Pondering the old year....moving on to a new

So a friend prompted me, via a note on Facebook, to write down some thoughts about this year that is quickly drawing to a close. As I like to call it - "muddling". (What I mean by this is that, while I would like to call it profound meditations, sometimes my thoughts come out somewhat muddled.) 

What events have occurred in my life during 2008, and what are some things God has taught me through them? 

* I became a sophomore, a second-year student at the college I so dearly love. A blessing in and of itself. Seeing as I entered my freshman year not knowing how long I could stay there, I thank God for giving me a third semester there and for allowing me to plan a third year. This college has changed me in more than one way. During my several months there, I have been challenged academically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. To be honest, I was a bit unsure about a non-denominational college. Not that I don't mingle with people of other religious backgrounds - not at all the case - but I was unsure as to how that would play out in classes and relationships. I have found it, however, to be very good. I have had opportunities to discuss, even with my Christian friends, our differences and similarities in belief. I have been challenged to discover why it is that I believe the way I do and to make sure that I am following the Word of God, and not men. 

* I have formed many new friendships, among freshmen, members of my own class, and upperclassmen. I have also better established older friendships. These people - mostly girls - have blessed me in ways beyond count! They have sought to know me for who I am; they have supported me through trials and rejoiced with me during happier times. They have put up with my moments of insanity and loved me in spite of them. Thank you so much! I love you all so much! (Ephesians 1:15ff) 

* I have become closer to my family, these people who have known me my whole life and never given up on me. You mean so much to me! Thank you for your love, your support, and everything you do for me - whether recognized or unseen. And ditto to all that I said in the previous paragraph. :) 

* I have learned in a better way how trustworthy and caring our God is. "The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 'The LORD is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him.'" (Lamentations 3:22-24) Even during times when I had no idea what God was doing in that situation, or what I was supposed to do, He brought me through and taught me to trust Him in spite of my fears and blindness. 

I'm sure there are so many more things I could add, but for now, this will have to do. I can always add more later on. 

So what about next year? Well, for starters...

* I have the amazing opportunity to study in Spain for three months. This would probably not be an option, were it not for the minor detail that I am a Spanish major and so am required to take a study-abroad semester. (Bummer, huh?) My feelings would tear me in multiple directions when the random-and-twisted paths of my mind take me to Segovia: 

- I have never liked goodbyes, even temporary ones, and saying goodbye to my friends at school was harder than I had anticipated. I will miss them while I am away, and I am saddened by the fact that their lives will continue on though I am absent. And I'm not yet done with goodbyes...there are still my family members and friends here. 

- I am nervous about living with complete strangers in a foreign country for three months. And about having to rely on a second language, in which I am conversational but not yet fluent by any means. 

- I am psyched about the opportunity to live abroad for a short time - in Europe!! - and experience another culture. 

.........................So, in all, I have very little to complain about. Actually, let me take that back. I have NOTHING that is worthy of complaint because everything that comes my way, whether I see it as "good" or "bad", comes from my heavenly Father, who knows better than anyone else what I need. And yet how often do I grumple and whine as one of the Israelites in the wilderness! If I stop to think about it, I am trying to tell God that I know better than He what I need and how I should live my life. 

Father, teach me to depend upon You for everything and to praise You in everything. 

Of the beginning of...what?

Well, here I am again. We will have to wait and see if this blog does any better than the previous attempts I have made. I may only post once a week, but I will try to do that much. 

So why am I starting up this blog? Well, the answer to that is somewhat complicated. All of a sudden, I had an urge to start one again. And I'm not sure exactly what the contents of this blog will look like; it may very well be a random and varied conglomeration of deep meditations, quotes or poems that I like, personal thoughts, new words I find, and the like. My life is a mixture of a lot of different things, so I sorta want this blog to reflect that.