Only almost a month late but better late than never.
SO here we are a new year once again. And I get extremely overwhelmed when I think back over 2013. It was probably the most intense year of my life. Maybe not physically, but mentally/emotionally I feel like I have grown into a brand new person. A year ago, I don't think I would recognize myself.
Before writing these, I always read the ones from the years before. This time when I read them, I was bawling. And laughing. And then bawling again. I realized I had no idea what I was talking about. I had no idea what was going to come. But I had to smile because God has taught me so much. Last year, I struggled with the "WHYs."Why is God doing this to me? There must be some lesson in all of this. And I cry because I can remember that pain that I was feeling. The brokenheartedness. And I laugh because it is soooooo obvious to me now what God was doing.
Like I said, 2013 was intense. I dare say that it may have been the best year of my life.
I was a red head for a bit. That was cool. It was a moment of control in my life. I needed to have some control over something so I dyed my hair red.
My sister Maddie got married to Kyle. It was such a fun day. That morning we were getting ready at Shay's and her heater ran out of oil. It was soooo cold. And getting pictures taken in that weather was brutal. But overall it was an amazing day. I was so honoured to be a bridesmaid. :) I love weddings.
I went to Florida with my parents and little sister. I don't know why I bother thinking that I can handle that drive. I can't. I hate it. But for 5 days of sun, it might have been worth it.
I started my blog. Which is terrifying by the way. But fun at the same time. You just need to be inspired once in a while. And then you need to put that in words. That is the hard part. And then it is public and anyone can read it. That part isn't easy either. I never knew I could write. But I am so thankful that God has blessed me with some kind of talent.
I went to a lot of concerts. Which is amazing. Other than that horrible experience with Jesus Culture, I went to tons of great ones. I lost count. And in the summer, I went with my friend Teresa to Beruna! Which is a Christian music festival with tons of different artists. That was definitely a highlight of the year.
In August, I got another new nephew, Jonah Hunter. I love him. He is too cute for words and so happy that is ridiculous. He never stops smiling.
I also started my 2nd year of teaching. Which is not easy. The first couple weeks were so hard. I just really missed my kids from last year and I had a lot of trouble adjusting. But we are doing just fine now.
Its funny how you just kind of let go of your life, let God take the reins, and accept things as they are and then He changes it completely. One day, I was at Sessy's house and I just realized how happy I was. I told her how happy I was and how I didn't need some man in my life right now to come in and screw it up. Not long after that (maybe 2 weeks), I was at a wedding where I saw the guy that I am now dating, for the first time. Funny how that worked out. But contrary to what I thought, he definitely has not screwed up my happiness. Josh has taught me a lot about how a lady should be treated. Sometimes I just get really overwhelmed with the whole thing because it just doesn't seem real. It sure is something else. I have learned what it means to be truly loved. And there is something to be said about a relationship that is centered completely around Christ. :)
But something that stands out above all this stuff is how much I have grown in Jesus. He has become the center of my life. And I cannot get over how much just focusing on Him has changed my life. It has changed how I have looked at everything. I started going to a Bible study with about 40 women that I didn't know and had the experience of a lifetime. I have spent hours reading blogs and books and the Bible and learning so much about God and His promises.
I had some goals last year. And I think I have made progress in 2/3. I never went on a roadtrip. Well I guess I sort of did when I went to Florida but that's not the roadtrip I had in mind. I have definitely been a lot more real than I ever was. And I have grown much much much closer to God. But you can never be too close to God. :)
Now stepping into this new year, I am really excited to see what God does. I am excited to see what He teaches me and excited to see where He leads me. I have no idea what is going to happen but I cannot wait to find out. After much time in prayer and careful consideration, I can tell you confidently that there are some big changes coming. I am just not ready to announce them publicly. Changes that I never expected. But its the unexpected that brings the biggest blessings.
2014 is going to be a big year. It's going to blow my socks off. There will be new babies to snuggle. Lots of weddings to attend. And big changes that are going to require trusting God every step of the way. I have am going to lift my life up to Him and let Him have His Way in my life.
So here we go.
Have an amazing 2014! :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UveOPq_iao
