The Little Lessons I've Learned

                Often I find myself thinking of the reasons behind God’s plans for my life. I know I need to just have faith, but sometimes I want to know what He’s thinking when He places me in situations and leads me to new places! Recently, I am beginning to have a better understanding of the positives behind God sending me to Sun Valley. He is teaching me lessons each and every day. Some are serious as He is changing my heart, and some are humorous (God is very comical, especially considering that He created humor!). The following is a list of a few of the many lessons I’ve learned so far… and it’s only October.

1)      It is okay to welcome insects into your home. After all, they were here first. I currently have two moths, several spiders, and some flies living with me.

2)      Proverbs 30:7-9 should be my prayer.

 ⁷ "Two things I ask of you, O LORD;
       do not refuse me before I die:

 ⁸ Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
       give me neither poverty nor riches,
       but give me only my daily bread.

 ⁹ Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
       and say, 'Who is the LORD ?'
       Or I may become poor and steal,
       and so dishonor the name of my God.”

3)      Even when I’m homesick for my family (which I am!), God has provided me with a family here. I have grandparents, sisters, brothers, and lots of children! The cool thing is that, even though they are not my biological family, they ARE my spiritual family and I will see them all in heaven when my time on earth is done!

4)      When my heart strongly desires something, and I cry out to God for the desire to be met, He HEARS! (And He answers.) Do you know what this means!? Yes- HE REALLY LOVES ME.

5)      Being a prayer warrior is the most powerful action I can take as a child of God.

6)      I have friends who are in it for the long run, not just entertainment and companionship throughout college. This is shown through their continued involvement and interest in my post-graduation life.

7)      The best way to make a situation better is to tickle a child.

8)      Somebody needs to invent (or show me where to find) a light-up kickball! Kickball in the pitch black with a dark green ball is quite humorous, yet not effective in scoring points.

9)      To look into the sky and see thousands of stars without light pollution limiting the view is something I will never take for granted.

10)   Being a woman of virtue is what I long and strive to be- filled with courage, dedication, faith, gentleness, generosity, humility, loyalty, love, modesty, patience, discretion, self-confidence, and self-control. This is definitely going to be a life-long journey of making mistakes and learning from them.

11)   It is possible to be prideful of your humility; be careful.

12)   I’m only 22! That’s so young…and I have so little wisdom compared to those around me. I need to take advantage of this and learn from them- asking questions, listening, and watching their interactions with others.

13)   “Running is a question mark that’s there each and every day. It asks, ‘Are you going to be a wimp today or are you going to be strong?’” I need to be strong.

14)   Little thoughts from others bring incredible joy- the pencil sharpener my Grandparents mailed me, the Wok my mom sent me, the hugs the children give me, the encouraging texts and e-mails I receive, and the smiles and hellos of others.

15)   It’s okay to not wear make-up and to wear my XL sweater and sweat pants to dinner after a long day in the classroom.

16)   To tell a child that you love them (and actually mean it) can fill the deepest of gaps in their hearts.

17)   I don’t have to be perfect. I’m not perfect. Jesus was perfect for me.

18)   Watching little league football and cheerleaders at the park in Holbrook brings me back to my childhood and is a way to dream about my future. I lay there in the grass and let my mind wander...

19)   Having water pressure is a luxury that I will truly value from this day on.

20)   I love Michelangelo, my turtle, despite the fact that he’s going to live for 20-30 years and cost me hundreds of dollars over his lifetime.

21)   Shopping at Ross, Savers, and Goodwill is OKAY!

22)   It does not mean you’re old and boring if you spend your Friday night sitting on top of a dryer waiting for your clothes to be done.

23)   I am told that I deserve to have my doors open and my meals paid for. Although I still don’t believe it, this is the kind of man God has brought into my life.

24)   Prayer before class every day works wonders!

25)   Everyone deserves to be loved and respected, despite how they treat you.

I will continue growing as the year goes on. I am appreciative of all that has been revealed to me so far, and I am anxious to see what He has planned for me next. After all, “As I walk with Him I’m learning…”