One year later...

I can't let today pass without acknowledging the significance of this day.

One year ago this very day I excitedly (and anxiously) checked in for my two week stay at Fitness Ridge.
I said "I'm ready".
But, I had no idea what was ahead for me...only that my life was getting ready to change.
Forever.

I talked to someone today who hadn't seen me in over a year.
"Nothing about you is the same. Nothing."

And while I don't think that's entirely true, it would be correct to say that so much has changed that it probably appears that nothing is the same. And it's kind of nice for the reminder that I really am different.

The past 12 months have been the most satisfying, most gut-wrenching, most faithful, most faithless, best, hardest, sweetest 12 months of my life.

I feel like I woke up to all the possibilities of my life.
And it was God that woke me up.

"Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think,
according to the power that worketh in us."
(Ephesians 3:20)

I will forever look back on this past year as the time my life turned the most significant of corners. I know it will not be the best year OF my life (because there are really amazing things up ahead, my friends) but I am quite certain I will be able to say it was the best year FOR my life.

Quite certain.

And while I realize there are still 5 weeks left of 2011, tonight I can't help but want to celebrate what 2011 and this anniversary have already brought to my life.

I trained for and ran a half-marathon.
I got a job promotion.
I became a "summer mom".
I started dating again (even had three dates with three different boys one week in June. I still giggle about that but never could bring myself to blog about it or any of the dating, frankly.)

And tonight, on this anniversary, I am deeply grateful for:
A Father in Heaven who is patient.
A Savior who's grace makes change possible.
The Holy Spirit who reveals things as they really are.
A body that works and heals and works even harder.
Incredibly supportive friends who believed when I couldn't (and still believe).
My family that loves and prays and understands canceled trips.
Mentors who listen and correct and pave the way.
Blog readers who I've never met but are ridiculously good at encouragement.

My little heart is overwhelmed with gratitude as I look back on how far I've come since that fateful day a year ago this very day.
And my little heart is confident and excited as I look forward to what is waiting.

Yes, I still have work to do.
I still have things to do.

But, I'm ready...again.

and though I'm not where I said I'd be or exactly where I wanted to be, I'm celebrating how far I've come. these pics are a good reminder...

(This was me a year ago.)

(This is me now.)

(a year ago.)

(now.)

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ME!