Jamie :)

08:59 am: Here comes 2009
I can't believe that at this time tomorrow it will be 2009. So much has happened in this year, I can't believe it's over already. I feel like I have learned so much about my self this year. God has opened doors and shut them just the same. But 2008 was definitely a year for growth. I think I'm finally able to see that good things can come from bad times. Growing up my parents have always told me that God will never give me more than what I can handle. I don't know how many times I questioned this saying this past year. There are so many nights that I have gone to bed crying because I am scared and wanting the hurting to go away. My mom's disease has taken a horrible turn for the worse and I daily battle with being angry with God about it. But I know that's okay. He doesn't want me to just accept things.. he wants me to understand things. I believe that God has pulled my family together in one of the hardest times of our life. Last Sunday Pastor Dave said that "Sometimes it takes more faith to walk through the fire than to just get rid of it." This is my rock right now. I have faith that no matter how bad a muscle spasm may be, or how angry the words may be, or how many tears I cry...that God is there giving me just enough strength to go on. In this past year I have also opened my heart to be completely loved by the man of my dreams. In less than 5 months we will be husband and wife :) I can't wait to take his name and to begin our family. I have learned that love can be a fairy tale, for all fairy tales have their struggles. Love is hard work, but it is so worth it. My favorite times are the ones in which our hands are together and we are laughing at eachother. 2008 has also opened my eyes to the wonderful friends that I have. Even though I'm not as close with as many from the past, it's the ones that are still there that matter. I love those conversations over coffee that make my heart smile. I am so thankful for my sister/friend :) Here are a few more randoms from 2008: -moved up to coach JV Volleyball at Beaverton High School, amazing girls...bad season -landed a full time job that I love with smelly, mouthy middle schoolers :) -made 2 trips to Jamaica...prayed with people, help build a house, hugged my favorite Jamaican boy with the cutest smile (Ritz....don't tell Dwight and Shanda), met the most amazing people at West Haven Children's Home -got the most beautiful ring I've ever seen :) -was baptized again I cannot wait for the greatness that is to come in 2009! :)