It's been quite a while since I've uploaded a post. School's been extremely busy for these past few months, and my busy schedule of AP classes is sufficiently keeping me busy. It's a tough load to manage with our Foundation, school work, my school's play, and trying to serve in church as well. I've come to the realization that my spiritual life with God hasn't been at its strongest, but I've seen His work around me regardless. In my daily efforts of trying to balance my schedule and attempting to complete all of my work for school, I find it hard to find time to be able to serve in church, let alone have the energy to attend youth group. However, I've noticed that whenever I need help, or am faced with a strenuous task set before me, God always managed to pull me through. This time last year, my grades were already at B's and A's, but this year, having a much more rigorous schedule, I've somehow managed to attain straight A's. I know that it may seem as an insignificant achievement, but to me, I've gone through a dramatic change in my own personal character -having more integrity in the work that I do, and the work that I turn in to teachers. Even my friends all around me told me how much different I am compared to last year, doing so much more work and having a more focused attitude at school.
So your question at this point might be, what am I actually thankful for? And the answer is quite simple: I'm thankful for the positive change in me that's managed to make my own personal work as a silent testimony and example to all of my friends. This year has been a transformation of my spiritual life, and it's amazing to see how much more I've been able to convey to my friends the more in-depth truths of my beliefs and faith. Without God, I would've never been able to be so strong and courageous in my actions, and I don't think I would have gone through such a dramatic change from last year to this year.
Here's a Bible verse that has stuck with me as I went through the ups and downs of my first semester of school. It really gave me the strength that I needed to continue persevering and giving my best efforts as a testament to my friends and the people around me. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 ESV
God bless.