Tag: Thanksgiving

Day Thirteen: I’m Thankful For…Azusa Pacific University.

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Preface: I thought it was fitting to express my thanks during the month of November for something new each day, as so many others have done before me. I’ve never taken the time to do this, and it will be a challenge to blog each day, but it’s so important to recognize the blessings God has given us! 🙂 These are in NO particular order…

I believe that I went to the most amazing university in existence. 🙂

Azusa Pacific University - A Christian University in Los Angeles, California

When I was a sophomore/junior in high school I began sifting through the dozens of college brochures and packets that had been sent to me. I knew that I wanted to go to a Christian school, but which one was the right one? I began to pray that God would make it abundantly clear where He wanted me to do because the options were daunting.

One day the information from Azusa Pacific University caught my eye. I don’t remember what specifically it was (given that this happened over ten years ago!), but something caught my interest. Then, later that summer while at youth camp, I was talking with a friend of mine who happened to be starting at APU that fall! He told me more about their top-quality music program, the climate/culture on campus, and I was hooked. I began talking to an admissions counselor and began to be very excited.

In March of my junior year I found out about a “welcome weekend” (can’t remember what it was called) where I could go down and spend the weekend in the dorms, audition for choir, and explore the campus. I asked my parents a week or two beforehand if we could go down and thankfully they said yes! We made the 523 mile drive from Red Bluff to Azusa and that’s where it all began. From the minute that I set foot on campus I KNEW that this was where God wanted me to go.

That weekend I met my future roommate, Allison, as well as several other friends who are still part of my life. I heard the choirs (and fell in LOVE), I explored the beautiful campus, and I experienced dorm life. This was it. I didn’t apply to any other schools!

I made another visit that fall (2000) to audition for choir and the Vocal Performance program (which was my declared major at the time). I was offered a scholarship for choir and made it into the Vocal Performance program. I ultimately did not pursue a Vocal Performance degree, but instead chose Political Science and American History (why I have no idea, since I have no interest in a political career anymore, but it is where God led me).

After spending the summer of 2001 in Sacramento interning for a lobbying firm, I headed down to Azusa that August. My friend Allison and I had decided to room together and we applied early enough to get into our preferred dorm: Engstrom Hall. I was able to move in two weeks early because of choir camp, and Allison was there early for soccer. Oh the adventures that the two of us had. 🙂

And that was just the beginning. I was placed in an incredible “wing” of the dorm and love those ladies to this day! We learned so much from each other and we experienced so much together–namely September 11, 2001 and the changes that brought to our world. I never doubted that God wanted me to be there!

My four years at APU were truly some of the best years of my life. I was enriched and challenged in so many areas: faith, friendship, intellect, culture, travel, music, etc. I met some of the most amazing, loyal, brilliant people there and I am so thankful for their presence in my life.

Chapel was never a chore. What a privilege it was to worship three (or four, if I went on Wednesday night) times a week with thousands of fellow believers, led by incredible musicians whose hearts were focused on God…what a privilege to learn from some of the most incredible teachers in the country (Francis Chan, John Piper, etc.) in person, week after week. Our campus pastor for three of my years there was Chris Brown, a man who impacted my life more than I can say. It took us three years to go through the book of Mark on Wednesday nights, but I wouldn’t have changed that for anything. He made the Bible come alive like no other pastor I’ve heard before. Who could forget “Demon Dan?” I still have my Bible that is filled with notes in the margins from the wisdom (and humor) this man had.

I’m especially thankful for my mentor during those college years: Scott. I met Scott through my (much-coveted) job at the Marshburn Memorial Library. He and I formed an instant friendship that I still treasure today. He was one of the librarians that I worked for and he never tired of my questions (ranging from “where did the dinosaurs go?” to topics like Libertarianism). Scott is well-informed in politics and history so our discussions were never-ending. He always had wisdom to offer when I was dealing with struggles with other people, political topics, etc. and his unique sense of humor could always brighten my day. His family really welcomed me in and it has been so fun to watch his children grow up. So thankful for him and for the investment that he/they made in my life.

Jane is another “library person” for whom I am so thankful. She was like a “mom” to all of the student workers in the library and we all loved her! From advice to practical assistance, she was always there: for example, when I had my second-degree sunburn in 2004, she helped me put aloe vera on my back daily to ensure that I was comfortable while at work. 🙂 We’re still in contact today and it’s wonderful! 

APU is truly a God-centered university with so many opportunities for their students. The professors know how to both challenge and encourage their students. Their sports program is one of the best in the world (Bryan Clay STILL works with the coaching staff for his Olympic training program!). Their music program is truly one of the best in the world and I am so thankful for the opportunity to learn from my choir director and voice teacher. Their missions program is DEFINITELY one of the best in the world and I am so thankful for the training that I received there.

Most importantly, Azusa Pacific University puts God First in everything and I am so thankful for the opportunity to learn/live there. What a privilege.

Day Twelve: I’m Thankful For…Technology.

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Preface: I thought it was fitting to express my thanks during the month of November for something new each day, as so many others have done before me. I’ve never taken the time to do this, and it will be a challenge to blog each day, but it’s so important to recognize the blessings God has given us! 🙂 These are in NO particular order…

While technology can be both a blessing and a curse, it serves as a tremendous blessing to me as I live 3,000 miles away from most of my family. I am so thankful that I can communicate with them effortlessly through phone/text/e-mail/Facebook, etc. I especially love playing games like Words with Friends with them because that really makes the distance seem shorter. Through sharing photos and stories on Facebook, I feel like I don’t miss much by living 3,000 miles away.

I am thankful that God has given humans the mental ability to create things that are so amazing. I pray that I will always be wise in my use of technology and that I will never overuse it.

Day Eleven: I’m Thankful For…Veterans.

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Preface: I thought it was fitting to express my thanks during the month of November for something new each day, as so many others have done before me. I’ve never taken the time to do this, and it will be a challenge to blog each day, but it’s so important to recognize the blessings God has given us! 🙂 These are in NO particular order…

I am very thankful for the men and women who choose to dedicate years of their lives to protecting our country and our interests abroad.

Several of my friends and family members have served in the military: Grandpa Fay, Grandpa Ken, Uncle Virgil, Uncle Troy, Kenny, Michael, Duane…and many, many more. Thank you for your selfless service to our country!

Day Nine: I’m Thankful For…Mr. Milton S. Hershey.

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Preface: I thought it was fitting to express my thanks during the month of November for something new each day, as so many others have done before me. I’ve never taken the time to do this, and it will be a challenge to blog each day, but it’s so important to recognize the blessings God has given us! 🙂 These are in NO particular order…

I used to say that if I could meet any historical figure it would be James Madison. While I would still love to sit down with Mr. Madison, I have a new answer to that question: Mr. Milton S. Hershey, truly one of the world’s greatest men.

In a world filled with greed and selfishness, hearing stories and accounts of truly amazing and generous people is very refreshing. Mr. Hershey fits the definition of selflessness.

In the past two years of working for one of his companies (and now for his school), I have learned so much about the man and his vision. The more I learn, the more I love and respect him, even though I’ve never had the privilege of meeting him. Without Mr. Hershey’s vision and determination this would likely still be a rural area with a struggling economy, and thousands of boys and girls would never have been impacted by the school that he and his wife began. And it all started with chocolate. 🙂

Now that we work for the Milton Hershey School (caring for HIS kids), I am even more thankful for what he left as a legacy (to read more about why we love working for MHS, see this post). He was a man determined to put others before himself and he was always focused on giving his wealth where it was most needed. These kids have a safe, loving environment to grow up in at no cost to them or their families…all because Mr. Hershey didn’t see wealth as something to hold on to, but something to give to those in need.

He built the entire town of Hershey for his employees–that they might have a great place to live, work, and play. I have loved living in Hershey for the past 14 months, surrounded by such a rich history.

There’s so much more that could be said about him. I’m so thankful that he was not blinded by his wealth, nor was he selfish. Instead, he gave it all away so that “his kids” would be funded indefinitely and ensured of a better life. And that’s a great reason to buy Hershey’s Chocolate 🙂

Day Eight: I’m Thankful For…Friendships.

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Preface: I thought it was fitting to express my thanks during the month of November for something new each day, as so many others have done before me. I’ve never taken the time to do this, and it will be a challenge to blog each day, but it’s so important to recognize the blessings God has given us! 🙂 These are in NO particular order…

Friendship is one of the greatest gifts that God has bestowed upon us. In the past eleven years, He has brought the most incredible people into my life–some for a season, some for a lifetime…all for a purpose. I am SO very thankful that He has continually provided women (and men) who are willing to live life with me…to laugh together, cry together, explore together, and worship together. This post is fairly lengthy because God has so richly blessed me…and I didn’t even talk about all of my friends! I decided to focus mostly on the women who were in our wedding.

I had 22 roommates before I got married, and each of them impacted my life in some way. While I don’t keep in touch with all of them, I do think about them all often because of the memories that we shared. Allison, Sara, Leslie, Jessica B., Alli, Katie, Rebecca, Johanna, Jen, Brianna, Kori,  Jessica E., Erin B., Courtney, Kait, Erin, Ananda, Mindi, Molly, Christy, Laura, Lena. I learned so much about living with others and I became a better person as I was sharpened by each one of these women in different ways. We made so many memories together–especially my freshman/sophomore year… 🙂

There are so many other women in my life who I spent hours and hours with though we never lived together… Cara, Christina, Amberly, Jessica B. and Kim, to name a few.

In Northern California, there are several friends from camp years who are still some of my dearest friends…too many to name. We try to see at least a few every time we visit NorCal, but it doesn’t always happen unfortunately. So thankful for all of my years attending church camp with these people.

In Southern California, I was blessed to have two friendships that will last a lifetime: Kevin and Dannylle. The three of us hung out all the time between September 2006 and July 2008 (when I moved). We watched The Office and 24, we cooked/ate, we went on adventures (sailing to Catalina was the one that started our friendship), we celebrated holidays together, and we spent hours talking. Hours. Dannylle even donated some of his hair along with me when I did it in 2007 for the first time.

Those two men are two of the most godly men that I have ever encountered and I love how they sharpened me. There was such freedom in our friendship to be honest and to confront when we saw an issue. We walked through rough times together and we walked through great times. We served the Lord together through missions and youth ministry. They were like the big brothers I never had. Now we all live in very different places, but we will always be family. When I moved to Pennsylvania, the hardest thing about leaving was knowing that I would be leaving those two.

 

But, God was faithful and He has brought me incredible friends here in Pennsylvania, as I knew that He would.

Before I moved here I met Ashleigh through a mutual friend and our friendship deepened even further once I moved here. She helped me so much with applying for jobs within the House of Representatives and offered advice during my job search. When we both worked in downtown Harrisburg we would meet for lunch at least once a week, and we still try to get together regularly. When I began dating Brennan she was always there to offer wisdom and advice, all biblically based and practical. She is someone with whom I can be completely honest (and she with me) and she has been by my side through so much since I moved here. We are so alike in so many ways, yet very different in others…and both have worked to strengthen our friendship. Ashleigh was a matron-of-honor in our wedding and I was so thankful to have her by my side throughout that process and the years that have followed. 

Through the same “young adults ministry” where I got to know Brennan better, I also met Shannon. From our earliest meetings I just knew that we’d become great friends…and I’m so glad that the Lord has brought us together. She has taught me so much about things ranging from autism to jewelry, and I have helped her with various things as well. We NEVER have a dull moment together. We share a love of photography and I have loved watching her grow in her God-given ability to capture moments. I know that when I have a problem, Shannon can help me solve it. Her counseling background is invaluable as she always knows the questions to ask to get me thinking. Shannon also stood by my side at our wedding and I know that our friendship will be lifelong.

Shannon, Ashleigh and I meet regularly (or at least attempt to) for coffee, dinner, whatever, and our friendships continue to grow. I am very thankful for the discussions that we have (though it’s hard to get a word in sometimes!) and for the ways that God is using us in each other’s lives.

I met my “sister” Cheyenne in June 2002 when I lived with her family in Williamsport for two summers. It has been so amazing to watch our friendship grow, and I am so thankful for her. We don’t see each other as often as we’d like (we are both TOO busy! :)) but there’s always a sense of picking up right where we left off. She was instrumental in my decision to move to Pennsylvania and was so excited about me being only a little over an hour away! She was a matron-of-honor in my wedding and I am so thankful that she was there for me throughout the entire wedding/marriage process. I have learned so much from her in the past few years about marriage and love, and I’ve always admired her for her dedication to–and excitement about–learning about marriage. She introduced me to the “Love Languages” books years ago and she has offered many other words of wisdom over the years. She is always encouraging and challenges me to be a better person through her example. I am very thankful that this woman (who I met on a dark, stormy night with no electricity 🙂 ) has become a sister.

I gained a sister when I married Brennan, though I actually met Kelly before I met him. I had always wanted a sister, but God gave me a brother instead 😉 Now I have two sisters! Kelly is a blessing to me, and I am so glad that I get to live life with her forever as family now. She is so kind, patient, funny, and loving. From the very beginning she welcomed me into the family with open arms. I loved having her by my side during the wedding process, and I was so honored to stand by her side as she married Angel this past June. I really look forward to deepening our friendship as the years go on!

Kristin is my first cousin, and we have always had a special bond. Out of seven grandchildren on my mom’s side of the family, we are the only girls. We also grew up a mile apart, so we spent a great deal of time together until I moved to Southern California. Whenever we are in our hometown at the same time (she lives in San Diego now), we get together and go on photography adventures. It was actually on one of those adventures that I shot my “famous” truck photo (the rusty truck with the mountains in the background). I love spending time with her and I’m very thankful that God made us cousins. 🙂

My most uniquely formed friendship to date is with Victoria. She and I have been friends for 20 years but we didn’t actually meet in person until 2002. 🙂 In fourth grade (we think…it might have been third), we both happened to write in to be matched up with pen pals from American Girl magazine. We were matched up–me in California and her in Ohio…and we’ve been writing ever since that time! Granted, our methods have changed over the years (I really should write more letters these days), but she is still a dear friend. We have spent time together in person four times now in the past ten years (in Ohio/Kentucky, Pennsylvania, California, and Tennessee), and I can’t wait for more adventures with her. We are so similar and have the same love/passion for music. She is a talented singer/songwriter and I love watching her grow in that! God uses such amazing ways to bring people together. I was so thankful that she was able to stand by our side at our wedding…she has definitely enriched my life over the past 20 years.

(Shannon, Kelly, Cheyenne, Lesa, Ashleigh, Victoria, Kristin)

So many other friends that I could mention…but I’ll just leave it at that since this post is so long already. These women were not only by my side for my wedding, but they have been (and will be) my friends for life. 🙂

God is SO gracious in His blessings to His children.

Day Seven: I’m Thankful For…Freedom.

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Preface: I thought it was fitting to express my thanks during the month of November for something new each day, as so many others have done before me. I’ve never taken the time to do this, and it will be a challenge to blog each day, but it’s so important to recognize the blessings God has given us! 🙂 These are in NO particular order…

Until I traveled to the Middle East/North Africa in 2005 (for a month), I admit that I took my freedom for granted. Despite spending the four years prior studying our nation’s history and political science (and gaining a huge appreciation for what our Founding Fathers established), I still didn’t fully grasp how wonderful our country really is in comparison to many countries around the world.

We have it good here.

Since that trip I have done extensive reading about the lives of women in the Middle East (specifically Saudi Arabia and Iran)…and it truly breaks my heart. Books like Reading Lolita in Tehran , Inside the Kingdom, and In the Land of Invisible Women ignited a passion within me for these women who are so oppressed by their governments and their culture…and even their own families. I cannot imagine living in a world where I am unable to live freely… 

I am thankful that I can walk around freely without fear of corrupt police trying to falsely accuse me so that I will pay them off.

I am thankful that I can wear what I would like to wear.

I am thankful that I can say what I want to say when I want to say it (using wisdom and discernment, of course 🙂 ).

I am thankful that I can worship God freely and without constraint.

I am thankful that I can travel freely, by myself if I choose.

I am thankful that I can blog freely without fearing repercussions from the government and without fear of censorship.

And the list goes on and on…

I know that our country is far from perfect, but the freedoms that were established by our Founding Fathers are remarkable and unique, and I believe that they are biblical in nature. God sent Jesus so that we could be set free!

I am SO thankful to have the privilege of living here.

Day Six: I’m Thankful For…My Husband.

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Preface: I thought it was fitting to express my thanks during the month of November for something new each day, as so many others have done before me. I’ve never taken the time to do this, and it will be a challenge to blog each day, but it’s so important to recognize the blessings God has given us! 🙂 These are in NO particular order…

I decided to wait to post about my husband on our anniversary (2 years!) instead of on “day 2” 🙂

I am so thankful that God brought me to Pennsylvania for many reasons…but I’m especially thankful that He allowed me the privilege of meeting Brennan on April 12, 2009. I was content where I was and wasn’t looking to get married…but God had other plans and I’m SO thankful that His ways are different/greater than ours!

Brennan has been such an amazing friend and life partner through the past three and a half years. He consistently encourages me by his example to be a better person and sharpens me in ways I didn’t expect.

Just some of the things I love about Brennan…

  • His smile
  • The way he rubs his hands together when he is excited
  • The way he looks when he’s dressed up (SO handsome!)
  • His scent
  • His selflessness
  • His simplicity
  • His gorgeous green eyes
  • His leadership with our MHS boys
  • The way he cuddles up to me in the morning
  • His affectionate nature
  • His love of showing his affection for me–publicly and privately
  • His willingness to eat anything that I prepare
  • The way he can read me in a second and know how I’m feeling
  • His tendency to become protective of me when I am hurting
  • His amazing work ethic and how hard he works to provide
  • The passion he displays when he prays out loud
  • His love of children (he will be an amazing father)
  • His never-ending support and encouragement
  • His patience
  • His goofiness 🙂

The joy that Brennan brings to my life is incredible. Life is so much richer with him by my side! I am so thankful for him and for the adventures we’ve had so far…and for those yet to come.

Thank you, Jesus, for answering my lifelong prayer for a husband by bringing me Brennan. He is more wonderful than I ever imagined.

Day Five: I’m Thankful For…Church Family.

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Preface: I thought it was fitting to express my thanks during the month of November for something new each day, as so many others have done before me. I’ve never taken the time to do this, and it will be a challenge to blog each day, but it’s so important to recognize the blessings God has given us! 🙂 These are in NO particular order…

I have made two major moves in my life: the first was from Northern to Southern California (523 miles) for college in 2001; the second was from Southern California to Pennsylvania (3,000 miles) in 2008. Both moves were significant landmarks in my life, and both placed me far from my family, friends and comfort zone.

However, God is eternally faithful and He has continually brought me “church family” to take care of me, befriend me, and love me.

Within my first month of college, I found the First Baptist Church of Glendora and the friendships made there still stand strong today. The bond that I have with so many people there will last forever and I am so thankful for God’s leading! I know that I still have “family” in Glendora. I was so blessed to be surrounded by like-minded musicians and we made some incredible music together. I was surrounded by friends my age who were seeking to know Jesus more and more and they sharpened me. They encouraged me. They were sad to see me move in 2008 but recognized God’s hand in the journey and supported me all the way. I love them dearly.

Within my first month of moving to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, I found East Shore Baptist Church. From the first time I walked through those doors until now, I felt welcomed and loved. As soon as people discovered how far I had come and how far my family was from me, they stepped in and took care of me. They supported and encouraged me. They helped me find a husband 😉 (haha). When I lost my job, they ensured that I was fed and taken care of. One Sunday I found $200 in my Bible–which was exactly what I needed to finish paying my rent for the month. I have no idea who blessed me that day, but I am SO thankful.

The pastors allowed me to begin a ministry to the singles in the church (which is, ironically, where I became acquainted with Brennan) as this was a large people group within the church that was not being served. They encouraged me to use my gifts for the good of the body (even when it was uncomfortable–like playing guitar for worship…which I did every Sunday, two services, for two years and do all the time now) and never discouraged me from following God’s leading.

They allowed me to be on the leadership team for an amazing church plant called The Well at East Shore. I was the “Community Projects Coordinator” and was able to live out two of my passions: missions and serving. I planned community service projects for our church that we did the third Thursday of every month (that’s the night we met in order to reach those who can’t or won’t go to church on Sundays)…we chose to go BE the church on those nights instead of just sitting in church every week. It was a powerful way to be the hands and feet of Jesus to our community.

We eventually felt led to discontinue The Well, but God definitely had plans for our little church plant: It was through The Well that I met the Morrisons and the Shays. They came up from North Carolina to see Harrisburg in March 2010 as they were praying about where to plant a church. I helped show them around Harrisburg and we were able to show them where we were seeing God at work–EVERYWHERE! They felt led to come join God in the great work He is doing here and moved here in 2011. Brennan and I are now part of the church that they planted, Redeeming Grace Church, and they have become such a wonderful blessing to our lives. Redeeming Grace has brought us another wonderful church family and we are so blessed to call RGC our church home.

God has proven His love to me in so many ways, but this is one of the greatest: wherever He has called me to go, He has brought people alongside me who love and encourage me, and I love and encourage them as well. He is so faithful to care for us!

Thank you, Jesus, for providing amazing Christians who become family to me wherever I go…

Day Four: I’m Thankful For…My Talents.

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Preface: I thought it was fitting to express my thanks during the month of November for something new each day, as so many others have done before me. I’ve never taken the time to do this, and it will be a challenge to blog each day, but it’s so important to recognize the blessings God has given us! 🙂 These are in NO particular order…

I am so thankful for the talents with which the Lord has blessed me. They enrich my life greatly, bring immense joy, and they shape how I experience the world. I am thankful for the people the Lord has placed in my life to help me refine these talents and become even better in these areas. He gets all the credit!

I am especially thankful for my musical ability and my photography skills.

He blessed me with the ability to pick up any instrument and learn how to play it (often teaching myself)…I have nearly perfect pitch and that has proved to be a wonderful gift through the years. He has also given me a powerful voice to use for His glory…and that how I strive to use it. I love being able to lead others in the music portion of a worship service, knowing that I am pointing them to the Sovereign God who has created all things…truly, all of the glory and honor goes to Him. I can do nothing on my own!

I also love singing the National Anthem at sporting events–it is such a huge thrill and I love the feeling of having 10,000 people cheering 😉 (the link is from 3 years ago–it’s the most recent recording I have). This is my fourth season singing for the Hershey Bears and I am so honored to have the privilege of singing there.

God has given me an eye for photography that I am able to use to convey powerful messages and to inspire action (Haiti). He also has allowed me to use photography to capture His creation for others to enjoy. I love photography and I feel so alive when I’m able to capture events/places on “film” (saying “on a memory card” just doesn’t have the same ring ;)). He is such a great God and He can be seen in all of His creation…and I love bringing pieces of His creation back home for others to experience as well.

Thank you, Jesus, for giving me gifts through which you bless others.

Day Three: I’m Thankful For…My Family.

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Preface: I thought it was fitting to express my thanks during the month of November for something new each day, as so many others have done before me. I’ve never taken the time to do this, and it will be a challenge to blog each day, but it’s so important to recognize the blessings God has given us! 🙂 These are in NO particular order…

I have a unique and wonderful family…some I’ve known my whole life, some I’ve known for six years (my dad’s biological family), and some I’ve known for three years (Brennan’s family). I have been surrounded by love my entire life and I am so thankful for that.

The longer we serve as Relief Houseparents at the Milton Hershey School, the more thankful for my family and my childhood I become. Our boys long for the family stability from which I come, and it truly breaks my heart when they talk about not having (or not really knowing their) fathers. Many come from very broken homes…and these things have affected them deeply.

I am blessed to have a heritage of life-long marriages: my parents will celebrate 32 years on November 8th, my mom’s parents just celebrated 60 years, and my dad’s parents just celebrated 56 years. My great-grandparents were married over 60 years. We’ve been blessed to be a very tight-knit family. My mom’s side of the family just held their 51st annual family reunion this past summer. My family is loving, caring, compassionate, welcoming, and hilarious. 🙂

I’m very thankful for my parents and for the example they have provided for my brother and I. Their marriage has faced its trials as life has thrown them some interesting curves over the years…but, they chose to grow stronger together and to fight these trials together instead of allowing their marriage to fall apart. They chose to love each other through it all and their marriage is incredibly strong because of it. My parents are willing to do anything they can to help someone in need, and that is one of my favorite things about them.

I’m thankful that Brennan’s family has welcomed me with open arms and has made me feel welcome from day one. Since they live in the area, it’s really great to have family here since mine is so far away.

I’m so thankful that we have had the opportunity to meet my dad’s biological family and that through this experience we’ve learned so much about our genetics and our quirks. I’m so much like my dad, so meeting them has solved some mysteries for me as well (including where my green eyes came from). I’m thankful that they also (for the most part) opened their arms to us and have made us feel like we’ve always been part of the family.

Thank you, Lord, for your provision of family…