A year of amazing opportunities.
A year of marvelous revelations.
A year of delightful new friends.
A year of light tribulation.
A year of wonderful career opportunities.
A year of exciting beginnings.
Out of all the things I will remember from 2009, it is all the career opportunities and experiences God has given me that I will remember most.
Never before have I seen the way God has blessed my life.
I was a reporter for The Alligator--something I've wanted to do since my first day at UF.
I was a reporter/intern for The North Florida Herald--a small-town newspaper that gave me the chance to grow as a writer.
I began working at Maupin House Publishing--a place that has began to show me the other side of writing.
Never before do I remember trying to make a conscious effort to put God first.
Although, I failed more times than not, I can only keep trying.
Never before have I seen the power God has to change things.
Through life. Through finances. Through classes. Through love.
Never before have I been so anxious for 2010.
A year to put things in practice--with God's convictions, with journalism, with me.
Never before have I seen how fast time goes and felt so bittersweet to say good-bye to 2009.
I hope I learn from my mistakes, and I hope I grow as a person.
But above all, I hope I remember God's blessings and to put him first in my year ahead.
No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.
Phil. 3:13-14
May that be my prayer and yours.
