This week has been very interesting for me. Not only was it difficult to figure out a topic to write on, but I was overwhelmed with work and extra- curricular commitments. I promised myself and my family that I would truly stay focused, however, for some reason, my mind was completely off for the majority of the week. I felt as though despite my efforts to stay productive, something got in the way of me completing my goal. I hadn't been praying like I should have, and I was already discouraged about a few other things. I didn't like the way I felt. Something wasn't right, and I didn't feel complete. However, after taking the time to step away from everything and talk to God, I felt much better.

We often tend to forget everything the Lord has given to us. We take advantage of the fact that we are alive and well and focus on ourselves. The bible says to praise God in all circumstances (I Thessalonians 5:18), and I personally believe that is where most of us get caught up. When everything is going the way we want it to, we forget to thank him for what he's given us. However as soon as things don't feel as though they are the way WE want them to be, we start communicating. God has blessed me with so many different opportunities, a family that loves and supports me, and friends that want to see me thrive. With that being said, I personally have to make sure to remember to give God credit for all.

Whenever I feel lost, I try to thank God for everything he has given me and ask him for guidance and strength. Being a college student is definitely not the easiest occupation, especially when you aren't able to access your family when you want to. Prayer undeniably changes things. The Lord says "if you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you" (John 15:7). Knowing your prayers are going to be answered before they are is the best feeling in the world. That assurance makes pushing even easier. Being consistent and staying by God's word is the best route to keeping positive.

I don't know where I would be if it wasn't for my faith. This week was a solid reminder that God answers prayers, and trusting in his plan makes confusion disperse. Despite what I might be going through, he never ceases to amaze me. With that being said, I will always make sure to praise him through the good and the bad.