11 lessons.

In honor of the year 2011, I'm writing 11 out of the many lessons that God taught me this last year... this way, I'll be able to look back and remember what He has done in my life... :)

1. Grades aren't everything. I used to think that getting straight A's was the most important thing in life. But, it's not. Yes, they'll help. But, it shouldn't be my primary goal. This last semester I really learned that it's not about the final grade, it's about what I learned. I'm going to an amazing university not to get grades, but to learn!

2. Everything does happen for a reason. Romans 8:28 has been a key verse for me this year because I'm realizing that all things work together for my good. Sometimes in life, you have to give up something precious, to gain something priceless.

3. Forgiveness is key to any broken relationship. During the summer, I challenged myself to choose one Fruit of the Spirit each day and focus on it. My first one was love. Love keeps no records of wrong. That verse from 1 Corinthians was on my mind all day. It's amazing because that day was all about forgiveness for me. If I didn't forgive, I would've lost two great friendships. I've learned that I can't let any little mistake ruin any relationship! Whenever there's a conflict, I will do all I can to make things right.

4. Heartbreak can bring you closer to God. For a while, I had forgotten the important things in life. I was ignoring God's plan for my life. And that probably broke His heart... so God allowed my heart to be broken. That heartbreak caught my attention and only afterwards, did I feel stronger and closer to God.

5. Intentions don't determine destination. Direction does. What you say about where you want to be doesn't do anything. If you want to get somewhere, you must act and go there.

6. What could've been was never meant to be. If God wants it to happen, it will.


7. God hears. God does hear every word and every cry. Even when it doesn't seem like it, He will answer in the way that's best! If it's not being answered right away, that does not mean He can't hear you. It means He's training your patience and all you have to do is wait on God.

8. His plan is greater than mine. I've tried planning my own life. But, honestly, I don't know what I'm doing. His plans are better than I could ever imagine! It's a good thing I'm not writing my story because God is the most wonderful Author of all!

9. His love is all I need. Without Him, I'd be nothing.

10. Guard your heart. It's simple. Proverbs 4:23 says it all.

11. Things can only get better. I know that 2012 will be better than this year in so many ways. It just makes me happy to see how far He has brought me this past year and I'm excited to see what He has in store for my life in the next year!

Ephesians 4:26

I really don't like ending my day being upset with other people. But, I guess sometimes, it's not always up to me. When the other person just walks away, they obviously don't care that much and there's nothing you can do about it.

20.

I turn 20 years old tomorrow. Wow. And I remember my 19th birthday just like it was yesterday. I can't believe it's already been a year. It's most definitely been the hardest year academically, spiritually and emotionally. But, through those difficult times, I've been blessed. As I enter into this new and exciting chapter of my life, I'm letting go of this past year and moving forward. I could care less about the presents and "happy birthdays" I receive. I'm just thankful to be alive and for His plan. I'm ready to see what He has in store for me this next year. It'll be hard, but I know He'll guide me through it... He always does!

God's way.

I'm constantly hearing God speak to me in the most unlikely ways...

Challenges are His way of saying, "Have faith in Me."

Rejection is His way of saying, "Wrong direction."
Disappointments are His way of saying "I have someone so much better for you."

He never ceases to amaze me :)

One Year.

Today, I looked through my journal and I came across what I wrote from exactly one year ago today. It's crazy to think about how much my life has changed. What I wrote a year ago were prayers to God and for a while, I didn't think I would ever get the answers to them. In fact, I still don't know if I've gotten them yet. I've been waiting for a long time. And I may have to keep waiting and trusting Him. Only God knows. 

But, there's one thing I do know for sure. It's that I know where I am today is exactly where I'm supposed to be, even with failures, confusion and chaos. I'm in a place where I am blessed with people who love me and I have more than I have ever needed. But, there are many times when I think that I could've done things differently with academics and relationships. I keep thinking "what if..." But, God obviously didn't want those things to happen, at least not then. Ultimately, it's up to Him.

Disappointments.

In life, there are so many times where we are disappointed. We have expectations that later become disappointments. But, I'm learning that when I trust in God's plan I won't be disappointed. Disappointments are God's way of saying "I have something better for you."

What could've been was never meant to be.

All the "what ifs" in life were never meant to happen. Isaiah 43:18 says to forget the past and to look towards the future. I'm constantly being reminded that I can't look back on what's happened in the past anymore and wish that things turned out differently because God's plan is, in fact, greater than mine.

Lessons Learned.

"The difference between school and life... In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson."

This quote is so very true in my life. School is hard. Any college student can attest to that. In school, we strive for those good grades - we strive for perfection. But, grades will take care of themselves. And the thing that we should really focus on is what we're learning, even after we make those little dumb mistakes. Life is essentially the same. We mess up and it's the consequences of those mistakes that catch our attention. We live and learn. 

I'm constantly learning new lessons everyday. Now yes, there are things in my life that I want to regret, but I just can't because those very things taught me some of the most valuable lessons. I wouldn't have learned it any other way. And it's the memories that remind me where I was and how I can't go back. But, most importantly, it reminds me of God's mercy and how He is guiding me now... :)

Amazed.

‎"Now I can’t go back to where I was before and I won’t forget how my heart's been restored. By Your touch, by Your grace, the price You had to pay so that I can get lost in Your embrace." 

These lyrics say it all! Today I was reminded of God's saving grace. This past year changed me and I'm still becoming the person who God wants me to be. I was broken. But, He restored me in a way that I would've never expected! I found beauty in suffering. And I'm simply amazed at how He really does make all things work together for my good, as it says in Romans 8:28. I'm constantly learning how that's true in my own life. 

Ashes Into Beauty

All those mistakes. 

It's making me stronger. It's changing me. 

All these trials and all the pain. 

I am unworthy.

But, I have been redeemed.

And by His love, my ashes become beauty.