Goodbye Wortham

Today I said goodbye to the work family that I have been blessed to know the past 3 years. It was definitely a bittersweet departure. As with a lot of things, the people are what have made it such an incredible experience. While I am overly excited about my new position and being closer to home (which starts tomorrow!) I am definitely going to miss the relationships I have built in this place...

At Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC

The group in Victoria, BC

Dinner with clients in Dana Point, CA

The Group in Dana Point, CA

With sweet Kathy on our wedding day :)

It's crazy to think back over the last 3 years. I had lunch with my boss and his wife yesterday, and we were reminiscing over how much my life has changed in such a short time. We talked about how completely different my life looked when I first met them. And it's so true! But I wouldn't trade a single minute of it. The Lord has taught me SO much in the last few years. He has revealed Himself in ways I never would have imagined, and it has been a sweet journey. 

Today was hard to say goodbye to what I have known for the past few years. In a way, I was saying goodbye to an entire chapter of my life. But it was just one more step toward what the Lord has called us to in McKinney. And I am excited to see what all the Lord has for us next!

Weekend Update

Parents in Town
We got to spend the weekend with my parents. They were in town for the China Bible Ministry Exhibition, so we got to see them while they were here. It was definitely a fun weekend, full of great meals, bowling, and movies. Of course, we're doing what we can to convince my parents that they just need to move up here...but until then, we are grateful for the times we do get to spend with them.

CIC Designation
This weekend I learned that I passed my last (of 5) Certified Insurance Counselor exams and received my official designation! This is definitely something I am excited about celebrating, as the long hours of studying for those specific letters is over! :) I will continue to work toward my CPCU designation, but another one has been conquered.

Conversion Confession
So I finally said goodbye to my beloved Blackberry and switched to the iPhone. My Blackberry finally died on me, and I had no choice but to replace my phone. With my customer credit, it cost the same for me to get an iPhone as it would have been for me to just replace my Blackberry. So I made the switch and converted to Apple :) So far, I am loving the switch. So the conversion was for the better ;)

Happy Halloween
And I just couldn't go without posting about the sweet note I found in my lunch today...

How can something like that not make your day better? :)

The Coveted 4-Letter Word: PASS

Praise Jesus for His faithfulness and provision of a passing grade! I have been in study mode for the past few weeks in an effort to prepare for another CPCU exam. It has really been difficult for me to stay focused...which is somewhat of an oddity if you knew me in college. It seemed as though "focused" was my middle name- it was a bit obsessive, I have to admit. In college, anything lower than an A was unacceptable to me...and now, I just look for that coveted 4-letter word: PASS. Haha- funny how the Lord rearranges our priorities and helps us focus on things that actually matter :) Anyway, the Lord helped me plow through my prep materials and graciously helped me pass my exam this morning! I am so thankful to have the exam behind me and am looking forward to taking a break from studying for awhile...at least for the rest of 2010!

Of course, every passed exam should be celebrated with a victory cupcake. It's like an unwritten rule :)

Study Mode

So I have officially gone into lockdown study mode. Ok- so maybe not quite lockdown yet (I am blogging right now and therefore not studying), but the pressure is definitely on. I do in fact intend to hibernate next weekend before the big day- lame, I know. But I have exactly 11 days left (eek!) until my next CPCU exam. My thought several weeks ago when I registered for the exam was that I would want to have it done before Thanksgiving. The shorter my study time gets, the more I wish I had opted for some more time...but I know that when I sit down for turkey dinner, I will be thankful the exam is behind me :)

This is the 2nd of 8 exams (yes, count them: 8) that I have to take to earn the CPCU designation for my job. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this particular insurance industry designation...it's kind of like receiving a masters in insurance. Are you impressed? LOL- don't be! I only say that to highlight how intense these exams are. They are certainly no walk in the park; it's like I am back in college. They give you 3 hours to take the exam for a reason. And I have to take 8 of them. Doesn't that sound super fun? ;)

With work being so crazy the last couple of months, my studying has been virtually non-existent. So now the countdown begins...I would appreciate any and all prayers as I prepare for this exam. The last thing I want to be doing when I come home from work is studying, but in 11 short days I can enjoy my free evenings again. Until then, please pray for focus and good retention, fruitful study time and good memory recall, and perseverance throughout the process.

Battling Seeds of Discontent...

I’m not sure when it happened or how it happened. And I really need to spend some time analyzing where I am so that I can know/understand where I need to go from here. In recent weeks, tiny seeds of discontent have slowly crept in, and I need to figure out (fast) how to combat them. I know my own heart and how quickly/easily I can develop a complaining spirit. I think I have been fighting it for a long time, but this morning it finally sunk in and I can’t hide from it anymore. It has become increasingly more difficult to go to work. I have never really been excited about my job (other than the fact that I have one), but I have been somewhat nerdy and enjoyed learning a new subject. And while I have not even scratched the surface of what I could learn in this industry, the initial learning curve has slowed, and now…well, now it’s just plain boring and seemingly trivial.

I think the routine of my job is starting to grate on my nerves. I have had to do a lot of “baby-sitting” of grown professionals, and that can definitely wear on a person (especially a person who tends to lack patience and compassion). And while the studying has helped me learn the lingo of the insurance world, I have pretty much reached my limit and just don’t want to study anymore. I struggle with motivation to study (which is a BIG problem since I have a really important exam coming up in 11 days).

More than once I have sat at my desk and wondered to myself, “Is this really what I am doing with my life?” I feel like that statement is a bit more dramatic than things really are, but it’s still a battle nonetheless. While what I do is important to my clients, I could really care less about insurance programs in the grand scheme of my life. So what do I do with that? The difficulty comes in knowing that God placed me here- I have no doubt of that fact- but then trying to understand how I can best glorify Him in a job that I am not particularly enjoying right now. I realize that the actual insurance tasks of my job don’t matter to Him; I understand that how I do my job (with excellence and diligence, working as unto Him rather than men) is of more value to Him. And even more importantly, how I treat/interact with my clients and co-workers is what really matters. I have had more opportunities to share my faith and the love of my Savior in this job than in any other. So when I struggle with the list of tasks before me, I try to remind myself of that and focus on doing my job to the best of my ability, and also praying for opportunities to love those around me.

Please don’t misunderstand me; I am incredibly grateful for my job and am not planning to leave anytime soon. The Lord provided in a way I didn’t even understand at the time, and I have no doubt that this is the place that He has called me to for right now. There’s nothing wrong with my job, nothing specific is going on. I love the people that I work with, and I appreciate the opportunities I have been given. I have blogged countless times of how much I am grateful for a fairly standard schedule, which allows me to have more time for other ministry opportunities. God has continually blessed my work with this company, and I am constantly surprised at how how He chooses to work in my heart and even use me for His purposes as I navigate (as random as it sounds) the corporate world of insurance. But when you spend 40+ hours of your week...it just gets old.

So why all of a sudden the struggle? Maybe it’s just that I am tired. I have been running at full speed on empty for about 4 months. So I am sure that hasn’t helped. I am just burnt out, which is always the time the enemy seems to sneak in to try to wreak havoc. Maybe since I just celebrated my one year anniversary with the company, I am just starting to get restless. Staring monotony in the face is a little scary. Maybe the high of being employed again has finally worn off. I remember how difficult it was to be without a job, and I remember promising myself that I would never complain about going to work again. I didn’t ever want to lose sight of what a gift it is to even have a job. And yet, we are all so short-sighted and forgetful…These could all be normal things that I am just going to have to work through. But as those seeds of discontent have surfaced, I have to figure out quickly how to combat them so that I don’t lose sight of where God has me and what He desires for me- whether that means staying in this job or not.

I have prayed for a heart of contentment, for a willingness to put aside my own plans for my life and trust God with His plans instead. I want to be able to find joy in whatever it is that He calls me to, to make the most of every opportunity He gives, using those opportunities to serve Him in ways that honor His name. If that means that I live that through my current job, I want to do that. If you think about it, I’d appreciate prayers :)

I Think I Can...

21 days until until I get the blessing of enjoying this...

41 days until my CPCU exam- yikes!

47 days until I get to serve here...

And in between there's Go and Be, Nica Team meetings, baby showers, leaders' meetings, intro nights, communion dinner, BSF, seminars, mentor lunches, fellowships, presentations, parents' night out, friend time, Nica garage sale, Mother's Day, singles nights, Memorial Day...

A lot of really GREAT things going on, but I am definitely looking forward to some time of rest. I am praying for the strength to finish well, the patience to endure the endless schedule, the wisdom and selflessness to love those around me in the process. Just a few more weeks...I think I can...I know the Lord can...

1 Year Anniversary

I can't believe that it has already been a year since I started my new job...I know it's cliche to say, but... my, has the time flown! Haha. This time last year, I was starting a new journey into the world of commercial insurance. It still makes me laugh a little...from events to insurance :) God can be so funny sometimes...

I now know more about commercial property and casualty insurance than I ever thought I would, and I still have a lot of learning left to do. In the span of a year, I have earned my P&C license and 2 designations (CISR and CLCS), and I have started working toward 2 more designations (CIC and CPCU). So much for not wanting to study anymore LOL. It still amazes me that this company was so willing to take a chance on me. I remember that I pretty much tried to talk them out of hiring me in my interview because I kept trying to remind them that I knew absolutely nothing. I still don't know a whole lot, but I am grateful for the time and resources they have poured into my training and insurance education. I absolutely LOVE the people I work with, and I couldn't ask for a better boss.

I am SO grateful for this job. Many of you know the process that led up to me taking the job and know how much of a relief and a surprise it was. And while it's still a learning process for me, and I can't help but miss events most days, I wouldn't trade this past year for even the best event job in the world. The amount of work that the Lord had to do in my heart for me to be able to say that...well, let's just say that it was no small feat. I am so humbled and grateful that He's not through with me yet...

Over and over, the Lord has confirmed that this is exactly where He wants me right now. While brokering commercial insurance is not my idea of "advancing the kingdom," let's be honest- events were not really either. But one of the things the Lord has taught me is the importance of relationships- even business ones. I have been encouraged by the few believers I do work with, and I have been challenged in my conversations with unbelieving co-workers and clients. And I have blogged countless times about my 20s group. I know that I would never have been able to get so involved if it were not for this job. Because of this job, I have more time for ministry opportunities than I ever would have in events. Even if for that reason alone God gave me this job, I praise Him for it all!

I am not sure what the future holds and if this will be a lifelong career. I am at complete peace with the idea that I could be here for awhile. Or He could decide to move me again in a few years. But I do know that God has brought me to this particular job for this specific time in my life. And I am confident that His plan is good and perfect and He will take care of me wherever He sends me. I trust Him wherever He leads...

Too Many C's...

I am officially a CISR (Certified Insurance Service Representative)! I finally took/passed my last exam, and they sent me my last little sticker in the mail. Because in the insurance world, they are really big on paper certificates and stickers. Go figure. So that makes 2 designations down (I recently received my CLCS), and now I can finally breathe for a little while. I can take a little break from studying. I will continue on my educational journey, but don't have to worry about another class until February or so. Having letters after my name still makes me laugh, but is still a little fun. (Even if they only mean something in my industry). But really, there are WAY too many C's...

I'm a CLCS...What?!?

Sales School is officially over! I survived the 3 weeks and now know more about commercial insurance than I ever thought I would :) As interesting as my classmates were, and as much as I am not a fan of sales, I am grateful for the training opportunities that my company has given me.

Not only did I walk away with a plethora of insurance knowledge, I also walked away with the first set of professional letters to go after my name. I am officially a CLCS: a Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist. Isn't that exciting? They even gave me this spiffy certificate!


And yes, I will probably hang this somewhere in my office- haha. But for now, I plan to finish up some work and then try to get some sleep this weekend before the craziness of getting back to the office next week.

Sales School, Week 2

Things are beginning to get really busy, so I apologize for not posting more regular updates on Sales School. Nothing too exciting has happened, and I can just sum it up here:

• Some of the guys party really hard at night and come to class hungover. Today one of the guys was MIA and we learned that he had spent the night in jail. Really? I just don't get it. I know we are adults and can make our own choices, but really?
• Role Playing should be outlawed. I mean, really. What's the point? It kind of feels like adult make-believe, and I am just not buying into it. But I survived the worst of it today, so that's definitely a blessing!
• Being in a class of all guys has its perks: no girly drama and no catty competition.
• But being in a class of all guys also has its drawbacks: "guy talk" followed by a quick apology forgetting that I am in the room (my ears have been violated by inappropriate and sexist comments on more than one occasion), too much testosterone in the room (competition of another kind- proof of "manliness"- the kind that elicits an eyeroll and a sigh from the one female in the room), and the room smells like a guys' locker room. Sigh.

I am half way through...a week and a half to go. I will be focusing on school and some projects at work, so things are going to get crazy. Bear with me if I don't post regularly...I will get back to regular updates in a few weeks :)

Really?!? Sales School, Day 2

Today I found myself wondering what was up with the guys in my sales school. One guy caught the looks on my face, and I learned I should be more careful in hiding my feelings...

Guy 1 in my sales school: So what exactly do you mean by the radius? What does that mean?
Guy 2 in my sales school: Yeah, is that, like, how many miles you drive in a day?
Guy 3 in my sales school: Yeah, it's when you drive a circle around your office and measure the distance that circle makes all the way around.
Guy 1 and 2 in my sales school: Oh ok. That makes sense.
Me in my head: FAIL. (Really?!?)

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Guy in my sales school: I don't know about these sales techniques that they are teaching us. I just know that I am already a good salesman. A charismatic killer is what you would say. (Really?!?)

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Guy in my sales school: So. (slides up close next to me) Are you married? (Really?!?)

Sales School, Day 1

So today I started the dreaded 3-week new producer's school- a.ka. sales school. I have already done 4 weeks of pre-coursework, and now I am completing the 3 weeks of in-class training portion of the program. I am very thankful for this opportunity; I appreciate the training that my company wants to pour into me. But for those who know me, you know that anything sales related is just not my cup of tea. Umm...I got some bad advice in college and switched my major to Professional Selling. I was a ProSales major for a grand total of 1 week. First and only class I ever dropped at Baylor. When the professor opened the class with, "Over this next semester, you will learn the 32-step process of making a sales call..." I knew I was in the wrong place.

Me + Sales = no bueno

So when my boss said I would be attending this 7-week sales training, I really just wanted to curl up into a ball and cry. Over the past few weeks, I have been praying about my attitude toward this school. I have prayed for positivity and for open eyes to the things I could potentially learn (and really walk away feeling like I could use it). I will let you know how things go at the end of the 3 weeks. Still praying....

It is also more difficult now, knowing my recent change in direction within the company. While they didn't hire me to do sales, and this was just "extra" training "just in case" (whatever that means), now I know I will use this training less than before. But I was already signed up, paid for, and 4 weeks in....

And so today was Day 1. This is what I learned:

• I am in a male-dominated industry (I am the only female in the class. Awesome.)
• I do not possess the right personality to make a good sales person (at least according to today's assessments...but this is no surprise to me. I could have, and have, said this before)
• After spending 1 day in the room with all sales-oriented people, I want to do sales less than ever before. Not my kind of crowd.
• I think sales people mistake in-your-face excitement and pushiness for enthusiasm
• It's really hard for me to "buy into" most of these concepts because it is so far opposite from my personality
• It's going to be a long 3 weeks....sigh.

Let the Craziness Begin...

I have been watching these days creep up on me for several weeks now. Part of me is excited for things to get started; part of me is dreading the hectic schedule. I have felt so relaxed this summer. I have been stress-free, peaceful, catching up on rest. And that is all quickly coming to an end, and I am not ready! Haha. Honestly, the craziness started last week, but I think I have been in denial. Oh well.

I got back yesterday from visiting my company's headquarters in Houston. It was an exhausting 2 days of meeting anyone and everyone, but it was such a great trip. I work for such an amazing company, and I feel so blessed that this is the place God put me for this part of my life. I can't help but feel overwhelmed still with how much He provided and orchestrated for me. Work is going to be crazy for a little while, but I am so grateful for my job!

So why so busy? Here's a brief look at the fall:

• 4 week self-study for Hartford Producer School so I can get my CLCS (which requires 4-6 hours daily...on top of my normal every-day work)
• 3 week classroom time for Hartford Producer School (which just happens to fall right in the middle of renewal for my largest client; basically that means I will work a couple of 80-hour weeks...sigh)
• I still have 2 more exams for my CISR, and the week after I get back from the Hartford School, I will be gone for 4 days for my first CIC course...LOTS of studying in my future.
• BSF starts!!! I am super excited for this to start. I have actually been waiting for most of the summer for this to start again....but I will soon go back to a 2-night a week commitment, lessons, phone calls, fellowships, homiletics, etc.
• I am continuing my involvement with my 20s group at church- girls' bible study and singles group- but will also begin Disciples at Heart, which means I will start meeting with an older woman in the church so she can mentor me. I am really excited about this, and it's only a once a month commitment. I have wanted a mentor for a long time, and I have finally decided that now is the time.

It's going to be a busy fall, but it will be a good fall. The fun stuff starts this weekend when my mom comes to town for a girls' weekend! And in November, Laura and I are taking a road trip to see Nicki in Virginia!!! I am excited about what the fall holds; I am just praying that God continues to provide strength and peace. I really need Him to help me trust Him and not stress during the stressful times. I am choosing to walk into the next few weeks with confidence...so let the craziness begin!

Leaving on a Jet Plane

This week has been pretty busy at work...the busy schedule has actually been a nice break from the monotony of studying. I have spent most of the last couple of weeks preparing loss trending reports (I know you are so riveted). Think massive data project with spreadsheets, line graphs, pie charts, and endless amounts of numbers. Yep. Anyway, a fun part of my week is the fact that I am no longer the newbie at work! That's right- I have joined the ranks of the normal, experienced staffers and am no longer the new kid on the block. They hired a new guy to focus on sales for the company, so I have spent some time getting him acquainted with his new surroundings. It's kind of crazy to think that I was there a few short months ago. The time flies, and it's cool to see how God is still working.

Tomorrow I am only working a half day so I can catch my plane to Seattle! I am so excited to see my sweet friend April! I haven't seen her since she moved up there, and it will be great to catch up and let her show me her new home. I am going to a concert with her on Saturday, and we hve talked about taking a hike through the beautiful scenery; I can't wait! And I am not going to lie...I am definitely looking forward to being in a place that is 30 degrees cooler than it is here. The cool pacific weather will be a welcome relief from the steamy 100+ temperatures. I will be sure to post about the trip next week.

Have a great weekend!

I'm Official!

A couple of weeks ago I told you about my insurance licensing exam. God was so good to help me pass the exam the first time! Today, I received my actual license in the mail. So I am official! The state has said, "BE IT KNOWN, the above named, having fulfilled all requirements for licensure under the laws of the State of Texas, is authorized to engage in the business of insurance in the State of Texas as a General Lines Agent, qualified for Property and Casualty." Look out insurance world: I am licensed and ready to make my mark on the industry ;)

Every day is an adventure, and I am learning so much. He has blessed me in so many ways! And He has gone beyond that...He has fulfilled the desires of my heart by allowing me to take on meeting planning tasks at work! I cannot even tell you how in awe I am of how He would do that for me. Meeting planning isn't typically a part of an insurance brokerage. And I just happened to be hired on at the right time to take on that responsibility for one of our clients. God's timing is perfect, and He has so many good things for His children!

As I look back over the last month or so, I see all that God has done and I am so overwhelmed. I am amazed to see where I was and now where He has brought me in such a short time. I can honestly say that a few months ago, I would have never guessed that I would be blogging about a Texas insurance license- lol. But as I do, I am so thankful for everything He has provided. It's funny how God directs our ways for His purposes....

Step Into My Cube...

I have so much to be grateful for! God has provided an amazing job with a wonderful company, in the midst of a nationwide recession. I am amazed every day at what He has provided and where He has brought me. I am excited to see what He has for me in the months ahead! It's still a learning process...my perfectionist nature is frustrated I am not an expert in insurance already. LOL. I know it will take time, but I can't help but want to do well. I feel an extra obligation to succeed in this job...because it was a gift, one that I do not want to waste. I sat in my office today and couldn't help but reflect back on the last few months: about the journey, and about all that my God had worked out on my behalf. I am so grateful for my job, and am enjoying what I am learning about the insurance business.


On a more random note, I have to say that I am really enjoying my workspace. After working for a year without my own space, any space is a welcome change. You could say I have my own office...but reality says I have my own cube. Haha. Yes, I have joined the ranks of those who experience cube life. Luckily, I am on the good end of cube life...I have a large corner cube that is quiet and located in a great place in the office. Take a moment and step into my cube...

Welcome to my cube!

(Yes, I have my diploma hanging in my cube. I worked hard for that thing and am not ashamed to display it proudly! Cube or no cube...haha)

I would like to eventually get a bookcase to put in my cube, but I figured I should wait until I have more things to put in the bookcase :)

And my cube would not be complete without these Office items:

Whirlwind Week

Wow. I just caught my breath after such a whirlwind week! As crazy as it was, and despite the fact I am utterly exhausted…part of me is strangely energized by the fact that I had one of the busiest weeks I have had in a really long time. And that’s a really good thing, something I am very grateful for, considering how long I have been without activity. But boy was it insane!

I started things off well, by heading to Pine Cove for the Woodcreek Women’s Retreat. This was such an awesome weekend! I know I have mentioned how much I love my church before, but I was so grateful for the opportunity to spend a restful weekend with such beautiful women of God. The theme of the weekend was “Praising God in Every Season,” so it was such a blessing for me at this time in my life. From car-ride sing-alongs with Lindsey, to playing catch phrase in the cabin, to having a dance party in our pajamas with all of the women of the church, to standing by the lake in awe of His wonder…it was an awesome weekend! I got to spend the weekend praising God, relaxing, enjoying His beautiful creation, and just hanging out with the sweet girls in the 20s group. It was most definitely a “retreat” for me, and the perfect way to start all the new things in my life.

Here is a picture of the 20s group of girls who were at the retreat:



As soon as I got back into town, I dove right into preparing for my licensing exam. I spent pretty much every waking moment preparing. I spent 3 days in a prep course, trying to learn the ins and outs of the insurance business. Let me just say that I had awful flashbacks to my college days lol. It was a massive amount of information in a short period of time. I was definitely nervous to take my exam this morning, to say the least. But God was SO GOOD, and I passed my exam!!! Just barely (I made it by the skin of my nose!), but I passed the first time. I have never been so happy to make a C in my life! So I am now official. I am a licensed General Lines Property & Casualty Insurance Agent in the state of Texas. I do have to say that it was a complete miracle from God, considering my lack of preparation time, and lack of knowledge on the subject. But I was able to walk into my new office with my head held high, because I passed! And I can now sell you personal or commercial lines of insurance- haha. (Well, I actually have to send my test scores and fingerprints to TDI, and then they will issue me a license. Details).



Since I have been in a classroom all week, or holed away studying, I haven’t had a chance to set up my new office. So I will spend the rest of the week doing that. Well, perhaps I should be fair and say that I have a new cube. LOL. It’s actually a nice little cube…a corner cube in fact- hehe. But it’s mine, and I couldn’t be more excited! I am trying to brainstorm on ways to personalize my new space…if you have any suggestions, let me know. I will spend a lot of time in the cube, and my boss wants me to personalize it. I will try to grab a picture when I have time…because you care so much.

And as if things weren’t crazy enough, in the midst of all retreat, my exam, starting a new job…I am in the midst of packing because I move this weekend! My new lease officially started yesterday, and I actually went by to see my new apartment during lunch today. It was a fun feeling to walk in the door and know that I live there now. My parents are coming into town and I have recruited some of my brother's friends to help. It will be a busy weekend, but I am excited to finally move!

em • ployed, adj.-

em • ployed, adj.- working; having your services engaged for; utilized; put to use; having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary

After long months of prayer and waiting, God has finally spoken through the stillness: I got a job offer today!!! I cannot put into words the relief and joy that flooded my day! It was as though the floodgates burst open and all of the long-awaited blessings came gushing out. The days of uncertainty for this trial are over. I am super excited about this new opportunity, and I cannot wait to see what God has in store.

I will be making a career jump...from event coordination to insurance. Which is so completely random, and yet so completely God. I have to admit: it was hard to let go of my dreams. It was difficult to walk away from all that I had worked and hoped for. I would be lying if I said I let it go without a fight. And yet while I wrestled with God, He slowly opened my grip and gently nudged me to take that last step of faith in a long series of steps of faith. I really had to question Him on this one: Insurance, Lord? Really? It was something that was so far out of the realm of my thinking that I just couldn't believe He could possibly use me there. And yet, here I find myself...and overjoyed, no less!

One by one, God closed the doors on event coordination. It was a painful process, but one I had to endure. I don't think God has closed them for good; but I do think He has other things to do with me before He lets me go back to those dreams. And after deep prayer, and ultimately complete surrender, I am ok with that. And so now in faith, I am walking through the door that God has swung open for me...God has good plans for me. And I can't wait to see what He will do in the coming months...

So, ummm....I HAVE A JOB! I just like saying it- haha. I have a job. I am employed. I can join the ranks of employment again. What a blessing from God, especially in this troubled economy and failing job market. I really like the company I will be working for. Over the past 10 weeks in my temporary work with them, I have grown to enjoy the people I work with. I am unsure of what exactly is ahead for me, as I am diving into something that is outside my comfort zone, or really my realm of knowledge. But I do know that this is the place God has for me, and I know that He will be with me every step of the way. His timing is perfect, His gifts are good, His blessings are abundant. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!