2013 IN A NUTSHELL

I'm in shock that 2013 is already over! It seems like the older I get, the faster life zooms by. I just wish time would slow down! Anyways...this year has been one of the best years of my life. Here are some highlights!

I discovered The Pinky Promise Movement
If you haven't heard of it, I encourage you to click on this link and check it out now!! Heather Lindsey is the founder, and I'm thankful for the strong impact that she's had on me. Although I don't know her personally, her books, and her blog are some of the things that triggered the start of where I am today. Check out her website here

I started going to Victorious Believers Ministries (VBM)
This is the church I attend while I'm away at school!! If these highlights were in any specific order, this would probably be number 1!! I truly believe that God led me to this place for so many reasons, and I'm so thankful for all of the great things that I've experienced here. I've really learned/ grown a lot from the teaching, and have also come across some pretty great people too. I'm so thankful that God led me somewhere that pushes me closer to who He's called me to be, especially while I'm away at school. I feel so blessed :)

I started a youth group at my church back home 
Talk about a step outside of my comfort zone, this was a leap for me. It was around April that God placed this on my heart, and I'm so happy that I was obedient to His instruction. I can remember being at church, and receiving conformation for something I'd been praying about, and from that moment on, my heart was set on doing whatever God had for me to do. I had always struggled with speech apprehension, and so it was a big step for me to do something like this. Looking back, it was very difficult to push past my fear, but if I hadn't, I wouldn't be able to help others understand what God has shown me. I was responsible for coming up with the things I taught on, and because of this, I was able to get an understanding for myself. The biggest thing I learned throughout this process is that our obedience is always the piece to someone else's puzzle. I'm thankful that this has played a HUGE role in where I am today.

Some ran off before we could get a picture, but here's the majority :)

My job as an RA
Although this past semester was one of the hardest semesters I've ever had, my residents are one of the things that made it worth it. I was originally hired in a different building, but I ended up moving because there weren't enough people that signed up for housing. To be honest I cried when I found out I was being relocated, but now I can't imagine myself anywhere else. It's a great job that's allowed me to find out more about myself, and interact with so many great people. Cheers to a great semester with the best residents, staff, and boss anyone could ask for :) #CelFabFam

My wonderful Staff <3 

My friends 
This is another one of my biggest highlights because my friends have been one of Gods GREATEST blessings to me. Growing up, I never felt like I had anyone that I could relate to on a spiritual level, and because this was such a big part of my life, it was hard for me to feel connected with others when they didn't believe the same way that I did. My close friendships would last for about a year at a time, and I never understood why. It was always hard for me to talk about God with people who weren't traveling down the same path because I never felt like they understood. It bothered me sometimes, but I had reached a point where I was used to it. I had always wondered what it'd be like to have a friend I could talk to about anything, spiritual or not,  but now I don't have to wonder. I'm so thankful for the godly friendships I've established this year! It's been such a great blessing to have people who can pray with and for you because up until this year, I never had that in a friend. I'm so thankful that after 20 years, God has blessed me with some amazing friendships that I pray will last a lifetime

I changed my major
Last but not least, a change in the RIGHT direction. I got a lot of different reactions when I told people I was changing my major, and some of them weren't very nice ones. Most people were very supportive, including my parents, but there were a select few that said discouraging things. Before I switched, I was studying interior design, but I now thank God for FREEDOM. I know, I know...Interior Design sounds so fun....but it's not. It's death along with torture, especially if you're not a detailed orientated person. That makes it 8475984375 times worse. I pulled probably over 15 all nighters this semester (I'm not exaggerating), and I looked like a zombie 70% of the time. It required a lot of time that I didn't enjoy giving, and as a result, I changed directions. I now study Communications. I love to help people, and impact them in a positive way, so I think this is a better step towards what God has in store for my life. :)

Heel clicks on my way to recycle all of my interior design things. Hip hip hooray! 

#DefeatingTheHuns

Overall, I think the best word to describe my year would be growth. Looking back at myself a year ago, I was kind of a hot mess. God has truly repaired what was broken, and given me a new life of freedom in Him. I'm so thankful for the place that I was in, along with the place that I'm in now. It's truly a blessing when you think about how good God has been to you when you don't deserve it. Cheers to the year that my that life really began. Peace out 2013!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! :)