The Makings of 2017 (just a glimpse):
– continue working as a PCA/SNA at OSUWMC
– start spring semester of nursing school
– small group lead OC OCHO ladies with my best friend, Steph
– Tennessee spring break trip with H2O Church
– STTI Induction (Sigma Theta Tau International: Nursing Honor Society)
– finish spring semester
– Summer Team with H2O Church
– camp with family
– start full-time position as a PCA at OSUWMC
– best friend (Ern Fern) joins the Peace Corp and leaves for Malawi
– church camp with family
– start LAST year of nursing school! (VERY busy semester)
– celebrate my nephew, Jaxxen’s FIRST birthday
– apply to the World Race (October 12th)
– interview for the World Race (October 16th)
– officially accepted and committed to going on the World Race (October 26th)
– finish crazy semester of precepting while working full-time
– enjoy quality time with friends and family for the holiday season
WOW…what a year!!!
In the midst of the craziness that 2017 held, God showed up BIG (like always). We’ve all heard the expression, “New Year, new you”, right? As I sit at work this morning, I don’t feel much different or “new”. But, as I reflect on what God has done in and around my life in just one year, I can see how much I’ve changed and how big my God is! I wouldn’t consider myself a brand new person by any means, but one that continues to be molded by the One who made me.
A year ago, I was not in a place where I could have dropped everything, let alone be willing to leave my family for 11 months.
For those who know me, family means the world to me! I call my mom, dad, and/or sisters almost everyday and make my best effort to go home as much as I can (mostly to see my dog Luke lol). So how could I decide to join the World Race and be away from my comfort zone for 11 months? I promise you, it was not an easy decision. There were a lot of questions, fears, and doubts initially, but God reminded me that I am not in control of my life (not nearly as much as I think I am). He has called me to go and to follow Him is my main goal, whatever it takes! Once realizing this, the decision was so much easier.
Now that 2018 is officially here and I reflect on last year, I can see that God has made me new! Each day, God is teaching and showing me more about Him, piece by piece. I am not the same me. I’ve been challenged, strengthened, enlightened, and many more verbs I can’t think of at this moment haha.
A relationship with our Heavenly Father is ever-changing and life-altering. He continues to grow me and reveal fragments of His plan for my life, and I can guarantee you that He’s doing the same for you! Your journey is unique to you and I encourage you all to take a moment from the busyness that life holds and reflect on the you God has made and the changes you’ve seen in your life in 2017.
I can only imagine what 2018 will be filled with and I’m excited to bring you all on my journey!
Happy New Year everyone 🙂
~A
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come; the old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
