Thankful

Thanksgiving was just grand. Nothing better than good food, family, and the company of our favorite people around us. I personally think that Thanksgiving (and especially Christmas) should be holidays that we celebrate monthly. Not so much for the giving, although its nice, but for the great food and the fellowship. This is my favorite time of the year without a doubt. I love the fall leaves, the cool weather, Christmas lights, Christmas blend coffee at Starbucks :), and looking forward to a new year!

Today Pastor Brent's message was talking about giving thanks. Every year about this time I always like to ponder back to the beginning of the year and think about the things that I'm grateful for. So today during my therapy session I like to call working out, I started a mental list of those things in 2007 that I'm grateful for and why I should give thanks...

Here's to a few I'm thankful for:

A broken heart from an amazing, heart wrenching, incredible, unforgettable mission trip to the country my heart is captivated by... SOUTH AFRICA. My life was forevermore changed because of the time I spent there, Frank Christie and our spiritual family there, Pastor Brent and Karla and our team, the committed people there that sell out their lives all in compassion for others, and the beauty in the broken my physical eyes captivated that will never be forgotten... in hopes of returning soon to serve and give my life as Jesus.

Miss North Augusta USA- I'm grateful for winning this prelim. Not only is it just awesome because it's my hometown but for opportunity that it has given me this year, the people I've come in contact with, and the special things that this experience has taught me.



I'm grateful for my friendships that have blossomed ever so beautifully this year. I can honestly say I have some of the greatest friends one could ask for. Those who truck through the thick and thin and we persevere every time. God is so faithful when it comes to bringing those special people in your life. I truly have some of the greatest friends anyone could ever ask for! I love each one of you more than you know! Thank you for being all that you are to me... :)











Hawaiian Tropic in Oahu, Hawaii- again, one of the many places I've traveled and it was just breathtaking and beautiful. Great place, awesome shoots, met some great people, and although I was challenged at times this trip taught me many things and for that I'm grateful! I love not knowing why in the world I do the things I do, getting worked up and stressed over, and then looking back and seeing the purpose in full perspective.



Miss South Carolina USA- Charleston, South Carolina.... I'm so thankful for the things I do in this journey I call life. I learned more things about Amanda preparing this year for this than anything else could have taught me. I really need to write a book!



My mother... words couldn't express the gratitude I have for her. All I can say is that it couldn't be possible without her and I don't think I'll ever be able to repay her for what she has done for me, for raising me to be who I am, for her encouragement, support, and for believing in me when I didn't even believe in myself.

My pastor and his amazing wife- for being my heroes, great leaders, and encouraging me to be the best me in everything God has called me to be. I love you guys!



These are just to name a few... 2007 has definitely been a hard year without a doubt. From finishing school, working, close friends passing away, family issues, a broken heart, and trying to find who you are in the midst of life... it just hasn't been easy. I was reminded today that even though I'm pressed on every side, I'm not crushed; and when I'm perplexed, I'm not in despair; I may be persecuted but not abandoned; knocked down but never destroyed!!! Thank God! I thank Him for what I do have and who I am...

Here's to 2007: a year of building character and persevering through the storm, "...there is always hope when all seems lost, freedom in the power of the cross..."