New Years Resolutions

T minus 64 hours till I depart for the other side of the pond.

Even though I'll be spending my semester in Scotland, I am still finishing out my junior year so all tales, recounts, and reflections will still be under my 'junior days' in this blog. More pictures probably on flickr, instagram, and weebly (maybe at the end, but only if I'm feeling ambitious).

On another note,
I have always been an avid fan of new years resolutions. I've written one every year since 2008, with exception for 2014... (Yeah, I know). To give a bit of perspective, #4 on my 8th grade list was "Socialize. Be more outgoing, learn what people's interests are, have fun!"
I've definitely come a long way from there.

In a youth group lesson in 2009, we learned to make resolutions and goals that were Specific, Measurable, Acceptable to God, Realistic, and Timely (SMART). We then categorized these resolutions into spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional, and social goals. But as helpful and organized as the tips were, I realized how compartmentalized I made everything. I wanted to work hard to get X grades, maintain X number of pounds, read from the bible and pray X number of minutes; the list goes on.

But I was convicted this Sunday by the message on Psalm 63. David is stranded in the desert, running from his enemies, and without basic necessities. But when he prays, he starts off with a request solely for God's being and presence to be with him.

"You, God, are my God,
    earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you,
    my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land
    where there is no water."

Long story slightly shorter, my goal for this year, first and foremost, is to pursue Christ. To pursue Christ relentlessly and fiercely, to run and yearn and desire for Him in my life above all else. Wanting His will and kingdom above mine. Pursing Christ while (actually) reading the bible, praying, and worshipping. Yes I want to finish Isaiah and Acts, do 5 pushups and situps a day (don't laugh, it's a start, it's been awhile), and find an internship this year, but I want to pursue God and have God in my life first. Priorities, right?

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness... "
Matthew 6:33a

So good luck to all of you on your goals and happy new year! 12 days late, but late is better than never. The next time you hear from me will not be from Texas! (Or Indiana!) (#excited #supesexcite)

junior day #144
01.12.16