Just was impressed on my heart to write some thank you's to people who have invested in me and helped make me the person I am, and who also have encouraged me to be the kind of better person I want to each day be.
To my wife Jessica -- You are beautiful and you light up a whole room with your presence. Your laugh is contagious, and your smile is to die for. You have forgiven me for many things, and yet have taken the ultimate chance on me, and have loved me in spite of my faults. We've been through so much together... My best friend and strongest critic; I want to spend the rest of my life with you, and I want to be a better husband and friend to you as the years go on. Let us conquer and persevere together through everything life and ministry throws at us.
My boys -- You have forgiven me for being mean from time to time, and have loved me in spite of it. You have helped me to live for something other than myself and have helped teach me patience. I look forward to many nights camping out and many days playing and talking together. Caleb - your smile and your laugh are so wonderful, and your love for God makes me want to be a better teacher. Collin - your smile and laugh are awesome as well and I am convinced that God has wonderful things planned for both of you.
My parents - Dad, for your friendship, and for all the camping trips and rounds of golf and guitar lessons -- you have modeled a faithful husband and father to me, taught me how to be responsible, how to manage my money, and how to spend yourself for the sake of those you love. Mom, for all the sleepless nights and wisdom you have imparted -- you have taught me how to pray faithfully, how to live and persevere through the hard times, and laugh and smile through it all. You are a pillar and have been probably the greatest human asset in my growing up.
My brother and sister - Nate, for Saturday morning cartoons and video games... I have always looked up to you and loved you, and I will never stop praying for you. Erin, you are gorgeous and very special and I will never stop praying for you. I hope to spend more time together in the future.
My grandparents - Grandpa Gordon: you believed in me and forgave me when few others did, and I appreciate the stand for God you have exampled and the trail you have blazed in the spirit. My late Grandpa Hyatt: You taught me how to be gentle, kind, selfless, and generous... I miss you. My grandmothers -- you are the sweetest ladies and should be commended for your selfless devotion to your families.
Dacia, for your spiritual partnership and friendship with us I cannot thank you enough. You are so special and giving, I know that God will give you his best in this life and the next. Don't keep searching and trying and going deeper. God wants to take you higher.
Chip Donahue, to be given time and respect and sincere friendship from a man of God like yourself is an honor. Thanks for breakin me in and showing me that you can still be a man when you're living for God.
Aaron Jackson, you are the sweetest and kindest friend. Don't change that.
Desi Starr, you are a good man all around, and I appreciate your sincerity and open friendship.
Gabe Ramirez, I am convinced that God brought you into my life at just the right time. For the many laughs and rich company and heartfelt prayers and sharing I thank you!
Best friends throughout my life -- I wish friendships always lasted for a lifetime, but unfortunately they are usually only for a season: Nathaniel Bishop (trips to seveneleven) , Jonathan Saiz (movies and lake powell), Andrew Vigil (spy stuff and sleepovers), Robert Przekwas (flip books and adventures), Dana Hemmes (spy tech and summer fun), Jerediah Montoya (childhood play and softball games) , Dave Burton (debates and wisdom and friendship), Michael Burton (late night Olive Garden and playing pool at the laundromat), Natalie Bass (hours on the phone), Jenny Holdaway (hours talking in the car), Eric Sahs (art and wrestling and conversations about God), Isaac Johnson (choir and church and lots of drama:) ), Gabriel Ramirez (softball and lots of laughs and prayers)... Ya'll have been in my life during different important times and trials, and I thank God for each one of you!
There's a Nancy G song that says this:
So here's to you
My few and faithful friends:
Drink from the cup of memory with me,
And when we look back
We will laugh or maybe we will weep;
For tasting life
Sometimes can be so bittersweet.
Here's to you.
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