Thanks Giving

So, I usually get a little emotional around Thanksgiving… I can't help it. There's just something about this time of year that makes me take a step back and really notice all the blessings in my life. This year is no different. Actually, it's probably a little worse than normal. I recently started to reflect on how this thing all started and how far it has evolved in such a short time. It amazes me what God has done in my life and the lives of others through a simple little bracelet. And with that epiphany, I wanted to give credit where credit is due. Below is a list of some people that have been instrumental in the success of this thing:

God – for inspiring the idea… and pretty much everything else… ever.

Jesus – for the ultimate example of love and sacrifice

My Wife Morgan – for believing in me and encouraging me to zealously pursue my dreams… and for having the patience to deal with me throughout the long, time consuming process

My Son Lanier – for motivating me to do something bigger than myself

My Mom – for convincing me at a young age that I could change the world

My Family – for always standing behind me

Stewart – for giving me a starting point

Len – for turning an idea into a reality

Joe & Jenica – for the pull and the pop

Greg – for giving me a passion for creativity and an appreciation for quality

Lil' John – for wearing the mark everyday, even though it probably cuts off your circulation.

Gary – for showing me how to lead

Jared & Miriam – for working your fingers to the bone

Jonathan, Lauren, Michael & Kayla – for rounding out the assembly line

Aaron – for making it a fashion statement

Michael – for putting words into *motion

Brian – for being more excited about the idea than me

ODM Family – for sparking the flame

Joe – for telling everybody you meet

Lee – for wearing it in front of millions of people

Dave – for reading my mind

Audra – for being a wordsmith

Bill & Cindy – for making me feel important

Steve – for seeing the potential

Neil & Sue – for taking it global

The Staff of Select Bank – for putting up with me

LWI – for saving lives

I am so thankful for you guys and I hope you realize… that I realize… that I couldn't have done it without you.

And a big phat THANK YOU goes out to everybody else that has supported the mend mark project and has inspiringly used it to spread the message of Christ's love. I am sincerely humbled by your support.

Happy Thanksgiving