The Introduction

     I've started a blog.  I guess this warrants an explanation and a Welcome! post to any potential readers.  Shall I start with this: according to the Better Life Index of 2012, the U.S ranked 12th out of 32 countries measured for happiness.  I would argue that many American's don't understand what joy is, or are thankful for the many things we have-- myself included.  However, I was thinking over this in church today, and I realized how powerful the act of gratefulness truly is.  There are so many things that I hate now, but will come to appreciate later.  That's just how God works.  At this point in my life, there is a lot changing.  What better time to open up and blog regularly about the things I'm thankful for, whether or not I "feel" like I am.  So, I have turned this into my private project for 2013.  The act of physically voicing the blessings and hardships that I am thankful for, will make me more aware of how truly blessed I am.  In the process, I hope to share a bit of my chaotically fun, yet broken, life.  While everything will be themed around gratefulness, there's a wide scope of people, travels, hardships, and changes that will be posted to these pages.  I hope to grow in my faith, become more aware of my blessings, and inspire a grateful revolution in a country so desperately needy of some joy.