I thought that 2014 would be so much easier to sum up then 2013.

(I was wrong.)

So, I’m going to write a list (and I’m not the best at them). It’s not going to cover everything or everyone that crossed my path in 2014 but it might be the easiest way to sum up a year both living in my hometown and abroad.

1.  Most obvious as I sit blogging: I realized my writing voice and speaking voice  (and singing voice) are equally as strong. This will be my 46th blog on here. It’s been one of the most lovely parts of my week. Sitting and putting pen to paper and words to screen. And I stood up in front of adults, kids, peers and spoke words of truth and life like I never thought I could. (Translation: He’s the WORD. I’m the VOICE. I have something to SAY and I’m going to SAY IT)

2. I learned that one of the lessons from my mom that I carry with me is to never return a tupperware to someone empty.

3. I learned that I can still handle triple digit Kingsburg summers (mainly because my best friend has a pool) and also learned that, even though I complained, I can handle 7 degree weather. (spoiler alert: cold weather is in my future)

4. My cooking skills and baking skills were expanded after months of cooking for 5 people to 25 people. And I make the best omelettes. (even on really crappy pans). And 5 layer cakes ain’t got nothing on me. And tomato soup.

5. I realized it is ok to let guys carry my bags or walk on the road side of the street. Or move something heavy. OR take out the trash (am I right P. Reed?) ((also this blog and this blog may have taken a turn)

6. My family can indeed take family pictures.

7. I learned that maybe, just maybe, I might be done with pledging my loyalty to Starbucks. Mainly because of judgement and stripping of christianity. But also because I tasted actually good coffee. And it wins.

8. I can wear my hair down on a daily basis. And not cut it. ( side note: I totally want to cut my hair)

8b. I also paint my fingernails on a regular basis.

9. Group iMessage conversations are the best. Even when you are in the same room as the person. Especially when the third person isn’t in WIFI range and they get 105 messages when they get back into said wifi range. (also, once again: Thank you iMsg and Skype and Facetime for keeping my connected to those I love all over the world.)

10. And that those group iMessage conversations mean everything when they are with your home team.

11. Two words: Aqua congas.

(11. b. and cafe con leche, croissant y mantequilla y mermelade, blue chair bocadillos, iced chai lattes, scones, vino tinto, empenandas, pampa, tapas…..etc.)

12. I can still teach kids. Be it 92 of them that speak english or 6 that don’t.

13. I have jam on my hands. (And that jam is moving me to……well maybe we will save that for later)

14. Jesus doesn’t have to look the same to me as he did 14 years ago when I first came to know him. Actually, it’s so much better that he looks different. It’s lovely. All of the things that I thought didn’t fit into the box I had not only exploded the box but made me realize to follow Christ doesn’t include a box.

Prophecy, speaking in tongues, reading the bible with new eyes; all of those things didn’t fit in my box. And that box was the reason even what seemed like “silly” words maybe or maybe not from God I didn’t even look at. Like this one from Kyle in November of 2013 (the 16th to be exact). Now I hear from God in ways I didn’t deem possibly. I speak to Him with new words. And I accept things I normally wouldn’t be capable of accepting.

Those are my 14 things. 2014 was my “Clean slate to dream” and it came in ways I didn’t really picture. I didn’t picture my faith getting a clean slate, or my dreams actually getting a clean slate. But all of them did.

I got to spend so much time with my mom and dad, and immense amounts of time with my best and her sweet girls. I had the opportunity to teach bible stories to kids at Royal Family Kids Camp.

And then I went to Spain.

Thank you 2014 for all that you were. All of the light and dark. Time in my hometown and time with my home team. Thank you 2014 for the family, the tribe you led me too. Thank you for allowing me to walk where I did and run when I needed.

2015. Goodness. I don’t really know how to describe the plans in place in 2015.

But let’s put it this way-3 years ago, I decided I wanted to be of a different spirit.

2015 is another big step in that direction.