If I had to describe my 2015 in one word it would have to “trying”.
I’ve experienced more change and growth in 2015 than expected. From learning to live on my own, managing my money and stepping into roles of leadership to being genuinely happy with who I am and who God has created me to do.
I had some great life changing moments where I thought to myself, I can’t believe I just did that and I’ve also had some “open mouth - insert foot” moments where I thought to myself, I can’t believe I just did that. Through it all God has been with me every step of the way.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I would not be where I am without the generosity of others and the constant provision of my Heavenly Father. I learned the true meaning of Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” No matter what I went through this year I was always confident in that fact that God was in it somehow and working on my behalf.
Here is a quick recap of my 2015 goals.
1) I want to buy a car and pay for it in full.
Right off the bat I’ve gotta give all the credit to God. This year not only did I get a car but it was gifted to me as a birthday present. After a full year of riding the bus, taking uber, and bumming rides from friends I finally have my own vehicle. The awesome couple who gave it to me inherited a car from a family member. When they turned around and gave me one of theirs they said that when the time came I was to give it away to someone else who needed it. David and Hannah Dahl, I’m so thankful for you two! You’ve been more of a blessing than you could ever imagine.
2) I want to get my own apartment.
This is another example of Gods provision and the generosity of others. A family from my church had a back-house that was vacant and offer it to me at an extremely reasonable rate. Israel and Rachel Campbell I’m so thankful for you and your family!
3) I want to be intentional and more aware of what I eat.
This has definitely happened. I’m no longer that kid I was in high school who could eat anything and everything and not gain weight.
4) I want to buy my own guitar equipment.
This year through the provision of God I’ve been able to buy a guitar(the exact one I wanted) and build my own effects pedal board. Still working on buying the guitar amp. That will come in 2016.
5) I want to give more to the local church.
When I wrote this goal out last year it was the intention that I would give more whether that mean financially or by giving of my time. I remember praying last year, “here I am God use me”. He surely did and I have not regretted it once. One of the things I remember hearing a lot when our church started was that when you build God’s house He will build your house. He surely did.
The Lord has turned me into someone with a giving heart and I’m so glad he did.
6) I want to pray more.
Throughout all trials this year one thing I have to show for it is a strong prayer life. There were times this year when I would face something where I could do nothing but pray and rely on God. He came through EVERY SINGLE TIME.
2015 was a great year and is one I look back on with fondness.
Now onto 2016
It has taken me about a week to write this blog. During that time I wrote out a list of goals and things that I want to see come to pass. But then I went to Church on Sunday and God really gave me a change of heart.
I had 4 great goals for 2016 and I explained them in great detail and it all sounded perfect. Then I deleted it all.
Every Sunday morning at Church during the team challenge(a time when someone from our leadership team gives everyone a quick challenge and encouragement), the person who gave it challenged us to really focus on our relationship with God and being closer with Him as opposed to chasing goals. She mentioned Psalm 37:4, “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart”.
Our God is a good God. He cares for us(1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.) He knows our hearts and what we need. Our God is a God who loves to bless us( Matt 7:11, If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!) It’s just like when you were a kid and you thought you knew what you wanted for your birthday and then your parents gave you a gift that was 100 times better than what you thought you wanted!
All of this leads me to believe that God knows exactly what we are going through, what we need, and that He gives the BEST gifts. So this year while I do have goals for myself and things that I want to see come to pass in my life I want what GOD wants for me MORE.
This year I’m going to make an effort to spend more time with God, make an effort to be closer with Him and to dig deeper into His word. This year I’m holding on to God with everything I have and trusting Him to take care of the rest.
I’m very excited to see what comes my way in 2016.
Talk soon,
Ian
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