it was the best of times, it was the worst of times...

...with little or nothing in between.

i'm not really sure what it is about this time of year that makes me reflect so much. perhaps its the feeling of closing a chapter and opening a new one- a year full of blank pages to fill with precious time with the Lord, family, adventures, unfamiliar experiences, and both new and old friends. as i look back on this year, i can honestly say that my life looks nothing like i thought it would. i've had experiences i never dreamed i would have. i have tried things i never thought i would be interested in trying. i have relationships that i honestly wouldn't trade anything in the world for. most importantly, i have learned so much about who i am and who God is. He has shown me over and over how perfect He is and how much He loves me despite my imperfection.

in the past, i have dedicated a verse for the upcoming year, but i didn't choose one at the beginning of 2010. however, when i look back on the year, i recognize the verse that has been the theme of it:

"now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us." -ephesians 3:20 (nasb)

i have honestly prayed that verse nearly every day this year, and i have seen God do exceeding abundantly beyond all i could ask or think over and over again.

i have no idea what the Lord has in store for me in 2011, but i can't wait to find out. this year has been the craziest, most up-and-down year of my life and there has been very little in between the highs and lows. but my Father has held my hand the entire way. so perhaps i should rephrase my previous statement. it was the best of times, it was the worst of times, with little or nothing in between... and my God is bigger than all of it.