25

This Friday I will be turning 25 years old. It is so hard to believe that I'm that old already! For some reason I have been dwelling on this birthday for a long time, or should I say dreading it? ha ha. Growing up, I think that I always imagined 25 as this magical age where everything that I had dreamed about would become a reality. My mom was married and had me by the time she was 25, so logically, I would be married and already be a mom as well. But, you know, life doesn't always (OK it rarely ever) turns out the way you imagine, and I'm finding that it's really okay, and actually better that way. God has plans for my life that I would never have thought of, and His plans are SO much better than mine! While I may not be married yet or have any kids, I do have so much to be thankful for! And so, in honor of my 25th birthday, I decided I would share 25 things that I am thankful for.

1. My Savior Jesus Christ - he gave his life for me and he loves me more than I deserve or can comprehend. I would be nothing without him!
2. Dad - an amazing father and incredible man of God! I am so honored to call him my dad! He has taught me so much and I am so proud of all that he has done!
3. Mom - my mom has invested so much into my life. I am so amazed how resilient she is and how amazing she is! Her thirst for knowledge is unquenchable and I am always learning something new from her! She is so much fun to be around and I know that she prays for me every single day!
4. Lorin - my sister, my friend! Lorin knows me better than anyone! She is such a blessing in my life and I am so proud of the woman that she has become! She has such a tender, compassionate heart and loves with everything inside of her!
5. Jamie - also my sister and my friend! She is so much fun to be around and has so much to add to my life! I love hanging out with her and am so proud of the woman she is becoming!
6. Madison - my baby sister that is all grown up! Sometimes I think she is so much like me, and other times we are so different. I love her so much and can't wait to see all that she will do!
7. Phillip - my brother-in-law. He loves my sister so much and it has been so wonderful to add him to our family! He is truly the man God designed for Lorin and I am blessed to know him!
8. HPU - I don't think I can put into words how much this school has changed my life! I never dreamed I would've gone to college at this small Baptist school in central Texas, but God sure had other plans in mind. The people at HPU have forever made an impact on my life!
9. My job - I never knew I would be working as an "alumni and media relations assistant," but I am able to use the talents God has given me to share the good news about a school that I love. I am especially thankful for a job in our economy right now! Praise God for a secure paycheck!
10. The Herd - you know who you are! I was starving for friendship when I met each of you amazing girls and you are so much more amazing than I could have imagined! I know that you will always be part of my life and I can't wait for our reunion in January! Bran, Jess, Cass, Mere, Becca, Kate, Steph, April, Katie, Maria, Hannah, Sarah - I love you all!
11. Wauwatosa, Wisconsin - really, the people in this suburb! Again, I never dreamed that the Lowrie pilgrimage way up north would change my life, but it sure did. I learned so much during my time living there and I will forever treasure my memories! Katie, Erie, Jen McT, Jenny P, Erin, Courtney, Sarah, Erin- you bless my life!
12. Shelley and Amanda - we have been friends since we were 3 years old! We were all baptized on the same day, and I was blessed to stand up in both of your weddings. You will always be part of my life!
13. Family - I have come from such a rich heritage and I am so thankful for each of my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. I was thinking about my Papa Crane today - on Veteran's Day. He served in the Navy during WWII and I am so proud of his service! I really miss him so much!
14. Travel - God has blessed me with the ability to travel around the world, and I am so thankful for each of the opportunities! I love travelling so much and can't wait for my next adventure.
15. Books - I absolutely LOVE to read and I am so thankful for books! I just don't know what I would do without them.
16. Great co-workers - God has blessed me with great co-workers and student workers that are wonderful to work with! I never dread going to work in the morning, because I get to see great people everyday!
17. America - I know, of course I would say this as a political science nerd - but truthfully I am very thankful for this country I live in.
18. Surprise friendships - (Danielle and Candice) God has provided me with surprise friendships exactly when I needed them!
19. Education - I am so thankful for the education that I have received! I wouldn't be where I am without it!
20. My apartment - this has been such a wonderful arrangement since I graduated! It is so close to everything and living here rent free has been incredible! Thank you God for my little home!
21. The Mitchell Family - Jeff, Kristy and Tyler - I am thankful for the blessing they are in my life! They are great friends that I know I can always rely on! I don't know what I would do without them in Brownwood!
22. Facebook - haha, I know it's kind of a frivilous thing to be thankful for, but I really am grateful for it because I am able to stay connected with so many people in my life!
23. My good old cellphone - another great communication tool that allows me to stay connected with everyone I love while they are spread out all over the place!
24. Musical nights - with Lorin, Cristal and Brittany! Definitely a wonderful addition to my life. I love you girls and am so thankful for you!
25. Twenty-five wonderful years of life - for the good times, the bad times and the inbetween. God has remained constant everyday and I am so extremely blessed! Thank you, sweet Jesus for all of these blessings!!!