Sparkling Years!

It's been a while since I have written one of these! But with 2014 in my rear view and 2015 just hours away, I can't help but reflect and project.

Last year at this time I never would have dreamed where I'd be at today. I was single, still plugging away at school, living in an apartment, and had no inkling of what I would do after graduation. Today I am engaged to my best friend and love of my life, a college graduate, living in my own home, and ready to begin my future as an educator in Sunburst. Out of all of the years I've lived, 2014 has thrown the most glitter into my life, and I am so blessed by my God!

On December 31st every year, people make resolutions to better their lives, relationships, and selves. For me it's always been to lose weight, take more risks, or other things along those lines. But this year I resolve to:

1. Trust in God wholeheartedly. That's always been one of my biggest sins, but seeing what He's done in my life this year has proved to me that Jeremiah 29:11-13 is so true. "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. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

2. Think thoughts of gratitude. There are always going to be ways that life can be improved. But even when times are hard, if you look closely, you will see that God is everywhere, giving out thousands of blessings daily. I am happier than I have ever been, and I want to always be grateful for the beautiful amount of sparkle!

3. Love the way Jesus loves. This one is also hard for me. Loving like Jesus means seeing past unkind actions and words, things I may not agree with, and negativity. To attempt to love like Jesus, I constantly have to remind myself that "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. Though I plan to love Kyle this way forever, I need to include everyone else in that philosophy as well.

These are not just resolutions for the coming year, but lifelong goals. I will never master these, but with a conscious effort I can improve my life, self, and relationships every year.

With that said, thank you, God, for giving me the best future husband I could ever dream of, amazing new friends and experiences, a home to call mine, and a college degree all in 2014. It was a year I will cherish forever.

I hope everyone has had a 2014 full of blessings, and will have a beautiful and sparkly 2015!

xo <3