And so it comes to a close.

My friends, it is almost a new year! Can you believe it?! 2009 was probably the most blessed/hardest year I have ever had. God did some HUGE things in my life this year. I'm excited to say that I have never been on a deeper level with Him before, just learning to get to know and love my Savior is still such a refreshing and inspiring journey. Anyhoo, let's recap on Christmas break thus far!

Well Oklahoma broke the state record for a blizzard! I think there was up to 6 ft or more of snow? It was insane!
So needless to say we were home all day on Christmas eve, unwrapping presents, napping, watching tv and I was finishing up a scrapbook I made for my boyfriend and I. I always love sweet projects like those! Give me abox of ribbon, glitter, cardstock and pictures...I'll make it happen! :)

Christmas day ended up being not so bad either. The snow had been cleared off of the mainstreets and through very select neighborhoods so we were able to get out and spend some time with sweet families! My sister, her boyfriend, my self and my boyfriend went sledding and played in the snow. Then we went and saw Alvin and the Chipmunks, (it was really funny). The rest of the weekend was spent having dinner with my parents, watching movies and spending time with my boyfriends family. I was in constant amazement of the beautiful people that surrounded me all weekend. The holidays are such special times and so great for seeing everyone together. I felt very blessed to be able to see all of these awesome families and be apart of celebrating of our Saviors birth! I'm very grateful for having so many blessings and this season has just been a great reminder of that!


So what could I possiblly want for another year in my life? I've decided on three things that God has completely shaken my heart up to this year.

1) Live out my passions. I want to live with wreckless abandon over the things I am passionate about! My future career, my talents, my burdens especially. I am convinced I was created to be a passionate person for a very good reason...because it's what moves me and others around me. God has given me a fiery heart is what I' been told alot. He knows exactly how I reach people and that's through having a heart that beats for them or something. I want to be focused on this more this year.

2) Be a Mary, not a Martha. Everyone knows the story of Mary and Martha when Jesus comes to their home. Martha is running around preparing the house, Mary is sitting at the feet of Jesus. She is listening, ganging onto every word, savoring time with Him...Martha and I are alot alike. I spend so much time preparing for Jesus...trying to get good deeds accomplished and be a better servant and I get so busy I forget this wisdom God spoke into my heart today, "You cannot be the servant I want unless you are spending time listening and seeking me." Ouch. It hit me like a ton of bricks today. I have given Him my devotion to doing the deeds, but have neglected to adequately spend time with Him. Sprry Martha, I need to get closer to Mary.

3) Patience, Trust and Faith. I think these somehow make into my "resolutions" every year. There come several points throughout the year that I face doubt, fear, anxiety and discouragment...welcome to breathing:) In my heart, my reaction is to immdeiately "figure things out." Get things on a to-do list, make an evaluation, search and rescue...etc. But I have come to find that God sometimes will simply tell me to stop, drop everything and give Him praise for what I am facing. And that is HARD for me. Because you see, worship doesn't exactly give you the solution, the comfort of having a problem solved. It doesn't tell you everything will be okay soon. But sometimes, that's just how it's supposed to be. God knows what we can bear and how much. He knows our aches and our doubts. But He needs us to recognize that no matter what...He deserves the glory, the praise and our love. Sometimes it will take everthing you have to drop it all and just worship Him, but if we want a life filled with knowing and really feeling Jesus in our lives, we have to. God's greatest treasures are in store for us, we owe it to Him to give Him praise all the time, everyday, for the rest of our lives. I want to grow in patience, trust and faith.


Happy New Years!!! (I plan to enjoy a few glasses of that nice, bubbly...grape juice:) Praying for you guys! :)