghan Moore, I have seen a fun picture of the gift of creativity which God has given her. I have learned a lot this past year specifically about the creativity of God. God is so incomprehensibly creative to create this beautiful earth, and all the beautiful people and personalities. With God's creation, we have no excuse to not see Him in everything. Meghan shows this attribute of God as creator and creative and inspires me. Romans 1:20 "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."

My friend Kayley McCoy shows intense joy in her life. Kayley is always smiling, and encouraging others. This is a joy that can only come from our Savior. It has shown me to lean into that joy in Christ, because of her great example. No one has a perfectly easy life or perfect circumstances, but our joy is not in circumstances, and Kayley is a wonderful example of this. James 2:4 "Consider it pure joy my brother, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance"

With Sarah Pappas, I am challenged by her discipline and focus on becoming all that she can be. This discipline is evident in her amazing progress in track as a pole vaulter. God gives us all gifts, and we should use them and work hard at whatever we do. This is what I learn from Sarah. Ecclesiastes 9:10 "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom."

My friend Jessica Dalton is precious. She is always so compassionate and merciful. She shows me a beautiful picture of God's compassion and mercy as he has loved us and offers us forgiveness for all that we have done. God is so merciful, and I see this characteristic shine from Jess. What a loving friend Jessica is to everyone around her. Inspires me to be more merciful and compassionate. Matthew 5:7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."

In Cherrie Warden's life I see hope and determination. There is a hope that Cherrie has in Christ, and she shows that hope with her life and it is evident to those around her. She uses her story of having hope because of Christ to challenge me and everyone else around her. She has an amazing story and gives glory to God for everything. 1 Peter 3:15 "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,"

With my friend Noralea Jordan it is evident that she has an adventurous spirit, and a serving heart. Her love of adventure leads her into a spiritual adventure with a heart striving to be closer to God. Its beautiful to see her discover God in new ways and challenge me to do so. Noralea is also very thoughtful and serving God and others. It’s a wonderful example of Jesus. Romans 12:11 “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”

And my dear friend Casey Banks shows complete loyalty, and has a firm and unshakable faith. She is a wonderful friend. She is loyal to all the relationships in her life and this characteristic is also seen in her loyalty to God. She has a solid faith in God and is always learning more. It is so comforting to see this loyalty and love, and know that God is always going to love us as His children. Nothing can change that. Exodus 15:13 “In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.”; Psalm 13:5 “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.”; Proverbs 18:24 “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Such beautiful friends, and such beautiful things they have shown me about my Savior through our friendships. My Tridelta senior friends are so special to me, and I thank my Lord for them. I think the prayer of thankfulness in Philippians 1 is a wonderful representation of what my heart feels these last few weeks before we all graduate and have major life changes and move to different places. Verses 3-6 say "I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” It is wonderful to have friends who are partners in the gospel and are going to be continuing in this common goal of ours. God has begun a good work in all of my friends, and He is not done and He will continue to work in our lives no matter where we are!

I pray everyone is as blessed as I am with great friends!

Loving His Word!

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