Part 1: A Bible verse I chose to represent my feelings, thoughts, and experiences in 2021 is Psalms 147:3 “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Like I told the ladies in my group via a ZOOM meeting, I think, in 2021, there were ups and downs. My “ups” included me attending my graduation ceremony at University of Maryland, going on vacation with my family to Florida, and my birthday celebration. The downsides are that I went to the hospital for my blood clots and (relationship-wise) having experienced a broken heart. Blood clots are dangerous and people died from blood clots. I had to go to the hospital for the second time this past Fall (2021). I pray that God will watch over me and heal me fully (because blood clots are painful!). God watched over me and another struggle I had was when I tested positive for COVID-19. Despite my health issues and my broken heart, God listens to me. He hears my prayers. I think my relationship with God grew more and more as I get older. I try to remember to pray to God everyday and I pray that God help me to forgive others. I also pray that they forgive me too. Psalms 147:3 “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

Part 2: Happy new year everyone. I chose Isaiah 43:18-19 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” I chose this bible verse because to me, that represents hope. We should not think nor dwell about the bad things in the past. God wants us to know that God is working all things for good. God is in control. He can make something new out of broken things. Out of ashes. Even if I am in the middle of a desert, God is there right there with me. He will make a spring for me when I am feeling thirsty. He will make a water well so that I can drink water. Many people are hoping that this year, the new year, will be better than 2020, 2019, 2021. I pray that God’s love and joy will sustain me all my life. I thank God for all that He does for me. I love You, Father amen. Please pray for me to do well in my graduate school and please pray for me to become a woman of faith.