Thank You

Trying to keep up with writing is ridiculous 😁
But I love it so much.

Today I'm just gonna write about things I'm thankful for because that's always a good thing to do; especially when trying to keep a positive attitude :)

I am thankful for my country life.  I am thankful for where I come from.  I may not have left the United States, but I have still seen some amazing places within her borders.  Mountains are always beautiful.  Southern backwoods country areas are beautiful.  It's almost as if God just took a paint brush and perfectly created a masterpiece.

However, out of all the places in the world, my heart will always be in Silver Lake, Indiana - my home where I grew up.  Most of Northern Indiana has been stripped away of the forests that once stood there.  Luckily, I lived in a place that still had a lot of those trees standing.  Luckily, I grew up in an amazing farming community.  Luckily, I have a loving family.

A lot of my values naturally come out of this small community.  My Christian faith journey started in that little small town Indiana.  And what a great story that is.  My two brothers taught me so much about life, and what family truly means.  My parents have always encouraged me and loved me.  My Church Family has always supported me in what I have done, even when I started doing things with the Youth Group at our Church.  And now that I am at College, trying to become a History Teacher, my Church Family still stays in contact with me and supports me.

So much has happened in the past three years.  There has been a lot of growing and letting go.  I would never say there haven't been hard times because there were many; and I have no doubt that the future holds more hard times.  But character is tested when your back is up against the wall.  I doubt that I would have changed as much as I have, if weren't for specific people that walked into my life.

My Academic Adviser here at school has guided me through much.  He has told me so many stories about his own life and has encouraged me through the rough moments in my own life.  He has only increased my love for History and for working with students.  He has always been a source of wisdom since my first days on my college campus.  In fact, I believe he was the first College Faculty member that I met here.  Thank you.

My RA for my Freshmen year.  He is an amazing person.  He has encouraged me so much and has pushed me to overcome my circumstances.  He has always encouraged me to write while he was still here, before he graduated.  Because of him, my love of writing increased.  My RA from Freshmen year helped me to process through so many things.  Thank you.

One of my closest friends I met here, who no longer goes here, helped remind me how to open my heart towards others.  He guided me to be willing to accept help when I needed it.  He gave me strength when I felt like giving up so many times.  I believe because of my experiences with him and his help, I will become a better teacher and leader.  Thank you.

My Roommate for two years - haha.  I don't know where I'd be without his amazing discussions.  He is wise and amazing to listen to.  He always can get a laugh out of everyone.  He has only made my love for writing increase.  He has encouraged me with my writing more than anyone else.  His ability to have story ideas pop into his head is beyond amazing.  Thank you.

Finally there is this guy.  This man who is a brother to me.  I honestly don't know where I'd be without his help.  He has been there for me more than anyone while I have been here on campus.  He has helped me overcome many of the problems I face.  He has helped me process things and see the light at the end of the storm.  I don't even think I can describe the blessing that he is in my life.  I thank to God that this brother of mine was placed into my life.  He is a natural born leader and I have no doubt that where ever God takes him, he will be a blessing to those around him.  Thank you bub.

All five of you know who you are.  And truthfully, no words can describe how thankful I am for you.  We say as Christians that we reflect the image of God in us - Imago Dei.  Well, these five people truly are  those who have been strong Christian influences in my life.

Thank you to all that I have mentioned.  You all have played a valuable role in my life, and really thanks can't even describe the amount of gratitude I have towards you.