A look back...

2010 is upon us in barely over a week, which as it does with most peoples, has gotten me thinking about what happened in 2009 and hopeful for what the new year brings with it. Starting with a look back at 2009, there was quite a few moments that I cherish and hold onto.

January: I started being mentor by Vicki. This is something that has been so huge for me this year, as she has walked with me through some very hard times and been a great source of encouragement and accountability.

February: My favorite things from this year, I WAS HEALED!!! If you have not read that story, click on it because it still gets me excited and in a state of awe by what God did. This single event has radically changed me and strengthened my faith in unbelievable ways.

March: Roxy & Calvin got married and Benji & Brandi got married. These are 2 couples that I adore and I was honored to have a part in each of these weddings. Another favorite from March was the reunion with Haley & Jessie in Dallas. That weekend was SO much fun! I miss those ladies and think another reunion is needed.

April: I went to Break-Thru, which was the first event I'd ever done with TWUMC. It was that weekend that God started stirring my heart to these students and preparing me for the work he had for me to partner with them in. This was also the month I realized I didn't believe God loved me and started a journey of understanding and grasping the true belief of God's love for me.

May: My "Love Does Something" benefit concert for my Zimbabwe trip. This was an extraordinary night of fun and worship. I was dumbfounded by the amazing talent that night and able to raise exactly the right amount of money for my trip.

June: This whole month was really a calm(er) month because I was preparing for my Zimbabwe trip the next month and started "being still" before the Lord and minimizing my "to do" list.

July: ZIMBABWE. This was the month I got to spend in Zimbabwe/South Africa. It is where I met some incredible people, saw the birth of a nation, experienced God like never before, and got confirmation of what I'm supposed to do with my life. Probably the best month of my year! :)

August: This was a hard month, because it was the month that my boss/mentor/friend got laid off at work. I struggled, and at times still do, with frustrations and a lack of understanding as to what happened. I'm blessed that now I am starting to see the plans God had and knowing that he is not finished with mine and Carol's partnership in ministry. This was also the month that two of my best friends, Jeff & Ericha, got engaged. That was an amazing time and something I cherish being able to be a part of. I couldn't be more thrilled.

September: This was when my work with the Rebelbase Student Ministry started. This has been the most fulfilling adventure I've been on in America. I have fallen in love with these students and leaders and look forward to every chance I get to spend time with them.

October: Dallas Road Trip. This weekend blew me away. It fulfillment of the call God placed on my life. It was a perfect next step in my ministry with Rebelbase, as it was a chance to build strong relationships with people. I would say it's because of this event that my love for being involved with Shift really took off, to where it is now my favorite day of the week. I feel like this trip is where I became "one of the family."

November: Twins adoption. This was a precious time for my family, because it was when we finalized the adoption of #7 and #8 Tinnel kiddo. After each adoption I wonder what life was like before we had them, and it's the same with Kayla and Jacob. I could not imagine not having them a apart of this family.

December: Rise of Fall. All-Nighter 2009. These events taught me about myself. Rise of Fall was a beautiful time to get away and reconnect with the Lord. I learned that I have lost a lot of myself through the pain of previous churches and God opened my eyes to how much I have missed out on by not dropping my walls and engaging fully with these students. I have so much I can give that I hold back, but more importantly, these students have so much to teach me if I would engage and embrace the moment with them. All-Nighter 2009 was just an amazing time of lack of sleep. I think due to it being the weekend after Rise of Fall, that I was able to nail down better relationships with precious students I started getting to know at ROF.

That is a quick recap of 2009. In 2010, my goals are: become a "runner" and finish a 5K, and ultimately at the end of next year to be healthy mentally, physically, emotionally, financially, and especially spiritually. I can't make resolutions because there is no telling what this next year will bring. However if this time next year I am half as fulfilled as I am today, then it's been a good year.

Take the next 11 days to thank God for the blessing this year has brought along your path and the people he has allowed to come or stay in your life. I pray you enjoy the last few moments of 2009 and are expectant for 2010. I love each of you!