What I learned in 2013

Not all friendships last forever. Sometimes, things need to end, so you can be reminded that the only thing that lasts is God.

It's okay if friendships end. You know that silly, cliche quote: "If one door closes, another one opens?" Sometimes, that's really true, and sometimes, you realize that door wasn't so wonderful from the outside as it was from the inside.

Don't settle for "good enough". Always strive for better. Are you happy with your group of friends? Make new ones. Are you happy with that B in your lit class? Aim for that B+. Going to mass on Sundays and doing fine? Add confession, daily prayer, adoration and/or daily mass into the mix.

There are things that you have no control over. That's okay, too. Sometimes, you can physically do nothing, but don't lose hope.

Never underestimate the power of prayer. God loves His children, and He hears their cries and their petitions. He will comfort them.

This year was full of lessons, and I am excited to find out what God has in store for me in 2014!