Some Thoughts ABout Valentine's Day

So i know it has been a while since I have written anything, but here are a few thoughts I have about Valentine's Day.  I posted this same thing on Facebook and got some great feedback.

I must say, this Valentine's Day was the Best Valentine's Day for me. Without question. Yeah it had to do with love, but it was not because I have a special someone in my life, cause I don't. But I did get to hangout with people i love. That is what made it so special to me. I took a short trip to Athens. It was less than a 12 hour trip total but it was so fun. I enjoyed a car ride and wal-mart trip with Jake, Zach, and David. We went to Athens to surprise Adam 2 months before his birthday. We got to hangout with Addison, Emily, Kari, and Alan while we were there. We all went to CiCi's and played musical chairs every time someone got up from the table. We watched a movie, the Slam Dunk Competition, and just hung out. It was loads of fun. Definitely a great day! 

But I got to thinking a little bit more about Valentine's Day. And a conversation I had with a friend, Danielle, last Valentine's Day. Here is my question: Why is there only one day a year that we have to tell someone we love them? WHy can't every day be like that? How come we can't tell people we love them everyday? Why February 14th? WHat if we lived everyday like Valentine's Day? Which got me to thinking a little bit more. I have begun to equate Valentine's Day with Jesus. As a follower of Christ, we are called to Love. Love our neighbors, our enemies, our friends, the world. So really, as a Christ follower I really should treat every day like it is Valentine's Day. But of course, I dont. Some days, I get up with anger and bitterness in my heart. But no more! I am going to strive to love people everyday. I just really like Valentine's Day! And I wish everyday were like that, except without all the pink junk and flowers and hearts (really all that girly stuff). This world would be a better place if we lived everyday like it was Valentine's Day.

2008: My Year in Review

2008 was a historic year, on all accounts.  Just because it was historic does not mean it was good.  However, it was in some ways.  Many people call it the single greatest year of sports ever.  On the other hand, economically it was the worst year for the United States since the Great Depression.  Politically, the Bush era is over (you can decide whether that is good or bad), and a new era is beginning.  There will be change, regardless.  It may be change for the good, or it may be bad change.  Let's hope it is good.  But there is no denying it, 2008 was indeed a historic year.  For me, it was a monumental 2008.  Here are some of the highlights and moments that I will never forget...

I ended a short lived relationship with someone I still cared about and was attracted to at the time.  You have no clue how much I matured from making that decision.  I learned so much in that short period of time in January.  

Shortly thereafter, a young girl by the name of Ashley Averill passed away.  Ashley was 13 years old and suffered from a rare form of cancer.  She battled it as long as she could, but God decided it was her time.  Though something inside me tells me that Ashley was okay with that.  I believe she was pretty excited in the end to get to go meet her Heavenly Father.  Through it all, Ashley was an inspiration to many.  She loved Jesus so much, and everyone knew it.  I unfortunately was unable to attend the funeral, but was told it was a great celebration of her life and a great witness to many.  A difficult part of this for me was understanding why God took this precious little girl of this Earth.  Also, I was told to break the news to my little sister, who was a rather close friend of Ashley's.  That was the most difficult thing I have ever done.  I remember that look on her face.  I remember her bursting into tears and throwing herself into my arms.  I remember holding my little sister for a while as she just cried on my shoulder.  It was one of the most difficult nights of my life.

I got to go to two High School PROMS this year.  I took a friend of mine, Emily to my Senior Prom, and it was fun, despite my poor attitude on the night.  Im sorry again Emily!  And then I went to Mill Creek's Prom with Jennifer.  I enjoyed that very much.  It was lots of fun.

In May of 2008, I graduated from Peachtree Ridge High School.  Obviously it will be a day I will never forget.  It turned the page from one chapter of my life to another.  At the time, I think I under appreciated just how big of a point in my life that this was.  

The summer was probably the best few months in my life.  I got to hang out with my best friends nearly every day.  Some of us went on a crazy trip to Edisto Beach, SC.  I got to go back to Camp BigStuf, and this time it was the final time.  God used us (our youth group) the final night there.  We basically began to lead worship.  It was simply amazing.  The passion we all had and experienced was AMAZING.  It was all for the one who created us.  It was simply indescribable.  I also got to experience God on a great mission trip to Puerto Rico.  I got to make some new friends there and believe it or not, I still keep in contact with a few of them. 

There were specifically a couple of nights throughout the year entitled MAN NIGHT.  I cannot go into detail as to what went on at Man Night (as that would be against MAN LAWS) but I can give you this brief description.  It was just a bunch of guys from the youth group who hung out and just had great times.  I will say no more on the subject other than those were some of the greatest nights of my life.

Early on in 08, I got accepted into 4 colleges.  I was accepted into Liberty University, University of South Carolina, Georgia College and State University and Georgia State University.  I was rejected from the University of Georgia.  I remember that day, I remember reading that rejection letter.  It hurt, and at the time I became slightly better.  But looking back on it, that was a great day for me.  It was God speaking to me.  I did not need to be at UGA.  So i chose Georgia State.  And now I can say I am extremely happy with that decision.  

On October 18, I celebrated my 18th year of existence.  Originally this day, my plans were to take Jennifer from her house to my uncle's to watch the UGA game.  However en route to my uncle's i was told to swing by my house and pick up "cheese dip" that had been left by my mom.  I walked in and to my surprise 15 or so people stood there and yelled "surprise!"  I will admit, they got me.  And it was great.  I saw lots of friends and family that day.  Truly a birthday to be remembered.  

All in all, 2008 was a great year for me. Primarily it was the end of one stage of my life, and the beginning of another.  I face many challenges and hardships and for the most part got through them nicely.  Of course, I had my everything, my savior, Jesus Christ on my side helping me out.  Throughout the year, I made lots of new friends, and unfortunately I lost a couple.  I am looking forward to the future, and what it holds.  I think this year may be even better for me.  I really feel something special is gong to happen and significantly change my life.  I hope 2008 was as good for you as it was for me, and that 2009 is just as good if not better!  Thanks!

-Logan