By now anyone who has read this blog knows that I have just finished my undergrad work and am planning to apply to grad school. Old news!!
But, it seems that God has a different plan. I don't know what it is - but it ain't the one I had. That's o.k. cause His plans are always better than mine anyway.
Here's what happened.
I called the university to find out what to do to get my diploma. I mean, after 13 years, I want that thing on my wall. The nice lady in the graduation office informs me that there is a "hold" on my transcripts. I can not explain the cold chills that went through my body at that moment. I mean, I was finished with all the required courses - f-i-n-i-s-h-e-d!! Done!!
As it turns out, the financial aid didn't cover the entire bill and I still owe about 1000 more dollars. I am crushed. That's alot of money for me not to mention the fact that I thought the entire bill was covered. To top things off, I did not recieve a bill or any type of statement during the time I was actually enrolled in this last semester.
Anyway, since I have to come up with this rather large amount of money before I can get my diploma OR have my transcripts released - I can not apply to grad school.
So, after I regained my composure I remembered that GOD IS IN CONTROL and He has a plan. Actually, this IS His plan. What ever His plan, I am not supposed to apply to grad school at this time. Now, I'm o.k. with that and I'm looking forward to the next step. He will provide a way for me to pay that bill. I know this because He has brought me this far - walked with me step by step - allowed me to learn and complete the courses - and showed me how to get it done. So, I know He will show me how to pay that bill.
This is just a roadblock and where there is a roadblock, there is always a detour - a different road to take to get to the destination. Maybe it's not the road I would have chosen but a better one. I have found that when there is a detour, then the road that is blocked is full of potholes or maybe covered by a landslide. So, the detour might turn out to be a little longer - but much smoother.
"I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known, I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them." Isaiah 42:16
How can I possibly worry - God is in control. I will lean on Him and He will lead me. He promised and He has never let me down.
Blessings!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
A Great Book
I love to read. Actually, I've been known to let other things in my house go unattended just to finish a book. I will stay up much too late just to read a good book. I just love books. Sometimes, I will have four or five books stacked up waiting to be read and I'll go out and buy some more. I love all kinds of books, but I especially love books about real people.
I also love to watch the Food Network. I usually have it playing in the background on those days that I am not reading a good book and am actually doing my housework. My favorite Food Network personality is Paula Deen. She is a Southern Sister. We speak the same language (in every sense of the word). So, imagine how excited I was to find out that Paula wrote a book - her memoirs. Well, I'm about half way through it and I just can't put it down. I feel as if I'm reading the diary of a dear friend. It is a true tell-all. But, what I've discovered as I read is that I just admire her all the more. She is honest about the most humiliating details, but it's not like a gossipy, tattle-tale story. It is full of feeling and her heart shines through every page. And, her life has not been an easy one. I just want to march myself down to Savannah and give her a big hug. She has literally pulled herself up by her bootstraps.
It really is a great book. I recommend it to everyone who loves a story with a happy ending.
I also love to watch the Food Network. I usually have it playing in the background on those days that I am not reading a good book and am actually doing my housework. My favorite Food Network personality is Paula Deen. She is a Southern Sister. We speak the same language (in every sense of the word). So, imagine how excited I was to find out that Paula wrote a book - her memoirs. Well, I'm about half way through it and I just can't put it down. I feel as if I'm reading the diary of a dear friend. It is a true tell-all. But, what I've discovered as I read is that I just admire her all the more. She is honest about the most humiliating details, but it's not like a gossipy, tattle-tale story. It is full of feeling and her heart shines through every page. And, her life has not been an easy one. I just want to march myself down to Savannah and give her a big hug. She has literally pulled herself up by her bootstraps.
It really is a great book. I recommend it to everyone who loves a story with a happy ending.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
My Little Tiger Cub
Well, we've begun a new phase in our journey. J came home from school with a flyer about the Boy Scouts of America. He was all excited and ready to join. After a brief question and answer period- me questioning, J answering - I discovered that a representative of the BSA was at school giving out little tidbits to tantalize the boys. It seems there were promises of learning to shoot a BB gun, trips to a NASCAR race (we live within a few miles of a very popular track), fishing and camping. O.K.! All those things are good and healthy for a growing boy. Truth is, we've already done all those things with him. So, I dug a little deeper and asked J if he understood that those things would happen, but that there were other parts to being a boy scout that were just as important. He said, "yes." I have my doubts. I also informed him that there would be weekly meetings that he would be required to attend. Again, he said, "yes." And again, I have my doubts. So, we let it rest.
So, at the appointed time, we headed off to the "get to know you" meeting. There were three other boys there (with parents, of course) that J knows, either from school or church. I was happy about that - at least he could be comfortable with a few familiar faces. And, much to my very happy surprise, the cubmaster is a lovely gentleman that we know from a neighboring church. So, I was beginning to feel more at ease and actually thinking, this is going to be good. You see, my hesitation in all this is because, until this stage of life, J has not been a joiner. He has always preferred to fly solo. Sadly, his mother was the same way at that age - praise the Lord He brought me out of that or I be a very lonely girl about now.
Anyhoo - after learning a few details about the scouts, J joined up. Yep, he is ready to give it a try. The real beauty is that by signing up now, we are only obligated to December. Dues are prorated, so they will be due again in January if J decides to stay a member. We are not yet required to purchase a uniform and there will be a fundraiser so that each boy has the chance to earn a uniform. That's really nice.
I'm very proud of J for stepping out of his box in this manner. It may not sound like much to anyone else, but for J, it is a great thing. Actually, this is a real live answer to prayer. I have prayed over J for a long time that he would not be like me. As a child, I was so afraid to step out and do things. I was afraid of failure, of ridicule, just afraid. I don't want J to be that way - I don't want him to grow up and look back with regret. I missed out on so much because of fear, I desperately do not want that for my boy. So, I took it to God - and He answered. I just love it when He does that. I would have never guessed the boy scouts to be the answer - but, hey, it works for me.
So, off we go into the boy scout blue yonder. I think it is going to be quite an adventure - with many blessings attached. Thank you, Lord.
So, at the appointed time, we headed off to the "get to know you" meeting. There were three other boys there (with parents, of course) that J knows, either from school or church. I was happy about that - at least he could be comfortable with a few familiar faces. And, much to my very happy surprise, the cubmaster is a lovely gentleman that we know from a neighboring church. So, I was beginning to feel more at ease and actually thinking, this is going to be good. You see, my hesitation in all this is because, until this stage of life, J has not been a joiner. He has always preferred to fly solo. Sadly, his mother was the same way at that age - praise the Lord He brought me out of that or I be a very lonely girl about now.
Anyhoo - after learning a few details about the scouts, J joined up. Yep, he is ready to give it a try. The real beauty is that by signing up now, we are only obligated to December. Dues are prorated, so they will be due again in January if J decides to stay a member. We are not yet required to purchase a uniform and there will be a fundraiser so that each boy has the chance to earn a uniform. That's really nice.
I'm very proud of J for stepping out of his box in this manner. It may not sound like much to anyone else, but for J, it is a great thing. Actually, this is a real live answer to prayer. I have prayed over J for a long time that he would not be like me. As a child, I was so afraid to step out and do things. I was afraid of failure, of ridicule, just afraid. I don't want J to be that way - I don't want him to grow up and look back with regret. I missed out on so much because of fear, I desperately do not want that for my boy. So, I took it to God - and He answered. I just love it when He does that. I would have never guessed the boy scouts to be the answer - but, hey, it works for me.
So, off we go into the boy scout blue yonder. I think it is going to be quite an adventure - with many blessings attached. Thank you, Lord.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Blessings in the classroom
Today ends the second week of school for Jacob. He is doing very well. We have already recieved glowing comments for Mrs. Ervin. She says Jacob is a joy to have in class. All his papers have such comments as "excellent," "great job," and "terrific." A parent can't ask for much more than that.
I did find out an interesting tidbit from Mrs. E. this morning. I went into the class with Jacob this morning to let Mrs. E. know that the Lord had spoken to me about praying a special prayer this morning. I couldn't have known (but of course God did) that she was having a conference with some parents this afternoon and was not looking forward to it. God had spoken to my heart to pray over Mrs. E. and each of the students this morning. Jacob and I pray every morning for his teacher and classmates, but this morning was a bit different. So, I obeyed. What I found out is that Mrs. E. comes to school early every day to pray over each individual child in her class. How awesome is that?? What a blessing to know that we are in agreement in prayer. It's going to be a great year.
Actually, Jacob is very lucky to be in this school. It is just a small county school with about 300 students. But, the principal, Dr. Ramsey is a beautiful, loving Christian woman who knows every child by name - yes, every child and most of the parents. The kids love her. She is so good to let the parents be as involved as possible in all aspects of the school. One of the most beautiful things about Dr. Ramsey is that she encourages prayer - although, in a public school we are not supposed to say that out loud - she still encourages us to pray.
We are so blessed for Jacob to be in a school with these wonderful people. Yep, it's going to be a great year!
I did find out an interesting tidbit from Mrs. E. this morning. I went into the class with Jacob this morning to let Mrs. E. know that the Lord had spoken to me about praying a special prayer this morning. I couldn't have known (but of course God did) that she was having a conference with some parents this afternoon and was not looking forward to it. God had spoken to my heart to pray over Mrs. E. and each of the students this morning. Jacob and I pray every morning for his teacher and classmates, but this morning was a bit different. So, I obeyed. What I found out is that Mrs. E. comes to school early every day to pray over each individual child in her class. How awesome is that?? What a blessing to know that we are in agreement in prayer. It's going to be a great year.
Actually, Jacob is very lucky to be in this school. It is just a small county school with about 300 students. But, the principal, Dr. Ramsey is a beautiful, loving Christian woman who knows every child by name - yes, every child and most of the parents. The kids love her. She is so good to let the parents be as involved as possible in all aspects of the school. One of the most beautiful things about Dr. Ramsey is that she encourages prayer - although, in a public school we are not supposed to say that out loud - she still encourages us to pray.
We are so blessed for Jacob to be in a school with these wonderful people. Yep, it's going to be a great year!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
It Is Finished!
I can hardly believe it - after all these years, and all that hard work, through the tears, the frustration, the late nights and gallons of coffee - it is finished.
I finally finished work for my bachelors degree. I can now recieve my diploma and be an official college graduate. I will soon be the proud recipient of that little piece of paper with the fancy writing on it. And, it only took 13 years.
But, I did it - with God's mercy and love, I was able to get it done! It couldn't have happened any other way. I am nothing without my God - I am not capable without my God - but with my God, all things are possible! Can I get an Amen!!?
So, now I am going to prepare for grad school. I hope to be accepted for the January term. Any prayers would be greatly appreciated.
In the mean time, my dear friend, Lezley and I are going to go through Beth Moore's "Breaking Free." I feel God has given me this break in school at this particular time so that I can reposition myself with Him. I am looking forward to some real "God time." I am very excited about this time with God - I am so embarrassed to admit that I have been a bit sluggish in my praise and worship here at home. So, to get things off to a good start - I cranked up the volume on my Travis Cottrell CD this morning and praised God all over the house.
Tomorrow - maybe I'll crank up Nicole C. Mullen- that sister can sing!!
It's a good thing we live out in the country - no close neighbors to complain about my loud music - just me and God singing and dancing!!
What fun!! Actually, maybe I won't wait until tomorrow - I think I'll just go turn up the volume right now.
Blessings!
I finally finished work for my bachelors degree. I can now recieve my diploma and be an official college graduate. I will soon be the proud recipient of that little piece of paper with the fancy writing on it. And, it only took 13 years.
But, I did it - with God's mercy and love, I was able to get it done! It couldn't have happened any other way. I am nothing without my God - I am not capable without my God - but with my God, all things are possible! Can I get an Amen!!?
So, now I am going to prepare for grad school. I hope to be accepted for the January term. Any prayers would be greatly appreciated.
In the mean time, my dear friend, Lezley and I are going to go through Beth Moore's "Breaking Free." I feel God has given me this break in school at this particular time so that I can reposition myself with Him. I am looking forward to some real "God time." I am very excited about this time with God - I am so embarrassed to admit that I have been a bit sluggish in my praise and worship here at home. So, to get things off to a good start - I cranked up the volume on my Travis Cottrell CD this morning and praised God all over the house.
Tomorrow - maybe I'll crank up Nicole C. Mullen- that sister can sing!!
It's a good thing we live out in the country - no close neighbors to complain about my loud music - just me and God singing and dancing!!
What fun!! Actually, maybe I won't wait until tomorrow - I think I'll just go turn up the volume right now.
Blessings!
Monday, August 6, 2007
One down - 179 to Go!
Praise the Lord! The first day of school 2007 is now in the history books and we are still here to tell about it. Again, Praise the Lord, it actually turned out to be a great day.
The nutshell version of the day is as follows: I only had to call for Jacob to get out of bed two times this morning! Praise!!
He came downstairs with a semi-smile and an appetite! Yet another Praise - this is the kid who usually likes to wait at least half an hour before he will even discuss breakfast.
After breakfast, he brushed his teeth and dressed. He left the hair combing detail to me - but, hey, I was happy!
On the way to school, he reminded me that he really didn't want to go since, after all - it's still summer!!!
Once we were there and in the building, he was happy to see his friends, but was disappointed that he and Makenzie are not in the same class this year. Makenzie is his "special" friend! Ugh - he's only six!!
I picked him up at 11:30 and found a very happy little boy. He told me (almost verbatim) everything Mrs. Ervin had said and what each kid in the class had done over the summer. Impressive!
He also said he thinks he is going to like first grade and Mrs. Ervin is really nice. So, we went to Pal's (a locally owned fast food joint which has THE BEST french fries EVER!) to celebrate!
I would count this day as successful! Thank you, sweet Lord!
So, since there is no school tomorrow (I know, I don't get it either) we'll visit Granny and Papaw. Then, we'll start again on Wednesday!
I just love happy beginnings!
The nutshell version of the day is as follows: I only had to call for Jacob to get out of bed two times this morning! Praise!!
He came downstairs with a semi-smile and an appetite! Yet another Praise - this is the kid who usually likes to wait at least half an hour before he will even discuss breakfast.
After breakfast, he brushed his teeth and dressed. He left the hair combing detail to me - but, hey, I was happy!
On the way to school, he reminded me that he really didn't want to go since, after all - it's still summer!!!
Once we were there and in the building, he was happy to see his friends, but was disappointed that he and Makenzie are not in the same class this year. Makenzie is his "special" friend! Ugh - he's only six!!
I picked him up at 11:30 and found a very happy little boy. He told me (almost verbatim) everything Mrs. Ervin had said and what each kid in the class had done over the summer. Impressive!
He also said he thinks he is going to like first grade and Mrs. Ervin is really nice. So, we went to Pal's (a locally owned fast food joint which has THE BEST french fries EVER!) to celebrate!
I would count this day as successful! Thank you, sweet Lord!
So, since there is no school tomorrow (I know, I don't get it either) we'll visit Granny and Papaw. Then, we'll start again on Wednesday!
I just love happy beginnings!
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Back to School
Tomorrow, Jacob returns to school. He is in the first grade this year. He says he isn't looking forward to it and I agree with his reasoning. It's too dang early. I mean it is August 6th for pete's sake. What ever happened to going back after Labor Day? Not only is it too early to return, it's too stinking hot. And, get this, they go back for 1/2 a day tomorrow, out on Tuesday and then go back to a full day on Wednesday. What is up with that?
But, not one of those school board people asked me what I think and I doubt they will anytime soon. So, we go with the flow because, well, we have no choice.
So tonight we get back into the swing of our school routine. Bath at 7:00 and in bed by 9:00 - no later. Tonight we also have to get all those brand-spanking-new school supplies in that new camoflouge backpack. We have to put his name on everything and pack it just so.
I'm not really looking forward to sending my baby boy off to big ole first grade, but I have to admit that there is a perk in it for me. As you may know, until recently, I babysat for two little ones. Since I am no longer babysitting, I am going to have me some good God time while Jacob is in school.
I am looking forward to quiet time with God and His Word - real, honest to goodness quiet time. I can turn off the t.v. and everything. I can hardly wait.
So, if you guys think about it, keep my boy in your prayers for a good school year. And for me too. And, I'll do the same for you.
But, not one of those school board people asked me what I think and I doubt they will anytime soon. So, we go with the flow because, well, we have no choice.
So tonight we get back into the swing of our school routine. Bath at 7:00 and in bed by 9:00 - no later. Tonight we also have to get all those brand-spanking-new school supplies in that new camoflouge backpack. We have to put his name on everything and pack it just so.
I'm not really looking forward to sending my baby boy off to big ole first grade, but I have to admit that there is a perk in it for me. As you may know, until recently, I babysat for two little ones. Since I am no longer babysitting, I am going to have me some good God time while Jacob is in school.
I am looking forward to quiet time with God and His Word - real, honest to goodness quiet time. I can turn off the t.v. and everything. I can hardly wait.
So, if you guys think about it, keep my boy in your prayers for a good school year. And for me too. And, I'll do the same for you.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad
Today is my parents' 44th wedding anniversary. I just want to say "Happy Anniversary to the most wonderful parents in the world - not to mention the most loving grandparents. I am so blessed to be your daughter.
I love you Mom and Dad!
I love you Mom and Dad!
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Thankful Thursday
Today I post my first Thankful Thursday! There are so many blessings, I hardly know where to begin.
I am thankful for my darling family, my husband, my son, my stepchildren, my parents, my brother, my aunts, my uncles, my cousins, my family list goes on and on. I am especially thankful that we are a very close family. We are so blessed. I see too many families who don't even speak, forget being close.
I am thankful for my home. God has given us a nice home in the country where the grass is green, the air is fresh (well, as fresh as possible) and the neighbors are few but friendly. There is plenty of acreage for Jacob to run and play. And a pond for fishing.
I am thankful for our sweet little church and all the godly souls within. This is the same church my husband's family has attended for generations. We have the most wonderful pastor; he is a burly, teddy bear of a man who smiles all the time. He has such a heart for God that he simply beams with His love.
I am thankful for the wonderful friends God has directed into my life. I have been so blessed to be surrounded with friends who have a heart for God. I am also thankful for my blogville friends, only one of whom I have actually met, Sweet Shelly!! She is awesome with a love for God that just blows me away.
I am most thankful for my God - my Father - my Friend - my EVERYTHING!! Who loves me so much I can scarcely comprehend it. I am thankful for my Jesus who died on the cross for me. I am thankful for His Word - so that I might learn and grow closer to Him. I am thankful for HIM!
My Thankful Thursday post could go on and on but I will stop here for this week. I am looking forward to knowing what you are thankful for - I'm sure your list is a long one, too.
May God bless and keep you in His loving care!
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