Thankful

Yes, it is December 1st, but I never posted about what I am thankful for in November, so here it is.

There is so much to be thankful for this year, I thought I would just list a few...

• great company - I am so thankful for family. I am thankful for the support that we give one another, the love that we have for one another, and the willingness to hear each others opinions (even if we don't agree). I am so thankful for friends. I am thankful for the open communication we have with one another, the support we give one another, and the prayer we offer one another.
• great health - I am thankful for the grace God has shown me over the past year and the good health he has blessed me with.
• great education - I am thankful to be graduating from college this semester and all that awaits me on the other side of that platform.

And I am thankful for my cousin (you know who you are) who reads this blog. You are amazing and I am so blessed to be your cousin. I can't wait to see what God has in store for you in the future.

(cheers to another year full of things to be thankful for)

Graduate School

A little background: In high school I dreamed of becoming a lawyer. Later I decided that I did not want to spend the time needed in school to make this dream a reality. I thought that all the years it would take to obtain my law degree would not be worth it in the end. To be honest, I also thought that I wouldn't be able to utilize my degree because of my health.

I have been set against continuing my education after completing my undergraduate degree for quite some time, that is until recently.

After thoroughly enjoying my communication studies classes at Biola, and doing well after the lung transplant, I have decided to further my education. I feel what God is calling me to do in the future requires higher education and further in-depth study.

What does this mean?

Well, as of now, I am beginning the journey of searching for the graduate school and graduate program that would best prepare me for my future. There are so many questions I am asking myself...

- in state or out of state
- full-time or part-time (I will also need to be working, so I need to find a balance)
- where will I work and what insurance do they offer (insurance is definitely important)

...okay, maybe there aren't that many questions...but this also means that I will have to begin studying to take the GRE test (graduate school version of the SAT), and I will also need to begin applying to these schools.

I have been asking God about what he has planned for me after graduation in December, and I feel that this is part of what he is calling me to. He has given me such a peace, as well as excitement, in regards to making this decision. I continue to pray that he will open the doors to the school he would have me attend.

(cheers to finding the right school and graduate program)

Soaking Up Every Moment

As the weeks fly by I become more aware that I will be graduating in less than two months. Graduation pictures have been taken, invitations ordered, and my cap and gown have been picked up. I still don't have a set plan for what I am doing after graduation (other than an excited trip with a fellow graduate) and that is scary. I have always been one to plan (even at times when my health didn't allow it). If I was going to be attending school next semester I would already have my classes picked out and preparing to register for them, but that's not the case. I know that God has a plan for my life after graduation and I have to wait for it to all unfold, but I would love to get a sneak peak.

I am soaking in every moment here at Biola, enjoying my classes and all of the friends I have made. It makes me sad thinking that I won't be running into all of these friendly faces next semester. Who knows maybe I'll find a job at Biola and won't ever have to leave!

One things for sure, I have had an amazing experience at Biola; I have had professors that have made a lasting impression on my life, and have made some lasting friendships that I deeply cherish.

52 more days (including weekends) to soak up as much 'Biola' as I possibly can.

(cheers to achieving something on my "pre-transplant bucket list" - graduating from college)

What will Life bring?

Recently I have been thinking about what God has in store for my life after I graduate in December. What type of career path does he have in mind for me? Is graduate school in my future? Will I stay in California or move across the country? All these questions, and more just like them, continually consume my thoughts throughout the day. 

All I know regarding a future career, is that I want to help people. I am not sure in what capacity I want to do this or what group of people I want to focus on helping. I just know that I want my future job to be one that allows me to impact the world for the glory of God and help people in the process. I pray that God gives me guidance over the next 3 months before I graduate, that gives me a clearer picture of where he would have me serve him and in what capacity.

(Raise your glasses) Here is to the hope that I will have a job lined up after graduation. (Cheers)

It's no surprise that future relationships also consume my thoughts, when I am not thinking about a future job, considering I am about to graduate from college as a single gal. I wonder what God has planned for my life? Is it a life as a single woman, or a life shared with a husband? Is it a life as a devoted mother, or a life devoted to something else? Only God knows what my future holds, I just can't seem to stop thinking about what he might have in store for me.

(Raise your glasses) Here is to knowing that no matter what future relationships I may have, I know that I couldn't plan it any better than God could. (Cheers)

So Thankful...

So last week I had a doctors appointment and I was so happy with my lung function results. In June my lung function was 75% and last week it was 81%! I am so thankful God has been blessing me with GREAT health. Now that I am able to exercise without becoming so out of breath, I actually enjoy going to the gym.

**Updates on my "25 Things to Do Before I Turn 25" to come soon.