2016 has been a year of unexpectedness, adjustment, and many highs and lows. Not to say it hasn't been good; it's the year I said yes to marrying the most amazing man! It's been a year of hard work, with my black belt training and my fiance's paramedic school. We've pushed through rough seasons [ridiculously busy schedules] to ones of joy [we got engaged!] only to be back with the hardship of grieving the passing of loved ones. Two things have stood out to me the most looking back over the year: adjustment and prayer.

Adjustment: Whoever said the only thing constant in change was absolutely right. This year has been adjustment in priorities. Building a life with someone takes time, energy, humility, patience, and just plain work. Being engaged can be an awkward flux. I still feel so close to my family and continue to check in with my parents, updating them on life. Yet, I'm making decisions about a future apart from them. My fiance and I are deciding where to live, jobs to be applying for, and timelines for life events. While my parents can give advice on certain principles, many of these decisions aren't about them. Learning to balance seeking counsel and "adulting" as a married couple can be really hard.

Building a life with someone means checking with them about big decisions- duh. This is actually really challenging if you've never done this before. You mean I should check on his expectations for the number of classes I take or how far away I'm working? Actually, yeah. This doesn't mean we do everything the other says, but if the choice affects someone, you should check with him or her. This is an incredible lesson in humility and just how prideful we can be. God's grace overflows and I'm so grateful we're never alone in this journey.

Prayer: While 2015 was focused on a knowledge base of the Bible, 2016 has been focused on prayer. Sure, I prayed before, but I've never experienced the power of it until this last year. In the grief of my grandpa's passing, and a host of other struggles, I cried out to God so often, and He always showed up. He never fails to be present with me. The Power Of A Praying Wife spurred me to pray more specifically for my man, giving me verses to pray over him. Through doing this I've seen a change in my own heart towards him, one becoming more tender and understanding. We've got a long way to go, but God is the perfect example of and supporter in faithfulness.

God has answered my prayers time and time again, even in ways I didn't expect. I'm more than grateful for this last year walking with Him. His provision for me is astounding. I look forward to next year with great anticipation knowing that He is good.