Saturday, January 1, 2011

Reflections on 2010

2010 was quite the year! In celebration of the beginning of 2011, I wanted to share some reflections on the past year, month by month. What were the highlights of your 2010?

January: I fasted for the first time in my entire life. Not one to do things halfway, I participated in a church-wide Daniel Fast- basically no meat, white flour, processed sugar, processed foods, or dairy! It was so difficult, but taught me a lot about spiritual discipline and what it means to rely on God. I also got to travel to Los Angeles for CSM Staff Training. It was great to get away from winter for a week and meet some wonderful members of the CSM staff!

February: A month of transition. I went from living alone to having three new roommates- none of whom I had met prior to living together! That adjustment was challenging, uncomfortable, and all around very difficult for me. Ultimately, living with Meagan, Mallory, and Nicole was one of the biggest blessings to me, and I can't imagine what the rest of my apprenticeship would have been like without these girls by my side!

March: Hosted a couple of amazing groups- one from Virginia, and one from Tulsa, OK. Had an incredibly raw conversation with a transvestite prostitute. March was heavy, but so full of precious learning opportunities that I wouldn't trade for anything.

April: Celebrated our upcoming marriage with a couple's shower in Indianapolis! It was completely perfect, and we were reminded how wonderful our friends and family are. April also had its low points- in particular the loss of my good friend Treneal as she went back to the streets and drugs. In what was probably the toughest crisis in my Christian walk, I watched a woman who had been so in love with God and had been clean for almost two years throw everything away for a momentary high. I'm still not sure I understand it, but I've learned that some things don't come with easy answers.

May: Insanity. Finished up my time in Chicago, moved home, and had a bachelorette party!

June: Oh you know...got married. Moved across the country. Honeymooned in Hawaii...a nice quiet month!

July: Began classes at Fuller. More specifically, took two week intensive classes in New Testament. Spent a LOT of time in the library. Found our church in Pasadena, Pasadena Covenant! Bonnie visited!

August: Zack got his first real job at Russ Reid, doing production design! Pasadena was so, so hot, and I began the slow process of calling Southern California home.

September: Went back to Chicago for the Christian Community Development Association conference with the financial support of my church! It was an incredible week with a new friend, and provided some much-needed nourishment for my soul. I was so honored to get to meet some amazing urban ministry leaders. Back in Pasadena, I began my internship as the Junior High Ministries Intern!

October: Discovered what an incredible city San Diego is while attending the National Youthworker's Conference. Went camping for the first time in my life- and loved it! October wrapped up with me being a snuggie AND grapes for Halloween- on separate occasions!

November: Hosted my first Thanksgiving dinner, and had a wonderful visit from Allison. I never realized how exhausting cooking that meal is! Having friends around the table was so worth the work in the end.

December: Somehow survived my first finals week of Seminary. Enjoyed an incredible visit home for an early Christmas. Seeing so many friends and family was such a blessing to us. And of course, we celebrated our first married Christmas together!

So what's ahead for 2011? Some things I would like to accomplish:

-Run more. Especially since I'm doing a 10K in February! Uphill. Oh man.

-Spend more time on self-care. Relaxing, spending money on things like haircuts...it's hard for me to justify these types of things, but I know they are so important to staying healthy and sane.

-Learning how to say no. More specifically, not feeling GUILTY for saying no!

I think 2011 is going to be a great year. Maybe I'll blog more- maybe you'll read it? Let's not get too crazy with these resolutions! :)