It started off the best way possible--a little time talking with Jesus. He helped me remember all the incredible things that happened in my 20th year of life. Ephesians 3:20 is spot on for me--"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us." His power sure worked in me a lot this year--and He definitely did immeasurably more than I could ever imagine Him doing in my 20th year of life. I'm sure He works a lot other years, but I "habitually neglected to reflect on the past." Not this year! :) Here's a few highlights:
[1] My friendship with Matt started the night of my 20th birthday with a walk...and it's become an amazingly blessed relationship walking by God's guidance the entire way.
[2] I started going to Harp & Bowl on Thursday nights at 1st Ref. in Sioux Center. Amazing time of prayer and worship with fellow brothers & sisters in Christ. I've learned so much about God's heart for me and His people. I've learned what it means to align my heart to His to also love Him, myself, and His people the same way.
[3] I've been blessed with two internships with a stellar ministry here in Sioux Center--ATLAS. One was this summer. I learned the importance of deepening my roots in God's love. He makes me strong so I can stop trying on my own. Ephesians 3:17b "Your roots will grow down deep into God's love and keep you strong." The other one was this past semester. I got to dig deep into Revelation and other End Times books. Exciting stuff!! :)
[4] I met Arlene Schuiteman in June. She modeled an intimate love relationship with Jesus and has helped me realize that's the relationship that He desires with every one of His people. Do you understand that He is our Bridegroom!? She has also poured so much wisdom, advice, encouragement, affirmation, and loving care on my life. I love our friendship between a 21 year old and 88 year old. :)
[5] I got to go to San Diego, CA along with all around the area during a fun volleyball season.
[6] I got to go to Chicago by MegaBus to visit Matt and his parents. Then I got to go to Washington to meet his whole family at Christmas.
[7] I got to go to Laos to visit sista Christa over Christmas break. I got to see Kirsten and Heather too!
[8] I've gotten to know my adorable nephews better. Brayden is downright hilarious. Noah never stops smiling. Both of them make me so happy and I'm so blessed to see them so often! :)
[9] I've gotten to go home many Sundays to spend time with my incredible family. Matt's been able to join this past semester too! :) Sundays are so great. I love my family.
[10] I got to see the HOME Building grow from the back of the old Wal-Mart building into what it is today. www.sc-home.org What a story!! :)
[11] I got to help out on Sunday nights at the Asylum in LeMars and meet some pretty cool people that are passionate about helping youth! I also got to pair that experience with a Youth Ministry class at Dordt this semester :)
[12] I got to go to YA-TEC #47 in February and finally got to experience what all the fuss is about! ;)
[13] I learned more leadership skills through a number of venues. God's given me boldness to be willing to use these where He sees fit.
[14] I started this blog and was a columnist for the Dordt Diamond. I got to experience God stretching me into just commenting on what others had to write to having enough courage/boldness to write my own ideas. :)
[15] I deepened friendships. I got to make new friendships. I made a whole lot more special acquaintances.
[16] God taught me some pretty crucial things: *He rewards those who trust in Him. *the importance of deep roots in Him that never stop going deeper *to not be a people pleaser but a God-pleaser! 1 Thes. 2 *to stop trying to transform people and to realize that God does the transformation. My job is to keep my eyes focused on Him like a dove. *that faithfulness means being devoted to God even when I don't feel like it or feel Him near *that I can boldly come right into His presence (Hebrews 10:19-22) and definitely don't have to earn it--that's ridiculous!! :)
See? I told you. Immeasurably more than all I could ever ask or imagine.
And to think!!--God does all this and so much more to reveal how much He loves me. When I realize that God does everything He does to draw me closer to Him, I can't help but fall in love with Him and want to love Him right back. He has captivated my heart! :)
Here's my little encouragement for you to reflect on your own past year and ask God to help you remember what He's done for you and how He's transformed you. Every big and little thing you think of is because God wants to draw you closer.
I hope you can't help but fall in love with Him too. :)
I hope you can't help but fall in love with Him too. :)
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