Who knew a little dog could teach me so much about Jesus?!

This past week has been challenging. It's been full of tears, laughter, sorrow and joy.

When I was in high school, my family got a dog for Christmas. We named him Bandit. He was a tiny papitese who was three pounds fully grown. He brought a lot of joy to our family.

Tuesday night Bandit was struck by a car and passed away. It was very unexpected and a terrible accident. Amongst all of the sadness, I encountered God in a way that I never had before.

Wednesday morning I came into work and was talking to my supervisor about the terrible accident that happened the night before. She comforted me as I was crying and let me take my time telling the story. She then went out to run errands and I was in the office alone. Another wave of tears came, but this time it was for a completely different reason. These tears had nothing to do with losing my dog- it had everything to do with the realization of how much Jesus loved me.

I grew up in church. I've walked with Jesus for 11 years, but it wasn't until Wednesday mid-morning that I began to realize how much Jesus really loves me. I know that I'll never completely understand how much- but I certainly got an idea this time.

I was thinking about Bandit. He was an inside dog. I belong to a family that it constantly on the run, which means Bandit was left at home alone a lot, chained to a chair in our kitchen. He also tended to bark... A LOT. Every time he heard a noise, knock at the door, door bell or see an animal outside- he would go absolutely ballistic. My family found it to be extremely annoying. There were other times where he would sit at your feet, look up at you and beg to come sit on your lap. This was usually because you had food that he wanted. Many times I would just ignore him because I didn't want to deal with having to keep him from getting into food he wasn't supposed to have.

Then it hit me like a ton of bricks...

How I treated Bandit is a lot like how I treat Jesus. How many times do I try to chain God to a chair and tell Him I'll be back later- when it's more convenient for me to spend time with Him? It's a lot more than I'd like to admit. I can see Bandit in the back of my mind, stretching his leash as far as it will let him go, just to be near me. Many times he would come lay on the couch, but always having some part of his body touching me, just so he could touch me. I didn't have to talk to him,  it didn't matter, he was just excited to be with me. I would come home from a long day at work, after leaving him by himself for hours, but when I'd walk through that door- he would be so excited to see me.


What a beautiful picture of unconditional love.


Jesus is the exact same way. I can ignore Him, reluctantly spend time with Him because I feel guilty or not spend any time with Him at all- but He's still there. He is so excited when I want to spend time with Him and longs for me to acknowledge Him when I'm "too busy" doing something else. He even loves it when I come into His presence, not saying a word and just sit there. He just wants to be with me all of the time, no matter what I'm doing. He longs to be my best friend!

All I could hear was Jesus saying, "Sarah, don't you see? This is how I love you. You can push me under a rug, ignore me or spend time with me out of guilt, but I still love you. I still want to be with you all of the time. Yes, it hurts when you ignore Me, but it doesn't change my love for you. I still want to be your best friend." 

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

The next verse goes on to tell us that we are friends of God. He calls us His friend...He showed us the greatest love by laying His life down for us.

Since that encounter on Wednesday morning, I've even begun to view people differently...

Thursday afternoon I had my first encounter with a trans-gender. She walked through the door and clearly she was not a natural woman. I began to talk to her and after she left, I was shocked that not one judgmental thought came to mind. All I could think about was how nice she was. She was so sincere with all of her words and she even asked if her clothes were appropriate because she didn't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable.

Then I realized that if this situation would have happened just 24 hours before, I would have been so quick to jump to conclusions about this person. That's when I heard Christ say, "I love you no more or no less than I love her... when I was on the cross, you both were on my mind." I'm so tired of seeing sins being "categorized." She struggles with her identity... well, I struggle with pride. I'm pretty sure those are both sins. No sin is greater than the other. Jesus came for the sinners... He hung out with the sinners. I hope that I can show His love to whoever I come in contact with.

"For we ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." -Romans 3:23

I challenge you, before you go and make assumptions about other people, look at yourself. We all struggle with something. Jesus died so that we could be free (free doesn't mean perfect or that you won't stumble... but it does mean that we can have life in Christ, knowing that we are forgiven)!

I truly believe once we realize the love of God and what unconditional love truly looks like, we wouldn't struggle in loving other people. I have a jacked up life. Quite frankly, if I were God, I would have given up on me a long time ago. Why? Because I'm a human who has conditional love, whether I like to admit it or not. The flesh lives with conditional love, but the Spirit has unconditional love. It's a constant battle, learning to love as Christ loves. I'm so glad that He is full of grace, to take me as I am, dust me off and call me His.

Who knew that a little three pound puppy dog could teach me more about Jesus than I've experienced in 21 years.

Goodbye, Bandit. You were a great dog and I will always remember the excitement you showed every time I walked through that door. I will miss you! 

I'm changing the definition of "True Love Waits"

So I've discovered that I don't believe in "True Love Waits" like most people believe in it. In fact, I may not believe in it at all.

Now before you continue to read, there is something that you need to understand: I want you to hear my heart in this. To some, this post could sound angry and resentful, but that's not the way it's intended to sound. I want this to be encouraging. I'm in a season of life where I am not looking for a relationship- but I have many friends that are... so I wanted to share my heart and things that God has taught me over the years with them. :)

Yesterday, a friend of mine posted an article on facebook about True Love Waits rings and it really got me thinking.

I received a True Love Waits ring when I was 13. I signed the little contact and hid it away in my jewelry box so I could give it to my husband someday. Just like the lady who wrote the article I mentioned earlier.

I wore that ring faithfully for years, knowing that if I waited long enough, God would send me my prince. Why would I think otherwise- it's what I (and most girls) are taught. It's almost as if love is a fairytale... we wait for a man to sweep us off of our feet and then life magically becomes easier.

I was attending a christian conference in college and, ironically enough, my ring breaks...during a session on purity. Nice. After contemplating whether I was going to get it fixed or replace it, I decided not too.

The article got me thinking about the decision I made to not replace my ring 3 years ago...

It saddens me how many girls today go into crisis mode when there are no male prospects in site. Especially older girls. I feel like society expects every woman to grow up, go to college, meet the love of their life, graduate, get married and have kids. Then society does an awesome job at making some women feel like failures if they are over the age of 25 with no husband in site. Think about it... how many books are out about waiting for "the one," there are tons of step by step books in preparing yourself for marriage some day... it's almost as bad as the number of dieting books on the shelves.

Please understand this: I have no problem with books on relationships, or Bible studies on relationships, or singles groups (heck, I'm in one). It's important to fellowship with people who are in the same season of life with you. But when a season of singleness is something that defines you... it's unhealthy.

We are taught from such a young age that we should "wait" (mostly referring to having sex before marriage) and someday God will bless you with Mr. Right and then you can move on with all of the awesome plans God has for you.

And for the record...I'm not "waiting" because I signed some contract and told my parents that I would wait (that's religious, I don't do religion)... I'm waiting because I love Jesus and want to honor Him with my life by obeying His Word. (That's relationship...the good stuff).

Then we see some single ladies continue to wait as they continue to get older, see many of their friends marry, wondering why it's not happening for them. Some are waiting a lot longer than they thought they would have too, then become tired of waiting, some become resentful of others relationships and some even become resentful of God.

I've heard countless married women say that their biggest realization after getting married was that their husbands aren't God- they are not able to fulfill them the way Jesus can. Life continues to go on after the wedding, hardships are still present. Life doesn't all of a sudden turn into a perfect fairytale. Why? Fairytales don't exist. And that's okay! What a blessing to have a partner, your best friend, do life with you, help you and support you through every season of life. It's meant to be a blessing, but I've learned from so many people that it is by no means easy. Which is also okay!  If it's easy, it's probably not worth working for :)

I mean just think about it, how many times have we told ourselves, "if I just had this, then I would be happy," then we get whatever that thing is and are left unfulfilled and unsatisfied. What makes you think that marriage would be any different? Love and marriage is something that I see idolized almost everywhere I go- I remember my sophmore year of college calling my mom with tears running down my face, explaining to her how I would give everything up just to be loved by a man. (Thankfully, I've grown up quite a bit since then). I was so blind. Yes, I still desire relationship, love and marriage, but it is not on top of my list of things to do. It is not going to dictate my joy...because if it does, it will leave me unsatisfied and unfulfilled.

I want Jesus to be the greatest reality in my life... in my singleness and someday, in my marriage. I want Him to be my ultimate source of fulfillment- because He is the one who can fulfill.

I decided a long time ago that I'm not going to continue to wait for life to happen the way so many people think it should happen. I'm almost 22 years old, graduated from college, in a career... with no man in site.

Am I freaking out and going into panic mode? Absolutely not.

Please do not get me wrong- I greatly desire a husband and a family someday. I strongly believe marriage is a beautiful thing and that God delights in it. But I refuse to wait around letting life pass me by because it's not happening the way others say it should.

I LOVE Jesus. I want Him to have my whole heart. He knows what's best for me and all things happen in His perfect timing.

Friends, please, I beg you, do not ignore what's going on in your life right now because you're afraid of missing your Mr. Right. God is so much bigger than that!

Enjoy what He has for you right now, in this season of your life. Stop playing the waiting game. Jesus gives us a reason to be joyful in every season of life!

My prayer is that you would be fully satisfied in Christ, knowing that He knows what's best for you. I promise you that the Lord will not keep you from a good thing. He loves blessing you. He loves to see you smile and see you full of joy! But don't let your circumstances dictate your joy- there is always a reason to rejoice!

I will not forget His promises!

As I was driving down the road on my way to school yesterday, "All Things New" by Elevation Worship was playing when I felt the presence of God enter my car. I had been struggling with what to think about the sudden change that was coming at the end of this semester. I heard the Lord say to me, "My daughter, I am working on your behalf." I immediately felt peace, knowing that He would hold true to this promise!

Over the last few weeks I have been having "mini anxiety attacks." I've only had one major bout of anxiety that was quickly dealt with. Anxiety is something that I have never struggled with, so it was a little difficult to pinpoint at first. I thought it was the Holy Spirit strongly convicting me of something, but I couldn't figure out what I was doing that was wrong. After speaking to a few of my wonderful friends, I discovered the anxiety.
My lovely friend, Victoria, gave me such an encouraging Word from God! She was basically explaining to me that I was entering a new season in life. That is exciting to know, but at the same time it's tough. Transition and change is hard!
In just a few weeks, I will be experiencing change like never before. For the first time I will not have to attend class everyday, complete assignments or present projects. I will be working 40 hours a week for the first time in my entire life. It's exciting, because I will be doing what I love and what I am passionate about, but at the same time I'm leaving a life that I have gotten comfortable with over the last 3 years. I will be living back at home with my family (which I am so excited about), but will be leaving 3 great roommates... 2 of which have been with me since my freshman year of college.
It's almost like I'll be learning to live again. I believe the anxiety was coming from the unknown. Not knowing what friendships I will develop, where I will make my gym home or what I will do after my internship. I believe the scariest part is not knowing where I will go or what I will do once my internship is completed in the summer.
A lot of things are happening in my life right now. Some joyful, some not so joyful, some confusing and some fun. It's a bitter sweet feeling as I enter into the last part of this semester.

All I know and hold onto is the promise that was made to me yesterday morning driving down the road. The Lord is working on my behalf! All I have to do is trust Him and He will provide the way for me. A way that is far more perfect than I could ever imagine!

My dear friends, I challenge you to trust in the Lord! He is working on your behalf!

Ten Days Miami Part 1

A little over a month ago, I was presented with the opportunity to go on a missions trip with Ten Days Missions in Miami, Florida. I was hesitant to go at first, but am so glad that I did. I am sitting here in Miami writing this blog and have plenty of fun stories and pictures to share. I actually have so many that I will have to make this into a two or three part blog, but I will try my best to keep it at two.

My roommate, Brittany, also raised support to go on the trip. We were both so excited about our first plane ride ever! The first phase was packing, and packing we did. I've always been a bad over-packer and the fact that I was getting on an airplane didn't stop this horrible habit. I got two free checked backs, a carry on and a personal bag and you better believe I got my money's worth haha! Here is a picture of mine and Brittany's bags (believe it or not, we were only packing for 6 days).

Also notice the lovely bows we made just for our suit cases :)

Evangelism is not necessarily my strength. I am more of a relational, being Jesus to people every day type person. Walking up to some random person and starting a conversation about God is extremely difficult for me. I know that sounds funny, because I have an outgoing personality, but it is true. I struggle with this area.

The team was here to help with a church plant that is going on in Miami near Florida International University. Miami is one of the most unchurched places in America. The pastors here are heavily burdened for the people of Miami. While we were on campus, we handed out fliers and got student's information to plug them into a church.

This week a team of 27 students and leaders from UNC, ECU and Texas State is doing outreach on the campuses of Florida International University and The University of Miami. We were using "The God Test" as our evangelism tool. This test is designed as a conversation piece about God, asking challenging questions and making the person think about what exactly it is that they believe. The first question simply asks, "Do you believe in God?" Their answer dictates what the questions will be after that. I have done The God Test before, and had never encountered an unbeliever until yesterday. I went up to this guy and asked him if he had a few minutes to talk (mind you, I was with another guy... so it wasn't weird haha) he put his notebook down and said yes. I explained to him about the God Test and then asked the first question, "Do you believe in God?" He looked at me and replied, "No." My heart sunk and then a little bit of panic came in because I was scared I would mess up. I continued on asking the questions and he gave good answers, but they still didn't make much sense, to me at least. We had a good conversation and he was very open about what he thought. He was not interested in becoming a christian, but thanked me for the way I presented the gospel because I was the first person that he had ever talked to that did not preach at him. It was good to know that he saw me as a person that was genuinely interested in what he believed instead of preaching at him. I want people to see my differently, I'm not here to condemn you or make you feel like the scum of the earth. I know that because of our conversation, he is processing all that he thinks he believes and I hope and pray that he will come to know Christ one day.

I had the chance to talk to other believers and listen to their views on God. I heard some great answers that lined up with the Bible and I heard some questionable answers that didn't necessarily line up with the Bible 100%. It was neat to be able to discuss the Gospel with them and really encourage each other to stand strong in faith and believe God to impact the campus.

In the afternoons, we brought out cornhole boards and a football and hung out in popular areas of campus. We invited students to come and hang out with us. It was a great time hanging out, getting to know people and to relax from our busy day.

Hanging out at Florida International University

Having fun relaxing with the team!

There was a lot of art work that made for fun pictures!

Both campuses were beautiful! If I didn't have to consider out of state tuition and I didn't love ECU so much, I would definitely have considered going to The University of Miami! 

This is outside on the patio beside the food court at the University of Miami

The campus was breath taking and the weather was amazing!

This was a nice, peaceful patio directly outside of the law school

There was a pretty fountain right beside tables and covered swings so that students could study outside

I saw these plants outside of the Theatre Arts building and thought that they were really cool! I'm wanting some in my yard one day!

We had a great time hanging out with students and playing cornhole at Florida International University of Monday and Wednesday

FIU also had a beautiful campus with lots of places to talk with students

As you can see, Miami is a beautiful place! What would make it better is to have the campus sold out to Christ. My desire is that the people of Miami would encounter God like never before and that it would grow to be one of the fastest growing Christian cities in the world! I believe that God wants and will do awesome things in the city of Miami, especially on the college campus.

I will update more soon on other people that I had the chance to talk to and share more pictures of the team! 

Continue to pray as we wrap up our trip here. Tomorrow is our last full day and then we all fly back to our homes on Friday morning. I will miss Miami, but am certainly looking forward to getting back to Greenville for the completion of my senior year. I can't believe that there are only a few weeks left until all of this is over! God has taught me so much over these last 3 years and I am looking forward to Him putting His finishing touches on me for this season of my life! 

Let's see... last semester, cap and gown, missions trip, lots of pictures and Crossfit. I think that covers everything...

This is seriously the first time I have had to sit down, breathe and write a blog! I don't even know where to start.

I am in the final process of getting my internship secured. I want so badly to tell you where it's going to be, but I just can't yet. Bummer. I am not saying a word until my contract is officially signed (which will hopefully happen in the next week or two). I can tell you, though, that this internship will allow me to move back home! This year I have been fighting a lot of homesickness, which is funny because I didn't really have much of that my freshman year. Here I am a senior about to go crazy because I want to go home so bad! I guess that says a lot about your family if you're dying to move back home with them, right? I'm one blessed lady, that's for sure!

I wanted to do something a little different this semester since it's my final semester here at ECU. I'm not the greatest at taking pictures, so I decided to take a picture every single day until graduation. I think this is a great way to look back and remember all of the fun times once this whole college thing is finished. Here's a few pictures that I've taken since the semester has started:

When I first got back from Christmas break, Beauty in the Beast was re-released into theatres since 1991 (I was one years old) but this time it was in 3D! So of course I had to see it! My friends Megan and Meredith joined me because they were Disney junkies too! 

These two fellas entertain me during personal finance class. I have known Zack and Bryan for a while now, we both attend the same church and campus ministry. They make learning about money fun. 

Polar Bear Plunge 2012! I love Bianca to death! I'm so glad that she decided to jump with me. The water was a little colder than last year, but hey, if you jump you get a free t-shirt! I'll do just about anything for a free t-shirt. Why? I have no idea. Oh well, one more thing checked off the bucket list!

Dr. Jen from TLC's The Little Couple came and spoke at ECU. She was a very inspiring speaker who really proves that if you dream big, you can accomplish anything! 

I was able to go home a few weeks ago to get some things for my internship worked out and was able to have not one, but two handsome dates! This is my daddy and my little brother and I love them so much! Let's just say my Prince Charming has a whole lot to live up too!

This is one of mine and my roommates favorite things to do! Frozen yogurt makes the world go round in our apartment some weeks. Last night we were able to go out and catch up with our friend, Megan, who I hadn't seen in a while! We were also celebrating Brittany's first clinical working in the NICU. She absolutely loved it! I hope that a door opens for her to work in a NICU once she gets out of school! 

In just a few weeks, I am going on my first missions trip since I was 12 years old. I wanted to take a Ten Days missions trip before I graduated college and this is my chance! I will be traveling with a group of about 20 people to Miami, Florida so help with a church plant and to spread the Gospel on a few college campuses. I am looking forward to seeing all that the Lord is going to do there! Not to mention, this will be my first plane ride! I have been wanting to fly for sometime now, so I am excited that I am finally getting the chance! This will also be my roommate, Brittany's, first missions trip and her first time on a plane! I am excited about the experience she will have and am looking forward to seeing God move in her life in a powerful way!

Yesterday was a big day. I walked into the student store on ECU's campus, signed my name on the "Class of 2012" banner and picked up my cap and gown. It's funny all of the emotions that hit you when you finally have it in your hands. It was a bitter sweet moment and honestly, I was tearing up. As badly as I want to graduate and move on with life, there is a little part of me that wants to stay here forever. I go to the greatest school in the world. I will never forget the memories of my time here. My heart will always be purple and gold! :) 

Since I had success with my boot camp in my hometown, I decided to bring it to ECU! I have been running a lady's boot camp on Saturday mornings and we have been having a blast! These ladies come and work extremely hard and I am proud of them!

Speaking of being proud...

This is my beautiful mother standing outside of Crossfit Indian Trail. That's right, my mom started Crossfit. What does this mean? Well, it means my mom is tougher than your mom. Duh! No, but seriously, I'm extremely excited her for and hope that she continues to enjoy it!

Speaking of Crossfit....

I was in my first "Crossfit Gym Challenge" which is basically a local competition for any crossfitters in the area. I thought it would be a neat experience to go out and see what a competition is really like. 2 words: HARD CORE. It was that hardest yet most fun thing I have ever done! 

Oh, you better believe there are pictures...

(photo credit: Crossfit Tier 1)

This is my deadlifting more weight than I have ever deadlifted before. yay! 135 for 6 reps. I'll take it. Am I glad it's over? Yes. Am I ready to do it again? Yes!

Bar Facing Burpees. Such torturous fun!

Wall climbs? Sure, why not?!

(photo credit: Crossfit Tier 1)

This is everyone who was involved in the competition. They are some seriously strong people! Not only that, but they were all so welcoming. That's one thing that I love about Crossfit: I have yet to meet a jerk. Everyone is so nice and supportive. They will go out of their way to help you learn. It was awesome watching them compete and know that I will be able to get there one day! My goal is to do a gym challenge this time next year and be able to do prescribed weight! 

Garrett and I after the competition. He is the head of ECU Crossfit and possibly the toughest guy I know haha! I wish we could have had more people from ECU Crossfit there, but they weren't able to make it! Hopefully next year there will be a big group- I will certainly drive down to see it! 

I posted about my thoughts on Crossfit a few weeks ago. I believe I was talking about how I was checking it out and wasn't too sure about it yet. Well, let's just say I'm absolutely convinced that it is legit. Every training program has it's flaws and Crossfit certainly comes with them, but I'm not going to sit here and tell anyone not to do it. If there is any ounce of you that wants to try it- go do it! 

Although all of this fitness stuff is fun and can truly become addicting, there is one thing that I try to keep my mind focused on... this body is temporary. Yes, it is the temple of the Lord and needs to be honored and taken care of, but it is more important that my spiritual muscles are trained!

"Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come." 1 Timothy 4:8 Here's a challenge (for you and me both), make physical training an act of worship to God. He is the one that gave you your health and ability to train and you know what? He can take it away. I'm not saying that He is manipulative and will take it away if you do not honor Him. What I'm trying to say is we should show God that we are thankful by doing everything for His glory. This life is not about me. I have to remind myself of that every single day. I'm human, therefore I'm extremely selfish. God, this life belongs to you. I want to honor you in every single way that I can. In the classroom, in the gym, at home and everywhere else I go throughout the day, let it be worship to You!

Fighting Complacency

The new semester has started! It feels odd knowing that this is it... the last hoo-rah for school. I must say that I am more than ready to move on! I'm struggling with not wishing the time away. I know I will look back and treasure the moments I had at school forever, but the opportunity that I know is waiting for me in the future is just soo exciting!

Physically and Emotionally things are going great! I'm excited about moving on with my life and to see all that this semester holds.

Spiritually speaking, I'm definitely fighting some complacency. I feel as though I have fallen into a complacent phase in my spiritual life, but I don't want to be there. It truly snuck up on me out of no where. I believe that Christmas break was extremely busy and I found it very easy to neglect the time that I spent with God. I guess now I'm sort of feeling the consequences of that. Getting back in the groove of spending time with God can be difficult. My biggest desire is for God to mold my heart into the woman that He wants me to be. I want to walk with God-confidence, not selfish-pride. I want Him to be the center of every decision I make, every thought that I have and every action that I make. I want my life to reflect His love instead of my own desires and success.

It's funny, as I sit here typing all of this out, I can feel the Holy Spirit alive and moving in my heart. He wants me to have these desires.

My prayer for you (and most definitely myself) is that you will be so in tune with the Holy Spirit that it affects every single aspect of your life. That the way you think, talk and act would be changed. God wants to be your best friend! What are some things you can do to make this possible?
I know for me, I can not spend so much time procrastinating online and get my school work done so I'm not dead tired when it's time to spend time with Jesus. I also need to start of my day with reading a devotional and applying it throughout my day. I can also begin looking at the positive things in every situation, no matter how good or bad. I know I can start looking and asking for favor again. I'm all about me some F.O.G. (Favor of God), but lately I've been forgetting to ask for it!

Most of all, I want to trust the Lord. One of the biggest elements to a successful relationship (no matter what type of relationship it may be) is the element of trust. I want to give God my whole heart and allow Him to mold it the way He desires it to be!

 “As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all them that trust in Him.” - 2 Samuel 22:31


God's ways are absolutely perfect. They do not contain one flaw. I contain MANY flaws, and want Him to rub off on me as much as possible! It's easy to get distracted in todays society with so many things. I challenge you this week to set aside extra time with just you and Jesus. Pour your heart out to Him. He wants to hear about everything... yes, EVERYTHING. 

New Year, New Start!

I cannot believe that today is the first day of 2012! Where did 2011 go?!
2011 brought a lot of sweet memories and a lot of growth in my relationship with the Lord!

Of course, 2012 looks to bring a lot of excitement as well:
1) I GRADUATE COLLEGE!!! I can't believe that graduation is only 4 months and 5 days away! (Not like I'm counting down or anything...)
2) I'll start my internship
3) I'll get a job (everyone agree and claim it with me)!
4) This year will bring the end of my academic career.
5)The Lord's Favor will show heavily this year!
6) Did I mention that I graduate college?!

A few weeks ago, I heard an awesome sermon series about finding favor with the Lord. I wrote about it in a previous blog. As I enter this new year, I want to focus on finding His favor in every situation, whether I see it as good or bad. There's favor in everything, I just have to choose to look for it and acknowledge that it is there. So, there will be no "new year's resolution" for me this year, but I do plan to fully look for God's favor on my life in every situation.

This year will bring a lot of growth, change and adjustment. I look forward to all that God has in store! I feel like this year will have its handful of challenges, which is why I am having trouble getting excited about this new year, but I am working on being joyful.

No matter what this year brings, I want my heart to rejoice in the fact that I am walking in truth and that my heart belongs to the Lord! He is my defender and the love of my life! My heart belongs to Him and Him alone. No attack of the enemy will prosper because God is keeping my heart safe and protected!

I challenge you in this upcoming year to not only look for favor, but to walk in it. Don't let circumstances bring you down and rob you of your joy. The enemy wants more than anything to steal, kill and destroy you. Rejoice ALWAYS and be CONSTANT in prayer. Walk by the Spirit; He will lead you and show you where to go.

Happy 2012 to all of my wonderful readers. Thank you for joining me on my adventure of growing up. I hope that my blogs encourage you and challenge you to grow deeper in your relationship with Christ!

"Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."- Philippians 3:13-14 ESV