2 0 1 8

I’m not quite sure how to sum up 2018. Sure, I could list everything that I accomplished, places I went, people I met. Ultimately, that would seem like bragging. I love reminiscing on things that I experience but those experiences will be memories that fade away and won’t be as important as what I learned. God revealed more about Himself and who He has made me to be. 

This year has been full of challenges, most of which I never could have imagined. I graduated college a whole year early which brought a lot of stress in terms of passing classes, changing friendships, moving cities, looking for losing/gaining jobs. I spent a summer in Glorieta again which allowed new growth in leadership, friendships, understanding God’s timing and plans. I moved back into my parent’s house which has pushed me to learn more patience, understanding and love. I met the most amazing man who has taught me more about myself, God, and life. I never could have thought that one year would bring me to travel to the most beautiful places, take several road trips, spend countless hours in the mountains and desert. 

This year, I was selfish but learned about selflessness. I was mean but continue to strive for kindness. I was overwhelmed and longed for my timing but God continued to bring my heart to peace and sanctuary. I felt confused but God reminded me of His promises. I was hard on myself but God gave me grace. I was prideful but God humbled me. I thought I knew better but God’s plan prevailed. I was sad but God brought me moments of joy. I felt unsteady but God brought me to stable ground. 

I learned more about who God is and the certain character attributes He has that we can model. I learned that even though most of the time I feel heavy, that it isn’t my burden to carry. God calls us to a place of refuge and peace and that we don’t have to carry the world on our shoulders. I have seen some of the most beautiful places I have ever seen and they gave me moments of clarity. Moments to soak in God’s goodness and faithfulness. 

I’m not going to lie and say that this year was the greatest year of my life or anything like that, because this is a space to be real. I feel like there were few moments where I felt like I could breathe. There were way too many times where I doubted my ability to do anything. I didn’t feel confident. BUT GOD, He gave and continues to provide moments of relief. Sometimes, I don’t post or share when I am down in the dumps because that isn’t my best self. BUT God pursues us in the midst of those dumpy times. The dump is where the most beautiful stories come about. We are all from the dump and we need those down times to really understand more of God. 

I have been in and out of my comfort zone so much this year that I would be a great jump roper. I learned several new skills, met challenging people, have navigated arguments and hard conversations, communicated troubles. I was reminded that it isn’t about me. Through conversations with friends, fellow students, co-workers, family, I was able to learn how God is working in their lives and how He continues to provide even in the hardest of times. That God is ever present and moving. 

Even though I have no idea how this next year will go, I know and can put my full confidence in Yahweh and His faithfulness. 

Thank you to everyone who has supported, encouraged, loved on, prayed for me this year!