Looking back and Looking Forward

It is all coming to a close. 

Freshmen year is almost over. 

Looking back I...

Struggled.

Fell a few times.

Had a few panic attacks.

Cried.

Restled with the Lord.

BUT I also...

Succeeded.

Triumphed.

Laughed until I cried.

Smiled.

Learned.

And tried to Shine for the Lord in all I do.

Safe to say, I had my ups and downs.

There were times when I called my mom crying hysterically, because I felt that I just couldn't make the grades that I needed. 

There were times when Christina and I would have deep conversations in the car and we would talk for hours.

There were times when I felt alone.

There were times when I danced like no one was watching. Can you say awkward running man?!

There were times when I would be in the library until it closed and stayed up until 3am studying for my Anatomy and Biology tests.

There were times when my friends and I would go on Sonic runs and jammed in the car.

I have many good and bad memories, but you know what got me through? My Heavenly Father.

It sounds cliche, but IT IS THE TRUTH. 

In my sad moments, the Lord was there.

In my happy moments, the Lord was there.

In my freak-out moments, the Lord was there.

I am completely thankful for His CONSTANT PRESENCE IN MY LIFE.

Now I wanted to make a list of Goals for Sophomore year:

1) In the craziness of school, to stay consistent with the Lord. NOT just reading my bible, but constantly talking with Him, telling Him everything, praying to Him, loving Him, and always looking to Him.

2) Do not spread myself too thin. This was a mistake I made this year with friends. I need to make deeper friendships.

3) Less me, more others. Instead of focusing on myself so much, focus my attention on other's needs.

4) Get more involved in my church Mosaic. I want to give back to the church.

5) To be more joyful. Joy comes from the Lord, all you have to do is ask. The Lord brings JOY!

6) To not freak-out so easily about school. And when I begin to stress, to remind myself that I am right inside the palm of God's hands.

7) To call my family more often. I call my mom the most which is wonderful, but I need to work on calling my daddy and brother and grandparents and uncles and aunties  and cousins more often too.

8) To be a LIGHT in the dark world.

9) Get into a habit of getting up earlier to read my Bible before class to feel refreshed and renewed before I start my day.

10) To love and be loved. Love the Father. Love my family. Love my sisters. Love my friends. 

JUST LOVE. 

*Make your own list and see if you can actually follow through in the Fall. Also, keep me accountable okay? Okay!

If you are just starting College in the Fall, do not be overwhelmed, because the Lord is watching over you all the time. He wraps himself around you. Do not be scared, but excited! A new chapter for your life. The Lord is ready for you!

Lastly, I just want to say a thank you to all my friends here at Samford and back home for loving on me, praying for me, and caring for me. And to my parents and grandparents for sending those cards in the mail all the time. You make my days much brighter and encourage me to keep going! I love each of y'all dearly. Now, please keep sending those cards while I'm at Pine Cove this summer :) 

LOVE TO ALL!