Thankful, according to dictionary.com is, “feeling or expressing gratitude; appreciative.” During a lot of my quiet times recently God has just given me a heart of thankfulness towards a lot of people in my life. So, I wanted to take the opportunity to thank some really important people in my life. Disclaimer- I obviously can not thank every single person that is important to me so I am sorry. You are all still super loved.
Mom- to the woman who birthed me and that every day since has nurtured and loved me abundantly. I could write a whole series of books about everything I am thankful for that you have done and continue to do for me. I know I wasn’t the easiest child growing up but thank you never giving up on me. I would say I turned out pretty well (: Thank you for being the most selfless and sweet person. Anyone that knows you knows that you are the most positive and bubbly person which is quite the opposite of me. I know I am not a mammas little girl but I love being your only daughter. You’ve been more than a mom to me. Thank you for being my best friend, advice giver, jokester, dance partner, and the best mom.
Pops- to the man who got this Daddy’s little girl. Thank you for showing me what a man of God is. The way you love mom, lead our family and treat me has set the bar very high for my future husband. Thank you for investing in me and believing in me even when I doubted myself. You lucked out in my tomboyishness. Thank you for being the best coach and encourager. Thank you for adjusting your traditional parenting to fit me, your out of the box child. Forever and always a daddy’s girl.
Ty- big bro. The impact you have made in my life is beyond huge. As kids, I wasn’t the nicest sister. On my chore chart a category was don’t bite Tyler, but look at us now. You’re my best friend. Thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for including me in your college life and letting me steal some of your friends hehe. Thank you for constantly inviting me to Cru in high school even when you knew I wasn’t making good decisions. Thank you for getting me on track and reintroducing me to Jesus. You have constantly pushed me and encouraged me in my walk with God. I cherish all the coffee dates, hangouts and Jesus talks. I am honored to be mistaken as your girlfriend and can’t wait until you get a real one 😉
Bud- my lil bro. I am amazed by you. Thank you for being the silliest and coolest Stump sibling. I hope we didn’t make you grow up too fast but we love your maturity (: Thank you for letting me come to Reddan with you and attempt to play goalie. Thank you for keeping me accountable and watching sermons with me. I love our Culvers dates and that you’re my coworker now. You’re incredible and you make me such a proud sister.
Rachel & Heidi- Thank you for loving high schoolers- specifically me (: You helped me get out of the sinful life I was living my junior year. Your constant love and pouring into me has made my relationship with the Lord flourish. Thank you for introducing me to the Tanzania summer mission. Thank you for discipling me and being some of my best friends. I love you both so dearly (:
Tyler Peterson- I cannot even begin to thank you for this whole past year that you have poured into me. All of your knowledge, encouragement, friendship, prayer and fighting for me this past year has made me so much stronger, mature and in love with the Lord. Thank you everything you have done.
Corey- hey you. I am so beyond thankful for you and how the Lord has blessed our friendship/relationship. You are such an encouragement and I definitely wouldn’t have able to do senior year without you. I appreciate your logicalness, knowledge, love, support, big heart, and truth that you continually pour out to me. You’re super fab. Thank you for being my life partner.
Brandon, Erin and Jenny- You guys are amazing. Thank you for pouring into and loving middle school Bri. You made youth group a safe and inviting place. I would not be where I am today without you guys.
Mrs. Rupa- I remember being in your Sunday School class and accepting Jesus into my heart for the first time. Thank you for your encouragement and generosity. I am so glad you have been able to see who I am 10 plus years later.
Mrs. Sheila- Thank you for the love and encouragement that you were all growing up. Whether it was the Cantata, Kids Celebration, VBS or any number of activities you have always encouraged me, loved me so well and pushed me to try new things. Thank you for your support.
Jersey- girl. I love you. Thank you for listening to the Lord and being bold. I remember when we were intimated by each other and now we have the sweetest friendship. I wouldn’t have been able to do a lot of last year without you. You have taught me so much and encouraged me even more. I love you dearly.
Megan- We definitely became friends in the most odd of ways (thank you Pedersen brothers), but I am so glad we did. You are a ray of sunshine. Your encouraging words, advice, wisdom and love is amazing. Thank you for your sweet soul.
Emma & Austin- Thank you for being high schoolers that are so in love with the Lord and doing radical things for him. You both have been such an encouragement to me. I cherish each of your friendships so dearly.
To every college student that has prayed for, encouraged, and hung out with me, thank you for treating me like one of your own. You’re all so rad. (special S/O to Broceans 11)
Tanzania Team- Y’all thank you for being the best team ever. You all poured into me in some way two summers ago and are a huge part of why I am doing the race. I miss you all (:
But most of all thank you God for putting amazing people in my life that have made huge impacts. I am so grateful.
Full of Gratitude,
Bri (:
