2013 has come to a close. And it was amazing.

Last night I was reflecting on 2013 and the things God has done in my life. It was an amazing time of recalling God's blessing and lessons. Several of my friends have been writing about the past year, so I thought I would join the band wagon! :)

New Year's Eve of 2012 as my family sat together in the living room, my older sister Jessica enthusiastically mentioned that she was excited about 2013 and anticipating the changes the new year might bring. And boy was she right!! This year has been one of hard adjustments, enjoyable escapades, daunting challenges, fulfilled dreams, and God's mercies. But enough with the adjectives. Let's get on with it.

My sister Jerusha wrote a blog post about the year over on her blog "It's a Serendipitous Life", and she did it so well I thought I would copy her format. ;) Go check it out here. It's amazing!!!!

Anyway...

1.) Last spring was spent applying for college and scholarships. My relationship with God strengthened as I sought His will about colleges and life plans. I also dual-enrolled at a community college in town as part of my last semester of high school.

2.) In April, I graduated from high school!!! This day was definitely a highlight of the past 12 years combined. ;)

 

 

3.) The spring was also entirely consumed with music!! I adore music, but I never thought I would get so stressed out by it. Thankfully, my parents gave me their sweet support and put up with my endless hours of practicing. :) I was also given the opportunity to perform a duet concerto and two solos for federation, play in my twenty-something and LAST piano recital, and audition for several music scholarships.

 

My piano teacher and me at my final piano recital. And who are those other crazy people? Oh, those are just my epic best friends. I'm proud to say we're related. 

 

4.) In May, we helped my brother and sister-in-law moved five hours north of town. Two months later, Josiah started medical school! It was a bittersweet trip to help them move, but we are excited to see what the Lord is doing in their lives! 

 

 

 We really like our brother. :) He looks so doctor-ish already!

 

5.) A MAJOR part of my life this last year was my month-long trip to Nicaragua. I met some amazing people, had some life changing experiences, but most of all, grew closer to God than I ever imagined possible! It's interesting what a month without family and comfort zones will do with one's walk with the Lord.

 

 

 6.) My sister Jessica moved to Africa this year for missions. The day she moved was probably the hardest day of the year. I am extremely proud of her and have loved every minute of watching her journey with God!! I love you, sis! <3

 

 

 

7.) I started working Panera Bread in September! I love trying to make people smile. It's a hobby of mine. ;)

 

8.) The most exciting thing of my year - and other than becoming a Christian, my life - is number eight When my daddy told me somebody wanted to court me, I was completely blown away. Something I had always dreamed of happening, but it was actually coming true right then and there!  

 

Thadden Cymbaluk. I am beyond blessed by this amazing man of God. Needless to say, the past few months have been especially fantastic. :D

 

There is my year in a little nutshell! My life has changed drastically since a year ago, and it will change more in the years to come, but I know that I can be confident in this one thing. God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Change, whether it be exciting or challenging, can be the Lord's way of drawing us closer to Him. The unchanging Rock. Fortress. Strong Deliverer.

To God be the glory, great things He hath done!