I realize that it has been over a year since I last blogged on here. And that's a shame because a lot of things have happened in that time--great things, sad things, nothing things. Most significantly, I have moved to Fort Collins and am in my second semester of graduate school. Wow, talk about going back to school. Long story short, it's nothing like my undergraduate degree. I am thankful for that but realize that my approach to school must also be different. For one of my classes last year, I had to write a blog about my studies. I plan to keep this up throughout my program, so I can see how I progress as a student, scholar....and well, a person.

One of the most significant things that I am realizing is that aspects of my work for school are coinciding with my life and faith. And I LOVE this. It is encouraging to me when I can feel the Lord knocking on my heart, saying, "I AM in EVERYTHING you do." It's true, He is. I have also learned that I truly value my relationship with Him in all parts of my life. I need Him there and without Him my endeavors seem fruitless. I don't want to study for the sake of studying. I don't want a degree for the end sake of a degree. Selfishly and pridefully, I just want an M.A. For some reason, I anticipated that would satisfy me and give me a position of "independence" and "competence" and "confidence." (yes, those quotes mean "so-called") But--that is not want I am after now. I realize that God gave me the abilities and desire for learning , but in the end if it is not bringing glory to His name, I don't want it.

No matter where I am, I just want to be in His will. It's a scary confession, and I know some days that it will be easier to say than actually believe, but it's the truth. And I'm stickin' to it.