1.11.2011

Praising!

This photograph makes me ache for my own space. Soon. Soon. Soon!


The last year has been one of change. Moving to GR. Moving to VA. Different jobs. Re-designing my future. Re-discovering my passions. It was also a year filled with struggle. I struggled with my family, my finances, my self worth, my purpose, my future, my past... you get the jist.

When I first moved to VA, Ben and I attended a "miracle offering" service at his church. Every year Wave church does this. Members bring their greatest needs to God with a seemingly risky financial offering - believing that our God is a God that can do anything. And wow, do people have testimonies. This particular service I was broke (and frustrated about that fact) and had the same stress and anxiety that I had for the prior 6 months... money. Student loans. Medical bills. More medical bills. I felt like I was drowning. So I gave a chunk of what I had- knowing I could and should have offered even more- and I asked for provision. I didn't want to be held down by these roller coaster emotions of anxiety and feel like I couldn't be a part of the ministries and opportunities I ultimately felt called to do because I had to make a significant paycheck every month.

God has provided every step of the way. In wonderful ways. Starting with my temporary job at the American Cancer Society- which was stressful, but gave me the experience I needed to get my next position at the Hermitage museum where I currently work. Both of these positions had immense numbers of applications and even interviews of which I was obviously chosen from. Although, taking the second job was a leap of faith because it required a bit of a pay cut- but its provided the exact experience I want and need and also allows me to work in my area of concentration. I see it being a positive building block for my future. I began doubting the place I was... again.

I began a half-assed search for a second job. Took a retail position at Banana Republic but unfortunately spend most of my pathetic paycheck on their fabulous clothes. A new beer bar was opening up in Norfolk and I decided I would give it a shot even though they'd been hiring for months. Turns out, of all the applications they received, I was the only person they responded to. (This seems to be a trend. thank you, God.)
Needless to say- From opening day there has been consistent money flowing to this business and a significant amount going into my bank account. God has answered a HUGE, and on-going plea and prayer. I cannot say how long it will last, but for the time being He has blessed me with freedom to pay my bills and then some without a financial worry in the world. I'm so ecstatic I've put realistic plans into action to be debt free (minus a school loan) in 4 months. (!) I feel unworthy, but so honored.

God is faithful in answering our prayers when we are faithful in bringing Him our needs and trusting He is who He says He is.

1.01.2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!


Out with the Old and in with the New!!
Happy 2011!

2010 was filled with changes, emotion, challenges, and adventure. God has shaped me so much the past 365 days; I am overwhelmed by His grace, mercy and love. I am blessed beyond belief with a wonderful family (and some new added members), the most amazing man ever to walk the earth, phenomenal friends and a truly loving and solid community around me. I hope everyone takes a moment or two to reflect on their favorite moments of 2010. I made a little top 10 list of my own. There were many to chose from... it's not as easy as you think once you look back on the year.

Best moments/memories of 2010.
(in no specific order)
  • Moving in with my best friend in GR
  • Road trip to Cincinnati, OH with Ben, Calen, and Laura to visit Casey and Miah. aka-the weekend Ben asked if I would date him.
  • Week in DC with Ben
  • Road Trip to Nashville, TN with Ben aka the weekend Ben told me he loved me.
  • My little sister's high school graduation weekend in GR
  • Climbing on Ben's rooftop to listen to the new Tallest Man on Earth album at 3am.
  • Ginger's wedding!
  • 4th of July at the beach
  • Christmas in Florida
  • Bus trip to NYC!
Happy New Year :)