As we wind down 2012, I’m sure I’m not the only one reviewing the past year. At the risk of being yet another blog writer who does yet another “year in review” I thought I’d list a few things that I’ve learned over the past year.
My main theme that I set out 2012 with was based on John 3:30 “That He may increase, and I may decrease.” Making Jesus famous was at the forefront. I didn’t always succeed. I’m positive there were many times where I put my own agenda and “name” before that of my King. On the flip side, I learned that when I did make Jesus famous, my life just made sense…
~I didn’t have to strive to make decisions.
~I found perspective when chaos knocked at the door.
~My heart found content when confusion or heart break threatened my peace.
Here is my list: Things I learned in 2012.
~Things change. Sometimes it stinks. Sometimes it is awesome. Jesus is not surprised.
~Prayer, prayer and more prayer is the ONLY way to jump into grand plans.
~People, even good people, will hurt your heart. Period.
~God provides.
~God doesn’t waste anything in our past…the good stuff and the not-so-good stuff.
Ok, it’s your turn. What’s on your list for life lessons learned in 2012?
Leave a comment, let’s chat!
Love all of this, Sarah, especially this: “Jesus is not surprised.” Gripping, friend, gripping.
I love your point on peace! Thanks Sarah :)
List of what I learned in 2012!
Never ever take life careers for granted.
God has a plan for me!
Trust in the lord even though it seems he is against you! He will show me what I need to do!
Let God take care of others. It’s not up to me!
Circle prayers work!
Quiet time with God is essential for me!
Right on again Sarah! Thanks for sharing!
2 of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in 2012 are:
1) Jesus is our faithful friend when others are not:
This year many of my friends have desippointed me but that brought closer to my always faithful and true friend JESUS!
2) To be less selfish and serve God and others more. There is really more, blessing, pleasure, to give than to recieve.My American Mentor has been a beautiful example of service since I’ve known her , seriously if she could serve during the night as well she probably would.Although she is very busy right now to really mentor me , and she’s being what we’ve called a “laid-back Mentor” I ‘m thankful God has put her in my life and gave me her influence when I almost gave up on Him a few years ago and to remind me how “Jesus on flesh looks like”. Hopefully I can continue to learn how to be a servant like my beautiful Savior was in 2013 and all the years of my life a little more.
Great list!!
Hi Rebecca,
That was such a beautiful story, that really touched my heart.you saying you almost gave up reminds me of some chorus lyrics from a song, “i was at the end of my chapter and I almost gave up on my faith, but you didn’t wait for that…you came for me… You still stayed with me, you showed grace to me”. God is amazing and you are so lucky to have such a mentor. I wish I had one like that :)
What I’ve learned in 2012:
1.) Life without God truly is death. Sure, I can get along without Him, but there’s no joy, no light, no peace, no direction.
2.) He is 100% always the last One standing when I think I don’t have anyone supporting me or loving me, even when I’ve given up on myself, He still loves me.
3.) I’ve learned how important serving one another really is. Serving is the epitome of what our awesome God has taught us. I feel sad I still have not found my direction in that area, but I know He is actively working on me.
Happy New Year to everyone!
*Hugs*
Ashley! I love your list…every bit about it!!! Regarding your #3—focus on Jesus and your relationship with Him. When your heart is totally on Him and pleasing Him, Jesus will guide and direct you in your calling.
Hugs!
*disappointed
Sarah I am with you on 2 points things/ plans change having Aspbergers change is really hard for me but am learning to deal with it and the second point is people while break our heart. And what I want to add is that trials/ bad things happen but God is still good and it’s all a part of his good and perfect plan !
Amen! This is something hard to grasp and it takes alot of faith when things seem like God is not there. But He promises us many times in the Bible that He never leaves nor forsakes us! May we live this out in 2013!
I feel like my list would be five miles long! :)
I learned the same about “things change”. I was hit with many changes over the last six months of this year. It was hard but good and needed.
I learned that I’m stronger than I realized and that strength is not my own, it’s the Lord’s.
God does provide, He did for me in ways I never imagined happening.
I also learned that God’s plans are way better than my own!
I totally agree with your last one, especially. His ways are so much better than we can concoct on our own. Too may times I’ve come up with my own agenda and had to work way too hard to make it happen. So much more effective when we follow Him!
2012 was a great year! A few things I learned:
– Don’t just exist – LIVE! Push yourself, take risks and get out of your comfort zone…you’ll find God outside of your comfort bubble too!
– Some changes are inevitable. God is still God.
– Reach out. You never know the story of this “new person” you’re talking to.
– Spend as much time as possible with the ones you love…you never know when it will be the last time you speak to/see them.
– It doesn’t matter the mess you’ve made of your life, God forgives.
Heck yea! #1 rocks!
What I’ve learned:
1. God is faithful; God forgives. He remains the same.
2. God has a plan for me; even though I may not see it or understand it.
3. Learning experiences. In everything there is a chance to learn something; something about yourself, others, and your faith.
4. Pray, pray, pray. Not only for yourself but also others. It’s a blessing to have friends that pray for you too.
5. Be thankful!
Love this list! I totally love #3–God doesn’t waste anything if we allow Him to mold us, grow us and teach us–even in our big mistakes!
Hugs!