Nineteen Things This Year Has Taught Me

As of today, I've officially lived to see age 19. I've been told that life goes by in the blink of an eye and I totally believe it! That being said, I've somehow managed to glean a few lessons this past year. Here are 19 small ones that I think are pretty important.


1) It's okay to not be okay.

Stop wearing a mask. Everyone hurts, everyone messes up, everyone goes through hard times. Wouldn't it just be easier to admit that we're all not okay and accept that that's okay?

2) You need time to just be with your thoughts, God and His Word

This seriously makes EVERYTHING better. I used to be the absolute worst at this and still struggle with making time to just be still, pray and read my Bible. I've found that doing it first thing in the morning, downloading a devotional app and just committing to doing it are really helpful,

3) You NEED people.

You're going to go through hard times and you need people to lean on, talk to and to pray for and with you. It's amazing what a simple coffee date or conversation with like minded people can do for your soul.

4) Don't go a day without laughter.

Because, let's be real, laughing is the best.

5) Comfort zones are stupid.

They're cages constructed of fear. The Bible says not be afraid hundreds of times, so why should I be caged to my comfort zone if the Bible says not to be? (Hint: I shouldn't be.) Step out in faith and you'll find that God's got you every step of the way.

6) Don't be afraid of people.

Coming from someone that was incredibly intimidated by certain people during this time last year, being afraid of people is stupid. We're all on the same level, so don't put people on a pedestal. They'll eventually get knocked off. I'm SO guilty of this and had to learn this lesson the hard way.

7) Falling in love with Jesus is the best thing that you can ever do.

The love of Christ is incredible. It defies all of our earthly thoughts, customs and ways. You can never know too much about Jesus and the more you know, the more you'll fall in love with Him.

8) It's okay to look ridiculous.

Take the selfie. Do the stupid dance move. Make the weird face. Let loose every once in a while and stop being so worried about what people think of you.

9) Random adventures are the best.

Say YES to adventure. Go to the waterfall with your small group. Drive an hour to take photos at a lake at the base of a mountain. Get out of your comfort zone.

10) You need to be intentional in everything.

Do things with purpose. Stop making excuses. Be passionate in your pursuits. Keep learning. Think for yourself. Don't give up.

11) Not everyone will like everything you do and that's is GREAT.

It's hard to hear criticism but when people tell you what you're doing wrong, or that they don't like what you're doing, but that's when you own up to any mistakes you've made, take their feelings into consideration, change if it's necessary and move on. Live and learn, ya'll. Live and learn.

12) Siblings are weird and crazy, but they're the best friends you'll ever have.

My little sister, Ky, is seriously the strangest, craziest coffee-addict I know, but she's always there for me and I love her. Be willing to build relationships with your siblings and fantastic things will happen.

13) Family ties are the strongest bonds you'll ever know.

Family will always be there for you and I find that I often take that for granted. Cherish your family members and don't just tell them you love them, show them. #preachingtomyself

14) You don't have to be the smartest/most talented/most able/most experienced to be used.

You just need to be willing to serve and God will find a way to use you.

15) Forgiveness is really, really important.

If you don't decide to forgive and let go, you'll essentially suffocate from bitterness. Don't let that happen. Choose to show love to the person that hurt you and forgive them. (Easier said than done... I know.)

16) Most problems aren't as big as they seem.

When problems show up, take a step back and breathe in deep. Try to gain a little perspective and you'll probably find out that the "huge, life changing" thing you're dealing with isn't as big as it seems.

17) Wait to send that text/email.

I'm not saying you can't write out that text or email explaining how you feel or why you're right, (AKA why they're wrong) I'm just saying that it's probably wisest to let the message sit for a day before you send it. You'll avoid a lot of unnecessary conflict. Who knows? Maybe you'll end up realizing that you don't need to send that note and there's a better way to deal with the conflict. (This is me speaking from experience.)

18) Don't be afraid to say "yes".

Say yes to helping whenever you can, say yes to helping a friend that's going through a hard time, say yes to what you think God is calling you to do and say yes to things that will stretch you.

19) Every day has the potential to be the best. day. ever.

And depending on your outlook, it will be!

These are just little things I've learned this past year. You can ignore them or learn from them, it's truly up to you. Here's to another incredible year!

The Right Questions.

What's my calling? What's my purpose?

It's a question that plagues every generation. We desire to find our place- our purpose. We know we have one... we just have to find it.

Maybe, instead of asking the "me-centered" questions, we should look outside of ourselves and up to God and ask, "What is YOUR purpose for my life? What Calling have YOU put on it? What do YOU want me to do?"

We've been asking the wrong questions.

We've all been called. It's time to respond.

Community and Prayer.

Community is important to Christ and the Church. There are multiple verses in the Bible where this is pointed out. He encourages us to fellowship, He promises to be present where two or more are gathered in His Name and He uses the symbolism of a body- one thing with many, many parts.

He also wants us to lift each other up, to help each other and pray for each other. How many times do we say "I'll pray for you" and immediately forget that pledge? Once a month? Twice a week? More often than that?

It doesn't matter how often we break that promise, if we break it once it's too often. It's time to start lifting up our brothers and sisters in prayer. And I mean serious prayer. We're in a battle. An intense, raging battle for our souls. We need to be in constant prayer.

If we fully understood what prayer does- what an impact it has in the world- I think we would pray a lot more often than we do. Prayer changes things. Prayer can reshape situations. Prayer can move the hand of God.

This is my challenge: whenever someone pops into your thoughts, pray for them. God works through prayer and communities. Be there when someone asks for prayer. Get on your knees before Him and fight for them. We're in a battle and we can't give up now.

Radical Standards.

"Never apologize for having high standards. People who really want to be in your life will rise up to meet them"

Purity is something that is often looked down upon in today's society. If you don't cuss, date every guy you meet and listen to the latest secular music (which is often terribly written... not to mention the horrendous lyrics) you typically can't fit in with the popular crowd, which means you often don't get a second look. (Or you get multiple looks because people can't believe how different you are.)

According to God, though, that's okay: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2)

As Christians, we're called to a different code. We're called to strive to live above the standards of the world and to be renewed by Christ. It's easier said than done, though. There's always someone that's going to tell you your standards are too high.

:"Call me crazy, but I think the first kiss is so special, I'm saving it for the altar.

For example, as a personal standard, I've decided to save my first kiss- yes, my very first kiss- for my wedding. (There's only one first kiss and I want to save that for my husband.) I know that's not a popular goal, but it's one I've set for myself. It's more than saving your body for your husband, it's going that extra step and saying, "I've been waiting for you, thinking of you and I've saved everything for you. That's how special you are to me." The other day, I was telling a friend about that goal and she disagreed with it. I have a few friends that do. They've said things like, "But what if he's a bad kisser?", "What if that first kiss is awkward?" and "How will you practice?". My answer is usually "So, what?"

There are always people that are going to ridicule you for the goals, guidelines and principles you set for yourself, but God calls us to the next level of purity. He calls us to be Holy; to be set apart; to be examples to fellow believers and for the rest of the world. Are we striving to reach those standards?

(Also, for the record, that standard I mentioned above is possible. Joel Smallbone from For King and Country and Moriah Peters, two popular Christian artists, saved their first kiss for the altar. It's possible. Not easy, but possible. Just a little side note there ;) )

Okay.

As I said in my recent "Summer Recap" post, God's been teaching me a ton this year. One of the things He's been showing me: it's okay to not be okay.

I value authenticity. I like it when people are honest- when we get deep in conversation- when people are real. That being said, I like to pretend I have everything put together. I hate it when people see me falling apart. I take pride in being able to hold my own life together, even when I'm alone. (Which, for the record, is all an act. There's no way I can hold my own life together. I fail at best.) I don't like to be open all the time. I like to be fake.

Yes. There. I said it. I am a hypocrite. The worst hypocrite in the world. Now, moving on.

This summer, I've had moments where I couldn't keep it together. Moments where past hurts, insecurities and all of those things we deem ugly just came tumbling out.

The amazing thing? God healed me most through those moments. He wrapped me up in His arms and held me, comforted me and reminded me Whose I am.

God works through us most when we're vulnerable and open. His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses. When we're at our weakest, when we're falling apart, He comes to our rescue and holds us together. Even when it seems like He's countries away, He's still right beside us- underneath us- holding us and keeping us safe. When we admit we're not enough, He has the oppurtunity to come in and show us that He is enough and He will every time without fail. No matter how many times we fail Him, He will never fail us. He will never let us go.