In review of last year I realize how many good an bad things that took place. I am so blessed to be happy with the outcome. God has made 2014 a learning, and changing experience at that. My family and I have experienced many changes, big and small. The most important thing is that I have grown with the lord, though sometimes it wasn’t easy, it has been so worth it.
One of the most life changing thing our family experienced was moving churches. It wasn’t an easy thing to do beings we had been a active member there for 13 years. We prayed and listened to God as he directly guided us through it. It has proven to have been one of the best things we could’ve done. God has individually grown each on of us through it. We have built relationships and adopted new family members. Although we do miss seeing the familiar faces, we learned that sometimes you have to get out of your comfort zone in order for God to work in your life.
Another big change was our newest family member Max. Max is our American bull dog. We have never had an inside dog, and if any of you know my mom she used to refuse because she’s a major clean freak. We have learned so much through him also. His personality is crazy, and he brings so much joy into our lives. I know that looking ahead, Max will be one of the hardest things to leave behind. I get tears even thinking about it.
Through out the year I struggled with some things. I struggled with guilt, and the feeling that I wasn’t good enough for the Lord. I had a really hard time with that. The lord showed me so many things through it. He proved to me in so many areas how much he loves me. That he doesn’t hold my sins against me. He showed my that satan will try to bring you down by reminding me of the past, I know that it was only because I needed to remind Satan of his future.
In 2014 I signed up to Guatemala on a mission trip. The greatest experiences that forever changed me. I met so many new people. I made lifelong friendships. I got the chance to have my first real experience of being independent. I saw a 70 year old man come to christ. I played and shared secrets with kids on a rock. I ate weird food. I saw first hand what it was like to have nothing. I climbed/rode a horse up a volcano.I rode in a Tuk tuk. Ate at the most beautiful McDonalds , I practiced being a farmer with a hoe like they used in the old days. I cried. But most importantly I learned the true meaning of worship.
After Guatemala my perspective of things changed, my relationship grew but soon after it was time to start my senior year. I stressed for many weeks about what I was gonna do after high school. I found the perfect University, that had the program I was interested in. I was set on going for criminal justice in hopes of becoming a criminal investigator. I was passionate about it. I studied for long hours for my ACT in hopes of retaking it. Until the Lord showed me he had a better plan for my life. I was taken in a new direction. I signed up for Gap year. The lord has already made a way and blessed me through this experience. Also a heads up Im 5,000 dollars closer to my fundraising goal!!!!!!
Since I will be taking a year off from college, I signed up take college classes spring semester. I’m so glad that the opportunity presented itself. I will have all of the credits that a college freshman would have when I leave in September. I’m so excited to see what the Lords plans are for after Gap year, and what I will be doing.
As I have reflected on this year, I am so pleased with it. It has had it tough moments, but more often then not it has been a changing and growing year. I have set many goals for 2015, but the main thing is I want people be able to see christ through me. I want my inner Joy to shine. I can’t wait to reflect on my year next year because I know there will be no comparison. So I will leave you with this quote I found.
Hope you a Happy New Year!
