A New Year Is Almost Here...

It is very hard to believe that 2012 is almost over. This year has absolutely flown by. Which is probably why it was the month of May since my last post. However, here I am writing again on the last few days of the year. I really enjoy this, and although it is sometimes long in between each of my post, I believe there is a purpose behind it. I hope among other things this new year will rejuvenate my desire to write more, especially since I have more free time right now. Although there are many things that have changed in my life, there are still many things that are quite the same since this time last year. This is a blessing and also a time of reflection so that I may move forward in 2013. Earlier this year, within days of the New Year I ran my first half marathon. I have become very passionate about fitness and running, these activities have created a very positive outlet for me. I am so happy I have found an activity that even after more than a year of starting, I am still just as passionate. I miss running when I do not get to run, and I love being at the gym when I am there. This was a year of many first for me, and I really enjoyed all the new and amazing things I was able to do this year. There are also things that I am looking forward to do this new year. I have so many things I want to do and accomplish that sometimes it can be stressful thinking about all of it. However, I have come to the decision that my most important new years resolution is to not worry about things in my life. Stress causes so many negative things to many people. It is one of the leading causes to heart disease, among other things. It is such a problem for many people universally. So starting out I know that this is a hard new years resolution to submit to. However, I am bound and determine to make this my new years resolution!!!!!! How you may ask.. well many times its not that I worry about horrible things that might happen in my life. Usually its the small day to day things that I get wound up in worry about. Things that occupy my mind, and yet have no real purpose. It is just a way of me not being able to live in peace because I am thinking negatively about certain situations. At the same time, I do worry about big things in my life that I am afraid may not happen or will happen. So really I am a well-rounded worrier, but this will change. I have noticed that because I have made this my new years resolution, that negative mindsets try to occupy my mind a lot. So after reading a devotional one day I found the perfect verse I have been reciting every time my mind wonders off into a negative mindset. Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight." Absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this verse for my new years resolution. It is such an easy verse to memorize as well so it is easy for me to recite it mentally when I need to. Can you tell I have already started my new years resolution?? I thought maybe I needed some practice before really going head first on January 1st! Its my resolution, my rules! YAY! I believe a Godly new years resolution is perfect for everyone. The new year can be very motivating for positive changes and decisions to take place. However a brand new year, isn't the only way to start something new and inspiring, but since the new year is almost here, why not start now?!?! I also believe we can not achieve things on our own. That is why I really rely on this bible verse to help me. It is through the grace of God, God's Word and the workings of the holy spirit that all of us have the ability to change. Like Proverbs 3:5 say ".....do not lean on your own understanding..." If we rely on our own understanding and ability, we will get discouraged, down-hearted, and eventually fail at what we are doing. It is through God that we are able to do anything good and keep the positive changes anyways. I am so happy and blessed that I do not have to rely on myself, but I have a powerful God that will lead me and direct me in all of my decisions. Because lets be honest with ourselves... anytime we try to do anything on our own it just doens't work out. Besides, I would rather have what God has for my life because I know it is much bigger and better than anything I could ever dream up for myself! Good Luck in all your new years resolutions!!!! It is going to be a FABULOUS year!!!!!!

To Breath In Summer....Its Here!

Hello hello! I have been so busy the last couple of months. Really the start of the 2012 came very fast, and has kept going. I just finished my Apologetics course, and I absolutely loved it. I learned so much more about my faith and about how to speak to those who are not Christians of other faiths, or none at all. This has been an amazing experience. I have been so blessed to have the chance to take these powerful classes at Liberty, that not only has strengthened my mind, but my walk with God as well. Such a learning experience. Speaking of learning experiences, I tend not to talk too much about work and the situations I encountered. However, this year has been such a learning experience. This is my forth year in, and by now I thought I would know everything there is to know about teaching... (just kidding). Really though, I have learned so much. I want to be a great teacher and teach the students about the value of absolutism, enlightenment, WWI and WWII. However, I want them to know that I care. I want them to know they are valued. Life is hard and I know not everyone has a great home life. I was blessed to grow up in such an amazing family with parents that instilled Christian values. The more I teach, the more I am aware of that and how I am so blessed. I pray for my students, and when I look into their eyes, my heart melts...on most days. I love teaching and I have learned that God has me where I am for a reason. It may not be easy most days, but I am needed, in what ever way that is. I have found comfort in that. I know that may seem simple, but I leave work and know that there is a reason, and not by accident I started working there, or what students are in my class and in that I find rest. Ohhh but summer is upon us! I am so excited about summer. I find that I learn more and I grow as a person during this time. Life has been absolutely amazing. God has blessed me in so many ways. I have only the desire to LIVE and to enjoy every single moment of it. Romans 8:28 says "We know all things work together for the good of those who love God; who are called according to His purpose." Every day will not be easy, something will always come up and we will get down. However, I know God has a specific plan for my life. I know there are no accidents in this world. Our Lord is so amazing, it is almost hard to comprehend that he is in control of even the tiny things that happen. But He absolutely is. I find rest in that as well. What is suppose to happen will happen. I often quote "let go and let God", because it is so true. I want this summer to be all about growth and freedom and living. The only way that any of us can do that is to let go of the hurt, guilt, the burdens, and all of that stuff that weighs us down....and simply give it to God. It sounds easier than it is, I know. However, I believe our responsibility is to truly pray, talk to God, read the Word, and rely that everything will work out for His glory. For His glory, is what we want!!! God gave us this beautiful life, not to despair but to live. I am so excited about this time in my life. I know there will be hard times and times where I am looking for answers, but I am going to embrace this time and allow God to fill me, because I want to be in the moment and not take this time for granted. Life is to be lived, and summer is here, breath it in!!!!!