End of a decade....I think it deserves a blog!

So it has been a few weeks since I made a blog post. I figured since this is New Years' Eve I should post something since I know most people do on these kind of days. So I am going to attempt, possibly unsuccessfully, to describe what 2009 has been for me.

Well, first I will say I did not fulfill my New Years' resolutions, but then again who does? I want to attempt to fix that this year and be more disciplined in what I do. So I am going to share with you what my goals [not resolutions because for some reason it sounds harder when I think of them as that]:

1. Stay active: I love hiking and dancing and doing all sorts of stuff with you guys but I find it hard to keep up. Maybe if I get my butt into gear, then I can feel better doing all these fun activities with y'all. Sarah and I are going to start doing nightly walks this semester just for a fun activity and all of you are more than welcome to join.

2. Be consistent in my TAWG: This one is pretty simple to get. For those of you who do not know what TAWG is: Time Alone With God!

3. Better steward of what God has given me: I want to start regularly tithing at my church and I have a lot of things that I want to do in the next couple of years so I better start saving!

4. Memorizing scripture: I need to just be more focused on this. Any one want to partner with me? Maybe we can factor in some sort of reward program or something.

5. Be more on top of my school work: I just got lazy this past semester and totally could have gotten a 4.0. Time for me to focus more.

So now that you have seen a little of what I want for this next year I think I shall move onto......

2009: Reflections on the past year

This past year has been one of growth, of ups/downs, and of reflection. Often when I think I find that I fall short of all that I want to be. I have started to realize the negative effects that this has had on me and my interactions with others. I find that I feel people hate me or at the very least wish I would disappear. I am starting to recognize the lies of the world when it comes to this and also starting to recognize when I should just back off.

In this past year I have found a renewed love for my creator. I didn't even realize that my relationship with God was more of a duty/checklist kind of faith verses a love relationship with God. I am starting to find interest in His word and being able to share that with others has been amazing. I am seeing God in so many different ways now that it makes me smile and ready for more. [i say that now but just watch me complain when something comes my way =P]

I have also experienced great friendships and finally am starting to realize what friendship is. Not that I never had friends before, but these friends are different. They keep me accountable, they love me when I am nuts, they help me grow in my faith, they speak truth, and I live with them =) My life has changed so much because of them and it is definitely for the better!

I have also seen the blindness I had to others this year. My goal at the beginning of this year was to have love for others as God has love for me and really just for my eyes to be open to the needs of others. Its been challenging and sometimes I pray for my eyes to be closed. The world is ugly people! But the beauty that God has given to everyone is what keeps me going, seeking to hear everyone's story!

The best part of 2009 has got to be me being able to open up to fellow sisters in Christ. I have been unable to open up to women for such a long time. I feel more comfortable with boys because they don't judge, mostly because they don't care/don't understand what I am saying. But being able to really pour out my heart with girls like Alissa and Katrina has done some serious wonder in my daily life. I am excited to continue growing in my relationships with these wonderful women and even gaining new friendships with other Godly women!

Some other highlights of 09:
Camping in Sequoia, 9.5 mile hike, discovering viento y agua/mexican hot chocolate, getting a dland season pass, mending broken friendships, discovering my love for Iran, learning to love serving others, free paramore tickets!!!, memorizing three verses, learning new songs for the guitar, late nights with fun people, discovering my love for Star Trek/Spock, learning how to get over things, and getting a 4.0 in my spring semester!

Verse for the upcoming year:

Isaiah 40:31

³¹ but those who trust in the LORD
will renew their strength;
they will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary;
they will walk and not faint.

I love you all and I hope your new year is safe! Have hope in the upcoming year!