Dear 2010.....

Dear 2o1o,

Well....just a few more days and we can put 2010 into the history books. I can't really say that I will miss you 2010. I am kind of glad that you are over, cause it has been one hell of a ride. And in appropriate fashion, the year has come full circle, and one of my most stressful and frustrating situations ended up working out just the way I wanted and had hoped it would end up originally.

But I can definitely say that I learned a few things

1. You should never have to apologize for loving what you do with your life and being you. We are each created by a masterful Maker.

2. Patience pays off. And so does holding onto something you believe in, because just maybe it may work out and the patience will pay off.

3. Love on people. Period. Pretty simple. Pour into someone. Cause some how it always seems to fill you up as well.

4. Sometimes I take life too seriously. Sometimes you just need to laugh at your self, act like a child and take a deep breath from real life.

5. Surround yourself with people who love you for you. Who speak life into you.

6. Never underestimate yourself.

7. Yes this world is full of crazy people and people who will continually disappoint. But the world is full of good people and good hearts. Even more encouraging, we have generations coming up that have amazing hearts.

8. We have choices to make every day. To swing by the Starbucks drive through or skip it today. Choose joy. Choose to rise above situations. Choose to fight the good fight.

9. Perspective is an amazing thing. Maintain it.

10. Be thankful and show gratitude every day.

11. We live in a beautiful country and world. It would be a pity not to explore it. GET OUT!

What a year it has been. And Christ continues to reveal himself in small ways, big things and crazy situations. When I am WEAK.....is when I find STRENGTH in HIM. My only true REST comes at the feet of CHRIST. I still swear there are times where God is just looking down on me and laughing.

I am lucky....despite the craziness of this world, crap situations and everything in between. I am blessed. And 2010 has been a constant reminder of that.

I am humbled by how blessed I am.

So 2010.....here is to you! Here is to the journey, as beautiful and ridiculous as it was.

2011.....I can't promise that I will remember to write the correct date on my documents for at least 5 months. But....I am ready for you. I am anxious, nervous, excited and thrilled for the new chapter that 2011 promises to bring.

So long 2010........2011....I have high hopes for you!