Yep. I'm a day late, but whatever. I find that in the past year my relationship with God has not been as high "ethos"-wise (aka emotionally) as it has been for the past few years. I'm hoping that changes this year. Still, it does not necessarily mean I have not felt any emotions in my spiritual life. It just has not stood out as much as in the past. And I know emotion should not be the only thing to define my spiritual life.
Looking at the year from a superficial point of view, it has been an awesome year. It was the first year I had a random shiny Pokemon encounter; and I ended up having three of those. School-wise, I finally changed to a major I enjoy, and my grades have improved that I actually got nothing below an A- my fall quarter. I've had a lot of fun experiences being able to stay in Santa Barbara over the summer.
Looking at this year, I'm thinking God should have been more of a priority. It is kind sad when I noticed this year has been somewhat dry spiritually compared to the few years before it. Granted I did start reading the Bible more, but I feel like I need to be more intentional with my reading. I've noticed I spent less time at the prayer shed behind Jesus Burgers. I do not worship as wholeheartedly as I used to. I also rant a lot. I need to change my attitude...
On December 30th, I decided to go to the night watch at IHOP East Bay (the house of prayer in Dublin). I was there from 10pm to 3am. I wanted to stay until 4am, but my brother called at 3am because he was worried about me. Going to night watch for the first time was amazing for me. It's crazy to think about how there are people dedicated to stay up late in prayer and intercession. I had trouble staying awake as the hour from 1 to 2am was basically 5 minute intervals of being asleep and being awake. It helped me appreciate what they do. It also helped me realize how much I miss going to IHOP and spending my quiet time there. I know I don't have to go to a specific place to be with God, but it is so much easier for me to be away from distractions. Also, a busy school schedule made it hard for me to want to go to the prayer shed in IV (which is now IVHOP).
I definitely want to make more free time to go to IVHOP. I also want to make more time back in the Bay to go to IHOP East Bay without worrying about my mom getting mad at me for going out a lot or going out late. I want my relationship with God to continue to grow.
It is also crazy to see where God is leading everyone. Being back home for more than a week since last winter break has been amazing. I got to catch up with lots of people. Anton now has a part in the LA opera while looking for other jobs. He acts, plays music, writes, and makes art. I would like to visit him in LA. Anthony M is going to graduate this year, and he already got offered a job teaching a couple junior high Bible classes and leading chapel leadership at Valley Christian. It is funny thinking about how I first met him there when I was in 8th grade and he was in 9th grade and that he prayed for me the first time we met. Back then, I would have never expected God to lead him back to teach. He is basically taking Mr. Merrell's teaching spot since Mr. Merrell is going to lead prayer and intercession full time. Ryan has a plan, and it is great to see how God has turned his life around from back when I first knew him in French class in 8th grade. There's just so much more I could talk about, and I am excited to see where He leads me.
Okay, so maybe the title of this post is kind of misleading...I didn't do too much reflecting on the last year. I guess I am looking more towards the future now.
Until next time,
Kenneth
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