19 Things I Learned in 2019

This year was packed with new and exciting things! I moved back home, completed my practicum for lab assisting, graduated from college, started casual positions at three different hospitals, got engaged, and began wedding planning. There have been many trials and roadbumps throughout the year, but my relationship with Jesus has grown more than ever before. I wanted to write a post to reflect on the past year, and because it has been full of learning experiences, this seemed like the perfect fit. So here we are – 19 things I learned in 2019.

1. There is nothing more important than the Word of God – and how incredibly vital it is to study it, as it is the only way to know God! I am now aware of how biblically illiterate I was twelve months ago. I finished the Old Testament this year and am working on the New.
2. I broke out of my comfort zone when it came to art – especially sharing it with others, and I learned how to paint with watercolors. I have also began learning how to knit and make jewellery.
3. The value of friendships with my brothers. They are becoming my three built in best friends, and I love them endlessly. Also just the importance of family in general.
4. By the grace of God, He opened my eyes to some of the erroneous teachings I had been falling for and placed a fire in my soul to know biblical truths. He gave me a deisre to have more Bible knowledge, the ability to discern what I consume, and a love for learning about doctrine & theology (which I once thought we boring!).
5. My relationship with Alex will always be stronger when I am focused on serving him and honouring God more than I am focused on my own selfish desires.
6. To be more wise with my spending – to buy things based off of need or practicality, not just to impress others or gain their approval.
7. To make small talk, and impact people even if I only speak to them for five minutes. I tend to be a bit of an introvert, so this was hard for me. But it has turned out to be so rewarding! Especially because I interact with people all day.
8. Standing firm for what the Bible teaches on topics that are unpopular in the culture will often leave me standing by myself, even amongst some church circles! It no longer bothers me, because I understand now that Jesus did not promise a life of comfort, but of persecution. (Matt. 10:16-33)
9. Wedding planning is only stressful if you let it be that way, and Pinterest is often more harmful than it is good. I began to let go of the “fairytale dream wedding” I used to have in my head, and focus more on our actual MARRIAGE. That’s what matters the most.
10. Some of the best days happen when you forget you have a phone, when you don’t share a single part of it to social media, when you don’t even have photos to document the memories. I still use my phone a little more than I would like to, but I am trying to be more concious of this. To just live in the moment and be with the people that I am around.
11. When it comes to eating healthy and working out, I now approach it with a mindset of taking care of the earthly body that the Lord has gifted me. I used to have a very toxic view in these areas, but the change of perspective has made all the difference. It is truly freeing.
12. I learned (and am still learning) how to die to myself. How to set aside my own desires and take up my cross for Christ. I say still learning because it is something I need to do daily, something I must ask the Lord for strength for at the beginning of each morning as I can’t do it by myself.
13. Mentors are so precious and valuable. I found some really great ones this year. For both my spiritual life, and to look up to as examples for our marriage.
14. I mastered an avocado toast recipe. And in the process I discovered that I love being in the kitchen and experimenting with recipes. (I almost never follow recipes exactly as they’re written. Sometimes they’re a total flop but most of the time they are absolutely magical! It just adds to the overall fun.)
15. Graduated from college and entered the “real world” – where I learned how to trust Jesus and His timing for a job. There were many tearful prayers, but He is always faithful, and I am beginning 2020 with an actual position (!!) after eight months of working casual.
16. It is okay to take a break. A break from writing. A break from creating. A break from social media. A break from certain people. Sometimes things just get too busy, or pressured, or forced, and it is OKAY to step back for a little bit!
17. Quality time with grandparents is something that is so precious. Especially the older that they get. There is so much wisdom to gain from them, and I treasure every minute that I get to spend learning and laughing with them!
18. There isn’t a single minute of the day where God is not with me. He holds me in His hand and He is in control! This year I really grasped how to surrender my plans and fears into His hands. I’ve battled anxiety for many years, and this year I finally found true freedom from that by clinging to His truth.
19. Memory verses aren’t just for Sunday School kids – there is SO much value to memorizing scripture! In fact, it is absolutely essential to our spiritual growth. It is how we know God’s commands. It is how we fight the enemy. It focuses our attention on Christ throughout the day + helps us discern right from wrong.

There have been many highs and lows through this year, yet I have been able to see God at work through it all and I am so grateful. This has been the best year yet. But I am so ready for the adventures that 2020 will bring! (Honestly just SO ready to finally be a wife and a homemaker!!)

Thank you so much for joining me on this adventure. Thank you for reading my posts and for all of the kind + encouraging messages! They mean so much to me. I am praying for each of you as we begin a new year, may the Lord be with you in each step you take.

♡ Britt

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