Out of the teens

Well, it's been a bloody long time since I've written in the blog, although I've been meaning to for a long time...
I just want to thank everyone that celebrated/helped contribute to celebrating my birthday this year. This year definitely topped my other years of celebration, well I guess I'm usually used to a simple dinner and hanging out. But starting with a scavenger hunt in Merced (thanks gaiz). And then to the hanging out with Christine, and then others for bfast, lunch, dinner, and all the stuff in between. I wanna let you guys know that I was really touched by it, even the caking part (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3vWDzcd6J4).

This past year has one where I've grown tremendously. God has taken me over trials, and into a new mindset. He's blessed me with many brothers and sisters that have continued to bless me over and over. And He's given me a passion and heart for people, stronger than I've ever anticipated.
Goodness, 20 sounds old. But I know that this upcoming year God is going to challenge me even harder and grow me even more.

The biggest lesson going out of my teens? Well I guess it came the week before my birthday. God taught me, and is continuing to teach me about the importance of self-identity. And that it is so necessary to know where I stand with the Lord, why I stand with the Lord, why I struggle with the things that I do, whY i believe the things I do, etc.

My prayer for this year? David said it in Psalm 26:2
"Test me, O Lord, and try me; examine my heart and my mind"

I want to be pure before the Lord. I want to be able to pray this prayer being confident that what God finds in me is pleasing to His eyes.