Grow In 2021 - Done

What is quite interesting is my word for 2021 was…G R O W ! The Lord put this on my heart as I was about to enter my next year. I was in a hard place struggling with some mental health issues at the end of 2020 that seemed at the time like they were never going to end. As I considered my next year, the Lord blessed me with these words of encouragment, “This next year, we are going to grow together. I will grow you in many ways but you must first hope in me. You must know that you are new through me!“ I challenged myself to pick a Bible verse for that year. I considered several verses but finally settled on this one, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation. The old has passed away behold the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

At this time last year, I was digging at God’s word for hope for my next year. I was struggling with feeling discouraged over my past mistakes, failed relationships, bad decisions, and believing that I was defined by them. The Lord told me that though Christ I am new and can start over again. That was all the hope I needed to take one more step and to be able to live another day for the Lord. I still struggle with living for myself because I still live with my sinful nature as a human but the Lord continues to challenge me in my journey.

In 2021, there were many adventures, milestones, and life events that I want to share with you. I was a nanny for several months then went on to work as a barista at a cafe. I got my permit, driver’s license, and a car. I continued biblical counseling that changed my mental health issues for the better with the help of God and His Word, my counselor, the support and love of my whole family, and friends. I found a new community of God-loving people at FBC Sapulpa’s youth group where I found new friends. I purchased a new camera and got back into photography. I graduated high school and enjoyed half of my gap year in 2021. I went on a senior trip to a beautiful lake in Arkansas and camped with my mother and sister.

I started a gospel singing group with my family and we won a competition in Kentucky that includes a opportunity to record our own album together. We performed our first concert, which was a Christmas concert! I went to Maverick City Music, Jonas Brothers, Elevation, and Dan + Shay concerts. I created a tiny house out of a shed. I intentionally connected with my siblings and parents through outings together, having more one-on-one conversations. Overall, I drank too much coffee, ate tons of good food, loved some amazing people, grew in my relationships with the Lord and my family, experienced many new endeavors, learned so much, and cried a lot. It was such an impactful year for me as an individual!

Thank you so much for reading my first blog post! Stay turned for my next blog post on my goals from 2021.