Choose Joy

In the past 3 months, I have graduated college, ended my softball journey, and started a new career. It is a new and exciting time in life! That being said, I felt like it was the perfect time to dive into the world of blogging and writing again.

With any new phase in life their comes new opportunities, new challenges, and new adventures. I can honestly say that the past few months have been a whirl wind. Exciting, scary, challenging, fun, and confusing all at the same time. After having a busy college schedule being a student athlete, the reality of becoming an accountant and sitting at a desk all day wasn’t too appealing. I felt caged in and cut off from the outside world. Learning to find joy in my new role and create a balance between work, relaxation, fitness, social activities etc. was quite difficult at first. I’m sure many of you can relate to the crazy balance of things that make up our life.

If you are like me and going through a transition time in your life or just striving towards a goal, I can promise you that you aren't alone. Transition times are hard- for everyone. At this moment, you may feel like you are never going to reach your goal or get used to that new pace of life, but don't let yourself believe that lie. I can tell you from experience that it does get better. God has shown me how to truly embrace my role as an accountant and how to find joy throughout every moment of life. I know He will do the same for you!

Wherever you are right now God has you perfectly there. Choose to trust Him and to find joy even when it may be difficult. He knows exactly what's going on, He has a plan, and He is in control. Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Be encouraged today because even when we can’t see it God is making a way!

The Seasons of Life

I'm almost finished with my 5th semester of college and the time continues to fly. It can't possibly be close to Thanksgiving. Where has the time gone? I apologize to my readers for the lack of blogs recently. Juggling school, softball, and extracurricular activities has left little time for writing. 

One thing, God has continued to share with me this fall is that He is so faithful. ("But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one." - Thessalonians 3:3) Seriously y'all, He continually amazes me. 

Before coming to Union 3 years ago, I declared my major as accounting. After changing my major 5 times, frantically meeting with the Vocatio Center, enduring a month long internship, and taking a multitude of different classes… my major is now officially accounting again. Going into my final years of college, not knowing when I would graduate, when my classes would be, or even if I could get into the classes that I would need. I was definitely #stressed. But the one thing that's for sure, God has been so faithful. My classes lined up, I love what I am studying, I can graduate on time, and I have made plans to attend grad school. It still amazes me how everything worked out. I cannot thank Him enough. His mighty hand has been placing me exactly where I need to be.

My freshman year I wasn't ready to commit to God's plan and accept that I was growing up. It’s taken me two years of college to realize I'm about to dive head first into the real world, but with God’s love and grace I'm now ready for what the future holds.

Just as the seasons must change, life must change. New roots must take place and new life must grow. If a season of your life is changing, don't run from it like I did. God is faithful and He will be faithful through it all. Trust Him. (He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. – Psalm 1:3)

Life Happens

Yesterday, I was looking at my calendar and the tough realization that I had a little less than two weeks before school starts back hit me hard. Where has the summer gone? I didn’t do half of the things I meant to do this summer.  In less than two weeks, I will be moving back into my little dorm at Union University and gearing up for my junior year in college.

The older I get, the faster things seem to fly by. I still can’t believe that I’m already a junior in college. My baby cousin (who is 6 years younger than me) is starting her freshman year of high school. I repeat, HIGH SCHOOL. Time is flying by; we really do grow up fast.

It’s surreal. Life is happening, and there’s no way to slow it down. It’s scary.  It’s awesome. It’s exciting. But it’s really scary. 

On days like today, I can’t help but sit back and be so grateful for all the things and opportunities that I have had. Life is happening fast, but it’s good to take a minute and be thankful for how far we have come.  “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) It’s amazing what you can see if you take the time to look. God has truly planned out everything in His perfect way.

If you’re like me and realizing how fast the world around you is changing and growing, don’t be alarmed. God is in control. “In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.” (Job 12:10) Thank Him for how far you have come and trust Him with the future that lies ahead. He will never leave you or forsake you.