It is a pity that we only look back over our life once a year and find we are so grateful and humbled by all that is provided for us. I know that I am often encourged to be thankful for all things at all times. So here is my weak attempt to express my thankfulness for those people and circumstances that have touched my life this year.

To my God:

I stare at a blank page trying to put my overwhelming feelings in words. You, my heavenly Father, have stuck by me even when I was unloveable, unteachable, arrogant and subborn. You have taken my weakness and struggles and taught me faith and courage. You have given me strength beyond what I thought was possible. You have borne my tears, confusion and burdens in your Almighty hand. Even though Your correction brought me to my face before you, You still raise me up. I grow more in love with You every day.

To my Family:

Sadly I was only able to spend 2 weeks with you guys this year. Even though we didn't have much time in person, you all still continue to impact my life in many ways. I love you all so much. Daddy, thanks for being my protector and covering. You are still my #1. Mom, thanks for all the late night talks and putting up with my bad habit of not calling you as much as I should. Not only are you my mom, but one of my best friends. Thanks for your unceasing prayer for me. I know that is why I am where I am today. Matt, yay for living on the east coast [yeah, i know. not as glorious as everyone made it out to be] I enjoyed speading time with you out here. Daniel, bro...i miss you and Tom so bad. I can't wait to get a real brother hug from you. Thanks for always being there for me, for letting me talk and keeping me laughing. Thomas, thanks for being my closest pal. You always make me laugh at myself. Please come out and visit me sometime. I tell everyone about you. Phillip, we never did finish our "discussion" ;) lets take a rain check. you are growing up so much, bro. i am so proud of you. Stephen, my little brother....i wish you could always be with me. I miss your hugs and laugh. I miss watching you grow up. Talking to you on the phone always makes my day.

WINTER & SPRING

Katrina: wow....where to start. Trina, rooming with you for 7 months was the highlight of my year. I could not have asked for a better friend, sister, partner in crime, buddy and co-worker. I love all the memories that we had together. I am so glad that we still live close. Thank you for touching my life. I love you so much!

Jonathan, Boe & Paul: yay! we got another season together. Seriously, I was so grateful to work with you all again. You all amaze me with your leadership and godly examples. Thanks for being my big brothers and for challenging me to greater heights. I love each of you.

Ms. D: You never allowed me to succum to self-pity. Thanks for always pointing me to Christ. I see Him living in your life everytime that I talk to you. Thank you for touching my life in such a big way. I love you.

Holley, Solid, Byrd and Bieber Families: Thank you all for taking me in. I learned so much from you. I was so blessed to be able to have wonderful families that love me, teach me and challenge me. I will never forget my Georgia family. No one will ever replace you all in my heart.


SUMMER

Andre: the Lord knew what he was doing when he gave me you as a friend. You have been such a great and wonderful brother. Thanks for being a real friend this summer, when everything else in life was spinning. Thanks for marrying my dear sister. You are such a blessing in my life.

Jared: bro, i look so forward to your phone calls. You really blessed me this summer when you were faithful to check in on me after I moved to Richmond. I was so thankful for your kindness. I miss my Georgia brother. Rah for roadtrips to New Mexico!!


FALL

Sarah: my new roomy. Thanks for teaching me perserverance and graciousness. I enjoy working and rooming with you! It sure makes for some excited times :D

Lydia: well, i never thought that last year when i visited Richmond I would be living here this year. Funny how life takes turns. Lyd, thanks for leading a uncompromising life. I learn so much from your people skills and heart for the Lord. I love you, pal.

Kiana: you go in every one of these catagories. Girl, I love having you for a best friend. Thanks for all the laughter, tears, memories, phone conversations, IM sessions, roadtrips, sleepovers, and so much more. I am so blessed and grateful for you. I am so excited to watch life change for both of us. But I know that we will always stay close. I love you more than ants love anthills!


“A thankful heart is always close to the riches of the universe.”

--- I love that saying. It is so true! Last night was spent at a friend's house, cooking dinner and watching a movie. It wasn't a huge thing to do but it was one of the most refreshing things that I had done in a while. We spent the whole evening laughing at everything. And I had never seen Toy Story, so we rented it. Haha! Great movie.

--- Annie Cottrell is in town for the week. (Yay!) I love spending time with her.

--- Alot of my friends (and my brother!) started college this week. Summer is over, fall has officially began. Bring it.

--- Richmond has had two amazing thunderstorms over the past week. Beautiful lightening that seemed endless. I guess we ever set a record with one of them. (i don't remember what record it was...the man at the storage unit was telling us about it) Thunderstorms always make me marvel.

--- I get to go down to Georgia next week.

--- My new roomy, Sarah, is coming next week as well. Pray that we find an apartment/house soon. (shoutout to the Shanks for housing me for so long)

that's it for now.