Trials Inspire Hope for the Future

This past semester for me has an emotional roller coaster for the better. For people who don't know this fact, I am a fifth year senior. It has been one of the biggest gifts from Heaven to be able to share an extra year with my sister, new and old friends, and my bible study. I feel like I have learned so much about myself, and who I want to be as a person as I draw closer to the end of this stage of my life. I have really learned what challenges me, what keeps me motivated, and how to cook/be the house mom. My house has really shaped me and it has been such a blessing to have sweet roommates who want to share in your struggles/joy/rollerblading/bike riding/crazy moments with you. I believe your roommates are a gift from God and you should love on them like a sister, no matter how much they get on your nerves! They should be there for you no matter what!! At some of their lowest times, they maybe the only you have to hold on to as a confidant/friend. Another thing I am learning is how to be a night owl. :/ It is so hard to want to go to bed early because every time I do I always miss out on someone coming over.... AND THAT JUST MAKES ME SAD! 


A large aspect of my life right now deals with PRAYER. I have had a rough patch with God for about a year now. The time I noticed it was Homecoming last year. A couple of weeks ago during this year's Homecoming marked the anniversary in my eyes of the drought and struggles I was dealing with in multiple aspects of my life. During the past Homecoming, I was able to recognize how God worked through those areas in my life and how he has blessed me beyond measure with opportunities I never would think would be possible. I had an interview today with a company, and one of the questions he asked me was, "what was something you tried out for and failed getting into and how has that shaped your years at Baylor?" I told him how my junior year, I applied for Student Foundation and did not receive it. But looking back now, it was a blessing in disguise because I was able to lead a bible study (which meetings were on the same night/same time); I am the student representative for Baylor University's Public Commencement Committee, and I doubt I would have had time to develop in those relationships and in the other relationships in the other student organizations that I am involved in/or served in the past.

Long story short....PRAYER IS THE ONE THING IN YOUR LIFE YOU NEED. My goal for this year is to become a prayer warrior. I believe it is the key to have a healthy relationship with God. I know you may worship God in other different ways; my favorite is through singing. But this is my way to vent. I can get everything off my chest and let God hear my cries of help/joy/needs/wants/desires. In the bible, there is a book called Job. The book talks about how Job basically lost everything but still found comfort in the joy of the Lord. No matter what is going on in your life, I want you to know God loves you and he never forsakes his children. I have done many things I am not proud of but I love knowing that I find comfort in God's joy. ONE thing I think we should all think about is... Be prayerful of the people that come into your path that you never took the time to witness and encourage.They might need to hear your words. You never know when someone else may cross your path and you blow them off instead of taking the time to encourage them. I hope you stop and actually mean(in your heart) when you say "How are you doing, and I mean honestly? Is there anyway I could pray for you?" There is a girl in my CG, who does exactly this and it gives my courage and confidence to want to strive to helps others the way she truly cares about my struggles. God LOVES YOU!


"Rejoice in the Lord Always. I will say it again: REJOICE! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of GOd, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
              
               --Philippians 4:4-7