I realized at the beginning of college that God had been preparing me for Himself all my life. Little seeds that were slowly but surely being watered and nurtured. Daily He began teaching me who he is and it left me seeking more. In the fall of 2011, I proclaimed myself as a follower of Christ through baptism. It was a take-my-breath-away moment (literally, the water was freezing!) and I began to realize what following Him means.

It means that His grace and mercy are significantly more abundant than my failures. God’s forgiveness doesn’t expire, all I need to do is repent and trust Him. (Ephesians 2:4-9, Acts 3:19, Acts 16:31)

It means that God created me and in His eyes I am absolutely perfect. And nothing can change that. (Psalm 139: 13-16)

It means that He knows me better than I know myself and He has my future figured out, so I don’t have to worry about it. (Matthew 6:25-34, Jeremiah 29:11)

It means that I will find eternal life with God because He sent His son to die on the cross for my sins. (John 3:16, 1 Timothy 1:15)

It means that following Him, serving others, and forgiving won’t be easy but it will bring Him glory, and that is why I am here. (Isaiah 43:6-7, 1 Chronicles 16:23-24, Habakuk 2:14)

It means that He is always with me and apart from Him I can do nothing. (Deuteronomy 31:8, John 15:5)

I am continually in awe of my wonderful Creator. For the hope He gives and the amazing grace that I do not deserve. I am thankful that He always draws me near when life gets tough and that He takes care of my every need.