Happy New Year Everyone!

<----This picture was taken in Scotland at a Hogmanay party.

In case you don't know, Hogmanay is the Scottish name for New Years Eve. At midnight, the first person to enter the house (which happened to be me) should have with them some money, a piece of wood, and something to eat. Money for prosperity in the new year, something to eat so that you will not hunger in the new year, and a piece of wood that represents warmth and shelter in the new year.

I spent my New Years with a group from my church. At first, I wasn't sure if I wanted to go, because I was tired, but once I got there, fellowshipping with my church family, worshipping, and taking communion, the next thing I knew it was 5 minutes 'til midnight.

As we were worshipping, I was thinking about all the things I could be thankful for over the past new year. I was thankful to get through my junior year. I was also thankful to make it through the first semester of my senior year. making good grades and enjoying myself. I was thankful that our band was drawn closer together, even if it meant the loss of a great friend. I've never felt so close to some of the people in my band as I did after all of that.

But more importantly, I was thankful for my family's strength during the past year as we helped my dad through his first year after his transplant. There were some bumps, and at times it was really tough, but we made it through.

And for that, I'm thankful.

HAPPY NEW YEARS!