Well, I did it (through Christ, Who strengthens me!).
=)
Took my last Chattahoochee Tech final today...and it doesn't feel surreal, it feels like God's timing. I was in such a hurry to get out of there and, honestly, avoid building any relationships...haha, didn't work! So thankful for how God used CTC to break me down, build me up and make me more like Him. I was feeling slightly nostalgic this morning, so being the journaling fiend that I am, since today was my last class day at CTC, I wondered what I was thinking before my first day of classes at CTC...
*January 1, 2008, 10:10pm (yes, I totally write down the time. don't hate.)
"Looking back, I think there was a part of me that never thought I'd make it to college. But I have! This really is a BIG deal, and I'm determined to not let myself believe otherwise. This really is an accomplishment, to be putting myself through school, maintaining a job, and still dancing --- GOD IS SO FAITHFUL!
I am excited.
This will be a WONDERFUL experience.
I will not freak out or be stressed.
I am blessed, favored, anointed, and was raised up for this very purpose.
In Jesus' Name - amen! =)"
January 3, 2008, 12:03am
"...I MADE IT!!!!!!!
It won't all be easy, but I am SO relieved to have my first day of college behind me!! It's a small step in the big picture, but I'm enjoying it being a BIG step right now. Jesus is so sweeet to me!"
haha, 2.5 years later, and ditto! Looks like a big step today, but God holds the bigger (greater) picture...and all of it is a reason to praise Him!!
Friends, God doesn't go back on His Word.
"You will also decree a thing, and it will be established for you; And light will shine on your ways." (Job 22:28)
Hallelujah - He has before and continues to light my path!
"See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father." (1 John 2:24)
So thankful for the gift of abiding in Him. every. single. day.
Even when I repeatedly falter and stumble and grumble, there's fresh grace and mercy every morning! hm, think it's time to start declaring His truth and love over the next step - something good is on the way!
ps - thank you for your prayers over the past 2.5 years (+before & beyond)...there is no way I would have accomplished anything without the prayer covering I receive on a daily basis.
I love you all!
As I was reading your posts, I was reminded of the two passages of scripture I've been drawn to as of late. They come out of Revelations 2 & 3 and speak so directly to this theme of not forgetting what Christ has done for us and returning to our first love.
ReplyDelete"I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 4Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. 5Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place."
-Revelations 2:2-5
AND
"These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits[b]of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. 3Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent."
-Revelations 3:1-3
I pray that you will continue to repeatedly fall in love with your first love, which is Christ. It isn't always easy and as you said at times we think ourselves wise and find ourselves operating in our own strength, but thank God that he is merciful, patient and abounding in love!
I'll see you soon!