by Arlan Paloalto – Friday, January 4, 2013
There are two things that come to mind that I have learned to put into practice as I think about 2012:
1. TRUST
In being at Northwest University, it has always been a struggle for my family and I financially speaking. I remember having conversations with my dad and asking him, “Where is this money going to come from?” He would answer this question by asking me, “Are you called to be at Northwest?” and I said yes. Then he would tell me to simply trust in the one that called me to be there. Time and time again, God has provided for me to attend this great university.
Not only have I been challenged to trust in God with my finances this year but also to trust the friendships that I have been blessed to have. I was never really one to open up to friends about me and if I did it was very superficial. Nevertheless, this year has been a great turning point. I have truly been able to see that my peers respect, love and want what is best for me. I have been able to trust them with weaknesses and fears that I have. By sharing those things, I have been helped by my friends and encouraged by them tremendously. The greatest victory I have had this year in trusting my friends would probably be the night that I was able to share MY STORY, from the very start to the present, with a person who is now one my closest friends. He has truly influenced my life and I do not regret sharing my testimony for a second.
2. REFLECT
I am the type of guy that is always on the go. I have errands to run, meetings to attend and homework to do, but this year I was able see the value of BEING STILL and seeing what’s around me. By reflecting on my day or past week, I have been able to see the blessings that I have been gifted with. The best times of reflection have been walks around the campus and Kirkland with headphones in and music pumping. Other times, it’s just a matter of leaving my apartment and drive around town with music, park somewhere and just allowing God to speak to me. By slowing down, I have been able to receive so much insight and peace through some of the most stressful times.
And now, looking to what’s ahead…TWENTY-THIRTEEN. As a new year comes there are two things that I do. First, I buy a journal to write in my devotions, sermon notes, and even just thoughts that I have. Secondly, I find a song. That’s right, a song. A song for the whole year that will inspire and encourage me. For 2012, my song was Jesus Be the Center by Israel Houghton. The song that I choose is a song that I believe will remind me of a promise that God has for me. That I am called to serve Him, that I am redeemed, forgiven, loved and FREE.
For 2013, my song will be Closer by Bethel, sung by Steffany Frizzell. I feel like this song captures my goal for this new year…. “I want to know Your heart” I encourage you student, or parent, allow God to show you what He has planned for your future or your child’s future. What He has planned is much greater than what you or I could ever plan.
So my resolution for this coming year is to:
1) Spend more time with God in my devotions.
2) Strive to be an encourager to my peers and friends.
3) Make unforgettable memories in the last semester that I have at NU before graduation.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Arlan Paloalto is a senior at NU and will be graduating with a Marketing Degree. His favorite things to do include jam sessions with friends, a quick trip to downtown Kirkland, or cooking with friends at his apartment. You can follow him on Twitter or Instagram @apaloalto.
Posted on Friday, January 4, 2013 by Arlan Paloalto
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