2011 Recap

December 31, 1989 was a bittersweet day for me. I recall asking my mom if 1989 would ever come back because it was my favorite year. I was so sad to learn that 1989 was in the books and would become my past. I feel the same way about 2011. It's been an amazing year, full of growth and changes in me and my life.

First and foremost, I married the love of my life on June 4. When I met Clay, I knew I'd marry him. Of course, my faith waned on occasion because of some issues (post 1, post 2, post 3) but in the end, God rewarded our obedience to Him and we FINALLY got hitched! Waiting on our time was hard, especially since my family always hinted that they thought I'd never get married. In the end, I'm so glad I waited on the man God had for me. I couldn't ask for anyone better!

I've spent the majority of my life with the typical girl mentality- girls are drama and guys are much easier to get along with. Until 2008, I had 2 girl friends who I knew would be there no matter what. Because I wanted to honor my relationship with Clay, I needed to rethink my friendships and began praying that God would bring me more girl friends. I now have a handful of quality girl friends- girls that pray with and for me, that I can spend countless hours with and conversation and laughter never stop. This year, I learned who my real friends are and I'm seriously blessed by them!

Through the tornadoes of April 27, I learned that a state divided by a heated football rivalry can come together in awesome ways when neighbors are in need. As I mentioned in an earlier post, my hometown, Cullman, and my college town, Tuscaloosa, were hit by catastrophic tornadoes on that day. I watched hundreds of people from all over the country pour into cities all over the state, removing debris, wiping tears, feeding babies and building houses. I saw the Auburn and Kent State football teams pitch in to help their on-the-field foes in rebuilding the lives and hope of the city. Most of all, I saw God's love poured out from stranger to stranger and people literally becoming the hands and feet of Jesus.

As I mentioned on my last post, my cousin Drew was in a horrific accident. Through what could have been a terrible tragedy, I saw my family draw closer together and Drew gain a new attitude. He knows God's hand was on Him and the plan for His life must be awesome! I love hearing his new positive outlook on life and every situation.

I thought I knew love before this year. After all, I have a relationship with God, am head over heels in love with my husband, and love my friends and family with every fiber of my being. Until I saw our sweet baby and heard his/her little heartbeat on November 28, I had never know a love so deep. I haven't met this child yet, but already love him/her so much it's unreal.

Alabama is back in the national championship game after a tough year. Sure, we won't know the outcome until 2012, but it's the 2011 season and the season is definitely worth mentioning, win or lose. Roll Tide!