Reflections on the old year

I think right about now is when I'm supposed to dish up a winsome and fascinating list of New Year's Resolutions. "Get up at 6 every morning, brush teeth at least twice a day, smile at a stranger every time I go somewhere, etc." I actually don't take too kindly to these sort of things in my life as I usually don't fulfill them. (Read 15 new books? Yeah, right! Ha.) Why promise myself to do something, when I know I won't? I know there will be days I forget to brush my teeth. Is that something worth groaning and sobbing over when I fail? Not really. I agree that we should take care of our bodies, however, lest you think I'm some sort of backwards wierdo (well, maybe I am =D).

This last year, 2011, has been jam-packed, and I've experienced things I really wouldn't have guessed. Partially for my benefit, here's an overview.

I had my first airplane ride in January, and was away from my family (across the country!) for 3 weeks. The longest I've ever been away from them. Thank the Lord for the telephone. I used it daily.

This year, I've tackled a few more worthwhile subjects here on my blog. I don't like 'fluffy' posts, and so why do them here on my blog? If I don't have anything encouraging or thought-provoking, or challenging to say, then I don't know that it would really be worth it to say anything.  Written in February: Preparing and Waiting for Prince Charming, Part 1 Preparing and Waiting for Prince Charming, Part 2

April (or maybe it was March?), I got a printed copy of the first draft of "Flicker in the Night" (which was, if you didn't know, my NaNoWriMo 2010 novel).

May, I graduated highschool (why homeschool? - click here to read my assessment), and our family was also very involved in helping a family we knew, whose baby had heart problems.

It was in June that my baby sister arrived, and our family became a dozen. I also wrote up a post in that month about how I wanted to write worthwhile things. I also got a second-degree burn on my right hand (my dominant hand), and had to wear a wrapping on my hand for a couple/few weeks. Praise the Lord there was no scarring, and no lasting side-effects. During that time, I didn't do as much work as usual, and I'm afraid I got a little used to that. I don't like lazyiness, but it sure can easy to 'take a break'.

In August, I discussed how Christians writers should write, and how we should be thinking while we're waiting for God's man for us (obviously aimed for girls =). Continuing on with a sort of theme, I also posted in September about Watching out for Mr. Perfect! and my opinion on modesty. Sept. was also the month that my dad became unemployed (and he still is).

In October, I wrote about desiring Christ most of all. Don't know who Christ is? Let me introduce you...

I think it was July through October off and on that I was helping a family we know, whose mother is pregnant and was having complications early on. This year, I've been away from my family the most I've ever been in one year. I've survived, and learned quite a bit in the process. =)

November was my second year doing NaNoWriMo (in which I won). Interestingly enough, Nov. had the most posts here on my blog.

December I turned 19. I feel like I've grown quite a bit this year, in my walk with Jesus, and (hopefully) maturity. I think that the Lord's really been teaching me more about what really matters in life. This year for Christmas, I was able to buy my family gifts, so I was really excited for Christmas. I also received some right fine gifts, among them a book by Katie Davis (who blogs here), called 'Kisses from Katie'. I've really been enjoying it. 

This year has been a year of changes for me. Graduating highschool and watching as the kids start school again, this time without me, my dad becoming unemployed and now spending the day with him being home instead of at work, problems with extended family members. Starting an etsy shop - I haven't sold a single thing yet! :( Wondering if etsy is really for me.

I've learned that if I set a goal for myself, I can really accomplish it if I work hard (if it's God's will, of course). I set a goal of when to graduate, and even though I took a month (practically) off school in Jan, I was still able to graduate a month early.

I don't know what 2012 has for me, but I hope to grow more and more in the Lord, and hopefully to do something effective for Christ. I still hope someday to learn piano (music is beautiful), and I've been thinking about doing missions work, praying, and wondering if that is God's will for me someday.

Please direct all praise and glory to the Lord. Without Him, I think my life would be a wreck.