with thanksgiving I'll be a living sanctuary for You.

The last five days have flown by. They consisted of AOC, hanging out with some friends on Sunday, and my 20th birthday. I learned some things. Things I needed to be reminded of.





One of those things is that people are something to cherish. I'm not just talking about people that are your friends. By people I mean people that you are close with, people that you talk to a few times a year, people you've only heard of, people you've never talked to, people you notice that may need a friend, people you have poured your heart out to, people you share struggles with, people who encourage you, people you do Bible study with, people who show God's love in their character and smile.

I came in contact with so many people this weekend. In different ways, for different reasons. Accompanying a choir. Helping lead alto sectionals. Singing in a choir. Doing auditions. Co-leading a Bible study group. Leader devotions. Playing piano and singing background vocals at Coffee House. Hanging around. Dancing. Playing games. Eating. Having a sore wrist. Visiting the same church. Celebrating my birthday. Being friends. Sharing struggles. Walking. Laughing.

All the people that I talked to, sat with, sang with, led with, laughed with, walked with, shared with, were encouraging to me in different ways. God just really showed me how beautiful people are. And how unique and special each person is. And I shared two things with them all that unified us. God and/or music.






- - -

Yesterday was probably one of my favorite birthdays ever. I was treated like a queen. I received more phone calls than I ever have on a birthday. Amy Williamson, my sister Amy, Nadine and Chris, Grandma. I received some very special emails from Brittni, Kathleen and Jacinda. I received a nice card from the Lodder family (and I found a video on my camera from them too:P). My family gave me some sweet gifts, my mom made me an amazing dinner, my sister made me a delicious cake, my grandparents came over to visit. And my boyfriend started working a day late just so he could come and visit me, plus he gave me a really sweet gift:)

But in all that, once again I was reminded just how special people are. Especially friends. Sisters and brothers in Christ. And also how much God loves me. And encourages me and teaches me through all these people. He loves me. And guides me. And takes care of me.

- - -

Oh, the depths of the riches of
the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable are His judgments,
and His paths beyond tracing out!
Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been His counselor?
Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay him?
For from Him and through Him
and to Him are all things.
To Him be the glory forever!
Amen.
- Romans 11:33-36