25 years ago I came into this world a tiny (very tiny) baby. It was touch and go for a while there but eventually I began to hold on my own (out of the box I lived in a for a while) and moved out into the world. Not sure where those standing around me back then saw me being 25 years later, but I hope I’ve lived up to some of it!

As I type this I reflect upon what has happened in my 25 years. A lot, actually (and too much to fit into a blog post!). One thing I do know is that God had a plan for me and everything that had happened has gotten me to where I am now and I couldn’t be happier.

First, I’m so glad that my path with Christ crossed during these 25 years. Every day since my journey with Jesus began has been just that, a journey. He’s brought me a long ways to this point and I am excited to see where our story goes from here. I am just thankful to be forgiven!

Second, I have a beautiful wife. I know I don’t tell her that enough but I am so glad that God brought us together! The past (almost) four years have been great and I can’t wait to see what’s in store from here! Love you Swt P! Thanks for letting me be a part of  your wishes and dreams!

Third, I am thankful for my family. We’ve been through some really great times and some really crappy times but, at the end of the day, we’re all still family- not perfect, but family. I love each of them and am glad for the years of playing outside, conversations and moments that have brought myself, my siblings, my mom, Meme, and others to this point.

Fourth, I am thankful for my friends- far more than I deserve and way too many to list here. From grade school to college to today God has really blessed me to get to know some really amazing friends. I am humbled by each one as I see what God is doing in and through may of their (your lives). For whatever place on my journey you entered and for whatever role you’ve played, God has used you in my life and I am thankful to call you all friends.

Fifth, I am thankful for ministry. God has REALLY blessed me with this calling of mine and, as I look back, I can only just smile at the great years I’ve been able to have. Each church, congregation, youth, athlete, college student and co-worker I have come in contact with over the years has impacted me in ways they will never know. I am thankful for each place God has called me to serve and each person in those places. (And if you are one of the students God has blessed me to work with over the years and you are reading this, you’ve taught me more than I could have ever taught you and I am thankful for each of you! Thanks for showing me what “the point of all this” is!)

Sixth, I am thankful for my education. Though I have not always regarded it as a blessing, looking back I am thankful for every classroom, teacher, professor, paper, test and homework assignment I have be blessed to have (don’t tell some of my teachers that!). I am thankful for them because they have been a big part of my story and without them I’m not sure where I’d be. For those at Campbell, thanks for being and continuing to be the inspiration I need to keep moving forward. I can’t wait to make you all proud!

Seventh, I am thankful for what is to come. If I’ve learned one thing in these 25 years I’ve learned that God’s plan for me is a great one. Though I can’t see everything that’s in store, I know that great things are going to happen and I can’t wait to see what God has planned.

Grateful for 25 great years and can’t wait to see what’s in store for the next 25! Thanks for riding along with me on this journey!

(Now, not sure how I’d pictured ushering in 25 years, but going to get my laundry from the laundry room- definitely didn’t picture it that way… ha.)
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“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