Truly blessed.

So i'm currently sitting in the MCO Orlando Airport RIGHT NOW. And it just occured to me that this will be the last time I ever have to do this. No more going back and forth from airports feeling like my "home" is in ten different places at once... but after THIS last time... I will be driving home for real, and to stay. And I absolutely LOVE that feeling. 

So I know i'll probably be too busy to write anything during this week because of all the crazy stuff we have planned for thanksgiving and wedding shopping. So I want to take the time to share some of the things that I've been SO grateful for this past year. 

-First and foremost, I am thankful for my Jesus. He is the only one who is there with me when no one else is. He has led and guided me through countless trials and tribulations... without a doubt, I wouldn't feel strong without Him by my side. 

-Second, I am SO thankful for Josh. He has always been the one to comfort me and help me make it through the times I felt like I wanted to quit. I love how he doesn't just tell me what I want to hear... but often times he challenges me... telling me what I NEED to hear. He lets me know that there is more to me, that I can always be better and better. I love you Josh!

-Thirdly, I am thankful for the amazing opportunity to become a Youth Pastor at such a young age. Many people who know me also know that this past year that I was a youth pastor, I experienced and received more opposition than I ever have in my entire life. I felt hate, and dislike, and I often times felt not good enough to do it. But then Jesus reminded me of himself, he wasn't popular either. I strived my best to do only what God would have me to do... still people didn't like me for it. But in reality, people didn't want to hear the truth about some things. But although it may seem that the bad outweighs the good in this situation, it was never the teenagers who opposed me. It was always adults or fellow leaders... So I know for a fact that I did at least SOMETHING right because I know that the kids really did make a connection with me and I miss them to death. but I have learned that in youth ministry... it's only about God, and those kids... and getting those kids connected to God. 

-Fourthly, and quite oddly... I am thankful for all of the people who hated me, or didn't like me. It's because of them that I have learned to stand my ground and stand up for what's right, even when people might disagree. I used to be such a pushover, but because of hateful people, I can now be who I am and do what God really wants me to do. I won't dwell on the negativity brought to me by people. God brought me a quote that says "You know you are right in the middle of God's will, when you're facing more opposition than ever."

-Fifth, I am so thankful for the amazing friends in Florida that have stuck by me even in hard times. Just a few are: Edgar & Makaila DeJesus, Amber & Sam Paton, Billy, Noah (and Noah's AWESOME FAMILY!), The Elamms, and SO many more! I am so thankful God blessed me with people like you! I will miss you guys and we will ALWAYS be great friends.

-Sixth, and probably last for now, is my family. My parents, my sisters... all of them. they are always encouraging me to be a better person and to be something great. I LOVE having sisters that are not as much sisters, but really just best friends (this includes YOU Kayla!) 

For all of these things, I am truly blessed 

Peace & Love

[[the future]] Mrs. LaGrone