Freshman Year Thoughts

          My freshman year at the University of Montana was definitely a year of learning new things and growing. It was my first year being off on my own, so that was a whole new experience in and of itself. It was an amazing year, and I am so thankful for everyone and everything that made it so.

          I have compiled a list of key takeaways(not written in any particular order) from the year that I wanted to share. Some of them were completely new to me, and some were old, but had a new meaning and impact on my life this year. Hopefully someone will find something in my list to be beneficial!

• lack of motivation in Bible reading does not make you a terrible person or christian...this is normal for everyone at some point in time. 
• purpose yourself to continue striving, even if unmotivated. don't get stuck in a rut. 
• find beauty in Christ
• see your sins for what they are- no matter how seeming small. no sin is small in God's eyes.
• take a moment each day to reflect, rest, and abound in the Lord's perfect, never-ending grace.
• find beauty in Christ
• always remember that even when WE are faithless, HE is faithful. always.
• doubting doesn't mean lack/loss of faith, doubting is proof that you have a faith. you don't doubt something that you don't believe in.
• when experiencing said doubt, turn to the word. pray. 
• Jesus does, in fact, answer prayers.
• when God is calling you to do something, don't argue or delay, just do it. 
• our flesh is weak. stay humble.
• examine yourself daily for pride
• rest in the fact that the Spirit will intercede for you w moanings too deep for words.
• do not fear commitment
• fear of God needs to be higher than fear of man
• fear is a liar
• if fear is your counselor, you'll always get bad advice
• be bold for Christ. cool things might just happen.
• take care of friendships. EVERYONE is a child of God worthy to be cared for.
• rest in knowing that the Lord's plan is perfect
• be thankful. gratitude reflects in your attitude.
• live in the moment, life is short
• be careful where you place priorities. Jesus first, always.
• find beauty in Christ
• examine what you idolize. what sprouts up pride?
• all our negative emotions/feelings usually stem from sin. trace them back and find out
• repentance is ALWAYS the right choice
• sanctification is continual
• depravity means that every part of us is touched by sin, but we aren't as bad as we could be without Christ
• take care of your body
• go to class(usually)
• DO NOT live in isolation
• surround yourself with like-minded people
• if thoughts can corrupt language, language can also corrupt thought
• be careful what goes in, and also what comes out
• stay above reproach
• be a good example for all
• don't gossip
• always encourage someone
• befriend the friendless
• treat everyone with kindness
• be honest. always.
• find beauty in Christ
• always be intentional
• about your faith, your words, your time, and your life 
• always look for the good in people
• forgive, forgive, forgive, FORGIVE
• otherwise it leads to anger, wrong thoughts, bitterness, resentment, indifference, and hate
• please always forgive
• forgiveness is not just a one time thing, it's a continual process
• also ask for forgiveness whenever needed
• it's okay to have differences with people. as long as they are following Jesus you can love and support them.
• have real, actual, thought provoking, truthful conversations
• help each other grow
• learn other people's growing styles in order to better encourage them
• be open and up front. It's hard, but worth it. 
• discipleship is a way of life
• simply helping others grow toward Christ in all of life.
• find BEAUTY in Christ

 :)