What a year. There have been parts of 2016 I've loved and then some I did not really care for. Regardless of it all I have learned so much this year.

1. I learned that there are a world of opportunities for me

In March this year I went to Guatemala on a mission trip with my school. It was so eye opening to me in more ways than one. While in Guatemala we went to help in different schools in the area. Jesus gave me a love for that place. It definitely has a special place in my heart, and I realized that Jesus could take me anywhere. I realized that my life is not limited to just the town I grew up or the town I would go to college in, but Jesus could lead me all the way to somewhere like Guatemala. My life is not limited in Him.

But He said, "The things that are impossible with people are possible with God." Luke 18:27

2. I learned that Jesus will be with me wherever I go

In August I started college at Anderson University and the day before move in day I was terrified. I was terrified of missing my family (which I still do) and missing out on so many things happening at home. Once I got here I felt so much peace, even after my family left, that I knew was from the Lord. He has been there with me through every homesick feeling and every fun adventure I have been on.

"What's more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you." Genesis 28:15

3. I learned that I have taken many things for granted

From ice (yes, I miss an ice maker, we do not have that in our dorm) to clean laundry (thanks mom) to favorite restaurants, I have taken so many things for granted. One thing in particular is my church at home. The first Sunday I was at college I had a longing to be with my church family so much that I wanted to drive three hours home just to worship with them. Thankfully since then I have found a great church here where I feel like I can serve and worship. Jesus definatly is containing to stretch me and mold me, but it is making me a better follower of Him wherever I go!

"Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts." Colossians 3:16

4. I learned that Jesus is the best friend I could ask for

I have met so many awesome people this year! Some are from around the world and some right here where I live. People are not perfect though. They will fail you. I have always been a people-pleaser, but this year specifically I have learned that I should not put my hope in people because they are sinful, but rather I should put my hope in Jesus. He is always there for me and always wants to talk to me.

"No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you." John 15:15

5. I learned that His Ways are higher than mine.

Ever since I remember I have had a plan for my life. I remember talking with one of my friends in seventh grade late at night and dreaming about what our lives would turn out like. I knew when I wanted to date, when I wanted to get married, how many children I wanted (of course their names), and exactly what I wanted to do. The problem with this though is that it was all about me. I wanted a boyfriend. I wanted a certain career, but Jesus has something else planned for me. I have come to realize that I would not have it any other way. I live for Him and Him alone, so I want all glory to go to Him not me. He has given me the thing I needed most, a relationship with Him, so why would He with hold anything else I need?

"By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence." 2 Peter 1:3

6. WE HAVE HOPE

We are not here for ourselves, we are here to bring Jesus glory. We have hope when things are not going our way. He is coming soon and we have a mission to accomplish. It is time for us to stop making New Year's Resolution and to rather follow what Jesus has called us to since the beginning. This is nothing new, but it could be to someone. GO AND TELL. SHARE YOUR HOPE. Let's live like it is our last day because He is coming soon!

"Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done." Revelation 22:12