I am full.

Full of encouragement, of love, and of hope for the future. God did a work of art in my life in 2010, and he still is, I’m looking forward to this year, 2011 is going to be awesome!
One of my goals is to blog more (at least three or four times a week) I want writing to become a vital part of my life, a reflection of my past and a hope for my future.
So here we go...


 ...I really don't even know what to say.

Truth is, I haven't written a post in some time because I've been dreading it. I'm never sure what to say. Always wanting my post to be insightful, inspirational, and encouraging.

So where to start?

Starting a new year always leave me with questions. I never know what to expect. God always surprises me. I'm never the same, but he always is. I'm always second guessing myself, but he's always constant. And that's what I love the most there's always that one thing that stays the same no matter what and I am so thankful that God is always constant and always by my side. 

As I brought in the new year the verse that kept replaying in my head is Jeremiah 29:11. I believe this verse with all my heart and It says this-

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Wow. Do you understand what this is saying? God is FOR us. That is so powerful to me and leaves me stunned in amazement. You mean to tell me after all the my mistakes and blemishes, God wants to protect me and not harm me? I'm not worthy, but Lord, thank you. God has my future all mapped out, He has a plan... and that gives me so much hope and leaves me anticipating this next year. I'm looking forward to the way God will challenge me in this upcoming year. Thinking back on this last year and All of the emotions and challenges I've dealt with in the past year have really been taking a toll on me, but making me stronger at the same time. I can see the good that has come from these challenges, as well as the bad. But all in all very much God filled.

I've been really looking forward to this next semester at Ozark! College has been wonderful! I have enjoyed every single minute of it.  I can't even begin to describe to you how happy I am to learn more every day, to meet new people and to see what God has planned.

Christmas break has been wonderful! Colorado as always has been grand!
I've missed the people, the smells, the sights, the feeling of home - there really is not anything greater than those things. But with hellos come goodbyes, and that truly is always hard for me to do.
I know that Colorado doesn't define who I am, but for 18 years of my life I conquered life here - the good times and bad. It seems impossible to separate myself from that. I don't think I should have to, either, but there is a part of me that has to move on and detatch myself and realize that I live in Joplin now and this is my new reality. Oh how I long to see what God has in store for me there. 

So, alas, here are my resolutions for 2011:
1. More blogging (once or twice a week)
2. Pursue My passions. Never question the gifts God has given me, use them!
3. Start playing guitar again
4. Keep getting involved at church. I want to meet new people and form relationships with them.
5. I want to Dream and Dream BIG!
6. Work hard at school! Do my best and enjoy learning.
7. Work out more often, eat healthier than I have been the last few months.
8. Pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus. He has all the answers I need to life
9. Love people more
10. Become more of a confident person and to feel more comfortable in my own skin and walk in that on a daily basis