The End of an Era

September 10th will mark the end of an era.

This day, with great sadness, marks the closing of my beloved scrapbook store.

I started working there days after turning 16, and now being 20, I am filled with sorrow to see it go.

That store holds my work family! People I laughed and cried with, people who share memories, who love on each other when times are tough.

I learned so much there and will never forget the many lessons, not only in the field of scrapbooking, but in life, that were instilled in me.

I will miss most my visits when I go back home... the doors may be forever closed, but the memories there will never be forgotten.

God is Faithful

As my search for graduate schools continue, I am constantly reminded of the Lord's provisions and how faithful He is!

This last week I checked out Cal Baptist University in Riverside, and though it is a wonderful school, it is expensive. I have been in such conflict between program and cost. I want to be practical in regards to the funds I spend on my education, but also realize that it is an investment for my future. Though my logical side is thus far winning, pursuing this school was important. And because I followed my heart in checking it out, the Lord provided a possibility!

In the meeting, the adviser told me about a government program that could possibly pay back most of my loans for working in one of their facilities for two years! Though it requires a time commitment, it will also give me some good experience and a chance to see other options in my field. I know it will be rough, with many hills and valleys, but I also know that God leads His sheep where they need to go.

He also instilled in me an idea for school, of which might allow me to have a more cost effective school plan, while still getting some Christian foundation! It seems a bit crazy, but if that is what I am supposed to do then I will do it!

The Silver Lining

When your atmosphere is dark, cloudy, and gray; when there is no light in sight; when everything surrounding you seems hopeless.... look for the silver lining! A lot of times we get so caught up in the gloom and doom and our never ending battle, we are unable to see anything else.

Yet the Lord provides - He sends us some figment of hope, a reason to continue and believe that we will be released from our trial. That He will reveal His plan for our lives a piece at a time because if we were to see the whole picture, we would run.

Life is overwhelming at times. But why? Why do we allow life to get to that point - that point where we are ready to give up and walk away? I know why I do, I want the control. I don't do well with the unknown, yet I don't do well trying to handle it on my own either. Sure I give these things to God, but after a few days, or weeks maybe, I take them back. The impending doom (that I sometimes create) clouds my vision from seeing the silver lining God is just waiting to shine throughout my life! He wants, desires even, to guide me and walk with me through life. Especially when it become overwhelming.

I am not perfect. But I desire to commit my decisions and my thoughts to Christ. So every moment I try to take it back, I will re-entrust in Gods mighty hands.

Total
Reliance
Under
Stressful
Times