a tradition..

I have made it a tradition of mine to take time to write a blog post reflecting on the year that is close to being finished. Here are some of my cherished memories of the year 2013.

..2013..

 

 J A N U A R Y

 New Year's Eve Party. kicked off the year with friends. the pizza dome. sparkling grape juice. fondue. party hats. clara. shelby. molly. yari. bree. olivia. brooke.

 

F E B R U A R Y
Lent. fasted from any food not from a seed. took time each day to journal about things I was grateful for.

 

M A R C H

 Band and Choir Trip. New Orleans. beignets. dancing. swamp boat tour. jazz. steamboat cruise. oak alley plantation. bubba gumps. free time. aquarium. early morning devotions with ines.  

 

A P R I L

 Pirates of Penzance. musical. daughter #?. notorious for a graceful faint. "how beautifully blue the sky..""climbing over rocky mountains.." loads of fun.

 

Prom. purple dress. nathan. won a lap-top. star wars theme. leader of the invitation and program committee. hair done by Jordan.  

 

M A Y

 Edisto Beach. family vacation. South Carolina. walks on the beach. sunrises. sunsets. putt putt golfing. seafood. family time. very relaxing.

J U N E

Journey to Kidron--->Canton. said goodbyes. said many hello's. grandparents. biking. fishing. Canton. Lighthouse Ministries. samara. k'yanna. savannah. lillian. fara. coriane. skyla. life lessons learned. much laughter. many smiles. many hugs. many friendships made. sharing God's love.

 

J U L Y

Convention. Phoneix, Arizona. 120 degrees. coloring with Aaron and Justin on the plane. reconnecting with friends from VA. inspiring seminars. photo scavenger hunt with the youth group in Tempe. awesome worship gatherings. lots of fun.

Illinois. celebrating Grandma & Grandpa's 50th anniversary. cousins. hiking. wonderful food. beautiful scenery. much laughter.

 

A U G U S T

 Campout in the backyard.  2 days. no technology. prepared all my meals on the fire. slept in the tent. journaled. relaxful.

 S E P T E M B E R

 Start of school. senior year. volleyball season. One proud big sister.  

 

O C T O B E R

 Virginia. reunited with old friends. senior picture sesh. photo credit: Alicia Berry. cold morning. lots of smiles. loads of fun. Mr. J's Bagel's. long car ride. mountains.  

 N O V E M B E R

 Hesston. college visit. fell in love with everything about Hesston College. reunited with Danika. waiting in line for an hour to eat BBQ in Kansas city. 14 hour long car ride.

 

 

D E C E M B E R

Indy. Noteworthy trip. 18th birthday weekend. shopping. singing. putt putting in the dark. pool time. buying a lotto ticket. seeing a Christmas Carol. eating at the Spaghetti Factory. adventures with Ines. my lap-top dying (but no worries it came back to life).

 

 What a year it was. I learned so much and gained so much affirmation throughout the year. From not just my family but from my friends and teachers at school as well as my church family who continually encourages me. There were definitely times when I felt very distant from God and wondered what exactly He was doing. But as I look back and took time throughout this year to reflect it was so evident the many different ways God has continued to shape me and help me to grow. I am so thankful.