If there is one great thing that you learned in 2016, what would it be?
Sure, the year that passed has brought us ups and downs but it also made us stronger and better. Challenges allowed us to know ourselves and the limits that we set and victories led us to appreciate that we can do more than just settling for what is okay.
Before the calendar turns a new leaf over, let us take a moment to look back on the things that we took note of in the past year.
- Our God is a generous God.
No matter how many times we screw up, the Lord will always welcome us with open arms, full of love and grace, if we only totally surrender ourselves to Him. (Grace in Disgrace)
- Change comes and sometimes you don’t have any choice but to accept it.
..But even though it gets tough, you are never alone in facing it. (Not until she was gone)
- To be ready takes time.
We learned to trust in God’s perfect timing and believe that things will happen in “His time not mine.” (My Road to Forever)
- A family that prays together stays together.
This might sound cliche, but this phrase is proven to be true. Our families may have experienced so much but because of prayers, we are made stronger. (To the man who taught us what real love is)
- You can never truly be happy without going through everything that’s happening with you right now.
You may feel like it’s the end because you’re carrying everything on your shoulders and sadly, no one would really like to listen to you. Because that is the reality you’re in right now. That is how you view the world. But we’re here to assure you that everything you feel is normal. Why? Because a lot of people have been through that. (An open letter from my 21-year old self)
- Our experiences mold us into somebody who is different from who we used to be.
Even in sufferings, we learn. After being able to attain the lessons that God wants us to have, we can say that facing challenges are worth it. Remember, we are never alone in this journey. Take courage because God is forever there for us, supporting and guiding through everything. (Beyond our sorrows)
- You deserve only the best.
We accept the love we think we deserve. And we deserve nothing less than the embrace that only the Divine Lover can give. (More than waiting)
- The best definition of love is not just about butterflies in your belly or those sleepless nights, it’s John 15:13.
..because “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (The Fire Within)
- Everything has its perfect timing.
..and the Lord has already planned your life down from the smallest, perfect detail. It is up to us whether or not we will follow it through. God gives us the freedom to do so and by His greatness, He will always amaze us in the way we least expect. If you need motivation, remember this quote: “It might take a year. It might take a day. But what’s meant to be will always find a way.” (What’s meant to be will always find a way)
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- The reason we live is to give a smile on his face.
The way we live is the best “gratitude offering” that we could ever give to the Source. Aim high. (The moment I met him, everything changed)
Tomorrow is the first blank page of the 365-page book. Let’s write a good one as we all together say, “2017, we’re ready for you!”
