Reviewing

What can I say except 2010 was an eventful year. I don't want this to be a long, boring, post full of nostalgia concerning the happenings of my year. But I do want to take some time reflecting on a few major occurrences and what I've learned from them.

In April of 2010 I received my black belt, reaching a goal I'd had for three years. A goal I believed I would never achieve, at times. Throughout the entire journey (not just in 2010) I learned respect, perseverance and how to do a proper pushup. :]

This year several disasters struck through our world. Disasters such as earthquakes in Haiti and Chile, and the Gulf Coast oil spill. Though these disasters did not directly affect me, I learned catastrophe is not abandonment by God, but intervention at it's finest. People gather closest to God during times of disaster and times in which they have no one else to cling to. God did not allow these catastrophes for an example of how 'mean' he can be. He used them to call people back to himself.

This year I experienced my first bouts with death. In early July, my aunt had a miscarriage. This was a particularly painful event for our family, as we mourned for my aunt and comforted her through her time of trial. Shortly after, my mom's business partner and the man who was practically my older brother was shot and killed. His death affected many people. Positive results have come, but at the cost of losing a wonderful person. Having someone so close to me die so tragically was horrible. The memories directly after his death are still painful and always will be. I wish this circumstance on no one else. These two events, especially the latter one, have taught me the most this year. I've learned a lot about forgiving. Brandon's murderer was given the same gift of salvation that was given to me. God is willing to forgive Jeff when Jeff asks for forgiveness, which means I should be too. I've also learned not to question God. God is infinitely smarter than me. Even if He chose to tell me His plans, I would not understand them. It's hard not knowing what He's doing, but He's got things under control.

I think the last major event of my year was starting highschool. Since the end of August, everything has been a flurry of getting schoolwork done. I've made it through my first semester of highschool, and I'm learning time management. Trust me, I'm definitely learning time management. I've also learned time with God is absolutely essential. The days I don't spend time with God are the days I'm in my worst moods.

Well, that's my year. It was an up and down year with positive and negative occurrences. But, I learned a lot. I hope you had a blessed and wonderful year, and I pray God will give you an even better 2011.