Finish line in sight...

For the passed 9 months I have had my attention directed toward a completion of a goal that began 20 years ago- getting my AAT degree. To most this is not a big deal- you get it right out of high school and move on to bigger and better things- whether it be higher degrees or better jobs, etc. Well for me, I have carried in me all these years that this was an unfinished goal of mine- one I felt was an important one. Not because I wanted to walk through another graduation line. Not even because it guaranteed some better employment. It was something left undone in me and though it didn't consume my life and I have loved the life I have walked in- it has always bothered me that it was left unfinished. So with some encouragement from my wonderful friend, Rachel, I enrolled again summer of 2011 and became a part time student. I am in my last week of reaching this goal. I have wrapped up all classes, except one. In this last class, I have completed all the homework and I am down to two important hurdles near the finish line. I have a final that I must pass and a presentation I must give in order to receive the final four credits needed to achieve this long-time goal. I am weary, I have been stressed for months now, and I am so ready to cross this finish line! I have no intentions of walking in a ceremony or anything of the sort, but I do believe that on this day next week- I will be ecstatic to have accomplished this goal.

Do you have things in you- however little they may seem- that have been left unfinished. Things that maybe only you and the Lord really know about- but they pop up in your life every so often? Well, by all means pray about it- but maybe they keep rising to the surface for a reason. Accomplishing it may be tough and at times down right frustrating. However, if you can't let it go- maybe you aren't suppose to. Only God can work that out with you. And His timing is critical.

I will say that as I am coming to the finish line- I am thankful for the nudge to complete these classes. I do not know what the future holds or if I will continue classes. I plan to take time to breath, be thankful, and enjoy life. I have been too short-tempered with my kiddoes and my husband and so I am looking forward to just serving them again- joyfully. I am looking forward to doing some yard work, enjoying the spring season, and drawing near to the Lord. I could not have accomplished this in my own strength and I am so thankful for His work in my life. Glory to God for carrying me (and my family) through this time. I believe this is a gift from God as He has known the desire of my heart.

"He has made everything appropriate in its time...I know there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one's lifetime; moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor- it is the gift of God." Eccl 3:11-13

All dried up...

This is a good picture of how I feel my life has been lately. The season of going through the motions- doing the urgent things, trying with the important- but seemlingly messing them up over and over again- which then is like- maybe I am deceiving myself that I am even trying in the first place. Anyway, not to write out an eeorye-type of blog- just setting the tone as to where I have been. Mind you- little moments in it have reminded me the Lord is near. There are little nuggets of hope every so often. (as my last blog shared)

I even know what I need to do- I need to sit with the Lord and be renewed, refilled with His spirit. I am battling in this too. There is so many voices in my head- so many distractions of urgency needing done- that at best- it is a small draw from Him and I am back to depletion too quickly. So I wake with anxiety day after day- which has never been a norm for me. Even on my bed, I toss and turn- which again-a new thing- I usually sleep like a baby. In all of it- I know there are things for me to learn, things for me to be thankful for, and I believe this season will pass. So in the mean time, I pray alot. I listen to praise music as often as I can. And if I notice myself going down the spiral of negative thoughts- I halt those thoughts and literally speak aloud positive truths.

So, I know that none of us go through things alone. If there is anyone that would read this and find themselves in a similar place- press on. This will pass. Don't waste energy thinking about when- just deal with the things in the day you are in and worship the Lord as best as you can and trust Him with all things. That alone will zap all energy- haha, but at least we are exerting it where it can really make a difference. And I do believe- at some point- we will look back and see even more clearly the lessons we have learned and that the Lord was near through it all. We were never promised it would be easy, but that it would be worth it.


Is 58:11 "The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whos waters never fail.