year two thousand eleven

what i've learned this year- 2011

i can hardly believe how much i have been through and learned this year. life is full of pain, and there is no escaping it. i am seeing that we aren't here to live sheltered, happy lives. no. we are here to magnify our creator god; to show him to dark, broken souls. eternity is for perfect pleasure. i'm okay with hurt here. that is a great mystery, requiring eternal perspective. i have grown this year, in trust, belief, my ability to share, my convictions. there were times when i was so faithful in prayer and reading and studying the word, and i got to see just how much god can transform me when i am diligent to open myself to him.

when i look back over 2011, i see god's hand leading me in powerful ways at every single turn. he drew me to himself and sent everything in to my life for that purpose. i had a lot of fun this year-- sailing in the islands, beach project, europe, happy in alabama, deepened relationships, navarre, group dates, jam sessions, family date nights, thanksmas. i have felt surrounded and protected by love from so many friends and family. i joined chbc, traveledacross the globe, grew really close to emily, ross, joe, and beka and duncan and mom and dad. i got my first C, learned Russian, worked at a deli, got an cool internship at Citizen Effect, joined a swim team, buried a dear friend, stood as a my sister's maid of honor, visited NYC in the snow, walked through history in rome and london, camped under a blanket of stars on mount mitchell, navigated a sail boat to anegada, hosted dinner parties and lots of "babies" in the cottage, worked really hard at school, doubted, questioned, read, studied, talked, fasted, cried alot. loved.

i am excited about next year. so much uncertainty, as always. but good uncertainty, because i know christ will lead me.