Christmas Newsletter, Part III

Abigail's Highlights

In 2017, I have experienced and learned a lot.  In fact, looking back at this past year, there has been a vast transition.  The first half of the year, I was still a junior and kept myself busy with the school club's activities.  Then the latter part of the year, I found myself in the urgency of studying for the joint college entrance exam. So, here's a brief review of 2017!
In April, I had the opportunity to go on a mission trip in Southern Taiwan.  It was a two-day activity held by the Christian Club on campus.  We visited an elementary school located in the mountains.  Most of the kids lived with their grandparents because the parents were usually in the city working.  The feeling of being able to give the kids joy and laughter was overwhelming.  I learned to cherish the things that I have. It was amazing to love others with the love of God.  Loving others with God's love not only helped me to see things that I don't usually see, but I also felt less exhausted even though we had very long and busy days while we were there. 
In May, I was one of the hosts for my English Talented Class' "The End of the Year Performance".  Each group was to do a presentation on the things we learned in class.  Two of my best friends and I were very busy. I was exhausted.  But I wasn't alone. Not only did I have my best friends beside me, but more importantly, I had my Heavenly Father with me.  I needed to stop trying to do things on my own and start trusting God.  When I made that decision, a heavy weight washed off my shoulders. I felt like I could have a fresh start.  Relying on God is indeed one of the the most valuable lesson I've learned.
Since July, I started preparing for the college entrance exam.  My days flew by, but it was different from my junior year.  In my junior year, I was so busy with the youth group and my on campus Christian club. That was a nice feeling to have time flying by. But since I started to prepare for the exam, I feel like my soul was withering little by little, day by day, being stuck with memorizing one more thing.  Until one day, I realized that it wasn't the pressure from the test eating me up; instead, it was the lack of reading and spending time with God that was making me weak.  I was awakened by how essential God's joy is in our lives.  Without it, our days will seem boring and meaningless.  I've also learned a meaningful lesson from my mom.  She once mentioned, "Our flaws and weaknesses are perfected in our Heavenly Father's love and mercy."  Indeed, no matter what sort of circumstances we are in, we should always remain in God and let Him remain in the center of our hearts.
In conclusion, it has been another year full of challenges and valuable experiences.  I've not only learned how powerful God's love is and how much I need to rely on Him, but I also learned that the connection between God and me is essential.
I don't know how your year has been, but I am sure that when we keep close to God, life will become more colorful and meaningful.
By your beloved friend, Abigail :D
P.S. I forgot to mention that I won fourth place in the Taipei High School Speech Contest in December. This is God's work as I only had two days to prepare!
Seek Him First!