& the award goes to..

Annual Thanksgiving entry.

My greatest thanks to God. Seriously. My #1 constant. My Savior. This year has been so moving to me & through tough times, I was always challenged to recite my favorite verse over & over again. "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you & not to harm you, plans to give you a hope & a future.'" Jeremiah 29:11. Every day is a struggle to surrender but He keeps me going. I thank Him for breath. For the people most important to me. For getting me through senior year. For giving & taking when necessary. For teaching me patience. For showing me sovereignty. For another opportunity to serve. For "memories to last a lifetime." For the only financial, & physical aid I need. For good brains, & good health. For love. For His creation; I learn to appreciate more of it each day. For legs to walk, run, jump. For inspiration. For music that heals. For disciplining me enough to make the right decisions for my future. For making me & breaking me & molding me. There's just so much I can say because really, He's responsible for everything that's happened in my life. & you're surprised that I'm excited about my future? C'mon. Yours will be just as wonderful. I haven't been fully submissive lately & I admit that I'm not trying hard enough to change that. I do feel like I'm coming back, though. Prayer is powerful-- & it works. (Probably the most important lesson I've learned this year.)

My gratitude extends, but is not restricted to, these individuals. Recently I've learned to really appreciate who they are & what they've done for my life. When I feel lonely & let down, these people keep me alive & sane. I've been so blessed to have you all around & maybe one day, if you ask super nicely, I'll reveal names. But keep in mind that I do enjoy secrets.

Thanks from the bottom of my heart.


#__, I thank you...

1. For calling me a sister. I've never forgotten that. It's never a dull moment with you.

2. For being just as excited as I am, every week. At least we have one thing that we won't argue about. With every conversation, you make me more happy than mad.

3. For genuinely caring about my well-being. Being reminded that you'll always make time for me is such a great feeling.

4. For always brightening my day. Your outgoing personality makes it so easy to socialize with you. I love our talks.

5. For not letting go of our friendship. Everyday I'm assured that my life has a bit of constancy.

6. For deciding to cope with who I am, no matter what mood I happen to be in. You've changed me more than you know.

7. For so much, I can't even put it into a concise phrase. I always go back to when we first met, & realize how much we've changed because of each other.

8. For being genuine from day one. No one has earned my trust faster than you have.

9. For being one of the strongest people I know. You keep me smiling when I feel like I can't.

10. For being like an older sibling without question. Having you around makes me want to be more true to myself.

11. For constantly keeping up with my life. It's nice having someone who actually wants to talk to you.

12. For spontaneous occasions of laughter. This world would be a sad place without you insisting on cheering people up.

13. For reminding me that there's so much going on outside of my own life. Your constant updates brighten my day & I can't wait until we get to share stories in person again.

14. For being so understanding, though at times it seems inevitable. Your continuous support moves me to make my life worth living.

15. For assuring me that neither time nor distance will be a challenge for us. I'm glad we can come to each other with trust and honesty whenever necessary, or actually, whenever we want.

16. For accepting me from the very first time we met. You have been nothing but sweet & caring & I hope I've done the same for you.

17. For coming into my life at such an unexpected time. Getting to know you more each day is an adventure in itself & I only wish I could start our talks, just once. I do, however, appreciate your anticipation for conversation.

18. For allowing yourself to be exposed in such a way that it becomes inspiring. You make me want to be successful; I want to inspire others, too.

19. For carrying a load & not complaining. You are so humbling.

20. For lending a helping hand whenever you feel it is necessary. Whether it be listening to my day or giving compliments, you never fail to bring a smile to my face.

21. For keeping up with me, for the most part. I know my busy schedule may create many conflicts, but I do wish I had more time to spend with you.

22. For a sigh of relief whenever I have a tough day. Both direct and indirect conversations make my days more interesting.

23. For always reminding me that I'm worth it. I can't help but smile whenever we talk.

24. For being so uplifting, though you'd never know it. Plenty of insight comes from you. I look forward to seeing you whenever I can.

25. For being down for whatevaaah. Your down-to-earth personality inspires my extent of fun.



As I previously stated, the extent of my list is not restricted to 25 people. There are so many who have encouraged, stimulated thought, struck down, loved; I feel like these people deserve my thanks as long as recent events occur.

[Future edit: hints? We'll see.]

At least I'm not more than a week late. Happy belated Thanksgiving. Please do not act as if the holiday has become overrated like I once thought. Though it is true that we should be thankful everyday, it's good that we have a reminder.

Lovelovelove.