Well it's happened again.  Another year has come and gone and here we all are, wondering what to make of it.  Well, it was a good year for me.  2009 (pronounced "twenty-ought-nine") had ups and downs, lefts and rights, and a few zig zags but overall, it was a goodun.  I'll list just a couple of things I can think of off the top of my head that made it add up to a goodun.

1. I kept last years New Year's Resolution.

In late '08 (pronounced "ought-8") I decided I would try to go a year without eating any french fries.  Well, I did it.  Now I know what you're thinking.  "Casey" you're thinking, "how on earth did you do that?  French fries are delicious!  You worked at Chick-fil-A, home of arguably some of the best fries out there, and you didn't eat a fry...not even one?!"  That's right friends...not even one.  Tater Tots and hash browns do NOT count, I don't care what you say.  (I only had those a couple of times anyway.)

2. I was able to see two of my best friends get married.

Bubba & Shellie Lester were wed in '09 (pronounced "ought-9") and I had the pleasure of witnessing them make their covenant with God and each other.  What a sweet time it was to see two people who love God and each other come together in marriage, just as God intended.  "What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate." Mark 10:9

3. My friend Woodrow Hood became a Christian and participated in believer's baptism.

If you don't already know Woodrow, you're missing out.  He's a great guy and it's wonderful to see how the Lord is using him to further His kingdom.  Woodrow has a heart for lost people...because he used to be one.  He's truly an inspiration to me as I watch him grow and mature in his relationship with Christ.

4. I was able to regrow my goatee.

In late October '09 (pronounced "ought-9") I resigned at Chick-fil-A and got a job at the bookstore here on campus.  Probably the most exciting part about finding a new job was the absence of a facial-hair policy at said job.

5. I met Valerie Angel.

Since early November '09 (pronounced "ought-9") I've been in a relationship with Valerie, and I thank God every day for bringing us together.  For those of you who follow me on Facebook and/or talk to me on a regular basis, you're probably sick of me talking about her...well too bad.  I've been waiting a long time.  I've been praying, asking God for patience and wisdom and the ability to trust that He knew what was best for me.  He is faithful and wise beyond my understanding and He has blessed me more than I could ever expect.

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2 Downers of 2009:

1. I lost my favorite hat.  If anyone has seen my Louisville Bats hat, please let me know.  I think Shane stole it but I don't have any way to prove that.

2. I got a speeding ticket, so that sucks.

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This is the section like at the end of some movies where they give the little "update" on all the characters, like "Today Frank Dux runs a martial arts school for blind midgets and has taken up hair design."

1. This year's resolution is to go without sweets.  I had to make a few qualifiers like "breath mints don't count, sweet tea definitely doesn't count," etc., but the plan is to do without candy, cake, pie, cookies, doughnuts...all the sweet, desserty type of stuff.  I've been good so far but today is January 4th, so I still have a long ways to go.

2. Bubba and Shellie are still married and they still love Jesus...and Bubba desperately needs to shave.

3. Woodrow is still a Christian and I think he'll soon be an official citizen of Nepal.

4. Not only did I let the goatee grow back, I am now sporting a full beard.  It's conservative and I keep it neat but it's good to be able to hide my ugly face a little bit.

5. I'm having the best time of my life with Valerie.  I've never been this happy in my entire life and I'm so thankful to God for His provision, wisdom and love.  I never knew relationships could be this much fun.

Grace and Peace to you all and Happy 2010!

CRH