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]

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]

What would YOU have done if you were Adam or Eve?

Interesting question... And up til a few days ago, I would have responded, "I'd stay away from that fruit! Do Adam and Eve know what problems they have brought on humanity?!"

In Katalyst's song "Die if I Have To," he poses a similar question and states that "all men sin and if they had a chance they would do it again." This made me think. If I was in the garden, regardless of whether I decided to eat the fruit or not, sin was inevitable. The devil's desire was to destroy God's wonderful and unique creation.

Being the all-knowing God that He is, God had already set the plan for Jesus into motion and Jesus came to give life to the creation that the devil thought he had destroyed (John 10:10, John 3:16, Hebrews 2:14). We are no longer under the bondage of sin but are free in Jesus (John 8:36).

So, I probably couldn't have stopped the world from becoming what it is if I was Eve because nobody on this earth is righteous (Ecclesiastes 7:20). BUT THANK GOD FOR JESUS!

Selah [pause and think]

Focusing on the Way

So it's that time again...

Time to register for classes for next semester and what not. Two weeks ago, I went to my advising appointment and was told that because of my grades, I would be a much better candidate for a Master's in Clinical Social Work instead of the PhD in Clinical Psychology that I want to pursue. This really made me think, 'But, God isn't this what you want me to do, though?' This was the first time since switching from Pre-Med to Psychology that I began to question my career path. This past summer I did an internship with a Clinical Social Worker and enjoyed it, so why not go that way? All because of the statement of one person, I was considering settling.

That weekend, as I was listening to "Walk on Water" by Mali Music, I heard and actually GRASPED the meaning of the lines, "Full of power and might, Jesus the Christ defies the logical, Just keep your eyes on Him, Keep your eyes on Him. Don't look to the left, nor to the right, just walk to The Light." I had never really thought about those words until that moment and my eyes filled with tears. God used that song to remind me that no matter what man says, God is able. "With man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible."  (Matthew 19:26) He knows the way and He's ready to direct my path (Proverbs 3:5-6). All He wants is for me to keep my eyes on Him. If He gave me every single thing that I needed for my future right now, I would have no reason to put my trust in Him.. "He's the Maker of my dreams and He's making a way for me." (Group 1 Crew, "Steppin' Out")  I'm still not 100% on God's plan for my life, but I know that it's something amazing (Jeremiah 29:11) and I'm trusting Him to lead.

Don't let ANYthing uproot the dream God has planted in your heart. He is able, he will never fail. He is the only one who can equip you for the awesome work He has made just for you and how He does it may just DEFY all logic.

Selah [pause and think]

Check out the songs! They've been an encouragement for me....