2 Sister Friends and Lemonade Sweet Tea

This weekend, I met two of my best friends for dinner. We lounged on couches on a patio since it was a beautiful night. . . and then we proceeded to talk until the restaurant closed. Of course, we weren't finished spending time together so we walked across the street for coffee, and then closed down the coffee shop. We sat outside of the coffee shop until 1 am. Finally, we walked to our cars and talked in the parking lot until 1:30.
I am truly blessed. . .

 {via}
A friend. . .

• knows the ugly things about you and loves you in spite of your faults
• calls it like it is 
• you can share anything with them. . .
• you feel absolutely comfortable in their presence . . . like a family member
• you never run out of things to talk about. . .
• you spend 6 hours together and realize you aren't halfway done with what you needed to catch up on. .
• you go through trials together  . . .
• you lift each other up. . .
• you speak truth over each other and rebuke the lies that Satan has us believe. . .
• You are protective of them . . .
• a simple squeeze of the hand, a bear hug, or a kiss on the cheek means I love you more than I can really express in words. .
• you get emotional thinking about how lucky you are to have them in your life. .
• you cry together
• and above all, you rejoice together . .

My heart overflows with thanksgiving.

Here is the perfect "front porch drink" to sip with friends this summer!

Lemonade Sweet Tea

Makes about 8 cups

3 cups water

2 family-size tea bags

1 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves

1/2 cup sugar

4 cups cold water

1/2 (12 oz) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed (I used the entire can)

1. Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a 2 quart saucepan. Remove from heat, add tea bags, and stir in fresh mint. Cover and steep 10 minutes.

2. Discard tea bags and mint. Stir in sugar until dissovled. Pour tea into a 3 qt container, and stir in 4 cups cold water and lemonade concentrate. Serve over ice.

Southern Living

16. Nate's drive to succeed and work ethic.