It's been a while since I've done Tributes, and there are several new and/or growing friendships in my life at this point, so I'm starting another round, every Tuesday for the next couple months or more! :) :)
Today's (Top Ten) Tribute goes to the lovely Kelly Marie!!
1. This could probably stand on its own as a tribute, but when I read about the Proverbs 31 woman, Kelly is among the few women who come to mind as possessing those attributes:
"She is more precious than rubies. Her husband trusts her without reserve and never has reason to regret it. Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long... She is energetic and strong, a hard worker... She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy... She is clothed with strength and dignity...When she speaks, she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly... The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the fear of God."
2. The qualities that stand out most (to me) about Kelly are her genuine empathy and kindness. She actively, deeply cares about other people and shows love and compassion without any hint of condescension or falsehood. Yet another reason she and JEM make a great pair. ;)
3. She is close to her family, and she's a wonderful aunt and role model to her beautiful nieces, Audrey and Harper Sophia! I often say that she has the cutest life ever, and the dancing and baking and Christmas decorating pictures with her adoring niece are certainly part of that! :)
4. A woman of many talents, she loves to bake (ever since she was a child - lol), and she's recently started a bakery business with our friend, Jessie! (Check out Jessica Kelly Celebrations on FB!!) Her cupcakes and cookies are always delicious, and her pie (her grandma's recipe + crimped edges) even won 1st place at the Tulsa State Fair last year!! :)
5. I appreciate that she puts her heart into it and goes the extra mile with the decorative details in baking - a small reminder that she cares enough to put that effort into it, and it makes any celebration feel more festive and special!! :)
(Sidenote: These Cookie Butter Cupcakes = the best thing I've tried in a long time!!)
6. She's a delightful mix of introvert and adventurer! lol She enjoys her alone time at the Linnaeus Garden and loves reading, writing, baking, antiquing, painting, and photography. She also enjoys the crowded and fast-paced New York City, hiking, biking, tennis, and always reaching out to befriend new people on airplanes! :)
7. Kelly excels at connecting and making each friend in her life feel special. As leader of the women's group, she makes the effort to welcome new people and to write little notes of appreciation or encouragement when needed. Nearly everyone involved considers her not just a group leader, but a close and trusted friend. Aside from her kindness and joyful spirit, I believe people are drawn to her inner security and humble confidence (not an oxymoron - just a rare quality among women our age). :)
8. She's a wonderful writer (also see her blog on the sidebar to the right) who "has something worthwhile to say and always says it kindly," and she takes the time to get to know your heart and to write meaningful, personal notes - which I love!! She's also recommended and loaned me some books that I've really enjoyed! :)
9. She's fun to hang out with (in case that wasn't obvious amidst the serious stuff I've said so far)! She can be sassy and silly and sarcastic and funny, and I always enjoy spending time with her, whether one on one or in a group! I like that she's willing to stand up for herself and those she loves - she's helped build my confidence there as well - "fiesty Kelly" to the rescue! lol
10. Finally, I believe that she listens to God and responds to Him, even in the smallest things. She was willing to move to a new city (Tulsa) away from her established group of friends because she felt that it was God's direction, and we're all thankful for that! :) She always seems to notice when someone is hurting and quickly offers warmth and comfort when most people would withdraw. She never belittles or dismisses emotions, but does all she can to make you feel less awkward and alone if you cry in front of her. (I may have experienced this once or twice. lol) She confronts when necessary, offers support when needed, and gives encouraging advice when others are feeling down. She was the first to mention the Child Life Specialist position to me, and she made it very clear that purpose and passion trump a higher salary any day - a seemingly small conversation that had a significant impact on my future... For all of this, I'm very thankful!!
