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The past few days have been quite thought provoking for me. A few months ago I posed the thought to my husband that I wasn’t sure the direction I was intending to go with more schooling was what I wanted to do. Since then, Ive been working and trying to sort through all the options that I have in front of me.

With 4 years of schooling behind me, I have just a fraction of the debt that I could have had at this point, thank the Lord. I have a B.A., and frankly don’t know what to do with it. It makes me laugh, because honestly when I chose my major because I enjoyed the classes and found them easy to me. Then down the road, I decided I could use it as a spring board into another career. Now…. I’m not sure what I want to do. But as I look back at those 4 years of schooling, I look back and realize whether or not I use this degree I can see God’s hand on me where I was at each point in life.

Yes, all my needs were provided for, more than I deserved. But more meaningful to me were the people that God put in my path those years. I met tons of people, some of which I still am in contact with every once in a while. The pattern that I see with all of those people is a weaving of God moments, that were completely divinely appointed. The conversations that would come up, the influences that I had, the moments of opportunity that presented themselves were totally and utterly because of my God. I am so thankful that despite my many flaws and distractions of the years, God has used me in so many ways. So many of those people I pray that I was an instrument for God in their lives, but they also taught me lessons. Of God’s power, His timing, His grace, His Hand. So so so many times over and over again.

As I am trying to figure out my next steps, I am desperate to do what He wants me to do. I want my life’s purpose to be in His Hands and to walk that out. But I am reminded that every day, even in this time of tenderly stepping, that He can and wants to use me. I won’t just “arrive” someday, but everyday there are opportunities ahead of me to use for God’s glory. Even as I write this, a women at my work is brought to mind. Even though this place of work is probably not my “calling” for life, God has brought her in my life for a reason. She already knows I am a born-again Christian. She asks me questions. She knows how I live my life. But we also just chat about regular things. But in this “meaningless” chatting, I can already see God using those little conversations for good.

My life’s purpose? Now? Later? I don’t know yet. But I do know He wants to use me now, and whatever I do end up doing He wants to use me. Sometimes I believe that God gives us clear direction for seasons in life, He has done it for me. But in others I believe if we make it a matter of prayer, He won’t let us go down a wrong road, but we might not have a clear direction. This is where faith comes into play, but also looking for God to use us where we are.

What does He have for me even today? For you?……

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Our new vacuum coffee pot

(my husband wanted me to write about it… well… here it is)

I love this time of the year. Thanksgiving is an awesome day! This year I think we are having 25 or so people at my aunts house for turkey and such. Each year the family grows, and its great to be so close-knit. Every year pretty much, family from NJ and now Alabama trek up here and spend time together. Its pretty much the only time of year I get to see some of them, so we all get very excited.

Besides loving that my family comes up, Im sitting here, attempting to sip my coffee and enjoy the somewhat quiet morning before the day gets started. Im thinking of all the things to be thankful for. I am really sooo blessed! First and foremost, Im thankful that my Savior didn’t give up on me when I was in the worst place in my life, and not only didn’t give up on me, but transformed me into someone completely different than I was! I’m thankful for my awesome husband who loves me and who’s personality compliments mine in countless ways. I’m thankful for my close family, but also my husbands side of the family. They really are treasures to me and I look forward to starting more traditions with them! I’m thankful for awesome friends that surround my life, especially those that were there in the moments I have needed them most. I’m thankful for the girls that I mentor – each one brings something different to the table. I have health, love, and peace. How blessed am I?

I don’t say any of those things to boast by any means. I say them because our culture tends to draw our attention to material things and to things that are all about ourselves. I love this day because it reminds us of things that matter most! Not our cars, or our bank accounts, but to our blessings in life, big or small, that do no come with price tags. Lord, help me to be thankful everyday of my life!

In talking with a few girls last night I found myself encouraging them in similar ways. Everyday is a fresh start. Everyday we are faced with choices. Our goals as Christians should be to pick the best choices in those situations. Yesterday might have been a disaster. We need to ask for forgiveness, but then realize God’s mercies are new every morning. Start this day with a fresh out-look and ask for God’s help.

We are human, and unfortunately we make mistakes. If you were to be honest with yourself you would admit that you make mistakes too, whether you have been a Christian one day or thousands of days. Thankfully I serve a God that loves me dispite all of my many, many flaws. Now that does not give me license to go out and sin knowingly, and to exhaust God’s grace over and over again for the same thing day in and day out. But with God’s help we can overcome our struggles.

Everyday we all have choices that are set before us. We need to ask ourselves some questions. Is what I am saying pleasing God? Is what I am doing pleasing God? Is my attitude pleasing God? Am I ruining my reputation as a Christian by doing this? Am I hindering someone else from knowing God by having this in my life? All these questions can be stepping stones for us in our everyday lives to help us grow closer and closer to God.

As a Christian, I want to move closer and closer to God everyday. I want to become more like Him in every area of my life. I certainly have struggles. But my heart is to reflect my Savior and to please Him. Why? Because He loves me more than I could ever imagine or comprehend. And for that, I owe Him everything…

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Niko falling asleep during Antiono’s rapping session….

 

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She posed for her picture this time – So cute!

 

All of our friends have such cute kids!