Year Ending!

As 2011 comes to a close, I really want to reflect on the most important things that happened. Every day in my life is an adventure so for the last 365 days, have been full of tons of adventures.  2011 started out like any other year. I had goals that I wanted to reach and  I had those New Year's resolutions that everyone has. I should have written these down because I forgot what they were and that is bad because it showed that  I didn't keep them. My journey with Christ continued to grow stronger and continue on its wild ride.  It had many ups and downs but the number one lesson I learned is that no matter what I go through in life, God is going to  love me immensely now and forever.

  In February, I went to my first ever college swimming championships known as MACS! I went with my team and didn't metal or anything but I swam in it and that is what I was proud of. The three days really helped my team grow stronger than ever and the bond formed.   My parents came to support me and it was just a very great accomplishment for me.

   Some small things that were memorable was me finishing Chemistry forever and completing my first , stressful, year of college on a good note.  The random weather patterns that happened this year such as the random earthquake, which I could not feel because I was in the ocean and the hurricane that cut my beach vacation with my family short!

Another big thing about the year was when my sister got engaged in May to her boyfriend of 2 years.  I am so happy that he is joining the family. He is such an amazing man and he loves my sister so much. I can't wait to have him as a part of our family.

 It would not be right to talk about probably one of my favorite things of 2011 which was starting a new job at Carson Simpson farm which is a summer day camp. Carson Simpson is such a great place to work.  Despite the really hot summer days and dealing with kids all day can be very tiring and take a lot of someone, it really holds a special place in my heart. My faith was as strong as ever there because all of the staff are very encouraging and the devotions at the begininning of the day really helped me get through the day on a positive note. Working in a Christian environment where everyone is supporting you and walking through your journey with  Christ with you is a rare opportunity to have.  I met some amazing people and made some life long friends and i also made a few very special  friends there as well which made for a pretty awesome summer. The staff was very close and we all had one purpose. TO love the kids that attended camp in the best way possible and teach the kids the gift of the gospel that should be shown to all.  It is probably the best thing that happened to me  this year and I go to work with my sister too which was great. it was here where I learned that No matter what, God's love is a love that won't let go. 

Going back to Messiah for my sophomore year was fun. I got to room with my best friend and I met some more amazing people. However, the latter part of the year , the months of my semester were not as fun for me and pretty much an ongoing challenge that I had to overcome but I did and now I am excited to see what this New Yeas has to offer!  Bring on 2012!

It's the Holiday season.. Top 5 reasons why I just love Christmas!

5. The lights and the decorations just make everything great. It lights up- the streets and makes everything joyful and happy.

4. The season of Giving. I just love going to the store and finding that gift that my loved ones want and being able to give them what they want.Seeing their smiling face when they get it makes me happy as well.  God gave us His son as the ultimate gift so so giving  for us  shouldn't be hard right?

3. Making gingerbread house and cookies while listening to Christmas music with your friends and family.

2. Being off of school and spending time with loved ones!
1. Celebrating the birth of  a baby that came as an innocent, perfect baby to save the world from their sins. Jesus is the reason for the season!
Merry Christmas to everyone! Enjoy the blessings that you have and enjoy life's little moments that make you smile.

Done!

There are so many words to express why I am so happy to be done!  I am back in Philly now the place that will always have my heart even though I go to Messiah.  Overall, being at Messiah this semester has taught me a few things .
1. God will always be with me and is always wanting me to succeed. I don't deserve any of the grace that He gives me or any of the love because I am far from the child that He wants me to be. Under all circumstances, He has my heart and soul. 

2. At Messiah, my roommate and I made it a thing that every Thursday we would go to Powerhouse which is just simply an hour worship service in the dark and an hour out of your day just to totally focus on God. It was so relieving. One of my favorite songs this was You won't relent-Jesus Culture. As many times as I fell away from God this fall when life got busy and hectic and I just didn't have the time, God was still there working on my heart. The great thing about God is that he won't relent unitl He has your whole heart. He will keep bringing you back to Him until  He and you are one and He has your whole heart.

3. I realized that yes, my learning style is very different that others. Because of my learning disability, It takes me a lot longer to study, understand material and just comprehend everything than most people. I  do not use it as an excuse, but I had to realize that Messiah is a extremely tough school for me and whenever people on  my swim team and others told me that I was not managing my time well and I was managing all the time I had, I had just wished that they understood me. Compared to last year and this year, My grades improved and I did find some more strategies of how to learn better. I am getting an education and doing my best for God and no one else.  So I need to stop letting other people get to me and just know that my whole life revolves around God.

So, now I have a break from Messiah people and I can just get have a great relaxing break with family and friends here who are soo cherished to my heart;)

is this christmas?

As I sit in the lounge of my dorm hall, doing homework, I am surrounded by Christmas decorations and hearing the sounds of people talking in the hallway. I think to myself how I am blessed to be right where I am. I am having a homework date with my friend, Laura and have had a very productive night. I am really stressed with all the work that  I have but I am trusting in God to get me through it! I know He can and in 8 days I will be home for Christmas.  Christmas is in the air everywhere. Music, decorations, trees, lights and cookies. However, I don't see much Christmas cheer yet. Hoepfully, when I am not as stressed,  I will get into the Christmas mood.  I can not wait to go home and just be with my family and be done my first semester! ANd I don't know what else to write on here so I will call it quits for the night!  Soon  to come will be the top ten reasons why I just love Christmas.