2008

This has been quite a year. God has changed me so radically through the course of this year that I would hardly recognize the person I was in January. Then, at the same time, the core elements of who I am stay they same, unchanged as the years go by. As a feel and see to very many changes in my life, goals, and actions, I am more strengthened in who God has made me. Talking with one of my longest and dearest friends yesterday we realized that we both are just the same little ten-year-olds that had grown up and gotten smarter. That is the oddest thing about growing up, you change so very much, and yet you never really change. The "change" that occurs is mostly putting life lessons in your basket. And I have gathered my fair share of life lessons this year.

Leadership is a lot harder than you think: remember to stay focused on your vision and use your team.

Groups can change radically in just a few months: stick through hard times and be flexible to change.

God sometimes takes you through really rough times to break you of your will. This is good.

There are some areas of life where you will never see the results of your ministry. That is not an excuse to serve less.

Being Christ followers does not make friendships easier, as much as I think it should.

Your heart is more resilient than you might think.

Mentors come when you least expect it.

It is good to talk with your mom and friends about pain in your life.

Be faithful in little tasks, even if no big tasks come your way.

In a godly, and healthy, romantic relationship both people are supposed to be very in love with the other, and ready to give of themselves always.

An older sister is a precious gift, and living close to her is icing on the cake.

These are the major lessons I've learned in 2008. God has been so faithful to teach and mold me throughout this year. Never have I been more aware of His kind and loving hand guiding and protecting me life and practice. Never have I seen more vividly how my sinful actions and lack of faithfulness break my relationship with Him. I'm ready for 2009, what will is bring? The anticipation excites me...

not ready

I'm not ready to go back to school. Home is so good. Family is the most comfortable environment to be in. I like being able to cook, and play games, and have lively discussions with my family. As much as I like Moody Church it does not hold a candle to my home church, where I feel comfortable and loved. And the weather -! Don't even get me started. So beautiful. I guess a part of it is laziness, I like the lack of responsibility. But mostly its that I really like being home, with my family. Where I belong.

Home.

falling asleep on the couch.

staying in my pajamas all day.

baking with my sisters.

talking to mom.

hugs at my church from all the dear people.

driving back late at night from hanging out with friends.

looking up and seeing thousands of stars.

being hugged by Kolbjorn's never ending hugs.

laughing around the table after we finish diner.

rushing to get everyone out of the house on time.

having sleepovers with my sisters.

reading for pleasure.

its good to be home!

Words that Challenge

Someone just called me and read me these verses and the spoke right to where I am. God's timing is amazing.


The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul. It is the LORD your God you must follow, and Him you must revere. Keep His commands and obey Him; serve Him and hold fast to Him.
Deuteronomy 13:3-4