Happy Last Year!!!

Before I get so wrapped up in the year ahead, I can't help and be amazed at the past year. My life has changed in dramatic ways and so much for the better. Some highlights include:

Chris and I are engaged!! - January 8th

My Senior Recital - February 24 

Mission Trip to England - June

Thanksgiving in New York City - November 

Student Teaching beginning band! - Fall Semester

Graduating with a Music Education degree! - December 

Family vacation to the Grand Canyon - December

What an amazing year! There's no way I could have foreseen any of this, and it seems as if its all gone by in a blur! God is SOOO good to us, and at times its easy to forget that none of this compares to His glory and His kingdom. I hope that everyone has had a year filled with family, love, friends, hope, and growth, and that next year will be as good. 

The gift.

Last night at our Christmas Eve Service, we talked about the gift. How God gave His son to us. Not out of obligation, but out of love and hope. Thinking of all the gifts I give others for Christmas, its not so much what I give them, but how I give it. And how I give love to my family and friends. Is it out of obligation because this is what I am supposed to do? Or is it out of love and selflessness? Because my heart has been molded and matched up to the Holy Spirit's that I can't help but give love? 

"And Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart." Luke 2:19  

December 13th, 2008. THE BIG DAY!

It's done! A have a degree. I am not I feel ready for this, but apparently HSU sees otherwise. Graduation was fun and I had an awesome party the next day.  Pictures to come. So, for now I am still working part-time at the YMCA and searching for teaching positions. One of my classes (my 5th and 6th graders) are throwing me a party this week, I am so honored. God has been so good through everything. He has brought me through school, provided amazing friends and teachers, and given me someone who will be my partner in life. He has continued His blessings this week. I found out today that I will be able to pick up my insurance at the YMCA at the beginning of the year. It's already Christmas for me!