Ok… Now that I’m in a super thankful state of mind, I think I’ll do something a little more lighthearted. Anyone up for cliche New Years Resolutions lists? ;) I actually really like lists, so I’m going to do two! I did not put a ton of thought into these, though. They are just off the top of my head. :)
First up is 13 things that I have really appreciated about 2013. Significant or otherwise. :)
- My family. Always seems to be high on the list. ;) They have been so supportive through all of the things that I have been going through this year.
- My dear fellow Muses. Thanks for picking up right where we left off. :)
- Coffee. No question. I usually don’t go a day without it.
- God’s super amazing faithfulness. I don’t even have words to describe it.
- My weaknesses. God has taught me a lot through my weaknesses this year, and it’s been really hard for me. But I have learned more than I ever could have because of them.
- New friends. Praise God for His provision of these wonderful and godly new friends. Young and old!
- Inspiration. Through music, art, literature… I just have really been appreciative of beauty in these areas.
- Simple pleasures. The beach. Puppies. Movie theaters and buttered popcorn. Random jam sessions. Kids. Classical music. Good books. Stargazing.
- School. That’s right! I have really enjoyed school this year, and I’ve been learning more from it than ever before. :)
- Music. Specifically this year, I am thankful for the opportunities to make music with other people. And not just to make music, but to express our hearts through music and use that expression to bless others. I am so thankful that God created music!!
- Teachers and Mentors. This year I have been given numerous new teachers who have given of their time and personal experience to teach their students. I have also gained new spiritual and musical mentors, who have specifically honed in on my abilities and believed in me. Thank you to these amazing people! Also to the people from home who have continued to pray for me.
- Reading. I’ve had to read a lot of theological books this year. Some by choice, and some for specific classes and such. I have really enjoyed them, even if some of them were read hurriedly to meet a deadline. ;)
- Last, but not least… Technology. It seems like a very non-sentimental thing to be thankful for, but it has been very helpful in 2013. Facetime. Enough said. ;)
And now.. 14 things about 2014! Although, I probably should have been more clear. I definitely do not plan to make a list of 14 resolutions for 2014. However, I will make a list of 14 things that, if I did, would shape my life in a beneficial way. And maybe some things that I am looking forward to in 2014. :)
- Communication. I would love to stay in better communication with my family and friends back home. I need to be more intentional about it. Can I also give a shout-out to Erato?? She sends me letters even though I never write back! She’s pretty much the greatest. :)
- Practice. I really need to practice my musical instruments more. I have new teachers and new opportunities to use my musical gifts, and I would love to make the time to take advantage of those opportunities.
- Write. It would be awesome if I could find the time to write. Journal, Blog posts, a novel - I don’t care! Just something. :)
- Exercise. Oh, the cliche New Years Resolution. But ever so needed. ;)
- Encouragement. I want to be a person of encouragement. I want to become one of those people that someone would come to when they need to talk.
- Reading. I would love to read some really great books this year, on my own initiative.
- Cleaning. Yep! I’d like to keep my room clean AND organized this next year. It would make things a lot easier and less stressful.
- Time. With all of these goals, I need to learn to balance my time. It will not be easy. But it is possible to take small steps.
- Prayer. I want to be a person of prayer. So many people have prayed for me and it has made a difference in my life. I want to be in constant communication with God so that my fellowship with Him is kept true and my relationship with Him is real.
- Limited Technology. As much as technology is a blessing in communication, it really does hinder me with all it offers in the area of entertainment. Definitely takes away from the time I need to do all of these other things, for sure!
- Relationships. I am so looking forward to the relationships that will be built this year! Some may begin, some may develop, and some may end. But I am so thankful for the people I am surrounded with.
- Relax. With all of the things that I will be running around a doing, I need to take time to relax. Actually, a lot of the things on this list are designed to help me slow down and refocus on what is important.
- Love. I want to love people without expecting anything back. I don’t do that very often. I want to be genuine with people.
- Ministry. I am going to have so many amazing opportunities to serve God this year! I just want to take advantage of these opportunities. I also want to be sure to have good fellowship with God while serving Him, so that my service is flowing from thankfulness and is in His power.
Here’s to 2014! It’s going to be great. :) Even with all of this to look forward to, Come Lord, Quickly.
