There are a great deal of women that have impacted my life more than they know – of that I’m sure.
I was thinking just now that if I could compile the ideal woman, there are certatin traits I would want to glean from each woman I look up to.
First and foremost, I’d have to exempt my mom from this group – I’m biased in thinking she is the ultimate package 
.
I think if I were to be any mom, if I were able to grasp the ability to truly embrace motherhood – I would want to be like Amy Boyles. I’ve been moved to tears on numerous occasions observing her selflessness as well as dedication to her children. Besides making mention of the Lord and His work in her life, praises and stories of her children are always spilling out of her lips. I will have to make sure Lulu and Jackson know how important their mom is when they are older…
If I could have the poise and beauty of any woman it would have to be Lacy Peacock. She is so gentle and pleasant to be around, and she looks stunning every time I see her. It seems like each outfit is effortlessly meant to go with every hue in her hair and eyes.
If I could have the hospitality of anyone, it would be Lisa Roberts. I don’t think Lisa has ever turned me away from showing up at their house, eating their food, or taking chocolate off of her desk. Oh, I’d also like Lisa’s sense of humor too…
I’d love to embrace the confidence Jennifer Daniel has. She is seemingly so sure of herself, and her guidance has pushed me to be confident in the Lord’s plan for me and to go after my dreams.
If I could have the faith of any woman, this would be a tie between Shelly Edwards and Stephanie Bauer (Stephanie’s bday is on Christmas, I always joke with my mom that it is because she is so close to Christ, God gave them the same bday). I have seen Shelly many times sharing her faith with someone and challenging others to get in the Word themselves and Stephanie is constantly praying for a lost person or sending scripture to a struggling believer. Such a breath of fresh air in a world full of fools.
If I could be a friend like anyone I would be like Michele Spicer. One of the greatest listening ears I’ve ever known. For myself and others close to me. Michele has both aspects of listening covered: listening and responding, as well as listening and allowing that needed silence to occur.
Finally, if I could possess the organizational skills of Carter Faucette, that would probably complete my list. Carter can probably do 18 things at one time, flawlessly.
The binding thread in each of these women is their love for the Lord, and through that all these traits become alive.
Lord, help me to love you so much it hurts, and through that- become the woman you are molding me to be.
Alyssa, the Lord has blessed you with the beautiful gift of writing. To read your work and watch you grow is comparable to watching an artist sculpt a beautiful statue or a painter create an exquisite piece of art! I just stand in amazing, in anxious anticipation of the outcome. I praise the Lord for all that He is doing in you and through you! I love you my friend!
As with most encouragement, yours comes at the perfect time, but, it makes me laugh because even as I sit here, trying to grab a much needed moment to myself, Jackson is sitting on my lap pressing keys (so this note is taking much longer than it should), Elizabeth is beside me coloring a picture of Jesus talking to Mary in the garden and noticing He has no shoes on, ha ha and I’m kind of wishing that I had taken Brian up on the opportunity to be at Breath of Heaven today, but, deep down, I’m glad that I’m going to be outside all day exploring and enjoying the sunshine with the kids. I adore my kids and one day, sooner than you probably think, you’ll experience the amazing blessing of motherhood too. God wants to give you the perfect Daddy for them first so that when that season in your life arrives, all will be just as it should be. I’m so proud of you for waiting on Him for him and them. My family loves you and we are praying for you.