Year in Review 2015

It is time again to review the year... sigh.... guys this year was awesome. A lot of really happy things have happened. As well as some not so happy things but overall I can't complain - Jesus has been really, really good to me.

 This year... I watched two of my best friends pledge to spend the rest of their lives loving each other. And best of all they let me be a part of it. :)

I started leaning on God's word more as I chose to focus on one verse each week highlighting what it meant to me.

I celebrated one year of working with CEF of Florida. For me that was a huge accomplishment!

I realized that Jesus made me beautiful just the way that I am and I can be the real me and he still loves me.... that is just the greatest gift he could ever give me.

I got to go see my sister three times! Within a month! It was so great being able to see her and enjoy her new home and life. How blessed am I??

 I bought plants (which died...) but it was so fun to have something to care for. And I also get to tell people I am like hospice for plants - I just ease the transition to Jesus... haha

I got to spend two weeks investing in the lives of teenagers like someone invested in me. I saw them grow into young men and women that want to honor the Lord and reach his children. I witnessed first hand the change that one week of training can make in the life of a teen and guys - it's amazing.

 I spent two weeks ministering in Indianapolis with Good News Across America! We reached so many children and the Lord renewed the calling I have on my life to disciple his little ones. I was so encouraged after those two weeks I couldn't wait to get back to work.

GUYS! I've been blogging for two years!! That is a huge accomplishment... For someone who rarely sticks with something for more than a couple of seconds two years is a huge goal!!

 I am now working in a chapter filled with my friends! And we do all sorts of fun things together like Good News Club Conferences and TCEs and cleaning up the office.... it's great! I realized yesterday that I have nothing bad to say at all about my job... NOTHING. It seriously has become one of the best things in my life. I love the people I get to work with, I love the job I get to do,  I love doing research (and I get to do a lot), I love seeing people get excited about 5-Day Club like I am excited about it. I'm excited guys because Jesus really is taking care of me here.

I learned how to play the piano which has been a lifetime goal for me. No I'm not perfect at it or able to do everything I want to, but I can sit down and I can worship my Jesus. That is really all I ever wanted to do was be able to use an instrument to glorify him. I'm so thankful for it!

 I get to go to Good News Club and teach children about Jesus. I get to use God's word to pour into the lives of little ones who then have an opportunity to learn about him.. I don't know about you but I feel deeply honored to be chosen by the Lord to deliver his message to the children. Amazing...

This year Jesus proved himself faithful to his promises. The verse I was leaning on this whole year was Isaiah 43:19.

And that's exactly what he did this year... He did new things - he brought new friends into my life.... a new job... and most importanly he has continually made me new this year. Cleaning out the old Charissa and making her into something that is truly beautiful....

So bring it New Year! Me and Jesus are ready for you!