Twenty Four

Lessons learned/reestablished

• God wants all of me, not just the admirable parts I can exhibit in the light
• Virtues & Holiness are fought for. Virtue is birthed when expressed in the face of a challenge. 
• I've become a judgmental person--must work on this.
• You're never too busy to encourage someone.
• I am richly blessed.
• The gut-wrenching moments of surrender are the ones that drew me close to the Lord like nothing ever could. From my grief and pain, he rewarded me with a peace which I couldn't have achieved from taking my stubborn, wayward path.
• Even when your closest friends and confidants hurt you, forgive them and love them. If they do it again, repeat. For the next ten billion times, keep repeating. Sunshine combating the rain is what brings the rainbows<3
• From Charles Stanley at the beginning of this year: "Obey God & leave all the consequences to Him, Don't just talk to God, listen to Him, Have courage & full surrender."
• From Elisabeth Elliot during aching times, "When obedience to God contradicts what I think will give me pleasure, let me ask myself if I love Him. If I can say yes to that question, can't I say yes to pleasing Him? can't I say yes even if it means a sacrifice? A little quiet reflection will remind me that yes to God always leads in the end to joy. We can absolutely bank on that."
• Remember: Your boyfriend is still your brother in Christ. Keep protecting His heart. Protect all men's hearts as much as possible.
• "He gives all, He asks all."
• YOU. ARE. NOT. ALWAYS. RIGHT.

Thank you for everyone who made this year special, and for helping me feel extra special on my day (and even the ones after). "L" you all. <3

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