I AM FREE!
Yesterday was one of the greatest days of my life. For the past 2 years my prayer was to become financially independent from my parents. Yesterday, I was able to announce to my mom that I would not be needing her money this month. The look on her face was priceless. She looked as if she wanted to cry. My goal was to be free by the time school starts, and by the grace of God, I was able to do it a month early! God truely does answer prayers.
Despite what the world says, I like living on little money. It keeps me humble and honest. Becasue of the lack of funds that I have, I cannot afford to buy the things I do not need, only the things that are necessary. I live a simple life with simple things, because deep down, I'm simple. I do not need many things to make me happy. I do not need great things to make me happy. All I need is the Lord and He will provide me with whatever He feels I need.
There was a time a few months ago where I wasn't sure I was going to be able to make it. I had a really crappy job and zero dollars in my bank account and a $200 car payment and a $550 rent. Life wasn't looking good. On top of that, I had bills to pay and food to buy. I was able to recieve some mercy when my best friend agreed to move in with me. With her help, I was able to get myself out of the financial burdens and get my life back. God really does answer prayers. Not always right away, but He does listen and He does answer and provide.
With my new apartment, I have decided to clean up my life. I have completely given up drinking and will no longer accept it in my apartment. From now on, my new apartment is alcohol-free. If I have people over, it is to visit or to watch a movie. I discovered that alcohol is a way to escape problems and try to find happiness. For me, anyway, that is what it was. For anyone else, it is what they make it.
God has taken on a whole new shape for me. He has blessed my life so much over the past few months that it is overwhelming. He has blessed me with a great boyfriend that encourages me to be my best and to persue my dreams. He has these goals for his life that are so great, but I know he can do it. He has great talent and impresses me with everything he does. God has and will continue to do great things for him. I love him.
I have made some friends that are a great influence in my life. Hedy and Alex are among those people. They have this love for each other and this love for God that is amazing. They are sweet and fun to be around and I could not ask for better people to call my friends. There are many others that have influenced my life...some better than others, but all have done something to me.
Everyone needs people in their lives that encourage them to persue their dreams, live their life for God, and to have faith in things. I have made new friends that I find that in. These people lift me up and encourage me without putting me down. They make me feel better about myself and about my beliefs without riducule. It has been a true blessing. Instead of talking negative about my life, I'm going to try and have a positive outlook on my life because it is the positive that makes things happen, not the negative.
"God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say 'Thank You'"? -William A. Ward | 
