Winter break bliss and 2011

I've been feeling a TON better these past couple days. :)

I'm not sure what it is, maybe just being home, relaxing, hanging out, family time, God time, OR a combination of all of those things.

I really really love being home for break. I think I'm appreciating it WAY more this time because I know what's coming up next semester. Don't get me wrong, I am way excited for student teaching, but I know how time consuming it will be...especially after having my little taste of it with my J-block placement. It's so nice being on break and getting to read whatever I want, whenever I want. Catching up on shows. Being with friends. Gosh. Love it.

Today I read over these couple verses in my Bible over and over. They brought so much comfort today and I love how they apply so well.

4But God--so rich is He in His mercy! Because of and in order to satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved us,

5Even when we were dead (slain) by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; [He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him, for] it is by grace (His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved ([a]delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation).

6And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together [giving us [b]joint seating with Him] in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One).

7He did this that He might clearly demonstrate through the ages to come the immeasurable (limitless, surpassing) riches of His free grace (His unmerited favor) in [His] kindness and goodness of heart toward us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:5-7

All of Ephesians 2 is reaal good. :)


Today is the day I also went to the doctor for my anxiety. I know a lot of people have their own opinions on that sort of thing, but I just want to do what's right for me personally. It's such a constant battle and I really believe that (at least for right now) something could be done to help me. My doctor talked with me a little bit and then gave me a prescription for Zoloft. Hopefully the side effects won't be too bad, and it'll help me rather than hurt me. We shall see.

It's totally not a "spur of the moment thing" though, it's something I've thought about often and also prayed about. I don't have the desire to tell many people about it..I'm mainly putting it on here for my own records..=)


2011 is almost here!

2010 was a pretty successful year I'd say.

I...
-conquered ALL of my early childhood classes and got all A's in them
-successfully passed two summer courses, one while working
-got to go on a mission trip to California and learned a whole lot about myself and who I am in God
-made it through some rough drama with a fellow Christian and I think we're both stronger for it
-turned 21!!
-got bangs =)
-learned to play ukulele
-joined worship team at church
-PASSED my Ed certification tests
-volunteered a week of my time at an overnight camp

So yes, overall, good year.

I was thinking about it, and I don't think this was one of those HUGE growing in God years. I definitely grew with God. Just, not as much as I would have liked to say I did. I learned a bunch of important lessons, but then in other ways I feel like I took some steps backward. I was really up and down this year, but I do also think that is necessary sometimes.

Here are some of my goals for 2011:
-LOVE love love, EVERY single person I come across.
-Don't overlook the people around me.
-Pray. about everything. All the time. Everyday.
-Spend lots of time in God's word.
-Exercise and eat healthier
-Take things/life events in stride (and let God handle them)

:) Bring on the new year!