A Decade in Retrospect.

Well, I suppose it is that time of year. We are wrapping up another year, and another decade! It seems like a lot of excitement!

I don't really want to do anything special for today's post, just thank the LORD that this year has been so wonderful, and so full of surprises. And not only this year, but also the entire decade. To think that 10 years ago I was, well, 10! I think its safe to say I have grown a lot. In fact, I get to say, 'yeah man, I was a teenager during those 00s!' (alright, not as appealing as the claim to 90s teenage fame, but give me some credit).

Remember where we have come from. 2000- brand new millenium! 2001- the attacks on the Twin Towers and Pentagon. 2004- Tsunami strikes Indian Ocean Coastline. 2005- Hurricane Katrina. 2008- Barack Obama elected first black U.S. President. It's been a busy decade.

Amidst all of that we seem to live our lives, day after day, sometimes in complete oblivion to world events. By the grace of God alone are we here. Our lives are so small, so insignificant. I was out on the playground in elementary school when the Twin Towers fell. When Hurricane Katrina unleashed its wrath on New Orleans, I was likely working a shift at the BK Lounge. (I know I was working a shift at the BK Lounge when Michael Jackson was declared dead.) Call me a realist, but each of our lives is such a profound mystery to every other.

But isn't it cool that we continue to live to see the light of the next day? I think there is only thanksgiving that can be offered.

Sure, 2010 is the start of something new, something maybe grand and fabulous. It may be a time of great trial and tribulations. For a lot of you, its time to start looking over the past year and set goals for the next.

But what if this year, you just said thanks for being alive. For living. Really living. For the mundane, and the extraordinary. For the tears and the smiles. For the experiences you'd like to forget and for those you'd like to remember. Give thanks to the One who has given you life. And then, make 2010 worth it-in the eyes of God.

Word of the Day: Regal

Quote of the Day: "Can you smell my hair? Does it smell like shampoo, or Oliebollen?" Kristen

Dear Anja

Thank you for the birthday card.

It basically made my day.

Sincerely,

Me

Word of the Day: perpetuate

Quote of the Day: "Just what I always wanted, to be known as the white kid." Tim Ubbens

Roaring Twenties

Today was a historical day in my life. Today was the day I officially passed out of the teenage years and onto the world of adults. That's right, ladies and gents, 20 years old. I feel incredibly blessed.

The day was wonderful. It started at 12am with this exact line from Monty Python and the Holy Grail: "We are the knights who say 'Ni'! Now bring us our shrubbery!' " It ended with an epic dance to Footloose with about 20 of my favourite people. Life is good. God is good. I feel so grateful in all of this to have lived such an incredibly full life! 20 years is an impressive number. I am still young, but I have been to Mexico as many times as I have fingers on a hand. I have been to Disney World twice, been blessed with a wonderful family, a wonderful home. I have the opportunity for post secondary education in an institution founded in the Christian faith. I have been led and guided by incredible people. I have loved a few times, and cried little. God has given me the strength to continue on throughout these years, and he has taught me more about Him, and more about myself.

The day was just as I hoped. Relaxing (thought I should have been doing homework), and serene. I sat most of the afternoon watching the leaves fall from the trees outside the dorm window and then as they danced across the grass by the wind I couldn't help but smile. I was woken up by Joel VS singing to me over the phone. I searched for costume ideas online and became fascinated by Google and the truly excellent 'Halloween' header they had going. The more clicks, the more candy! Genius. Mom called and wished me a wonderful day. It's always great to hear your mother's voice. Two friends of mine dropped off the best birthday present in the world: a tub of chocolate ice cream. I have never been so pleased. And then, a Halloween party off campus. Sung 'Happy Birthday' to in four part harmony. I think that makes me a pretty lucky girl.

I have some of the best friends in the world. I have some of the best family in the world. I feel blessed to have such a wonderful life.

I wonder what the next 20 years will bring.

Word of the Day: articulate

Quote of the Day: "If you tell one more scary story involving animal cruelty, I'm going to animal cruelty you in your sleep, Joel!" Sarah Nanninga