.goodbye 2011.

last night i started reflecting on this past year.

what had happened.

where i'd been.

what i'd learned.

i've been through my first full year of being a college graduate.

and let me tell you,

there have been some ups and downs.

this year there has been a lot of hurt.

a lot of pain.

a lot of questioning.

but through all of that, there has been a lot of healing.

there has been a lot of love.

unconditional love.

...

one year ago i was applying to work at [elc].

something i never thought i would actually get to do.

i will forever be grateful for my time there this summer.

for the people i met.

for what Jesus taught me.

i was looking back through my journal

[because i became a lover of journaling this year]

it's amazing to see what i struggled with at the beginning of the year

and how i have grown throughout the past several months.

he taught me how to love.

he taught me how to trust.

not perfectly.

i don't always love like i should.

i still have my doubts.

my insecurities.

but i know Jesus is there.

i know he's made me a promise.

so i will trust him.

...

this year i was given new friends.

and new relationships with old friends

who are now best friends.

there is nothing better i could ask for.

i have been blessed.

…

today is a new day.

a new year.

and i'm starting 2012 off at [passion]

3 days worshipping Jesus with some of my best friends.

ones i know will be with me through this next year.

 i couldn't ask for a better way to start 2012.

a new chapter.

with Jesus in my heart

and friends by my side.