attitude of gratitude project

"The only way to predict your future is to create it"

Christopher Adams

These wise words were spoken by someone looking forward, yet in order to look forward, you must first look back. Knowing where you have come from is the first step in figuring out where you want to go. So now I shall journey on to the past and reacquaint myself with those in my life who have made it possible for me to even move on to the future in the first place.  Each of you have poured into me over the years and now it is my turn to give a little bit of praise to you in return.  

edrea

If you're alone, I'll be your shadow.  If you want to cry, I'll be your shoulder.  If you want a hug, I'll be your pillow.  If you need to be happy, I'll be your smile.  But anytime you need a friend, I'll just be me. 

Author Unknown

I have to admit that I never expected to meet my best friend on OB, but God always knows how to surprise me!  I have never met someone, outside of my family, that loves me as much as you do. If I marry someone that loves me even half as much as you, I know I will be more than happy. Your friendship has definitely made a sincere impact on my life and it is something that I will make sure to protect with all I have. I pray that God continues to bless you in your life and wish the best for you!

random friends i have made over the years

"Friends are God’s way of taking care of us."

Anonymous

To all of you I have met over the years that have had an impact on my life, I thank you. Each of you have helped me along in my journey of discovering who I am and to you, I am eternally grateful. I have had many wonderful memories full of laughs and even tears and I would not trade those times for the world.

GIST Prayer Group

"Blessed is the influence of one true, loving human soul on another."

George Elliot

Each of you have made such an impact on my life. Hearing your stories and watching you grow has been such a privilege. I pray that God has used me as an instrument to show Him to you each week. I hope that you will continue to be a part of GIST and I want to encourage each of you to never cease in your  pursuit of God. You truly are a special group of people that I will dearly miss.

melisa

"A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are."

Grace Pulpit

It still amazes me that the two of us have not only been friends for about 5 years now but that we have been able to remain strong despite the fact that you have been in Chicago and I have been here, rotting in IN. Mel, you are one of the only people in my life that I can say that I truly admire. You do not easily fall into traps that ensnare many, but some how manage to keep your head above water. Your wisdom continues to amaze me and I look forward to getting to know you even better these next 3 years of our lives together. Thanks for being near me in times of craziness and times of happiness. Your steadfastness is definitely reassuring!

aleah and leanna

"Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."

A.A. Milne

You two are by far my favorite freshman! I always enjoyed the times I have spent with both of you. I see so much potential in you and I pray that you use it to impact the lives of those around you. Saying goodbye to the both of you will be one of the hardest things I will ever have to do. I hope that you make sure to keep in contact with me and never forget how much I love you.

my 3 dear brothers

"There's no other love like the love for a brother.  There's no other love like the love from a brother."

Astrid Alauda

You three boys definitely have impacted my life in more ways than one! Because each of you are boys, you have taught me to be patient, since you have way more energy during one day than some of us girls have in our lifetime. I pray that God continues to work in each of your lives and that you never forget me!

kristen

"A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life."

Isadora James 

To say that you are just my sister would be one of the biggest mistakes of my life. You are by far one of the best friends any one could ask for. Despite the fact that I have had to go through fire for you, it is always worth it. Thanks for always allowing me to spill my guts to you, even when you are tired, and for helping to lighten me up when I am stuck on staying mad. I pray that even as I move on with my life that our friendship will never cease to stay strong in every course of life. I pray that someday you realize just how special you are and I pray that you never stop pursuing your dreams Please keep me constantly posted!

mom

"Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible." 

Marion C. Garretty

In the beginning of our relationship, you and I definitely weren’t the closest, yet in the past couple of years, you have become one of my best friends. Not only that, but you are someone that I admire with all my heart and that I aspire to become like in the future. Your life is a testament of endurance and perseverance, and my hope is to model that in my own life.

the end of one journey...the beginning of a new one

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

 It is easy to look backwards when you are moving from one stage of your life to the next. Finding yourself looking back at mistakes you have made, paths you never took, and friends you never pursued can leave you filled with regret and frustration. Yet looking at the past will never get you or I anywhere fast. Today, I look forwards to the future with much anticipation.  Instead of allowing myself to wallow  in "could haves" and "should haves", I shall forge onwards, never forgetting those of you who have invested in my life and made me who I am today.

To all of you I mentioned and those of you I did not, I love all of you so much. Each of you have taken your time and energy to pour into me and now it is my time to give back to each of you by making the most of my life here on earth. God has given me a gift and I am ready to use it to bring Him eternal glory. I know my journey will be filled with obstacles, but thanks to all of you and to God, I will be surrounded by people who will always believe in me. Thanks so much for helping me to stand and encouraging me to believe that I can still make lemonade from lemons.