a look back on the year

well today i turn 29. i will admit i have been really scared of this. it just seems so old to me personally-like i can't believe i am getting up there already. hahaha. the last year of my 20's-hooooraaahhhh!!!!

i will say, all shallowness aside, that this past year has been an incredible one. i laid in bed, praying to God, thanking Him for this past year and for what's ahead. so of course my mind wanders to what has happened over the course of one year. and He has been incredible to me, so incredible. He revealed Himself to me in so many ways... not to mention i flat out had a fun year. if you remember, this time last year, my closest friends (they were my family) from down here all moved away. i was really unsure how things were going to be with my sanity and my heart, and let's just say He kept me busy!

-in august, i started a TRIAD with halsey and doss. we did life together in an intense way for the next year. it grew me in ways i never knew. He showed me His faithfulness through them and their lives. He gave me 2 new sisters.

-back in september, the call He put on my life 10 years ago to "lead" worship came to fruition.

-i had an awesome holiday season. over the course of which, He continued to teach me what unconditional love truly is and how to show it to others.

- in january, he burdened my heart for outreach and missions in a so much of a way that i couldn't even sleep (still can't!)

-in january, we welcomed a new niece stella and new nephew andrew.

-in february, we welcomed a new niece on brian's side, mckenzie. this month He also taught me about His timing...and is still teaching me.

- in march, brian and i took a vacation alone for the first time in 5 years. we headed to the west coast for 10 days-san diego, la, vegas, and san fran to see all great friends.

- in april, the mom's group i founded celebrated it's 3rd birthday. and what a bash it was!

- in april, my son started his first organized sport. another proud mama moment!
-in may, i look at my calendar and see that i had something going on every single day of the week, except for 2. wowsers.

- in may, He also taught me about trusting Him and the amazing growth i experienced from having to humble myself and fundraise....

-which brings me to june, where i went on my first international mission's trip to swaziland in africa. yet another call that came to fruition that was 15 years old. there He spoke loudly and clearly to me in so many ways. there He gave me a new call for me and my family. can't wait to see how this one turns out!!!!

- in june, i also started back up with the mom's in touch bible study at church. i was/am being challenged to have a mary spirit. one of gentleness, compassion, etc. not to mention all the support i get from those moms. i'm so blessed to be in that group! brian and i also started in a brand new small group together, where we are being challenged to be crazy and obsessed for Christ. and we are just so excited to have a group of parents like us to do life with. we *heart* our group!!!

- july brought a family reunion, a sick sister in which God taught me about obedience-the laying of hands- and His healing power. yet another full calendar, halted by 2 weeks of ridiculous illness in my home. being sick always has a way of putting things into perspective.

- add a ton of trips back up to MD in there, visits from family and friends, etc and we got an awesome year. i love my husband more and more each day. we have grown a lot this year and he still gives me butterflies. my kids have grown so much and teach me so much. i can't love on them enough. i am so thankful for my family.

all in all, a very incredible year. a spiritual awakening to say the least. here's to praying 29 is just as ridiculous-i welcome it!!!!