8 years ago.

This time 8 years ago, I was getting ready for my first competition as color guard captain. Little did I know that I wouldn't get to compete at all. This coming Sunday, September 27, will mark the 8 year anniversary of my car accident. The accident that caused multiple scars, a broken arm, shoulder blade and a broken neck. I always start thinking back around this time every year and am filled with thankfulness for life in general. It's such a precious gift that I take for granted too often. When I look at the pictures of the car or my scars even, I'm reminded of just how blessed I am to not only be alive but to be walking as well.

For a while I struggled with my scars, hating the way they looked and the fact that they were permanent. That was probably due to some jerk suggesting I go ahead and get the ones on my face taken care of. I was 16 at the time and what 16 year old girl longs for scars? Ha. I actually had a conversation about the wreck with some new guy friends not too long ago and they said they had never noticed the scars on my face. They don't know how much that means to me. In the back of my mind, I still have some insecurities about them from time to time. But I'd take these scars any day! They serve as a reminder that I'm supposed to still be here and that God isn't finished with me yet.

This week I'm purposing the have a thankful heart and attitude. No, life isn't perfect but it's life and filled with blessings that I take for granted each day. Reflecting on this causes me to look back at the times I've clearly seen God's hand intervening on my behalf. All starting from even before I was born...that will be in a post another day this week. :) Praising Him today for His love and faithfulness.

Back from the blogging grave...

Guess who! Yep, yours truly. After talking with some sweet ladies this past weekend, I was reminded of how therapeutic blogging really is. So it's back to the blogging grindstone for multiple reasons. Reason one the whole therapeutic thing. Reason two is that I feel disconnected from several people due to my odd schedule with school, work, studying and running, it's hard to make time to keep in touch as much as I'd like.

Life is great and such a blessing. Yeah, I have my down days but I'm thankful. Mom, Dad and I were talking about the reasons God has had His hand on us so evidently over the years and while we don't have a definite answer that we can comprehend but we are so thankful. Over the next few weeks I'm going to post a few of the updates in specific segments so the blogs don't run too terribly long or get jumbled...so in those will be examples of the thankfulness.

Tomorrow I'm leaving for the weekend to go with the BCM to Fall Conference. It's basically a weekend conference for all of the BCM's in the Southern Baptist District to attend and get renewed. I'm looking forward to it, even though I am the "old lady" of the group. I've had to mentally prepare myself to see people that I used to teach in children's choir because some of them are in college now....sheesh. Either way, it will be a great bonding weekend with some of the DSC gang and hopefully a renewing time in Christ.