Tuesday, December 15, 2009

I Look To You Because I Didn't Know My Own Strength!

I did it!
I made it through my first semester of college! 
Some people may look at this and think it is something to silly to be so excited about, but honestly there were many many many many times throughout the semester that I felt like I wouldn't make it through to the end of the semester. It was very overwhelming to switch from working part time to almost full time and then on top of that having a whole new set of teaching styles to get used to. At the beginning of the semester I thought there was no way I could ever get used to feeling so overwhelmed by everything. I remember after the first two weeks or so, and stressing about my first English paper, just being ready to be done. I was determined that I absolutely hated school and could not wait til I graduated, which is very sad to think in my first semester. But, as I look back on the semester I cannot believe that it is already over. I am not sad by any means; it is just weird to think that it's done and now I have a five week break! 


Today I was thinking back to my first day of school. I can remember it like it was yesterday. I remember leaving for school early that morning, but there was an accident so the freeway was way backed up and it took me an hour and a half to get to school instead of thirty minutes. I remember just bawling the whole rest of the way to school because I was already stressed out about everything and here I was already missing my first institute class. Granted it was the first day and of course the institute teachers were understanding, but it still was all overwhelming for me. I don't think I could ever forget that day! 


I also remember having many assignments throughout the semester that I felt were impossible to finish and taking many quizzes and exams for a class that I felt like I could never get a good grade on! And having many nights of tears from just being frustrated! But nonetheless, I am glad I could have all of these experiences. I know they are part of life and have helped me grow into a stronger person! 


There are a couple Whitney Houston songs that I was introduced to a few months ago that have served as good reminders for me and helped me through the semester (and make up the title of this post). The first is I Didn't Know My Own Strength. The last line of this song says, "I was not built to break, I got to know my own strength." This is exactly how I feel about my  semester. I know that I wasn't set up to fail and  through out the semester I was able to realize that I am capable of more that I thought. I realized I had the strength to do what I needed to do, even when I seemed it impossible. 
The other song is I Look to You. This one just reminds me of the importance of Heavenly Father in my life. The chorus says, "And when all my strength is gone, in you I can be strong." Prayer definitely has been a huge factor that carried me through this semester. I have had many experiences where I know that Heavenly Father heard and answered my prayers. It is such a strength to me to know that we don't have to go through this life on our own. In fact, it is so much easier when we turn to the Lord and ask him for help! What a blessing that is!


*Scripture Thought: 1st Nephi  7:12 "Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to him." I truly know Heavenly Father  knows everything and can help us with everything....even school. I know He has helped me throughout the semester and continues to help me in my life. 

2 comments:

  1. way to go Steph!! I probably would not have been able to make it through!

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  2. good job steph!!! i'm proud of ya!! :)

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