2010 Reflections

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:13-14

Happy New Year!

It's hard to believe it's 2011. I remember December 31, 1999 being filled with much anxiety as we were preparing for Y2K, computer glitches nationwide that would cause worldwide panic. My dad stocked up on tuna and canned veggies. In fact, years later, his Y2k pantry was still full!! So, upon my first blog entry, I shall recount 2010 and all it's goodness.

January-March:

With 2009 being full of employment/unemployment drama and moving multiple times, I finally found steady work and was blessed with a room of my own in my church family's house. I was hired for a sales job making cold calls. During the first week of training, I was convinced I was going to quit by Friday, but the Lord had other plans and I found myself successful quickly and was one of the top producers in the company. I was also balancing my job at the salon and exhausted in every way. I'd wake up at 5am, work 7-4pm, then head over to the salon until 8 or 9pm at night a few nights out of the week, leading worship on rotation...and dating Justin! We were also helping our friends deal with some very difficult circumstances. Needless to say, my plate was beyond full and I was left spiritually, emotionally, and physically depleted. March also marked a memorable birthday for Justin, a ride in an early 1900's World War 1 biplane. It was surreal and literally AWEsome!

April-May:

I struggled to find my strength and joy in Jesus as my sales at work began slumping, and every call I made was a battle of "I hate this" vs. "Work for Jesus who gave you this job."

June:

Homeless. The lease was up for the family I lived with and I was on my own. Justin moved to a new condo and was leaving on a business trip to SC for 5 weeks, so I helped him move and bid him farewell and I housesat. It was so wonderful to have my own home for a few weeks! While he was gone, I did my best to put his new place together and was proud of myself for doing laundry and organizing for him. I counted down the days until I met up with him in SC for the Tanner family vacation. We filled up our time with SO much adventure!

We broke down less than a mile from JT's house in Clemson (picture A).

Forgetting to hook up the chains, JT unhitched the trailer as we waited for our ride. Unfortunately, I was in the boat cooling off when the hitch popped up and started rolling down the decline towards a hill of traffic. Last minute, JT spun the boat around and it stopped in a ditch with me safe and sound (picture B). That's how our vacation began. :)

This trip also beckoned me to give Justin an ultimatum. I said I was not going on anymore family vacations as a dating couple. I wanted to share a room with him! He assured me he had a plan.

Justin with his dad and little sister and the famed boiled peanuts (they are actually pretty good.)

July:

My heart was so discouraged with my job and living situation and with my dreams on hold. I'd never have guessed that God was orchestrating my circumstances just as He desired. Justin returned home from his trip and my good friend, Kimberly, offered me her couch. She had just gotten engaged so I'd be living with her until her wedding. As soon as Justin got back home, my family arrived for my little sister's wedding. I was definitely not expecting to get engaged on July 13th!

August:

I finally quit my sales job!!!!! I was so excited to sleep past 5am! I was overjoyed to focus on building my clientele at the salon and to begin planning our wedding.

September:

We headed out to the Carolinas for 2 wedding showers and engagement photos which was a blast!

October:

With Kimberly's pending wedding, I made myself at home on brother Jay's floor when I wasn't house/dog sitting for Justin's co-workers. I was thrilled to be styling hair for a few weddings and it helped me countdown to my own. I was also humbled by the incredible bachelorette party my Cali girls threw for me. We headed up to LA for a weekend of festivities and it was sooo amazing! (celebrity makeup artist, tour in an E! production studio, singing for the director of Walt Disney Concert Hall unknowingly, late night talks and giggles, shopping in the rain). I was also surprised by the salon with a little party!! I'm such a blessed girl!

November:

Marriage Month!

I could probably write an entry on this month alone. I married my best friend this month.

And this is our story (we played this right before the ceremony began).

JT & Abby Wedding Intro Video from Shane Aguon on Vimeo.

We honeymooned in Mexico and I got to sing at the resort which was amazing! The best part of all was that they cleaned our room TWICE a day!!! We also drove all over the Carolinas the week of Thanksgiving seeing family, the Biltmore Estate, and shucking oysters on Turkey Day.

December:

The celebrations continued with my birthday, Christmas, and New Year's! My business is booming at the salon, I went from being "homeless" to now having 2 homes!, I have a wonderful man that I don't have to leave at night, and I'm so excited about what the next year holds for us as Mr. and Mrs. Justin Tanner.

Some are into resolutions and though I do want to get healthy and exercise like crazy and do big things with music, the cry of my heart is to know Jesus more. I encourage you to devote yourself to knowing Him through studying the Bible, prayer, and personal worship. His Word will not return void. Let's see what He does with it in 2011. :)