Give Me Strength

Well, it seems to be that time of year for me......the time to evaluate the past year and recognize all the blessings I received.  This past year was an amazing and hard year. I spent the first half being pregnant and the second half trying to adjust to having a new little person in my home....one who stole my heart. This morning I had the t.v. on as I was straightening up my apartment and I heard a song.....one I've heard before. But this time it screamed at me. So, I do what I always do when a song catches my attention, I find it on YouTube and listen to it over, and over, and over, and....well, you get the point. What was the song, I'm sure you are wondering. "Give Me Strength" by Snow Patrol. This song brought so many people to my mind. First of all, my family. My parents, my wonderful brothers, their amazing wives, and their incredible kiddos. I can't believe how much they have loved me. Their love makes me feel like I have a lot to learn about love! The next group- how could I not begin without mentioning the person who has been by my side for the last almost 10 years....the person who knows what I've been through and my feelings without my saying them- my best friend Alisha. She is so incredible and such an example to me of strength, forgiveness, love, hope, compassion, and endurance. God sure knew what He was doing when 10 years ago, we sat next to each other in a choir class..... and He knew I would need her as I went through some of the toughest experiences. Also, can't go without mentioning all my friends at church in Athens, GA- Charlotte, Brice, Emilee, Matt R., Matt C. Daniel, Stephanie, Dawan, Natalie, Josh, Nathan, Russell, Rebekah, Shannon, Ashlyn, Deanna, and so many more.....if I didn't mention someone- please don't get offended....everyone at the branch was incredible and helped me on my path of shaping who I am and who I want to become. Third group- my extended family! My cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents.....Truly I can't begin to say how much all of you mean to me!!!!
        I am now enjoying being a Mom. I'm learning so many things- how to love when a little person is angry, hungry, confused, scared, and hurt. I'm learning how to put someone first- no matter how hungry I am, no matter how badly I need sleep, no matter how much I just want to sit down and watch t.v., I'm learning that none of that matters as much as the smile or laugh I get when I spend time making my little daughter feel like she is wonderfully important to me. I'm learning how much strength I have, that I didn't know I had. I'm beginning to get a tiny TINY glimpse of the love My Heavenly Father has for us all.  I'm also beginning to learn how much my parents truly loved me. How much they put aside so they could make me feel important and loved. This next year will truly be the year of learning.....and I couldn't be more excited. I'm excited to try to become even more selfless, I'm excited to learn more about love, compassion, endurance, patience, forgiveness, and more.
      This year feels like it's going to be a BIG year..... haha, might have something to do with the fact that I'm no longer going to be in my 20's....sounds like a good year to run a marathon, and learn more about my Savior. I think it's time to push my body farther than it's ever been,....and also my spirit. Here's to endurance! I will end now.....but know....

The second love of my life!

"I choked back tears today, I can't begin to say how much you've shaped this girl these last ten years or more....." I love you all!!!