birthday reflections

In less than two hours I’ll be a day older than I am today. The unique thing about tomorrow, though, is that I’ll also be crossing over into 26. [geez.]


The past 364 days sure have passed quickly. It’s been a crazy year for sure. As tomorrow has been sneaking closer, I’ve been thinking about all that’s happened in the past year…the good and not-so-good, the happy moments and the moments where tears have fallen for days on end; moments of brokenness and ones of complete bliss. I’ve definitely experienced the deepest of valleys and the tip top of the mountain. All in all, though, it’s been a good year.

And so I decided to make a list…because I love lists…that reflects the past 364 days. Don’t worry, I won’t be listing that many things…but my goal is to list a few of the things/events/people/moments/etc that have made a mark in the last year. I know I will in NO WAY cover every person that has influenced me this year [or in my entire life] so I tried to simply include the "new" additions from this past year.

[in no particular order]

* Psalm 37:4 – Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. [this verse has always meant a lot to me, but it took the majority of the past year to learn what this meant and to live this out in every area and every day of my life]. It changed my perspective and my focus in life. Thank You Lord, for this promise.

* Family vacation to New York. This was one of my most favorite vacations with my family. It included lots of laughter and lots of tears, but overall it was memorable beyond what words can describe. I am so thankful for a family that loves me, supports me, prays for me, cares about me, trusts me,…for a family that lets me make my own mistakes, all the while advising me and praying me through each moment. I love y’all, so very much!

* Camp Fuego. [I know, you're not a new addition, but still.] Over the past 4 years, this has become my 2nd family. While I only get to see most of them once a year [for 2 weeks], I am so very thankful for their role in my life. Their support and guidance has carried me through much of this past year. They never once complained when I have called just because I needed a venue, a place to speak my mind, and ended a conversation without ever asking how they were doing. You know y’all rank [as a group of course] in the top 5 most important people in my life. I love you forever.

* Lane. You know there aren’t words, but I will attempt nonetheless. We’ve almost been friends for a year, and I am, first and foremost, thankful for our friendship. That has been the best part of this whole thing. I truly love being your friend. I am also thankful for your heart, your words, your compassion, your selflessness, and [most importantly] your love for the Lord. [I’m even thankful for your OCD and super planning self! (I wouldn't change any of that for anything, fyi)]. You have this uncanny way of making me smile [and laugh]. You are the best part of my days [besides Jesus of course] and I cannot imagine you not being in my world. You are absolutely incredible and such a blessing in my life. I think I’ll keep you! [pinky promise]

* Wendy. We’ve cried, and laughed. We’ve rejoiced and we’ve mourned, in many ways. We’ve covered every subject from fashion to boys, from our families to a little bit of English. You are one of the most beautiful women I have ever met and I am so thankful that the Lord placed you across the hall from me. Every step of this year, no matter how hard [or how joyous] has an imprint of you in it. I love our friendship, and I love you. :)

* Alicia and Caitlin. I have so enjoyed this past year with y’all. Alicia – crazy how a conversation in a hot, humid laundry room spurred on a wonderful friendship! I cannot imagine life without you in it. Caitlin – Serving with you in DG has blessed my soul in ways I cannot even explain. You are wise beyond your years and I [even though older] look up to you so very much! Girls, your personalities are contagious, and our conversations are absolutely refreshing. I cherish every moment we get together, even though they are few and far between. You girls mean the world to me and I am blessed to have you as my little sisters and 2 of my best friends.

* My lunch girls [and Tyler]. Sometimes I want to wring your necks, but I love y’all regardless. We’ve been through a lot this year. At some point or another, each one of us has experienced heartbreak and amazingly fabulous moments. We’ve failed, and we’ve succeeded. We’ve prayed together, laughed together…we’ve watched each other make mistakes, and make some of the greatest decisions of our lives [both good and not-so-much]. Regardless, we’ve stood beside each other through it all. I love you all, and I look forward to walking through your final year with you [except Ashley (and Tyler, you'll be gone)]. Room 304 will be waiting for you in August. :)

* Jeremiah 33:3 – Call unto Me and I will tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

* Ryan and Hunter. Watching my big brothers get engaged/married has been such a blessing! Y’all have taught me so much about what it means to be in a Godly relationship, and how important it is to not settle for less than what I deserve. In the past year, y’all have prayed for me, supported me [even in dumb/immature moments], advised me, and teased me like only brothers can do. Thank you just doesn’t seem like enough. I have so enjoyed getting to see y'all pursue the loves of your lives and have watched as the Lord has orchestrated each moment, changing and adding qualities needed to perfect you for your forever. Thank you, for letting me be apart of those moments. I love you both!

* Jeremiah 29:13 –you will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.

* My 9th/10th grade girls. We’ve been together since October, and I cherish every moment we get together. It has been such a blessing watching y’all grow and mature this year. I am so proud of the young women you are becoming and I pray that you continue to let the Lord guide you in EVERY area of your life. Remember, a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. So seek Him, and fear Him, and put all your hope in Him. Delight in Him …He will give you the desires of your heart. Trust me! Love yall!

*Grady/Robin/Tye/Tobi/Tom/Traci. It has been amazing getting to know yall this year. I can't even explain what a blessing it has been to be apart of your lives. I have enjoyed every moment we've had. Not only have yall been wonderful friends, but your marriages have been amazing examples for me to watch. Thank you, for letting me be a fly on the wall in that area of your life. Thank you for the support, prayers, and love [and kleenexes when needed] you've given. I am thankful to be able to call y'all friends. love you!
* Brittani/Cody. Your marriage is impeccable. Every moment spent with y’all leave me encouraged. I pray my marriage is a lot like what you have. [and be prepared because I’ll probably be calling you during the first year]. Thanks for being great friends! I love you both!

* Proverbs 31:30. Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised!

* Jenny – you have walked me through heartbreak and so many tears this year. You’ve listened as I cried and we’ve rejoiced in the welcoming of your new bundle growing inside of you! Our friendship has been amazing and I am so thankful that it stands strong even though miles apart. My favorite part, perhaps, is knowing that I can call you at any moment and you'll be ready with the exact words of wisdom I needed for that moment. Thank you for that. I love you!

*Amber - It has been a blessing this past year picking up our friendship. Crazy how it felt like we never skipped a beat! I am so thankful for your kind words, encouragement, honesty talks [when you'd had to tell me to stop being ridiculous], and love. Our friendship makes me smile.  I love you.

* Sand volleyball. This event not only brought me closer to a great group of people, but it sparked a determination in weight loss like never before. After a summer of eating healthy and working out by doing something fun, 50 lbs no longer exists on my body. Thank you, volleyball crew, for making me play, for putting up with the fact that I’m horrible for the first hour [and not much better after that], and for being so much fun to be around!

* Carrie, Susie, and Sherry. We’ve only been chatting for a few months, but y’all have been such a pivotal part of the last year for me. I’m not even sure how daily visits started, but I am so thankful they did. Your advice, laughter, and the fact that you let me interrupt your days have had more impact on me than you will ever know. Thanks for letting me hide out every day.

I'm sure there are other new additions and life moments that I've skipped. I've been working on this for a few hours now [and keep having to change the first sentence as time has passed], and exhaustion has taken over. I am thankful for each one of you, for your role in my life. I tried to cover the new additions since last year, so please do not think you were overlooked.  Thank you, for loving me - even when I fail to love you back sometimes. the Lord has definitely blessed me in the area of friendships in life - and I know that I would not be who I am today without all of you! And to the people above, the "new" in my life. Welcome... :) and thank you for putting up with me, and for loving me despite my flaws. I look forward to more moments with you [all of you]. love you all!