2010

I did this a few years ago, and it really blessed me to look back on everything that unfolded in the year. Sometimes I let little things get overlooked in the wake of life-changing ones, but then I realize that even the little ones changed my life in the most unexpected of ways.

JANUARY

With the turning of a new year came restoration and joy, and truthfully, the most blessed year of my life to date. Somehow, in God’s goodness, blessings seem to abound from year to year in greater quantities, and with that comes greater responsibility. My most memorable event in January was the conclusion of my sweet time with family over Christmas break. January is always a restful and renewing month, and I found much of that with family and friends.

FEBRUARY

February is a sweet month to me. I think of love and chocolates, as Clayton has lavished both on me in the last 4 Februaries. Valentine’s Day 2010 was spent in instead of out this year, as Clayton made me a home-cooked meal and quality time was spent together. We had much to be thankful for this year as we got to celebrate God’s faithfulness to us in growing us more in His image.

MARCH

Two blessings come to mind out of March- Spring Break and Martha O’Kelly. It was Cali or Bust for my roommates Haylee Pearson, Allison Johnston, and I. A week away on the shores of San Diego was water to my soul, and even sweeter was time spent growing even closer to these two amazing, godly ladies. The second blessing came through Impact. While I was so blessed by each and every counselor I was privileged to pray for, Martha’s consistent and loyal friendship to this day stands out. She has taught me more than she probably knows, and her wisdom and discernment is a continual blessing that I am more than grateful for. She’s definitely one of those “keeper” friends.

APRIL

April was a particularly joyous month filled with Aggie “lasts.” It was my last month to soak it all in before the wind-down to graduation began. Phi Lamb formal and group outings flood my mind from this month. The sun came out and I got one last chance to play with all my wonderful friends. As I spent a lot of time thinking back on the last three years in this month, I remember standing in awe of where the Lord brought me from freshman year. Never could I have imagined where I would end up!

MAY

Only one event stands out above the rest- Graduation. The most dreaded and anticipated event in a college student’s life. When I pictured my life’s path in my head the morning before graduation, I remember distinctly thinking of a map where every turn and course was planned and laid out until May 15^th, where in essence, I would take a step off the map into the unknown. So frightening and so thrilling at the same time. While I was luckier than most in finding employment quickly, the perpetual thoughts about what I truly find satisfaction in still loom in my mind; I’m still patiently waiting for God’s Big Plan for me while being obedient in the small version right now!

JUNE

I spent three weeks in maybe the most boring city in Texas- Abilene. My first job required that I spend three weeks alone in a hotel for training, and let me tell you, they were challenging weeks. I learned all about how wonderful weekends are, though. I never anticipated weekends in college like I anticipate them now- sometimes, I live for them, which isn’t right either, and I’m working on that. What was good in June? I got a nice tan, I learned a lot about the city of Abilene, and I spent a lot of time with me and God. And we all need more alone time these days.

JULY

If June was the raincloud on my year, July was my sunny saving grace. A cruise with my family to Progresso and Cancun was the best medicine for my lonely soul, and those 5 days spent in the sun, laughing and joking with my wonderful family was just what I needed. Family vacations constitute a large portion of my best memories in life, and this one was no different. Also, living in College Station, while it is still no Grapevine in the summer, was much preferred over Abilene.

AUGUST

August was such a hoppin’ month for me! The Lord spread His Sovereignty over my life in the most redemptive ways. He gave me the perfect reason to leave a job I hated after just a month, reminded me of his faithfulness to me in the past, told me to hold on tight, and get ready to enjoy the ride He was about to take me on. My last Impact was beautifully bittersweet- it was more than I could have asked for, and those involved ministered to me just as much as I felt I poured out. I will never forget those sweet times spent in prayer, laying hearts bare and vulnerable before our Creator. I came back to College Station with an interview with CC and I praised my God for His funny ways and never-ending protection and care.

SEPTEMBER

September was my summer. I got it a little late, but was nonetheless thankful for it. Friends moved back to College Station again, and life resumed at a somewhat normal pace- minus my life revolving around school, Phi Lamb, and more school. I got to take life at an extremely slow pace, spending time with friends and thanking God for giving me more time in the city I was not ready to leave. He gave me so much understanding and direction in that month as He prepared my heart for the next phase of life. I am continually grateful that He has not pushed me and dropped me in the next phase, but has gradually prepared me for something bigger.

OCTOBER

I don’t think my life is about making t-shirts- what a sad existence that would be. But God has made it perfectly clear to me that what He has for me for this time in life involves patience and learning some lessons while making t-shirts. October was spent learning and grasping that. October was also spent learning how to be a big girl in a college town, but still be 21. It’s totally manageable if you just own it! That made for much more enjoyable times.  Clayton and I also celebrated 4 years together on October 12. On top of all of this, October is my favorite month- the weather is perfect, football season is in full swing, and everything good about life seems to come out to play!

NOVEMBER

As an Aggie, I can’t explain November without the help of T-Pain and friends- “All I do is win, win, win no matter what.” November was a fabulous month for football fans, and I didn’t miss a second! What was even better, though, was Thanksgiving break- one of my favorite holidays! Turkey and Black Friday shopping and game nights galore- it marks the beginning of the most wonderful time of the year!

DECEMBER

Just getting off of December, I may be biased in saying it was my favorite month this year. While it was definitely the busiest, it was by far the most fun. I only spent 7 days in the office (that might have contributed) as I got to experience two parts of America I’ve never seen before- North Carolina and Pennsylvania. VERY COLD! But one of my favorite new experiences as a working woman. I think I started to love my job last month. And who can talk about December without Christmas break? Family is the best- and so are long, lost high school friends! It seems like we never lost a beat when we get together. 2010 was good to me to the very end, topped off by a fabulous New Year’s Eve with favorites!