It's 2017

2016 Resolutions I accomplished:

• Read the Bible cover to cover
• Watch all of Steven Universe
• Save a life

2016 Resolutions I did not complete:

• Books read - 6/12
• Marvel movies watched - 0/14

I had lots of ups and downs in 2016. It wasn't my favorite year, but it had a lot of beautiful moments. I already made an entire video about its highlights back for Thanksgiving, so I'm not going to repeat myself here. But I'm grateful. I made a lot of great memories, hit some major milestones, and got through some tough times. And now I'm here. 2017 is going to be great.

I almost didn't complete that last resolution. I wanted so badly to show someone the beauty of life with Christ, and I was sick of not doing my part as one of God's followers, so I made it a resolution. It felt a little selfish, especially since everything happens in God's time and it would only happen if God saw fit to use me. I almost gave up on it. But, without really even trying to accomplish the resolution, I was able to be a guide for Mandy. Believe me that her accepting Christ has brought me unspeakable joy and I am so happy for her. More than pride, I'm honored that I was able to play even a little part in that. It wasn't for me, but for God's glory, and doing His work is such an incredible feeling. I didn't know how good it truly felt until now, and I hope that He can use me again in the future.

As for 2017 resolutions, I've given up on the book thing. After 2 years I've realized that reading is not my priority and, as much as I enjoy it, it'll just happen when it happens. I also have given up on the Marvel thing. I will watch all those movies eventually, but I don't particularly care when so long as they're in order. After reading the Bible all the way through, I want to reread it in Chronological order, but that's less of a resolution and more of a desire for someday. Maybe next month. Right now I need to take a break and go back to reading it for no purpose other than my own spiritual growth. So I guess the only goal I have is save another life. Maybe two this year. God proved to me that, as long as I place it in His hands and allow Him to speak through me, it's possible. I may just focus my energy on that one goal. It's the most important anyway.

I don't want to make some long Facebook post where I tag everyone in creation and get a million notifications just so I can recap the year that everyone else went through. But a lot of people have played a significant part in the highlights of 2016. I owe much of my joy and fun to them. You are, of course, included in that, and I don't think 2016 would have been anywhere near as special without you next to me. I almost wish we weren't so funny because these videos are gold and I'm trying to figure out how to make them shorter haha. I'm excited for them to go up. Until then, I'm gonna try to stop being nostalgic and focus on what's ahead. That's always been difficult for me. But hey. Keep moving forward.

New Year's Eve (Goodbye 2015)

New layout for the new year. Ya dig the new look?

(I still think the butterflies were super pretty but I got sick of all the yellow haha)

I've had a beautiful 2015. A hard 2015. An interesting 2015. An eventful 2015. A heartbreaking 2015.

Basically this year has been absolutely all over the place, as you can maybe see by my "Soundtrack of My Life" posts on my private blog. I think I may continue that next year, just 'cause. Overall, I'm grateful for the insanity I went through, and all the things I gained this year. Like my beautiful Little, or a visit from my best friend, or bonding time with my youth group. I'm also grateful for the things I lost and learned. Losing my pride and finally going to counseling. Losing whatever relationship I had with Ethan and learning more about myself and God's plan for me in the process. I was a part of some of the most important shows I've ever done this year. My self esteem is building, slowly but surely. I'm taking better care of my body. I am working harder than ever before. I've gotten some of the nicest and most meaningful compliments I've ever gotten in my life. I am now realizing the immense work I have to do so that, instead of just focusing on getting myself closer to God, I can allow the Lord to use me for His work and His plan and spread His word and love to others in my life. And I have a wonderful niece who loves me. And a beautiful nephew on the way. I am blessed.

I have completed 5 out of 6 of my 2015 resolutions. I watched all of the Studio Ghibli films, all of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, and all of Doctor Who. I made a workout and diet plan for myself that was healthy and safe back in December of 2014, and I stuck to it to the absolute best of my ability all year. And I wrote in this blog every single day. According to the little sidebar, I missed two days, but I actually only missed one, and didn't realize until a few months later so I couldn't make up for it. So there should be 364 reasons to be happy for the year of 2015. A whole lot of happy.

For 2016, I want to read 12 books (since I meant to do that in 2015 and only read 7). I also want to read the Bible in its entirety. I haven't read the whole thing cover to cover since high school when I still didn't really grasp it, and this way I still read it every single day. I want to watch all of the Marvel movies because I keep saying I will and I never do. I want to watch all of Steven Universe. And I want to save a life. At least one. Or, better phrased, save a soul. I'm a whole lot of talk but it's about time I really let God do His work through me.

I don't think I will write in this blog every day anymore. This was once a very safe place for me, but it feels compromised. I will not start a new blog or move this anywhere else, because this is our space, yours and mine, and I want it to stay that way always. But this was a place where I shared my deepest and bluntest thoughts. Instead, I want it to become a place where my words impact all its readers positively and shows them the good. I will be sure to still write. At least once a month, or maybe every week. This blog will not go dark. God gives me so many blessings and I refuse to be silent about them. But I accomplished my goal, and now it's time for me to move on to new goals. I promise you will still be updated on all the wonderful stories in my life. And, just because I don't write everything on here does not mean I will let the light go out. I'm going to start 2016 right and make it even better than 2015. There's so much to look forward to! So tonight, we will go to church, we will enjoy the evening with the Bowens, and we will get ready for a whole new set of memories.

#SammyInToronto2k16 #PrayAboutIt