So, now it's time to recognize some of the guys in my life who are special to me. They've been there for me and they are someone I can talk to at anytime. They've either been a father or a brother to me. I want to thank you.
Father Figures/Mentors in my life!
Dad - You didn't birth me, but you do take half responsibility for my existence. The first thing that comes to mind (other than you're awesome bald head), is your patience. I think you have more patience than anyone I can think of. On the nights when mom and I have argued (all because of my stupidness) and I was in tears, you kept your cool and helped moderate everything. Even when I screwed up royally, you walked with me and asked what went through my head. You've been a person of great wisdom, not only in life in general, but also spiritually. Through many of my spontaneous...."decisions"....you helped me think through it and told me I was doing wrong, even when I was deeply upset about it. You don't tell me what I want to hear, but what I need to - NO exceptions. I also blame you for my puns and sense of humor. I enjoy that part. It's fun. No doubt I'm gonna be a punny dad like you one day, and I can't wait for it. There's so much more I could say, about your encouragement, discipline, laugh, and example of a godly husband, but I won't mention those, :-P.
Jon P. - I don't know exactly where to start with you, Jon. Our friendship really started when my mom practically begged you to start taking me out to lunch and disciple me. You started out as just my youth pastor who I had pizza with once a week, and became one of my closest mentors and friend. We have many a joke and I enjoy the time we spend together when I'm home. I'm really looking forward to being home and helping you out with stuff. You might not have quite as awesome a bald head as my dad....but you're getting there. Just be patient, :-D
Andy C. - You're blunt with me. I enjoy that. I need that. Thanks. You're a cool mid 30-year-old who loves to hang out with us twerps who think we are cool. You have a loud laugh and it's fun to listen to. I've enjoyed having you out to lunch with Jon and Jesse and I. You've been a cool example of someone who follows God and loves to enjoy life while still being serious. I have to say, you probably have a bit more awesome bald head than my dad...it's cool. Perhaps I will live up to your standard someday, :-P
So, there have been many other father figures/older mentors in my life, but I need to move on. You know who you are. :-)
The Brothers from other Mothers....
Jesse - You were the first person who accepted me as a friend when I first came to visit oooohh, so long ago. I remember walking up the "creek" in the front lawn of the church. It was great. I'm sure you put up with me for many years. I did lots of stupid things that I'm sure made myself look foolish, but you stuck by me. You were there when I was deeply hurt and I needed a friend to give me a hug. You came to my house later that night and just hung out. I can't tell you how much I appreciated that. You've been someone that I can talk to about my struggled when it comes to "girl-trouble" or just purity. I vent to you, and you don't care. You've been the voice of wisdom (though many times I don't listen to you, and I normally got in trouble for it...like that time I through a smoke bomb out the window and you told me not to...and then I did...and then I got in trouble). You've been the source of many inside jokes, laughs, and great memories. Thanks!
Jess W. - The first things that comes to mind when I think of you are, "Ephesians 5", "Ima cut you so bad you gonna wish I never cut you so bad", "Rawr!", and that time you stood up for me when I thought I was standing by myself. You came between me and the "problem" and put yourself in the way. That said more than you think to me. You've been my friend even when I was a big "jerk-face, jerk-face", and you felt like hitting me (for good reason). You've been someone I can talk and relate to. You've given me rides to and fro. I appreciate our friendship very much and I hope nothing makes that change
Stefan - You've been my roommate for the third semester now. Freshman year we were just ping-pong buddies, but Junior year and this year, you've been that amazing friend for me. I think you're the only guy at school that I really feel I can be completely open with. Sometimes I start saying something stupid, and you just nod, and change the subject (normally very bluntly), to let me know that I'm saying something stupid. I admire how systematical you are with the Bible. I've told you this before, but it's amazing how much you know about God's Word, especially for the short amount of time you've been a christian. I bring my thoughts about the Bible to you, and you normally have an answer. I love that we can have fun at just about any time. I also love when people look at our friendship and ask, "How does that work? Neither of you are ANYTHING alike"...and I respond, "Exactly". You're an awesome roommate and friend. Thanks!
Cookie - Not exactly sure where to start with you. You're probably one of the most interesting characters I know. I'm very grateful for your uniqueness. You've helped to shape some of my thinking. You've "unbubbled" me. I love talking with you about ideas and bouncing thoughts off you. I respect you a lot for who you are and what you stand for. You're a smart dude, but you don't go around acting all prideful or arrogant. "147"....(I think that's right) :-D. You have thoughts and ideas about lots of things, but most of the time, you just sit and listen. You accept people for who they are, even when they are sheltered homeschoolers and don't know "Rock-and-Roll" and pronounce "Sobe" wrong. I admire your STRONG passion for the lost. Keep it up Chris. You're an awesome guy and I'm proud to call you my friend.
Again, there are other people who I'd love to mention, but I just don't have enough time to go through you all. Thanks...
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Sunday, January 3, 2010
The special females in my life...
There have been many "sisters" in my life who have influenced me or taken a special seat in my heart. I want to say thank you to a few. All have had some special memory or I have some quality that sticks out to me. I can't mention all of you, don't take offense if I didn't. I just can't name you all. :-).
First off, Mom. Obviously you're up front, because you birthed me. I was told that I was a huge baby, so I probably was a pain in the butt (pun intended). You've put up with my antics and annoying quirks that I've had. I know I was hard to to deal with during my high school years. I was in, "The Fog" as Dad so often said. However, you stuck with me, didn't send me off to boarding school, and didn't kill me either. You've been a huge example in my life on what a godly woman looks like and quality traits that I should look for in wife. You have a tender heart for people around you, even those who you hardly know. It rubs off on me. Thanks for being a listening ear. I've enjoyed the talks we have, and the talks we will have. I love you, :-).
Rachel -- we've also had our fair share of hard times, especially when I was a jerk (and I often times was). What I don't understand is how you still respect me as an older brother. You often ask if I need something, or want to spend time with me. I wouldn't ask to spend time with myself if I had been a jerk to myself. I guess you're just a good little sister. I also admire your backbone. I don't think you have any trouble speaking your mind, girls and guys alike. That's great! There isn't ever going to be a guy that is going to take advantage of you.
Hannah, I think you probably understand my personality the most in the family. You're probably most like me. You make puns the same as I do, have the same sense of humor, and even have a loud laugh like I do. You enjoy life. You're ready to put yourself to a challenge. You're a good friend to those around you, even sometimes when they might not deserve it. I hope you continue to grow and serve God.
Mandy, you've become a close valued friend of mine. I can't fully express the gratitude I have for you, nor how you've helped me through many hard time. There have been times when I've been stupid or selfish, and you just listened as I rambled, then helped to see what I was actually saying. When I needed someone to vent to, you were there, even when you were tired. When I was feeling down, and words couldn't express, you understood.
I also want you to know that through some of the hard times you've been through, you've encouraged me. I've loved watching how you learn about God, rely on His strength and keep pushing through. You have great courage, and it gives me courage as well.
Steph, you've become one of the newest additions to my outside-of-blood sister family, :-P. You call me "kid", even though I'm older than you. I love that. It's one of your forms of affirmation that sticks out to me, and I know there are more words behind the three letters. You ask me how I'm doing, and you honestly want to know. We play the "box" game. Thanks for asking questions about my life, and then pushing for the REAL answers, not the fake ones I might give sometimes. I also appreciate your bluntness with me. If something is wrong, you tell me. You don't beat around the bush because you know how dense us guys can be. Also, I love how we can do our "awkward" quirks to each other and freak the other people around us out. It's great fun! :-)
Amanda, you've also become a great friend of mine. I love hanging out with you, especially on our movie nights. You're honest and blunt, and as I've told you before, I respect this about you. You're fun to be with, and you're always seeking truth. If something doesn't "ring" right with what you feel is right, you search it out. You don't take, "I don't understand" for an answer. It compels me to do the same.
Cait, I have one question. Why didn't we hang out more in years past? You are GREAT fun to talk with. In the morning, when I'm rolling in around 5:45, you've been up an hour before and greet me and I'm like, "uuuhhh...coffee....hi". You're level headed. I love that fact about you. Even if things are just messing up everywhere, you still at least seem to have something under control. You're easy to talk to. Thanks.
To the many unnamed "sisters", I thank you as well. Not enough room or time to mention everyone. You know who you are. I've thanked you before for what you do, or your how you've affect my life. . . .
First off, Mom. Obviously you're up front, because you birthed me. I was told that I was a huge baby, so I probably was a pain in the butt (pun intended). You've put up with my antics and annoying quirks that I've had. I know I was hard to to deal with during my high school years. I was in, "The Fog" as Dad so often said. However, you stuck with me, didn't send me off to boarding school, and didn't kill me either. You've been a huge example in my life on what a godly woman looks like and quality traits that I should look for in wife. You have a tender heart for people around you, even those who you hardly know. It rubs off on me. Thanks for being a listening ear. I've enjoyed the talks we have, and the talks we will have. I love you, :-).
Rachel -- we've also had our fair share of hard times, especially when I was a jerk (and I often times was). What I don't understand is how you still respect me as an older brother. You often ask if I need something, or want to spend time with me. I wouldn't ask to spend time with myself if I had been a jerk to myself. I guess you're just a good little sister. I also admire your backbone. I don't think you have any trouble speaking your mind, girls and guys alike. That's great! There isn't ever going to be a guy that is going to take advantage of you.
Hannah, I think you probably understand my personality the most in the family. You're probably most like me. You make puns the same as I do, have the same sense of humor, and even have a loud laugh like I do. You enjoy life. You're ready to put yourself to a challenge. You're a good friend to those around you, even sometimes when they might not deserve it. I hope you continue to grow and serve God.
Mandy, you've become a close valued friend of mine. I can't fully express the gratitude I have for you, nor how you've helped me through many hard time. There have been times when I've been stupid or selfish, and you just listened as I rambled, then helped to see what I was actually saying. When I needed someone to vent to, you were there, even when you were tired. When I was feeling down, and words couldn't express, you understood.
I also want you to know that through some of the hard times you've been through, you've encouraged me. I've loved watching how you learn about God, rely on His strength and keep pushing through. You have great courage, and it gives me courage as well.
Steph, you've become one of the newest additions to my outside-of-blood sister family, :-P. You call me "kid", even though I'm older than you. I love that. It's one of your forms of affirmation that sticks out to me, and I know there are more words behind the three letters. You ask me how I'm doing, and you honestly want to know. We play the "box" game. Thanks for asking questions about my life, and then pushing for the REAL answers, not the fake ones I might give sometimes. I also appreciate your bluntness with me. If something is wrong, you tell me. You don't beat around the bush because you know how dense us guys can be. Also, I love how we can do our "awkward" quirks to each other and freak the other people around us out. It's great fun! :-)
Amanda, you've also become a great friend of mine. I love hanging out with you, especially on our movie nights. You're honest and blunt, and as I've told you before, I respect this about you. You're fun to be with, and you're always seeking truth. If something doesn't "ring" right with what you feel is right, you search it out. You don't take, "I don't understand" for an answer. It compels me to do the same.
Cait, I have one question. Why didn't we hang out more in years past? You are GREAT fun to talk with. In the morning, when I'm rolling in around 5:45, you've been up an hour before and greet me and I'm like, "uuuhhh...coffee....hi". You're level headed. I love that fact about you. Even if things are just messing up everywhere, you still at least seem to have something under control. You're easy to talk to. Thanks.
To the many unnamed "sisters", I thank you as well. Not enough room or time to mention everyone. You know who you are. I've thanked you before for what you do, or your how you've affect my life. . . .
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