Sending Thanks to Him

“Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever.”

1 Chronicles 16:34

Thankful. That is one word that describes how I feel in regards to this past weekend which was full of pure joy. I am thankful for my friends and family, but I most importantly want to give the thanks and glory to God.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above.” James 1:17

Each day had a new celebration to enjoy: The Center for Education’s Cording Ceremony, my mom’s birthday, my graduation from Colorado State University, Mother’s Day and a party for my grandma’s 80th birthday, my dad’s 50th birthday, and my parent’s 25th wedding anniversary. It is so important to give thanks to God and realize it does all truly come from Him. When life seems hectic and complicated, we must eliminate negativity and choose joy always and have those celebrations.

“Count it all joy.” James 1:2

On Thursday evening, CSU’s Center for Education for Teacher Preparation had a ceremony for those of us who had student taught this semester. Because CSU breaks graduation into the different colleges, I graduated with the College of Ag; likewise, someone who would be teaching History would graduate in the College of Liberal Arts. Because the content areas had different graduation ceremonies, there was a special one for all of the future teachers where we chose someone to cord us. The light blue cords represent that we are going into education and the person we chose is someone who has made a significant impact in our lives especially during the teacher preparation program.

I chose my cooperating teacher, Todd Everhart. He inspired me every day to not settle for “good enough” but to strive to be my best in whatever I do. He has been patient with me, shown me what it means to have integrity and demonstrated what it takes to be a dedicated Ag teacher who is a servant leader. We should all pursue these qualities and use our talents to glorify Him as he does with teaching. His family was able to attend as well and they have made my student teaching experience unforgettable as they have shown me enthusiasm and motivation. I am thankful for being able to student teach at Merino and that he was able to cord me at this ceremony.

This event was also special because I got to do it alongside with some of my dearest friends that I had the pleasure of going to college with. Jenny, Emma and I were all placed at different schools for student teaching but stayed connected throughout the experience and cheered each other on. They are going to be amazing Ag teachers who put the students first. I am thankful for them and their constant support and encouragement.

My grandpa graduated from CSU 55 years ago and started a tradition in our family. I am very proud to be a third generation Ram grad in the College of Ag. The commencement ceremony was very special on Saturday morning as I thought about the tradition that I carried on to represent the industry that feeds us all. I am thankful I made the decision to come to CSU and pursue Ag Ed as it has opened doors of opportunity for me and now I get to teach and serve others.

I know this is typical, but I truly wouldn’t have accomplished this feat without my parents. Every day my dad shows me how to be passionate and all-in for whatever he does and shows me how to give the glory to God. He is kind-hearted, dedicated and puts others before himself. I treasure the value of tradition and commitment because of him. With everything going on this semester, people often ask me how I managed to student teach, wedding plan and do everything else. I owe all of that to my mom. She is my rock who is constantly devoted to me and always makes sure I am on track and not forgetting something. She is dependable and loving. Both of my parents have shown me how to pray like it depends on God but work as it depends on them. I am thankful for my parents and the unending support that they always give me.

Even though my sister is younger than me, she is my role model. When I changed my major to Ag Ed, she supported my decision and showed me why we should be passionate for agriculture. Every day she shows all of us what it means to put God first as she spends hours reading her Bible, doing her devotion and journaling. She has asked Him to give her will-power and dedication and I admire her 100% devoted attitude in all aspects of her life. I am thankful God has given me a sister who is also my best friend.

Throughout my college experience, Tyler has been there to motivate me through the tough classes reminding me how rewarding it would be when I had my own classroom. He has been my protector and always checked in on me, wishing me luck on tests and showing me what hard work looks like and why to eliminate laziness to be successful. He shows me what devoted looks like whether it is at work or with family. I am thankful I get to marry this man because I know he will always be committed to me.

Most people do not get the opportunity to go to college with their cousin; however, Erin and I were lucky enough to be at CSU two years together. She’s the best friend that I can always count on to cheer me up even when she is feeling down, the one who always shows me to dream big and aim high, and the one who loves others even when they don’t deserve it. I am thankful that we got to go through life together as cousins, friends, sorority sisters, and as CSU Rammies.

My Grandpa Vernon and Grandma Evelyn are the supportive grandparents that I wish everyone had. They never missed an event for any of us grandkids and always made a point to show us how much they loved us. They are loyal to us, the farm, and the rest of the family. I am thankful for how much they have impacted my life and shown me how to have a strong family.

With such an incredible family, I have so many people to look up to. Uncle Doug demonstrates hard work and how to always make things work even when it doesn’t look like it’s going to. Christie shows how to overcome the hard situations in life and how relying on God is the only way to do so. Mark shows me the wisdom it takes to be a teacher and a mentor in the lives of others. Jennie shows why being a teacher is essential to the lives of others and how one person can truly make a difference. Uncle Jim’s major in college was also Ag Ed and he shows me how having a sincere love for agriculture can touch so many people. Aunt Kathy shows me how to be supportive as she has shown me the support in anything I do as well as her own kids. When I was little, I went to Dustin and Kaytlyn’s FFA events and knew I wanted to wear a blue jacket when I was in high school. They have given me that purpose and passion for what an FFA jacket can do in the lives of kids. Uncle John, Aunt Judy, Brandon, Kerri, Kelsey, and Jeff have shown me how to be God loving family who always put Him first. Uncle Jerry has shown me how to be committed to agriculture. Aunt Damaris has shown me how to have a heart for all people. Lyle and Paul have pushed through the obstacles of a near death experience and have shown me perseverance. Jill has shown me why to have faith and hope and what grit looks like to get through the bad and good times. Amy has shown me dedication and what it looks like to sacrifice other things to get to the big picture of nursing and helping others. Michelle has shown me endless love and has shown what it takes to support others in all endeavors. I am thankful for my family and every single thing they have done for me.

What a blessing it was to be a part of Colorado State University’s Ag Ed program. I got to witness the ribbon cutting of the CoBank Center for Agricultural Education, be the first class to use the new shop, meet lifelong friends who I will get to teach with, and have the best university faculty. Kellie Enns and Nathan Clark prepared me and shaped me into a teacher who can manage a shop, have an engaging classroom and loves to mold the future of agriculture. I am thankful that Ag Ed at CSU was a family to me.

On Sunday, the celebrations continued. Grandma Ruth didn’t want a party originally but was thankful afterwards for the time spent with those who came in honor of her 80th. My Grandma is one of my favorite people and I don't deserve her love and support. After all that she has gone through, she has a positive outlook on life and can work harder than most teenagers. She truly serves others and cares for them before herself. She is constantly trying to make everyone happy –I know, because even when she isn’t up for one of my crazy adventures, she will do it because she cares about me more than herself. I strive to be like her and have the tenacity she possesses. I asked her what her favorite Bible verse for one of her presents and it is Psalm 121- “I lift up my eyes to the mountains –where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” I am thankful for my grandma and that she gets her strength from our Maker.

As Tyler and I near our wedding, I am grateful that we have our parents to look up to. My mom and dad got married 25 years ago and the key to their marriage is serving God and serving one another. Growing up, they showed us what a loving, committed relationship looked like by teaching us how to pray, go to church, read the Bible and involve Christ in all endeavors. They took their vows and constantly worked through the highs and the lows because they knew He is greater than it all. Their favorite Bible verse that is on their phones and in our house is Jeremiah 29:11- “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I will carry this verse into my marriage and trust in Him as they have taught me to. I am thankful for the love my parents share with each other.

Experts say that you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with. As I go through and give thanks to each individual who has impacted my life, I hope to possess the qualities that they have and stick out to me when I think of them. When we surround ourselves with people who put God first, are committed, dedicated, patient, loving, supporting, kind hearted, and hard-working that listen and have integrity that believe in and serve others who are difference makers, that is what we will be. This week, let’s pay attention to the details of the people that surround us and be thankful for what they have done to make an impact in our life. Let’s be grateful and send praises to God for creating those people and for the plans that He has made for us to give us hope and a future without harming us. I am thankful for every good and perfect give that is from above because I know that every blessing is from Him.