Here we are. It's a friday again and I thought I would write a bit about what's going on and what I'm thankful for.
For a few months, I've been working on getting things in order to go to school in the fall at a local community college. I've been out of school for the past two years (which I am so glad I did. More on that later) so it was a little bit of a challenge to get transcripts, SAT scores, and all that jazz together, but it happened. It was also a little tricky to get all the random info of my and my parents' tax information turned in for financial aid, but that happened as well.
I was accepted, got my placement test waived for adequate SAT scores, met with advisors, gave them transcripts, scheduled classes and submitted my application for financial aid. After having submitted my financial aid, I had the tug to pray for results that would pay for school 100% and then some, so I did. It was one of those things that I simplly felt the peace to ask for (some things I don't have that peace to ask for) so I prayed and asked my family and boyfriend to pray too.
Yesterday, I looked online and what do I see? Financial aid that went above my school bill and covered books, gas, and whatever else I'll need. I was blown away. I went into the actual office to confirm that these estimates were the real numbers- lo and behold, they are. Thank. You. Jesus.
Not to mention finding a textbook valued at $197 on Amazon for $14, and being able to rent my other required books for much less than I thought I'd have to pay for them. Booyah.
Also, not to mention that my job is amazingly supportive about me going to school. My boss told me that whether it meant more, less, or weirder hours, they were ready to let me do whatever I needed to to make school work out.
Not to mention, my boyfriend and his job. First off, I'm thankful that he even has a job. Secondly, he is looking into another great job opportunity with better pay, full time benefits and all that goodness. He has his interview today.
I want to mention the biggest and less visible of all these graces poured out on me- understanding grace more than I ever have before and that brings a great (as in abundant and awesome) freedom. Really, it's through this grace that I have any of this other favor I've gone on about in the above paragraphs.
When I get caught up in life and everything that's going on around me, things going my way can seem like a coincidence or just plain good luck. If I wanted to, I could always explain these things away and give you a chain of events that led up to this. Or I could say that I deserved them (which isn't true). That's my human nature. But truly, at the core of them is grace. I really don't deserve any of the good things in my life based on being a good person, and yeah, things happen for a reason (or many reasons) but those reasons could only happen because of that grace. I don't always realize favor for what it is when it gets poured out all over me, but when I put my life into Jesus' hands in a conscious way, trusting that he loves me and is working things out for my good, I see these types of things. I see favor.
It's not always money or school or jobs. Sometimes it's a lack of those things that might tap me on the shoulder and remind me to look to Him. But even in the "lacking" times, He gives us what we need. I'm guilty of not always believing or trusting that, but when I do, he never disappoints.
For a few months, I've been working on getting things in order to go to school in the fall at a local community college. I've been out of school for the past two years (which I am so glad I did. More on that later) so it was a little bit of a challenge to get transcripts, SAT scores, and all that jazz together, but it happened. It was also a little tricky to get all the random info of my and my parents' tax information turned in for financial aid, but that happened as well.
I was accepted, got my placement test waived for adequate SAT scores, met with advisors, gave them transcripts, scheduled classes and submitted my application for financial aid. After having submitted my financial aid, I had the tug to pray for results that would pay for school 100% and then some, so I did. It was one of those things that I simplly felt the peace to ask for (some things I don't have that peace to ask for) so I prayed and asked my family and boyfriend to pray too.
Yesterday, I looked online and what do I see? Financial aid that went above my school bill and covered books, gas, and whatever else I'll need. I was blown away. I went into the actual office to confirm that these estimates were the real numbers- lo and behold, they are. Thank. You. Jesus.
Not to mention finding a textbook valued at $197 on Amazon for $14, and being able to rent my other required books for much less than I thought I'd have to pay for them. Booyah.
Also, not to mention that my job is amazingly supportive about me going to school. My boss told me that whether it meant more, less, or weirder hours, they were ready to let me do whatever I needed to to make school work out.
Not to mention, my boyfriend and his job. First off, I'm thankful that he even has a job. Secondly, he is looking into another great job opportunity with better pay, full time benefits and all that goodness. He has his interview today.
I want to mention the biggest and less visible of all these graces poured out on me- understanding grace more than I ever have before and that brings a great (as in abundant and awesome) freedom. Really, it's through this grace that I have any of this other favor I've gone on about in the above paragraphs.
When I get caught up in life and everything that's going on around me, things going my way can seem like a coincidence or just plain good luck. If I wanted to, I could always explain these things away and give you a chain of events that led up to this. Or I could say that I deserved them (which isn't true). That's my human nature. But truly, at the core of them is grace. I really don't deserve any of the good things in my life based on being a good person, and yeah, things happen for a reason (or many reasons) but those reasons could only happen because of that grace. I don't always realize favor for what it is when it gets poured out all over me, but when I put my life into Jesus' hands in a conscious way, trusting that he loves me and is working things out for my good, I see these types of things. I see favor.
It's not always money or school or jobs. Sometimes it's a lack of those things that might tap me on the shoulder and remind me to look to Him. But even in the "lacking" times, He gives us what we need. I'm guilty of not always believing or trusting that, but when I do, he never disappoints.
38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Luke 6:38