Plans and Determining Steps

In my last post I shared that I was heading in the direction of a Counseling Licensure. To date, I still am not settled on going that direction. Why? Well, while I love working in the more compassionate fields, I still am seeking one that fully uses all of my gifts and talents. I love to get my hands dirty. I love creating something out of something. I love being a shoulder to lean on. I love researching and investigating to come to a conclusion and answer. I love finishing something and feeling that sense of accomplishment when I complete a project. I love comforting and praying with those who grieve and rejoice. I love being able to see something factual versus something conceptual, and I love Grey's Anatomy and ER (Hollywood)...that was a joke but I do like the medical side of those shows. All that said, I have my sights set on the Physician Assistant Program at the University of Colorado...same course load, same pressure but better outcome and it's cheaper. Jason and I spent some time talking about it the other night and he said, "I looked at the program online and, honestly, I got excited about it myself!" It was confirming to know that he thought it was something that I may be a little more cut out to do. I know I could do either but I am feeling way more excitement and am completely up for the challenge.


So, I am looking at starting the program in the Fall of 2012. It could be a little sooner but I have to get some prerequisite courses (like Chemistry) out of the way in order to start. I also have to take the GRE, so if any of you reading this have a GRE study guide, let me know. There is no time like the present to start studying. I am thankful that my kids are in a good school, that I have a job that will allow me to pursue this degree, that I served my country and have the benefit of the GI Bill and Post 9-11 GI Bill and that my husband is willing to help me balance our lives in the midst of all that we have on our plates. I am thankful that I have mentors, family, and friends to process life with as I discern my steps. I've had several interruptions in life but God is providing all that is before me now and the means to do it. Also, my experiences in life have led me to this very place. In the program Jason and I run, we promote self sufficiency, education, faith, and facing our challenges with courage (among other things). Who am I if I don't live that out myself?


If the steps that I take don't lead to the outcome that I've painted in this post here, I am confident and content in knowing that God will guide my steps to the very place where His glory is being lived out through me. Like Eric Liddell says in Chariots of Fire, "I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure." My life means nothing if that's not my goal in life. God made me for a purpose, he made me with certain gifts and talents and I just want to use them and feel His pleasure through being a mom, wife, friend, sister, daughter, niece, granddaughter, cousin, social worker, physician, counselor or any role I play to the world in the future. The question is, "How will I be a light in which ever course of life I choose?" I trust God when He closes doors and He has closed many for which I am grateful.


Hope this touches someone, if not, thanks for letting me process in writing.
God's peace....


Proverbs 16:9
"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps."

This photo was taken when I graduated with my Bachelor's Degree in May 2009