A Tribute: To The Best Friend A Girl Could Ever Ask For

Dear Miranda Elizabeth Stephens,

Today, my dear, is your 21st birthday. I was on the phone with my mother yesterday asking her if she could send me some pictures of you and I from our childhood. Unfortunately, they are packed in boxes in my “room” at home. I have what I have but I was gonna pull out some oldies just to put things in perspective and to make this birthday all the more sentimental. :] awh. yes. 

I hope you already know that I cherish our friendship and thank God that He has blessed me so much as to let our friendship be bonded at the root of Christ. 

15 years. That is more than half of my lifetime. 15 years of friendship. 

15 years filled with:

• VBS
• Summer Camps
• Ski Trips
• Talent Shows
• Pool Parties
• Birthday Parties
• Sour Creme & Chips
• Spoiled Milk
• Toilet Papering Yards
• Brownies
• Apple Turnovers
• Purple
• Broken Glasses
• Ferbies
• Flour Fights
• CLUE
• Boys
• Bunny
• GA Camps
• Worship Team
• Youth Leaders
• Field Days
• Crushes
• Heartbreaks
• House Moves
• Sleepovers
• After School Action Site
• Disciple Now
• Boyfriends
• Acting out scenes from legally blonde
• Lisa Frank
• Elementary Schools
• Separate Middle Schools
• High School
• College
• Moving Across a couple states
• Laughing till we cry
• Crying till we laugh
• Sharing twin sized beds
• Planning our lives out together when we were in 5th grade

But most importantly: 

• Growth
• Faith
• Trust
• Learning
• Grace
• Peace
• Mercy
• Love
• Joy

I couldn’t imagine not having you here for these past 15 years. So I am thankful that 21 years ago today, you my dearest friend, were born and placed on this earth with a specific purpose and destiny. I see you living it to the fullest year by year. You inspire me so much. Your faith and excitement for the Lord puts me to shame, in the best way. You challenge yourself and challenge others. How beautiful is the Lords hand that is all encompassing in your life. When you talk about your savior the heavens open and the angels sing the most beautiful melodies. Be encouraged friend. You have more impact on people than you think, in the best way.

Now for a little picture show:

Mmmm look at those denim jackets and cowgirl hats. I believe this is the night you stepped on my glasses and they broke. I know we both remember this night very well. Yes, because I cried. But, you know what? I grew up and got new glasses and will continue to buy new glasses for the rest of my life. haha. 

Disciple Now :) Check out them beautiful shiny braces you have!

Summer Camp at Hardin Simmons University. Way too hot to be wearing these Santa Hats!

Look at how little we were! One of those wednesday nights we went to sonice with the youth group.

This was when I came back to visit Jr. year for DNOW.

Them hotties in that 80’s gear!

This summer. Spending 5 days with you was so fun.

awkward and weird are who we are.

I am so glad you convinced Jimmy and I to make these! I love mine so much :]

Girl we are so fine! I love how our personalities scream from the dresses we are wearing.

Such happy memories

Charlie’s Angels

Our Chat sessions are nothing short of entertaining and absurd! 

One of my random visits to Denton

17 years old here I think

Can we please just eat fondue for the rest of our lives???!

Skype Date!

Early High School Days

My prayer for you on this 21st birthday is that you are surrounded by people who love you and are filled with the Joy and Love of Christ. I pray that it overflows your cup. I pray that this year is one that brings adventure and discovery. I pray that He in His Almighty Power would bless you abundantly, just as He has blessed me with your friendship. 

Happy Birthday Miranda Elizabeth Stephens

Love, your friend, and your sister,

Gabrielle Elizabeth Davison

P.S. I don’t know if you knew, but your middle name kinda rocks. Now I want me some sour creme and chips. shoot!

P.P.S. You know whats great. 3 months from today it'll be my birthday. We are just that cool. Holla!