Thank You

Freshman year of college was the start to a new journey. With a year filled with so much life and change, here are my biggest take aways.

Thank You Jesus,

What a year it has been. I remember people telling me a would learn a lot my freshman year of college. Little did I know, I would learn an overwhelming amount. Though I have just a few weeks left (in that time I am sure to learn so much) but so far this is what the Lord has taught me:

1. It is NEVER too late. I have found myself lonely, in despair, and completely blinded by my fleshly desires. But thankfully, Jesus met me where I was. At my worst, He found me, took my hand, and lead me into the light. I’ll tell you one thing, because of Jesus’ death on the cross, I can walk in freedom. No matter where you find yourself. No matter how far gone you feel. It is NEVER to late to go running back to Him. He is there and He pursues you to no end. The Lord will walk you out of darkness and change your heart from the inside out. “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.” (Psalms 18: 2-3)

2. You’re going to make mistakes. It’s part of college, and it’s part of growing up. Don’t stress yourself out over making a wrong decision, failing a test, or missing an important event. You will look back on these things and realize how small they are in the grand scheme of life. Besides, you must make a few mistakes in order to grow as a person. We are not perfect humans, nor were we made to be, this is why we need the Lord. “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

3. Community is so important. When I say this, I mean it more than anything. Have you ever heard the phrase, “you are who your friends are,” well it is certainly true. I have found more than anything how important it is to surround yourself with a community of fellow believers. Thankfully the Lord has blessed me with some of the most precious god-fearing individuals this year. I have found people who encourage me in my faith and are uplifting in all aspects of my life. I have found people who inspire me to pursue Jesus more than ever before. Without these people, being here at Oklahoma State would never be what it is. If you know me, you know it isn’t this small town that has me dying to come back, but the beautiful people the Lord has also put here. “And let us consider how to stir one another up to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

4. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You don’t believe this, well start! How precious are we in His sight and how wonderful it is that we are made in the image of God. Can you think of anything greater? As a young college woman, it is so easy to be entangled by the ways of this world, especially when it comes to appearance. We are always wanting something new and we are rarely satisfied with who we are. This is so sad, but luckily we can live in freedom from this sin, because we have been made in the likeness of God and we can find our self-worth in Him. You are overwhelmingly beautiful my dear and this is not because of your cute clothes, make up, or hair. This is because of your heart for the Lord. Your gentle and quiet spirit. “Do not let your adorning be external – the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear – but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” (1 Peter 3:3-4)

5. Pursue righteousness. You have been CHOSEN by God, so start walking in obedience. I have the word, OBEDIENCE, written everywhere! The Devil will try so hard to convince you (and at times probably will) that what this Earth has to offer is worth it, but what you might have already guessed… THIS IS A LIE. It is so much easier to give into your flesh than it is to pursue righteousness, but we as Christians are called to walk in obedience to the Lord. The reason for our entire existence is to spread the love of Jesus Christ and make disciples. This is impossible when we are not walking in alignment to His truths. I promise you, a life in constant pursuit of Him is much more fulfilling than the temporary lies of this world. “Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” (Matthew 16: 24-26)

Lord, you are beyond good to me. I thank you for giving me the gift of eternal life. I thank you for giving me JOY that no one can take from me. Joy that is found in you, and I pray hearts would be changed and that your will be done.

XOXO,

KT