As sophomore year comes to a close...

It is crazy how fast this year has gone. I really do think that college years go by twice as quickly as high school years did...and those went by fast. It's hard for me to even remember what has gone on this year, but I know it has been one of the best years God has blessed me with =) It's been tough in places, but I have been continuing to learn more and more about God's never-ending love. That has been the main theme for me over this last school year...God has been showing me how much He loves me and will never leave me. Of course, I knew this before, but just that word "love" has really hit me. God loves me for who I am, not for who others want me to be. God loves me for my faults, mistakes, and failures, when others may judge those things. God loves my crazy quirks, when others may think of me as a tad strange ;) God loves me FOREVER, when earthly things may not last forever.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

I have learned to love this verse. I strive to love people in this way, so I can show others God's true love. I love the last part of this the most: "Love never fails." I am just so thankful for God's love...so incredibly thankful. It is just so big and so amazing that I can't even fathom it. God shows me His love through songs, other people, and nature most of all. His creation is just so beautiful! If I could just sit outside and look up at the stars for the entire night, I would be satisfied =) It makes me so happy. God made all of this for us to enjoy. Just so amazing.

This year has been a growing experience for me and I just want to thank EVERY single person that has been involved in my life this year =) I have learned so much from all of you and you all mean so much to me. You have been by my side through the tears, the laughter, the joy, and the pain. I'm so glad that I have gotten to know the freshman this year, as well. I feel so blessed to have them all in my life; they are all amazing and my life would not be the same without all of you =) I am also so glad that I've continued to strengthen my relationships with everyone that I knew before this year. Just the faith that you have shown me makes me want to be a better person, so thank-you! I have done so many amazing things this year, as I look back:

• Went to Fall Conference and went zip-lining =)
• Went to two amazing swing dances in the chapel and danced the night away
• Managed to set off TWO fire alarms...both involved heating up olive/vegetable oil lol
• Played sardines in the EPC building and got scared half to death from people jumping out of closets
• Played live mafia...and definitely lost hardcore
• Finally decided on a major! Whoo!
• Went to New Orleans and had my eyes opened up to so many new things
• Had the first ever snow day in more than 30 years!
• Dutch-danced!
• Finally got to help actually pond someone =)
• Was a bearded lady...haha
• Went boating with amazing friends and got pelted with hail on the boat ride back!
• Went to an Under Da Sea party and swam down a hallway lol
• Went on tour for steel drums and absolutely loved it!
• Got my face painted with very dark foundation...scary
• Played lots of Mario Kart
• AND SO MUCH MORE!

Overall, this year has been so amazing and I am so thankful that I got to have all of these experiences! I am going to miss all of you guys this summer and hope to make many more memories with you all next year =)