When I'm weak...

...He is strong. 2 Corinthians 12 and 13 discuss being weak and Christ strengthening us. When we admit we are weak or unable to accomplish ________, we lean on and trust God instead of depending on ourselves. He want this relationship with us, but we're Americans and can do it for ourselves. I wrestle with this so much, even though every time I trust in God, I have so much peace and am more proficient in getting through my days.

I am very busy now. I am behind in obtaining a lot of clinical hours because I do not have time to get my regular work done. The Saturday service has taken up a lot of time too, but I know that God has placed me here, so He will equip me to do His will. Stressing about the fact that I don't have time or energy will just deplete the strength and time that I have, so I have pressed on, knowing that Jesus will strengthen me each moment.

I am excited for the service tonight. I am hoping that news will spread beyond our church's walls. Last week's service was so good that I hope God continues to guide us. I pray that we do not go off on our own path, but that we would daily seek Him.

Life is good...challenging at times, but so good.

list

-no more working in KY
-working with my advisor on a huge project
-"taught" my first college level course (I led a 2 hour group discussion--active learning)
-seems like I don't have time for anything, but I'm still going to the gym
-I'm cold
-The new Saturday service is going really well
-have a job interview on Wednesday for the burn unit at University Hospital
-possibly going to TX for Christmas
-tired

Jehovah Jireh

Yes, the Lord God is my provider!! We have been hitting some real hard times with finances and life events that are not our fault. God provided like He always does. I have had peace through all of this, but the circumstances were still filling my mind. I thank God for His faithfulness in this time and I am thankful that I can sing His praises from the inner depths of my soul.

The talk of Saturday service gets more exciting as I think about possibilities. I cannot wait to see what God is going to do each week!

This is my last week of "calm". I have gotten ahead on one assignment, but I'm hoping to have a book review done this week so I don't have to worry about it when I'm at the hospital 3-4 days/wk. I did ask my advisor if I could work for her instead of in Kentucky. It's a long drive and they want me to get a polio titer and background check, so all this adds up to a lot of money. I have a meeting with her on Friday, so we'll see what happens.

The LITERAL storm

Ha! I wrote about the calm before the storm, not thinking that there would be a literal storm in my life. It has been raining so much that our basement apartment "flooded". It is not as bad as it sounds, but one wall is completely soaked through and extends on the carpeting for 3 feet. Mold is wanting to bust forth and harm our health.

Since it is Saturday, the management is not here, so we'll see what happens. For now it is running the dehumidifier all day (gotta love the electrical expenses), shop vac the water, and run an industrial fan on it.

Yesterday we picked up our newly fix car. That was a $500 deductible.

Dan got his first check (Thank God) and it was much less than what we were expecting.

I also have to "teach" a session on Tuesday and spent all day yesterday and today getting it prepared, so we'll see what the professor says about my work.

Things are not the best, but God is! I have my health, food, and a great husband! I am overall really happy with my situation and know that we have the victory in Christ. I have an unusual sense of peace and I know that only comes from people praying and God's overabundant joy!

Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Neh 8:10

You make known to me the path of life;in your presence there is fullness of joy;at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Ps 16:11

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11

Through out the Bible's pages, Shouting and Singing for JOY are overflowing. I want tonight to be filled with the JOY of the Lord! We love you Lord!!!

first calm before the storm

I think I've had "calm before the storm" as a title before. I am feeling lazy today since it is raining and all I've done is read today. It didn't help that I kept dialogging on email when I should be taking advantage of the time that I have to get ahead in my work.

My preceptor is on vacation for two weeks, so that means that I'll have a month (didn't meet her until week two) of make-up work to do when she returns. Instead of 18 hrs/wk, it will be about 32. I also have two large papers and my capstone to accomplish. Thank God for quarters!

The quarter system is 10 weeks of classes, one week of finals. I do not have an exam, but I have my work cut out in writing. In two months this will all be over and I'll be who whoooing all over the place!

Until I go spinning and core concepts, I have to finish my reading so I can begin my discussion board posts tomorrow for two of my classes. I'm not sure if I explained this, but I have to continuously dialog about a certain topic, but everything that I states must be backed up by the evidence that is in articles, along with original thought as well. This gets tiring since it continues for a week until a new topic is given the following week. It feels as if it never ends, but I do appreciate the learning component...I actually am learning the material!

A week into October

Wow, a week has flown by...again! This past weekend we had two music practices for our new Saturday service that kicks off the 10th. I'm quite excited about the service, but I still have no idea what it will look like, who will be interested in coming to it, and what kind of music we'll be doing. For now we are a little more traditional contemporary than what I was picturing, but I of course, like the older contemporary music. (do I keep stating an oxymoron with the phrase "older contemporary" or "traditional contemporary"?) We will see where it goes after this Saturday.

There is a new couple who Dan and I have met through the starting of this service. They have been generous in opening up their house for Dan and I to watch the Pack vs. Vikes last Monday. Horrible (but kind of fun) game! They have a house church that I am praying and mulling over and over in my mind. I would love to be a part of something like this, but I am letting Dan make the final call. He is so stretched with teaching, applying for jobs, writing his dissertation, the new music service, etc. I hate to put anything else on his plate.

I've been still making it to the gym classes. Last night I did core pilates and looked like a fool. My name means "graceful" but it's a lie! Uggh.

I also found out this week that I'll be completing my last clinical at St. Elizabeth's hospital in northern Kentucky. I saw a person throw their fast food garbage out their car window while driving. 'Nuf said! No, it should actually be a good experience!

Well, back to work and applying for a job.