2-0-1-6 in Review

I love sitting down at the end of the year and looking back to see all that God has blessed me with this year and all that He has done. I know a lot of people focus on the bad and can't wait to end this year and get to the next, but if you stop to reflect, you may see the other side of things. People He has brought in my life, opportunities He has opened, experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. I am grateful. Here is my 2016 in review...

JANUARY
Not much happened in January, but we did get snow! I love experiencing all the different seasons in Virginia and finding beauty in all types of weather and nature is truly where I find my peace with God.

FEBRUARY
Birthday celebrations. My two high school best friends, Noelle and Jen, have been in my life for nearly 15 years. That's half my life! We've seen each other through so much! Even though we don't get to see each other as much as we used to, we still try to get together for dinner for each other's birthdays. The history and years together with these ladies I do not take for granted!

MARCH
In March, we celebrated my mom's retirement from many years as Executive Director of THRIVE Peninsula (formerly known as Denbigh United Christian Outreach). She gave so much of her time, energy, heart and passion towards that ministry, and it's one of the main reasons I wanted to get into nonprofit ministry work myself as an adult.

APRIL
Hiking is one of my favorite activities. I feel closest to God when I am in worship or in nature. This month I got to hike with two of my close brothers in Christ to Hawksbill Summit. It is the highest summit on Skyline Drive! Although it was super cloudy and foggy that day and we couldn't actually see anything from the summit, God was still present.

In April, we also celebrated my niece Haven's 1st birthday! My niece and nephew are seriously two of my greatest joys in life! I adore them! To them, I am Aunt Lolo. ;)

April was a full month! One of my favorite pasttimes is going to Christian worship concerts or praise events. The Outcry Tour featuring Hillsong United, Elevation Worship, Kari Jobe, Jesus Culture and more came to VA Beach and a group of 20 church friends all got to experience it together!

MAY
I turned 29 (thank God for another year when nothing is guaranteed), and I got to spend it with two of my favorite buddies!

JUNE
God puts specific people in your life for a reason. I met this beautiful soul Crystal last year through my good friend Alex and my church, and this year our friendship grew a lot when we got to go through Beth Moore's Bible Study on James together. Here we are celebrating her graduation from college. She has a huge heart for our God, for serving, and for people.

JULY
Went on the the #CoryCampingCraziness adventure for the first official camping trip done by my brother's family with my niece and nephew in Asheville, NC. Lots of waterfall hikes, a waterfall slide, campfires, smores, mountainbiking, and more.

AUGUST
Annual Cory Beach Vacation at Outerbanks, NC was so much fun with family. My niece and nephew loved the beach!

Also, got to see Casting Crowns in concert at VA Beach! Did I mention I love worship concerts and events? LOL

SEPTEMBER
Road tripped to Charlotte, NC to go to Elevation Church's Code Orange Revival for 3 days. Great messages, phenomenal worship, and a great weekend!

Also, my best friend got engaged! God is all over that beautiful love story and I just feel blessed that I get to witness it and be a part of it! Alicia and Daniel get married in Jan 2017! Woo Hoo!

OCTOBER
When God put people in your life to do LIFE with, you enjoy every moment. October was filled with fun Halloween adventures and quality time with special friends.

NOVEMBER
The beginning of the month started out with an incredible hiking trip on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park with one of my closest friends Kim. We hiked Dark Hollow Falls trail and stayed at Big Meadows Lodge and got to see God in all His glory in nature. I met Kim last year, but God didn't reveal how impactful that friendship would be on my life until this year. Having a sister in Christ who knows everything about me, loves me with no judgment, and encourages me spiritually is a true blessing.

Thanksgiving this year was spent with my parents, my Grammy and Aunt Mimi in Stroudsburg, PA. My grandma is 98 years old and the sweetest woman on the planet. I've learned a lot from observing her peaceful, calm, and loving spirit over the last couple decades.

DECEMBER
My brother's family came to Newport News for Christmas this year. I loved seeing the excitement on my nephew's face on Christmas morning and how much he got into the idea of Santa. They are growing up so fast, so I am soaking up every moment with them.

In the middle of their visit, I got to produce 4 Waters Edge Church Christmas Eve services at the Yorktown campus too! That was a true privilege and joy! 270 people raised their hand to accept Jesus into their hearts across all 4 campuses. That is what the Christmas season is all about!