Wow! What a wonderful ride 2012 was! I can safely say this was the year of the most growth, adventure, and love I have ever experienced. This was truly my year of first steps. I have never been more focused, and my resolve has never been greater than it is right now to do the work the Lord is calling me to. With that said, here are some highlights in my life that helped make that happen:
1. God revealed the ministry He has called me to: creating Christian Mission software and using the profits to fund the Gospel and start an orphanage in India someday.
2. I learned what it means to love someone deeply. I never knew that "falling" for someone was such a legitimate and quick descent into emotions and experiences never before known. I learned what it means to lose someone you care about and to be willing to let someone go in order to make them truly happy.
3. Learning two valuable lessons: learning how to be wise and learning how to be led by the Spirit of God.
4. Fasting from Dating: I took a break from dating anyone for a year starting last July. I realized that dating is such a serious endeavor that one must be spiritually ready before even attempting it. Before God gave Adam Eve, he gave him 1. A relationship with Himself and 2. A life task. The second half of 2012 was wholly devoted to letting God be my One True Love and setting about tirelessly and explosively to His calling on my life. I have never worked harder or been so much in love with the Lord!
5. Graduated with a Bachelor's in Computer Science from UAB!
6. Got hired on full time at my dream job for the past three years. I spent every day wanting and believing for this job and the Lord provided it!
7. Getting to be a Big Brother to someone. Big Brothers Big Sisters is such an amazing ministry! It is so amazing and humbling to get to be an impact into someone's life who would otherwise not have the same opportunities I took for granted growing up. Here's to my Little Brother!
8. Family Additions! There really must be something in Alabama water. My brother and his wife are having their third, and two of my cousins are having little ones! So excited to get to experience the love and joy of another generation!
9. Leading worship for our wonderful Youth and College and Career groups at church. I never knew I had it in me, but the Lord granted me the gift of music to fill in where needed at church. Since then, worship has never felt so alive. I am so humbled to get to minister to others through music and am so grateful for all those who sacrifice countless hours of their time to help me out with it.
10. Closer Friendships: I've learned how meaningful it is to have great friends. My resolution for 2013 is to be a good friend. I get so busy and caught up in working that I don't give them nearly enough attention or gratitude that they deserve. They mean the world to me, and am going to do better this year to show it.
11. Adventures! I got to go bike riding and hiking several times this year. I realized I really enjoy mountain biking! I got to visit Chattanooga! I rafted the entire Occoee River with three amazing friends. I went to DisneyWorld thanks to my amazing friend! I got to hang out with my dad on Thanksgiving and ride bicycles through downtown Birmingham!
12. Spiritual Growth: I have such an amazing group of pastors at my church. I have never loved the Word more or been filled with such knowledge and wisdom that I got every single Wednesday and Sunday this year. I LOVE my church!
Even with all of that, 2013 will still top it. I am convinced the Lord has set good things my way. I will work harder, with more excellence, more diligence, and more passion than ever before. We have a mission as Christians, and I am determined to spend every waking moment for God's kingdom. But I am also going to take the time to enjoy life by making new adventures, being a better son, brother, and friend to the people I care about. 2013, here I come!
