Yes it’s not thanksgiving but Thanksgiving isn’t the only time of the year we should be thankful of God’s Faithfulness. 1 Thessalonians reminds us to give thanks in all circumstances however since we are near the end of yet another year, it’s only right to remember and celebrate God’s faithfulness.

An old song I’ve always sang since I was little goes like this “Count your blessings name them one by one. Count your blessings see what God has done. Count your blessings. Name them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.” Only when we go back and specifically name each thing God has done in our lives and those around us can we truly be able to appreciate his faithfulness.

Since I resumed Uni in September there have been many things that elicited stress (who knew renting a house could be so problematic?). As a result my housemate and I found ourselves in a spiral of  never-ending complaints. Before we knew it talking  about our problems became one of our greatest addiction. Not too long after we both decided to break the habit and talk about our joys instead. Counting our joys helped us remember that despite the fact that things were not necessarily going “right” there were still ways in which God had been faithful to us. And long before we knew it the things we had previously complained about started to straighten out.

The amazing thing about God’s faithfulness is that it never runs out. “GOD ’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great is [his] faithfulness!” Lamentations‬ ‭3:22-24‬ ‭MSG‬‬
Last year I did a shout out to God, and so it’s only right to do a quick sum up for this year. 

In January, myself and my friends were struggling with finding a house for 2nd year and eventually after loads of prayers & many house viewings we got one.

In February, I prayed for myself and other friends who had exams, deadlines & interviews and God came through for them individually.

In March, I was especially thankful for the life of my mother as we remembered all mothers. My prayer for them still stands : May they reap the fruits of their labour.

In April, I was eventually able to complete an assignment that was giving me sooo much headache. Thank God.

By May, I had started another 4 week block of hospital placement. Thanks be to God I didn’t faint like I had done previously and the teaching was amazing. I also found out that I received a distinction in an assignment I’d submitted earlier 💃🏾🙌🏾

Jumping to June, exam season 😳! Well thanks to God I survived it, very intense exams. But through it all June 8th came and I had completed 20% of med school.

July came round and I was thankful for the gift of life as I turned a year older while celebrating in Cornwall with old and new friends. I was truly able to appreciate God’s creation. 😍😍

August, was a month filled with more exams which was not my intention. Instead of enjoying all of my summer a chunk of it was once again dedicated to exam preparation 🙃 This was by far the hardest month of the year for me; I was tested both mentally and spiritually. Having said that I enjoy experiences like this because of the lessons I come out with – Amidst the storms of life it’s important to keep your eyes focused on God. 

September, I passed all the exams I sat in August. Which meant a variety of things, for one I was going to start Year 2 Medical school in a couple of weeks. And secondly, I was finally going to become a British citizen 🙌🏾 🇬🇧

In October, back into the groove of Uni; lectures, placement and living off campus. I was honestly lacking a lot of motivation and confidence but with heaps of prayer, stirring by the Holy Spirit and encouraging words I regained all I lacked and was starting to get all my work done more efficiently.

November came round quickly, and I must mention how grateful I am for my  friends and family because burdens are lighter when you share them. 🙏🏾 Had my Citizenship Ceremony and now I’m officially British. 💃🏾 The hassle of living with no heating and hot water caused me more stress than my course but eventually it was all sorted  out. Great is God’s faithfulness! 

As I write this post in the month of December, there are a number of things coming up – I’ve got an exam, submission deadlines to meet and some travelling. But I’m rest assured that my God who has been with me this far will not abandon me. 🙏🏾

So there we have it, 12 months of Thanks/Blessings. Go through your year and count up all the blessings God has granted onto you. I’m sure you’ll agree: God has been Faithful.

Wishing you all a Merry Festive season and I’ll be writing to you again in the New Year!
Stay Blessed,

Dara xx