1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
This truly was my theme this whole 2nd year around in college. There were most definitely many things to pray, rejoice and give thanks about.
I got all my classes that I needed regardless of my late registration date. 
I took Anatomy Lecture, Anatomy Lab (mind you, this class came with a cadaver... or 13), ASL 4, Intro to Jazz, and Educational Psychology in Children. I was also a T.A. for an ASL 1 class.

"So, uh, you know that anatomy final I was supposed to study for?"

My schedule consisted of study, study and study. I was most definitely busy. If not with school, it was with the acappella group and Bible Study.

The Acappella group went on tour during spring break in Northern California.That was most definitely fun. I don't know if I want to do that this next year, seeing how much work and time was put into this, but I'll do it again another time. Just not next year.

On tour in Northern California!

Bible Study was most definitely an adventure. I had the joy in being a part of a small group and in this small group, we went through "Praying Backwards" by Bryan Chapell. This book was such an encouragement to me. I really would recommend you read this. It's obvious that prayers are meant to be a reflection of the heart, but I often times find my prayers becoming repetitious. This book has reshaped my prayer life.
So as you can see, there was a lot to be praying, rejoicing and giving thanks about. I most definitely couldn't have done any of this with my own strength. The Lord was my source of strength. Through this all, the Lord was reminding me on a daily basis of his goodness, simply from waking me up in the morning to start my day. Why is it that we only thank God for the big things in life? Is it because it's more noticeable? Why not give thanks to the Lord for every single little thing, regardless of how significant or insignificant?

I can tell you that it is easier relying on the Lord when things get rough. The challenge I faced was to continuously praise the Lord when things were good. Kind of odd, seeing that it's the opposite for others. When things were good and easy, I started finding other things to occupy my time instead of filling it with being in the word or praying. I was instantly convicted of this. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 calls us to praise and give thanks to the Lord in all circumstances. When things are going well, I found it easy to turn attention away from God and to myself. I was content with where I was. I didn't see any needs to change it because things were going so well.

But it is because of the Lord that I live, breathe, and walk this earth. It is by him that I can be his child, his own. It's all by him that I can be called his own. It is by him that I understand and live in light of the gospel. My understanding that I am nothing apart from Christ.That I am shown grace on a daily basis. That God sent his perfect, holy son, Jesus, to die on the cross for my sins and raise again from the dead to prove that he was lord. That it is by the Lord that my desires are his desires, to turn away from my sins and live a life that is honoring and glorifying to him. And for this I praise him for everything.


Along with this year came new friendships that were most definitely made and treasured. I wouldn't change a single thing about any of them. I'm praying that I can continue to keep up with these relationships and that they grow into lifelong relationships.

Speaking of relationships...