The Beauty of Friendship
“In friendship…we think we have chosen our peers. In reality a few years’ difference in the dates of our births, a few more miles between certain houses, the choice of one university instead of another…the accident of a topic being raised or not raised at a first meeting–any of these chances might have kept us apart. But, for a Christian, there are, strictly speaking no chances. A secret master of ceremonies has been at work. Christ, who said to the disciples, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you,” can truly say to every group of Christian friends, “Ye have not chosen one another but I have chosen you for one another.” The friendship is not a reward for our discriminating and good taste in finding one another out. It is the instrument by which God reveals to each of us the beauties of others.”
― C.S. Lewis
I simply love this quote. The mysteries that bring friends together are boundless. Now, often we connect online and develop lasting ties. Was there a master of ceremonies at work? I believe so, regardless of our individual faith. But it’s amazing how many of the wonderful friends online who have become my dearest friends happen to share my deep love for God. Or they are curious. Perhaps it’s because my faith is who I am in so many respects. The friendship are orchestrated as C.S. Lewis says. The bond is there. This picture is of two wonderful online sisters in the faith, now my dearest friends in life, Heather Siebens on Facebook and @AliveinMe on Twitter and @MaryJTriviski of Twitter and Facebook.
Photo by Heather Siebens
“Friendship is not a reward for our discriminating and good taste in finding one another out. It is the instrument by which God reveals to each of us the beauties of others.” C.S. Lewis — So true. — And I believe we find the beauty of God Himself in other people!
There are so many beautiful and loving people in my life. I have written often of my family. I want to acknowledge some of my online friends who mean the world to me: Thomas Wall, Joseph Gier, Meghan McDonald, Howie Hanson, Jeannette Barr, Mimi Baker, Mark Bernhardt, Stephen Caggiano, Kelly Loubet, Denise Barlow, Lois Creamer, dear Marla Schulman, Dean Clevett, Ed Milligan, Sumner Musolf, Dave Reynold, Rickie Tyler, Mila Araujo, Mimi Ortega, Josepf Haslam, and many more I am forgetting.
Stephen I know very well now as he’s moved to Minneapolis from Orlando, I count him as a best friend. Local besties also include: Mary and Mimi Baker. Sumner is a blast! I’ve met Ed and Mark, both delightful! I’m going to close with more pictures. Because you can see the friendship and love on our faces!
Sumner, Stephen, Ed, Me, Mark and Mimi
Me, Mary and Mimi
New bestie Kelly Loubet
As you can see, I’ve been very fortunate in the friendship department. I hope to meet a lot more of you. Meanwhile, enjoy the pictures and have a fabulous day! Love and blessings, your friend ~ Libby
Libby Baker Sweiger 
Libby , you always seem to grab hold of the best quotes of C. S. Lewis and other writers and bless my soul. When I see that picture of the Jesus girls it makes me think of the bonds of love. As far as your writing goes, stay the course and bless our souls.
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Tom, you are a terrific brother in Christ! I appreciate so much what you say…I love a good quote, especially of favorite authors like C.S. Lewis. I will keep writing and enjoy the interaction so much with friends like you. God Bless!
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It has been a blessing to have you in my life Libby. Your sweetness and kindness always overwhelm me. You’re beautiful!!
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I feel the same way about you Mimi. You are a tenderhearted sister I am blessed to know! 🙂
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Pingback: Virtual friends « elspethc
Hugs! Hope to meet you soon to give you more than virtual ones!
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I can hardly wait to meet you Denise and promise you some big hugs! MWAH!
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Luv the photos
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Thanks Steven! I hope a meet you one day and can add your pic to my collection. You are such a kind friend! 🙂
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Lovely Libby I love this post & the qute so much!!!! Awesome & what more can I say oh yeah… LUMBJLUM!!!! ~ ❤ ~
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Mare, my wonderful friend! Love you more too! LUMBJLUM! 🙂 xx hugs ’til I see you ~ soon!
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Libby! You’re such a blessing to me… what a wonderful friend to have in my life. Thank you for all that you do. Love you!
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Love you too Kelly! You are such a blessing in my life. I’m so glad we are friends! :))
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Great stuff Libby. Love having you and Mike in my life:)
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Dave! Thanks. We love having you and Rickie in ours. Sweetness and light! xxoo
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A friend is someone who stand by you in difficult and happy moments
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You said it all right there Grace!
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