I promise this is my last post to update on my life for a little while. As I said, I will be working in the schools as a Speech Pathologist for the 2013-2014 year in Grand Prairie, TX. It it right between Arlington and Dallas. I just signed my contract and was inducted yesterday. Boy am I overwhelmed! Insurance, payroll, social security, technology training, finding a place to live, etc. I will need many prayers in the coming weeks as I make the transition and start the job. It's not so much the job itself that is making me nervous but everything surrounding it. Abilene has been a wonderful place to grow up and have a church family love me, but it is time for me to fly. I will meet new people, make new friends and find another family who will love me just as much. Not saying that to be boastful, but I am confident that God has prepared the way before me and He only has good things for His children. My dream is to be able to travel the world and begin a family of my own someday. The journey is just beginning.
Since I just went to New England, I missed out on the Peru trip this year. I sure do miss my kids! The piece of my heart that dwells with them is yearning for hugs and kisses, songs and smiles. Speaking of dreams, maybe I will make it on the Peru trip and get to hop over to the World Cup in Brazil in 2014.
"I'm not moving on, I'll love you long after you're gone. For you, for you....long after you're gone, gone, gone."
Friday, July 19, 2013
Two if By Sea
Saturday morning we checked out of the lamest hotel in the United States and went up to the Anheuser-Busch brewery in Merrimack, New Hampshire. The tour was free and we learned all about how they make beer. The Clydesdale horses were also there. They are huge and beautiful! On our route to York Harbor, Maine we then stopped at a vineyard/winery that was started by a retired ER doctor. Even though we were there for a short time, I really enjoyed the state of New Hampshire (plus there's no sales tax). To crossover into Maine we went through Portsmouth and made it to the York Harbor Inn by 3:15 p.m. Kate Huggins was one of my roommates and best friends in college at ACU. Linley, Kate, and I studied abroad together in Uruguay our Junior year and that solidified our lifelong friendship. We we blessed and honored to attend her wedding to Garrett Rampon! There are so many details to this wedding that I would love to share, but I will just overview to save time. Linley and I ended up being needed more than initially planned. Because it was a destination wedding, most of the attendees and bridal party were family members, but we became ladies in waiting for the bride. We stayed the night before the wedding with her in the inn, brought forgotten items (gifts, water bottles, polish), answered the phone, dried bouquets, and handed out programs and communion cups. It was an absolute blast!! The wedding on Sunday was short and sweet, in the park overlooking the ocean. Afterwards we all had dinner and dancing. Kate and Garrett met on a med student trip to Guatemala so all of the tables were designated with some of the countries they had been to. Since the group was small, we became close and I felt like I was in a dream or a movie. Kate Huggins Rampon sure does know how to do a wedding! She was praised as the most organized bride from those who did dozens of weddings at this inn each year. Who else? :)
We said our goodbyes after the couple sent lit paper lanterns into the coastal sky (yes, just like the movie Tangled). The next stop was a cottage in Kennebunk, Maine, just up the coast from York Harbor. It was a relief to stay there after the horrible hotel outside of Boston. Actually staying in a small town was better than visiting them in the days previous. This must be confirming the fact that I am a small "town/city" girl at heart...we'll see how I do in Grand Prairie. There was time to shop like a tourist, swim/tan at the beaches, and of course watch TV. The best part of new beaches is exploring, so we found two types of crabs, snails, clams, shells and rocks. Don't worry, we left the living creatures in their habitats but did bring back a collection of shells and rocks. After spending almost all our money, we made our way back on Tuesday afternoon through Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Boston traffic to our last stop in Weymouth. If you haven't been paying attention, I love to watch baseball, so of course we watched what we could of the 2013 All-Star Game (which the AL won 3-0)!
Wednesday was an early morning but 5 a.m. was not early enough. Our boarding time was 6:55 a.m. so after trudging though Boston traffic, returning the rental car, checking our bags and going through security, we missed our flight arriving at our gate at 7:15 a.m. Grr! $50 later we had a new flight and a five and a half hour wait before boarding for DFW. Live and learn I guess. Made it home to Texas before 4 p.m. local time, almost had a luggage scare, and went to Abilene as quick as possible.
I truly enjoyed my trip to Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine for Kate's wedding! Even though it was rough at times, it was nice to get away and once again, appreciate the state that I love, Texas. Kate, you were a beautiful bride and I am glad to call you friend!
We said our goodbyes after the couple sent lit paper lanterns into the coastal sky (yes, just like the movie Tangled). The next stop was a cottage in Kennebunk, Maine, just up the coast from York Harbor. It was a relief to stay there after the horrible hotel outside of Boston. Actually staying in a small town was better than visiting them in the days previous. This must be confirming the fact that I am a small "town/city" girl at heart...we'll see how I do in Grand Prairie. There was time to shop like a tourist, swim/tan at the beaches, and of course watch TV. The best part of new beaches is exploring, so we found two types of crabs, snails, clams, shells and rocks. Don't worry, we left the living creatures in their habitats but did bring back a collection of shells and rocks. After spending almost all our money, we made our way back on Tuesday afternoon through Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Boston traffic to our last stop in Weymouth. If you haven't been paying attention, I love to watch baseball, so of course we watched what we could of the 2013 All-Star Game (which the AL won 3-0)!
Wednesday was an early morning but 5 a.m. was not early enough. Our boarding time was 6:55 a.m. so after trudging though Boston traffic, returning the rental car, checking our bags and going through security, we missed our flight arriving at our gate at 7:15 a.m. Grr! $50 later we had a new flight and a five and a half hour wait before boarding for DFW. Live and learn I guess. Made it home to Texas before 4 p.m. local time, almost had a luggage scare, and went to Abilene as quick as possible.
I truly enjoyed my trip to Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine for Kate's wedding! Even though it was rough at times, it was nice to get away and once again, appreciate the state that I love, Texas. Kate, you were a beautiful bride and I am glad to call you friend!
Best Laid Plans
July 10-17th, 2013
The internet connections were no good at the places I stayed this past week, so now that I am back in Texas I will recap in a few posts what I did. First of all, I did receive and accept the offer to work in Grand Prairie ISD for this coming school year! There are so many things to get done before school starts and it is overwhleming! Thank you to those of you who prayed for me and encouraged me along the way.
Now for the trip...
One of my college roommates, Linley, and I were taken to DFW on Wednesday July 10th. Long story short, there was a ground stop in Boston where we were flying to and our flight was delayed for three hours! While this was somewhat inconvenient, I was glad that we were safe and able to relax. The staff for the JetBlue airline were friendly and fun (giving us snacks, drinks, and decks of cards to keep us occupied). Once we took off at 8 p.m. Texas time, we landed in Boston Logan airport at 12:20 a.m. local time. After collecting our luggage, we waited for a bus to take us to Alamo to pick up the rental car we had reserved. That went smoothly but it was nearly 1:30 am local time...we missed our turn in the tunnels and ended up going west when we needed to go north. As the navigator, I was trying to get us back to a highway, but that is easier said than done....in the dark, in a new area, in Massachusetts. If any of you have visited New England before, you know that it is NOTHING like Texas in its city planning or business locations. There are turnabouts and trees everywhere. The trees line the highway so there are no landmarks. The turnabouts mix up your sense of cardinal directions. Despite the scenic route we took, we made it to our hotel at 3 a.m. and were exhausted. But wait, there's more......our room was not clean, even though we were assured that it had been cleaned! Linley and I were fed up with it all, so we asked for more towels and new sheets, changed them ourselves and went to sleep at 4 a.m.!! Not a great way to start a trip. I guess you get what you pay for, but at least the room should be clean!
After being up so early, the things we had planned were all messed up. So we found food in a small town nearby called Andover and drove into the city of Boston. Our hotel was 30 minutes outside the city in Methuen, but luckily our rental car had the ECO feature. It became a ritual to find a new small town for each meal. We visited Lawrence for Mexican food, Lowell for pizza, and Andover for italian deli. On Thursday afternoon we were able to take a student led tour on the campus of Harvard. It was beautiful but very humid that day. Learned lots of cool things about the school and of course I bought the cheapest item as a souvenir :) The Boston native Liberty Mutual Insurance agent that I sat next to on the plane was right in saying that it was a bad idea to drive into the city (we really had no other option on our first day until we figured out the subway system). The parking bill was $28 for less than 6 hours. Ugh. Shot to the heart. Friday was much better. We drove to the subway station outside the city, parked for $7, bought an all day pass for $11, and made it to the 10 a.m. tour of historic Fenway Park! It is the oldest baseball park and has lots of great things to appreciate by all baseball fans, no matter who you cheer for. They were setting up for a Jason Aldean concert so the field was covered up, but we saw the stands, Green Monster, cafe area and the press box! I took lots of pictures and I hope to post them soon!! The only place we ate in Boston was called Sweet Caroline's, named after the tradition within the stadium of playing Neil Diamond's song Sweet Caroline before every 8th inning. Friday entailed a lot of walking and riding the subway. We followed the Freedom Trail, stopping at King's Chapel and Burial grounds, the Old State House and site of the Boston Massacre. Finally we went to the Old North Church where the lanterns were hung by Paul Revere.
Saturday was our day to drive up through New Hampshire and into Maine for the "main" event :) Kate's wedding!! Separate post will begin shortly...
The internet connections were no good at the places I stayed this past week, so now that I am back in Texas I will recap in a few posts what I did. First of all, I did receive and accept the offer to work in Grand Prairie ISD for this coming school year! There are so many things to get done before school starts and it is overwhleming! Thank you to those of you who prayed for me and encouraged me along the way.
Now for the trip...
One of my college roommates, Linley, and I were taken to DFW on Wednesday July 10th. Long story short, there was a ground stop in Boston where we were flying to and our flight was delayed for three hours! While this was somewhat inconvenient, I was glad that we were safe and able to relax. The staff for the JetBlue airline were friendly and fun (giving us snacks, drinks, and decks of cards to keep us occupied). Once we took off at 8 p.m. Texas time, we landed in Boston Logan airport at 12:20 a.m. local time. After collecting our luggage, we waited for a bus to take us to Alamo to pick up the rental car we had reserved. That went smoothly but it was nearly 1:30 am local time...we missed our turn in the tunnels and ended up going west when we needed to go north. As the navigator, I was trying to get us back to a highway, but that is easier said than done....in the dark, in a new area, in Massachusetts. If any of you have visited New England before, you know that it is NOTHING like Texas in its city planning or business locations. There are turnabouts and trees everywhere. The trees line the highway so there are no landmarks. The turnabouts mix up your sense of cardinal directions. Despite the scenic route we took, we made it to our hotel at 3 a.m. and were exhausted. But wait, there's more......our room was not clean, even though we were assured that it had been cleaned! Linley and I were fed up with it all, so we asked for more towels and new sheets, changed them ourselves and went to sleep at 4 a.m.!! Not a great way to start a trip. I guess you get what you pay for, but at least the room should be clean!
After being up so early, the things we had planned were all messed up. So we found food in a small town nearby called Andover and drove into the city of Boston. Our hotel was 30 minutes outside the city in Methuen, but luckily our rental car had the ECO feature. It became a ritual to find a new small town for each meal. We visited Lawrence for Mexican food, Lowell for pizza, and Andover for italian deli. On Thursday afternoon we were able to take a student led tour on the campus of Harvard. It was beautiful but very humid that day. Learned lots of cool things about the school and of course I bought the cheapest item as a souvenir :) The Boston native Liberty Mutual Insurance agent that I sat next to on the plane was right in saying that it was a bad idea to drive into the city (we really had no other option on our first day until we figured out the subway system). The parking bill was $28 for less than 6 hours. Ugh. Shot to the heart. Friday was much better. We drove to the subway station outside the city, parked for $7, bought an all day pass for $11, and made it to the 10 a.m. tour of historic Fenway Park! It is the oldest baseball park and has lots of great things to appreciate by all baseball fans, no matter who you cheer for. They were setting up for a Jason Aldean concert so the field was covered up, but we saw the stands, Green Monster, cafe area and the press box! I took lots of pictures and I hope to post them soon!! The only place we ate in Boston was called Sweet Caroline's, named after the tradition within the stadium of playing Neil Diamond's song Sweet Caroline before every 8th inning. Friday entailed a lot of walking and riding the subway. We followed the Freedom Trail, stopping at King's Chapel and Burial grounds, the Old State House and site of the Boston Massacre. Finally we went to the Old North Church where the lanterns were hung by Paul Revere.
Saturday was our day to drive up through New Hampshire and into Maine for the "main" event :) Kate's wedding!! Separate post will begin shortly...
Thursday, June 13, 2013
The Other Side
Well, I did it.
I completed my first interview for a speech pathologist job.
While I was nervous, God truly blessed me through the experience. I should know this coming week whether or not they offer the job to me. By no means was it what I initially thought I wanted, but neither was staying in Abilene for graduate school. My life is not my own.
Pray that if this is where I need to be, then doors will continue to open (place to live, money to get there, friends, and a new family).
I really don't like being an adult, but it must be done, and I'll probably like it more as time goes on.
Pros about this position: Cons about this position:
1) Working with kids 1) Median pay
2) New city 2) New city
3) More to do in free time 3) New church family
4) Sporting events/adult leagues 4) Drive time
5) College friends close by
6) Family atmosphere
7) Within visiting distance of home
Now its time to pack up my house and move home for a month. More blog posts will occur in July as I head to Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine for the "doctors" wedding, where Kate Huggins will be a beautiful bride!! Can't wait!!
I completed my first interview for a speech pathologist job.
While I was nervous, God truly blessed me through the experience. I should know this coming week whether or not they offer the job to me. By no means was it what I initially thought I wanted, but neither was staying in Abilene for graduate school. My life is not my own.
Pray that if this is where I need to be, then doors will continue to open (place to live, money to get there, friends, and a new family).
I really don't like being an adult, but it must be done, and I'll probably like it more as time goes on.
Pros about this position: Cons about this position:
1) Working with kids 1) Median pay
2) New city 2) New city
3) More to do in free time 3) New church family
4) Sporting events/adult leagues 4) Drive time
5) College friends close by
6) Family atmosphere
7) Within visiting distance of home
Now its time to pack up my house and move home for a month. More blog posts will occur in July as I head to Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine for the "doctors" wedding, where Kate Huggins will be a beautiful bride!! Can't wait!!
Friday, May 10, 2013
The Last Pomp and Circumstance
In just under 24 hours I will be participating in my last foreseeable graduation ceremony. It hit me last night just how wonderful my journey though the college world has been, and how greatly I will miss it. So many people made an impression on my life and my heart that will be impossible to forget. My first thought is to be sad that I am "losing" that part of my life, but my Dad reminded me that it is something I can keep forever. Life has so many possibilities and this is just one stepping stone. You may agree with me when I say that you plan up to this point in your life, then the rest is wide open. God has much better plans than I could ever make or imagine and THAT is exciting. I appreciate each one of you and what you have meant to my life. Each day I am being formed into what God wants me to be and He will continue to walk with me, bringing people along the way.
If any of you are able, come to the 3 p.m. ceremony at ACU, Saturday, May 11 (tomorrow)! I would love to see you there as I receive my Masters. I leave you with a phrase that has been become a motto in these past few weeks; take it as you will:
There should be dancing.
If any of you are able, come to the 3 p.m. ceremony at ACU, Saturday, May 11 (tomorrow)! I would love to see you there as I receive my Masters. I leave you with a phrase that has been become a motto in these past few weeks; take it as you will:
There should be dancing.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
T-16: Unreal
That seems unbelievable that there are only 16 days until I graduate with my Masters degree! I will officially have an MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders, and be able to apply as a M.S., SLP-CF. That means that will be paid for the work that I do, but I still have to be supervised for a certain number of hours before I am certified as CCC-SLP. Lots of hoops to jump through still.
Since I last posted, I have taken my Praxis exam and almost completed my final 7 weeks of graduate clinical hours. I won't know my score on the Praxis until right around graduation, so we'll see. No serious job hunting has come from my end, but I am still confident that God will point the way. If any of you have a summer job that I can work for some extra money until I transition into a career job I would greatly appreciate it!
I always try to look back and find something that I've learned in the spirit of this blog. This time its a little harder to see...I have gained confidence not only as a professional but as a "grown-up", I have felt a deeper connection with scripture on a daily basis, and I have found a new soft spot in my heart for the elderly population. Working with the "end-of-life" atmosphere has given me a new perspective on life, choices, and loving others. Even though I have no clue how to best serve specific patients with speech-pathology on certain days, I do know how to love them through a smile and a servant heart.
May this post find all of you living in the light of His Grace, being changed because of what you've been given. I would love to hear from any of you and/or pray for you! As one of my patients said today, "There should be dancing everyday"....how profound :D
Since I last posted, I have taken my Praxis exam and almost completed my final 7 weeks of graduate clinical hours. I won't know my score on the Praxis until right around graduation, so we'll see. No serious job hunting has come from my end, but I am still confident that God will point the way. If any of you have a summer job that I can work for some extra money until I transition into a career job I would greatly appreciate it!
I always try to look back and find something that I've learned in the spirit of this blog. This time its a little harder to see...I have gained confidence not only as a professional but as a "grown-up", I have felt a deeper connection with scripture on a daily basis, and I have found a new soft spot in my heart for the elderly population. Working with the "end-of-life" atmosphere has given me a new perspective on life, choices, and loving others. Even though I have no clue how to best serve specific patients with speech-pathology on certain days, I do know how to love them through a smile and a servant heart.
May this post find all of you living in the light of His Grace, being changed because of what you've been given. I would love to hear from any of you and/or pray for you! As one of my patients said today, "There should be dancing everyday"....how profound :D
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Take one Step at a Time, There's No Need to Rush
Happy Texas Independence Day!The countdown to graduation is officially at 2 months, 8 days, 13 hours. It is so close I can taste it!
I haven't been numbering them, but I hit another milestone recently: passed all of my comprehensive exams! All that's left is the Praxis exam in April, graduation, and finding a job. I have no clue where I will end up. I want to stay in Texas for sure, but city is up for debate. It is time for this lifelong Abilene resident to fly! I would not change my childhood for anything and Abilene Christian University has formed me in more ways than I can count. At the top of my list are Houston and Fort Worth/Arlington, simply because I know people there. I would like to do my clinical fellowship in a rehab center, hospital rehab or school. We'll see what God has in mind for me. So if any of you can help me network to current speech pathologists that you know, I would greatly appreciate it!
While I am excited to move out of the academic world, I am so nervous as to what life will entail and who it will include. I trust that God will provide for what I need, who I need and when I need them, but I am human. For anyone that has been though higher education, delaying the job world, I am sure you know how I feel. Yes, you have a depth of knowledge, but are you ready to face the mess that comes with reality? Even without degree, I'm not sure I would have survived. People near and dear to my heart have successfully made the transition. Deep down I know I will too, but I'm just being honest about what I am currently feeling.
The title that I chose for this blog 3.5 years ago, "Dara to Discover" initially referred to my travels abroad (which I hope never end), but now it has come to encompass so much more than that. I have discovered things about myself, about others and about God along the way. These four components are ones that I hoped would be a part of my identity but I could only imagine what form they would take. If you've read blog posts of mine before, you know some of what I have discovered.
My prayer for all of you is that you take your time, don't rush. Let the timing and decisions be God's. He loves you so much and wants your heart. Your flaws are what make you beautiful!
I haven't been numbering them, but I hit another milestone recently: passed all of my comprehensive exams! All that's left is the Praxis exam in April, graduation, and finding a job. I have no clue where I will end up. I want to stay in Texas for sure, but city is up for debate. It is time for this lifelong Abilene resident to fly! I would not change my childhood for anything and Abilene Christian University has formed me in more ways than I can count. At the top of my list are Houston and Fort Worth/Arlington, simply because I know people there. I would like to do my clinical fellowship in a rehab center, hospital rehab or school. We'll see what God has in mind for me. So if any of you can help me network to current speech pathologists that you know, I would greatly appreciate it!
While I am excited to move out of the academic world, I am so nervous as to what life will entail and who it will include. I trust that God will provide for what I need, who I need and when I need them, but I am human. For anyone that has been though higher education, delaying the job world, I am sure you know how I feel. Yes, you have a depth of knowledge, but are you ready to face the mess that comes with reality? Even without degree, I'm not sure I would have survived. People near and dear to my heart have successfully made the transition. Deep down I know I will too, but I'm just being honest about what I am currently feeling.
The title that I chose for this blog 3.5 years ago, "Dara to Discover" initially referred to my travels abroad (which I hope never end), but now it has come to encompass so much more than that. I have discovered things about myself, about others and about God along the way. These four components are ones that I hoped would be a part of my identity but I could only imagine what form they would take. If you've read blog posts of mine before, you know some of what I have discovered.
My prayer for all of you is that you take your time, don't rush. Let the timing and decisions be God's. He loves you so much and wants your heart. Your flaws are what make you beautiful!
Thursday, January 24, 2013
I AM. Are you?
This past weekend I had the opportunity to be a part of Winterfest in Arlington, TX. For those of you who may not know, it is a big "youth rally" type gathering. I went most of my years in middle and high school but it was somehow different this year. Not sure if that's the grown up side of me or an actual fact. The theme was The Way...looking at the seven I AM statements of Jesus in the book of John. There were five speakers, three days, and one purpose (see what I did there :). Basically the same premise as when I was growing up, but with less "rally" aspect. No Friday night concert from a Christian band. Only one t-shirt booth. More Christian college booths. Lots more singing. Laughter til I cried and great lessons.
The whole idea was to withdraw from ourselves and realize what God has done, what he is doing and what he will always do. The core of His being is a multifaceted diamond that includes all of the statements. I was reminded of how unlikely it was that one man would fulfill this many prophesies.
I AM the way, the truth and the life.....
I AM the vine.....
I AM the good shepherd....
I AM the gate....
I AM the light.....
I AM the bread of life....
I AM the resurrection and the life.....
What can you do besides lay yourself down at his feet?! The word "the" is singular. His loving arms not only point the way but show it. He is the truth we search for. When we remain connected to Him, the pressures of life are bearable and when we are broken, His power is made known. He is the voice we need to listen to and know by heart. The gatekeeper has the "all-access pass" and is the safest person to know. His light casts out the darkness and calls people to change. Three times the word LIFE is used in these statements: He sustains us, He gives us a purpose, He gives joy. The fact that he has risen and death could not hold him is the best "ending" and perfect "beginning".
My talk with the Junior girls in my hotel room was uplifting. It amazes me how much they've grown in the past 4 years that I've known them. Wow! They will do great things for the Kingdom and I'm so privileged to be a part of it.
Are you ready to be who you were created to be? There are days when I wish I knew the future and exactly who I am going to be, but then I would miss the blessings along the way. Live the Life that is within you!!
The whole idea was to withdraw from ourselves and realize what God has done, what he is doing and what he will always do. The core of His being is a multifaceted diamond that includes all of the statements. I was reminded of how unlikely it was that one man would fulfill this many prophesies.
I AM the way, the truth and the life.....
I AM the vine.....
I AM the good shepherd....
I AM the gate....
I AM the light.....
I AM the bread of life....
I AM the resurrection and the life.....
What can you do besides lay yourself down at his feet?! The word "the" is singular. His loving arms not only point the way but show it. He is the truth we search for. When we remain connected to Him, the pressures of life are bearable and when we are broken, His power is made known. He is the voice we need to listen to and know by heart. The gatekeeper has the "all-access pass" and is the safest person to know. His light casts out the darkness and calls people to change. Three times the word LIFE is used in these statements: He sustains us, He gives us a purpose, He gives joy. The fact that he has risen and death could not hold him is the best "ending" and perfect "beginning".
My talk with the Junior girls in my hotel room was uplifting. It amazes me how much they've grown in the past 4 years that I've known them. Wow! They will do great things for the Kingdom and I'm so privileged to be a part of it.
Are you ready to be who you were created to be? There are days when I wish I knew the future and exactly who I am going to be, but then I would miss the blessings along the way. Live the Life that is within you!!
Sunday, January 13, 2013
After all it's all about Love
Today was another one of those days that I learned the same lesson in 5 different ways. The theme was the same. Each point connected back to the center, as spokes on a wheel. First, came class time where I sat by someone I respect greatly. I knew the question would come, but I was not ready for how it would affect me. My emotions won out and another friend jumped in, with only the most gracious encouragement. I am thankful for the uplifting words shared from both of them. In service, we talked on the topic of love. Our preacher did a wonderful job of approaching the subject, saying that it could be boring, something we had heard before. Yet if we give love the only meaning that truly defines it, then we bring new life to it.
I will add some more points from the sermon as this post continues, but I want to also mention the book series that I have been reading (recommended by my Mom): the Bailey Flanigan series by Karen Kingsbury. There are 4 books: Leaving, Learning, Longing and Loving. I saw myself in every page of those books. Searching for my place in the world, leaning on my family and faith in God, facing trials and fear, longing for an earthly husband, yet longing for God's love with each passing day. The author writes of God's plans for our lives, waiting on His timing, and praying despite our feelings. God is speaking to us if we choose to listen.
The messages from those books were still in my mind today as I listened to the sermon. We use the word love too often. I love being outdoors, I love playing games, I love...when love cannot be separated from God and how we love others. It is CORE. Love pays the price. Love risks forgiving. Love makes us new people. God's Love does that. Love is demonstrated. Love captured your heart.
Jesus is the one that defines love. He demonstrated it. He paid the price. He risked forgiving us. He made us new. He captured my heart.
One of my friends from my story this morning pulled me aside after service and introduced me to someone. It was a 10 year old girl from Rwanda. He said to her, "I want you to be just like her (meaning me) when you grow up." Heart overflowing...I did not deserve such a compliment. It once again tied into the idea of love, proving how much I was first loved and how much love I have to give to others. Finally today, I went with the youth group to see Les Miserables (my second time). Of course I cried again, but I was impressed by the amount of high schoolers that did as well. For those of you that don't know the plot line, it is a story about grace and love. The first act of grace and redemption causes several other lives to be positively changed. Each character has the choice to respond in thankfulness or guilt. Each character has his or her own faults and whether the gifts are deserved or not they are given.
One of the final lines states: To love another person is to see the face of God.
I believe this to be very true. Love is demonstrated. There are no greater commands than to love God then love others. I am still learning but I'm glad God is teaching me these lessons. He knows exactly what my heart needs. How is your heart? May love and grace reside there always.
I will add some more points from the sermon as this post continues, but I want to also mention the book series that I have been reading (recommended by my Mom): the Bailey Flanigan series by Karen Kingsbury. There are 4 books: Leaving, Learning, Longing and Loving. I saw myself in every page of those books. Searching for my place in the world, leaning on my family and faith in God, facing trials and fear, longing for an earthly husband, yet longing for God's love with each passing day. The author writes of God's plans for our lives, waiting on His timing, and praying despite our feelings. God is speaking to us if we choose to listen.
The messages from those books were still in my mind today as I listened to the sermon. We use the word love too often. I love being outdoors, I love playing games, I love...when love cannot be separated from God and how we love others. It is CORE. Love pays the price. Love risks forgiving. Love makes us new people. God's Love does that. Love is demonstrated. Love captured your heart.
Jesus is the one that defines love. He demonstrated it. He paid the price. He risked forgiving us. He made us new. He captured my heart.
One of my friends from my story this morning pulled me aside after service and introduced me to someone. It was a 10 year old girl from Rwanda. He said to her, "I want you to be just like her (meaning me) when you grow up." Heart overflowing...I did not deserve such a compliment. It once again tied into the idea of love, proving how much I was first loved and how much love I have to give to others. Finally today, I went with the youth group to see Les Miserables (my second time). Of course I cried again, but I was impressed by the amount of high schoolers that did as well. For those of you that don't know the plot line, it is a story about grace and love. The first act of grace and redemption causes several other lives to be positively changed. Each character has the choice to respond in thankfulness or guilt. Each character has his or her own faults and whether the gifts are deserved or not they are given.
One of the final lines states: To love another person is to see the face of God.
I believe this to be very true. Love is demonstrated. There are no greater commands than to love God then love others. I am still learning but I'm glad God is teaching me these lessons. He knows exactly what my heart needs. How is your heart? May love and grace reside there always.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
2.0.1.3
Made it to the year 2013...never thought it would be here. I do not normally make "New Year's resolutions" but I do like to look on the past year to see what I learned and how I can be better for the future. God has done some amazing things in my heart that I never anticipated in 2012. In no particular order, here are a few things I learned:
He taught me how I can be independent yet dependent on Him. I am still learning the balance.
He taught me through life in two other countries, Zambia in Peru, how to appreciate people for who they are, see the best in them, and allow them to touch my life.
He taught me through my times of contentment how good He is, but reminded me in my times of despair how good He is as well.
John 16:32-33
Jeremiah 29:11-13
He asked me to forgive and then heal.
He asked me to be patient and earnest in prayer, finding myself as seek His face.
He provided opportunities for my gifts to be used for His glory.
When I look back on 2012 in this way, I cannot help but be thankful. The people that formed my year are a blessing that I will treasure, whether we see each other every day or once a year. I cannot begin to imagine what God has in store for me in 2013 :)
What did you learn in 2012? How will it drive or change your 2013?
He taught me how I can be independent yet dependent on Him. I am still learning the balance.
He taught me through life in two other countries, Zambia in Peru, how to appreciate people for who they are, see the best in them, and allow them to touch my life.
He taught me through my times of contentment how good He is, but reminded me in my times of despair how good He is as well.
John 16:32-33
Jeremiah 29:11-13
He asked me to forgive and then heal.
He asked me to be patient and earnest in prayer, finding myself as seek His face.
He provided opportunities for my gifts to be used for His glory.
When I look back on 2012 in this way, I cannot help but be thankful. The people that formed my year are a blessing that I will treasure, whether we see each other every day or once a year. I cannot begin to imagine what God has in store for me in 2013 :)
What did you learn in 2012? How will it drive or change your 2013?
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