2014 Recap: Promise Keeper

Where do I begin about 2014? I can't even begin to write about the blessings, the favor, the opportunities, the doubt, sadness and fear that I have experienced this year. Because all in all, God has been ever so faithful.


The biggest lesson I learned this year is: God keeps His promises. It's so easy to doubt God when the evidence is negative, but that's exactly when God works best. I knew that He had called me to be a psychologist, but because of my brief stint as a biology major, my GPA was a mess. This time last year, I was completing grad school applications, terrified that I was not going to get an interview anywhere, talk less of get into a Clinical Psychology program. As I type this, I've completed my first semester of a doctorate program, a program that I was told I was not competitive enough for. To top it all off, I aced my first semester. I'd be lying if I said that I got here on my own. It was only by the grace of God. Once I got into grad school, everything else just literally fell into place. Sometimes, I sit and wonder what I did to get into this program. I'm so blessed to be there. Just continue to follow the path that God has provided for you. You never know where He will lead.


Honestly, 2014 was THAT year. God opened soooo many doors and pushed me wayyyy out of my comfort zone. From graduation, to moving to another state, to starting grad school, it's been quite the adventure. I haven't always been the happiest camper, but God has given me this incredible peace that even scares me sometimes. Having to move away from the only place I had ever known as home was so hard, but I know that God has a reason and nothing happens by mistake.


Not sure what plans God has for 2015, but I'm entering the year with an open heart and letting Him lead.


What are you hoping and praying for this year?




Selah [pause and think]

Not Many, Just ONE

Soooo, I'm in Grad School. That alone is a testimony in itself. I can't even thank God enough! For more on that journey, check out thegradualprocess.tumblr.com




ANYWAYS... Going to a grad school out of state seems to be one of the motivating factors for why so many people have encouraged me to get on online dating sites. Before now, I never thought of online dating of anything other than a LAST resort. Of course, I will never knock anyone for being on dating websites; to each his own. As for me... Maybe I'm being traditional, old-fashioned or picky. But I cannot let go of the belief that God has some amazing man in store for me and all I have to do is continue to walk in the path that God has for me.


I'm reminded of a word God gave to me this summer:


I was going to be a camp counselor for the second half of the summer and company regulations required camp counselors to wear a one piece dark, solid colored bathing suit. Of course, my bathing suit was orange and yellow with flowers, so I set out to find a bathing suit. Mind you, this was
mid-summer and the pickings were slim. I went from store to store with no luck. Finally, I entered a store that had only a few bathing suits left. I remember feeling like there was no way that I was going to find a bathing suit that fit me of the 10 left hanging. But, what do you know? I found one! And it was perfect. Everything that I needed.


God really spoke to my heart at that time. It was something to the effect of, "You don't need many options to pick from. You just need the right one and when you find that one, there will be no question in your mind. He will be everything you need."


So, I'm ok with not having too many options. God knows best. This is HIS project.


What project do you need to place in God's Hands?


Selah [pause and think]

Looking Back

Through Timehop, an app that shows every post on social media you're ever made on that exact day in the past 7 years, I'm currently reliving the most emotional, life-changing time of my life. It's so amazing to see where I was 4 years ago and how much I've grown, changed, and learned mentally, emotionally and spiritually. So many memories, so many mistakes, so many victories. There were times when I lost my way, but God was still faithful and He was always there. If you told me 4 years ago that I would graduate with a degree in Psychology and be going to grad school, I probably wouldn't have believed you; my mind was set on being a pediatrician. I remember crying after a Chemistry test, wondering why the knowledge I thought I had wasn't reflecting on the exam. Though I'm "reliving" this major experience, I can't help but admire God's handiwork. It's amazing to know how God has orchestrated every step to lead me to this very moment. He works everything together for our good.

I know the story isn't over yet, but I've long since decided to let Him write it.

Selah [pause and think]

Reflections: June 5, 2014

Exodus 13:17-18

• God knew that the shortcut that went through the land of the Philistines would be trouble so He took the Israelites the longer way. I'm sure they groaned and complained, not knowing the dangers they were avoiding. How many times have we complained about the way that God is leading us, not realizing what He is saving us from? We need to trust that He's leading the way, the way to something good, and know that He sees the bigger picture.

Reflections: June 4, 2014

Romans 4:18-24

• Abraham and Sarah's situation looked bleak. Their circumstance told them that having a child at their age was simply impossible. BUT Abraham hoped against ALL hope that God, the One who moves in impossible situations, the One Who make rivers in the deserts and creates paths where there seems to be dead-ends, would do just as He said. So Abraham believed. Doesn't mean that he was perfect and didn't falter in his belief. All you need is a mustard seed of faith.

These are my confessions...

Romans 5:5: "Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."

It's April, I graduate in May, but this semester is pretty challenging. And then there's that pesky thing called senioritis...I've been pretty swamped lately and my mood hasn't been the best. After reading this verse, I started writing a list of positive confessions.

I've forgotten what I have inside.
I have hope.
I have a future.
I will overcome.
The best is yet to come.
With God I can.
I'm on my way to better days.
He's done so much for me.
He's making all things new.
His strength is made perfect in my weakness.
Everything is working together for my good.

#38daystil

No Pain, No Gain

First post of 2014! 

So, it's a new year, well, three months in and I've been on this whole working out thing. I've been attending a boot camp class at the gym pretty frequently in the past couple of weeks and though it seems tough at the time, the instructor is very encouraging. I keep going because I know it is for my benefit and I leave feeling great about myself. The next morning, I wake up sore in places I didn't even know existed and that's how I know the workout is actually working.

You know what's interesting? Trials work the same way. During the trials, you're sweating and exerting energy and it's just HARD. Sometimes you don't even know if you'll make it through. But the Instructor (God) is there, by your side, cheering you on. He knows that it's good for you and for your benefit. You walk away feeling better, stronger. It's only when it's over that you realize that you've worked out muscles of faith, hope, patience, forgiveness, etc.

James 1: 2-3 states, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 

Trials, just like working out, define us. Something of value WILL be produced. If we were couch potatoes and just ate cookies all day everyday, we'd probably never know what muscles have, more less what muscles are. Same with trials. If you never had a rainy day, you'd never learn to appreciate the sunshine. It's not easy going through it, no, not at all. But, at the end of the day, you're going to be stronger than you were before. Your Instructor's cheering you on! There so many promises in the Word. So, sweat on and persevere. You're coming out GOLD.

Selah [pause and think]