“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭7‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Carla—you have endured well the race set before you. You radiate the love of Jesus Christ and carry the Holy Presence of God with you.

I knew you when I was just a child and growing up I have had the honor of having your friendship. The Lord has given me a most precious gift in knowing you.

We’ve had so many deep and rich conversations and have been able to share in one another’s burdens along the way. I think back to some of those times when I would come over to your house in the early morning hours to talk about Jesus before my kiddos woke up (we are morning people aren’t we?) You made me coffee and we’d cozy up and talk through what we were learning or growing in with the Lord.

Sometimes you would stop by my home and share a cup coffee as we’d sit on the porch sharing what the Lord was doing in our lives. Those times were such a gift to my heart. 

And as you moved away from Sisters that transitioned to glorious phone conversations. I am always refreshed after spending time talking with you, because we’ve spent time together with the Lord. 

For me, and my experience with you, it seems I could sum up your life in this verse: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬ ‭ESV‬‬

As long as I have known you, your desire for His truth and His ways has been the driving force behind all you have done. You found the Spring of Living Water and you drank so deeply! And in knowing the depths of Him who loves you is beyond comprehension you have gone after Him with all you had.

I have been witness to Him carrying you from glory to glory in your life. 

I rejoice that soon you will be in His presence saturated in His righteousness forever. Oh! And how He will whisper your sweet name and say to you “well done.”

He began a good and righteous work in you and it will always be my privilege to have walked beside you watching that good work be done in you. 

Thank you for enduring, thank you for modeling faith, thank you for the sweet friendship you have given me.

But most of all—thank you for loving Jesus above all else. 

I love you dear friend. 

-Lena