2016 was filled with so many things. My family moved back in together, my oldest sister got married and moved away, many friends were lost (a couple gained), I got to experience my first mission trip, and more. This year has been filled with more heartache than I'd like to admit, but at the same time, God worked more in 2016 than in all the years of my life put together. If I could sum it up, I would say that it was almost hellish, but God made it heavenly. He has the power to do that.

I want 2017 to be everything He wants it to be. I did not make any resolutions like "lose weight," or "get a boyfriend," because I'd rather not be disappointed again on December 31st, 2017 (LOL). All I want for this year is to let life happen, and live it to the fullest. No matter the circumstances, I want to make it worth it. I believe that we have the power to do that--especially with God. As His follower, no year can be wasted, unless we allow it to be. We have the power to spread love, truth, and to get to know Him more, no matter what is happening in our lives...and isn't that what really matters?

Even for those who do not share my beliefs: you have the power to change your life. You have the power to make 2017 worth it--even if it contains trials and tribulations, which we know is inevitable. We can learn and grow, keeping our minds open to new life, and sharing the love we have in our hearts with those around us.

Here is my prayer for this year: that we will run as hard and fast as we can toward Jesus Christ. That when we get tired, we rest in His grace, and turn to His peace and love for rejuvenation and comfort. That we allow God to pour His pure, radical love into our hearts, and that we overflow into the lives of others. That we focus on Him and on others, living in humbleness and selflessness--but that at the same time, we don't forget that we are children of the Holy God of the Universe. I believe that in the name of Jesus, we can live this way. Although we will never be perfect, we have the power to let God change our lives. All we have to do is say yes. As we start a new chapter in our lives, I want this year to glorify Him.