Tag: education

That’s a Wrap

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Hello! It has been a great deal of time since my last blog post. I have been busy being a full time student, and well, I did it! I just wrapped up my last course for my degree in Biblical Studies. The last two years (almost) have greatly enriched my faith and has given me a new way of reading, analyzing, and understanding Scripture. In all actuality, the Scripture has come alive for me, and I cannot wait to share this with you through future posts!

Going back to school was not easy. For one, I had to re-learn how to study, and then I had to learn how to write at a collegiate level (and trust me, I had to do A LOT of writing). Then there was math…need I say more? I knew going into it that I would have to make some sacrifices in my time and outside activities, but I did not fully grasp the sacrifices my family was going to make. My assignments followed me everywhere, even on family vacations. My husband had to deal with my tears of frustration and anxiety of meeting deadlines, which stressed him out too. My children had to sacrifice spending quality time with me. There were days where I would spend 12 hours on school work and occasionally had to miss their extracurricular activities because I had to get an assignment submitted. There were mornings where I woke up at 4 a.m. and would get a jump start on school work to try and carve out time with my family later that day. However, even through all the ups and downs of school, my family stood by my side, encouraged me, and supported me. There were times where I doubted what I was doing and even wanted to quit, but I persevered. There is no question where my strength to finish strong came from, really there is only one place where it could have, and that was from my Lord Jesus Christ.

The well known verse from Philippians 4:13 brought me strength when I was weak.

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13, NIV

In this verse, Paul is writing to the Philippians, who despite their own troubles, sacrificed and helped Paul’s ministry. Paul says to them that he has learned to be content in all circumstances (vs. 11), and gave credit to God in giving him the strength to do so. This is applicable to my own experience. Despite my family’s own trials, they supported me in my schooling, and I learned to lean on God’s strength to get me through the tough parts of school and the many sacrifices.

Now, it is over…or is it? I feel like a new journey is beginning to take shape. One where I am on fire to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and to help reach and minister to women through writing my own devotionals and keeping this blog updated. I cannot wait to see where God takes me next.

I hope you will join me in my next adventure.

Living by grace,

Misty

A New Journey

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I am on a new journey in my life. I am now a student…again. It has been twenty-three years since I have been in school, so I have had to re-learn how to study. It has been a challenge, but a rewarding one.

Returning to school has been on my mind for quite some time, years actually. It was probably around 2015 when I started to feel the nudge. What I did not expect was to feel the nudge from the Holy Spirit. I knew it was Him because it was insistent and was stronger when I was in the Word. Honestly, it was kind of annoying because I thought it was crazy and unattainable. I was also afraid to return. I did not want to fail.

I ignored the urge to return to school for years, but I had started to develop a desire to go and had a deep sense of knowing why He wanted me to return. I had went to a few women’s conferences and was feeling convicted that I was meant for more. I developed a sincere desire for women’s ministry. I had been in a study group with some girlfriends and felt the pull to write in a different way. It was in that moment that I had the revelation that I needed to write devotionals for women. I wanted to help women know that they are not alone in their struggles, and despite their past, they are unconditionally loved and treasured by God.

So, seven years later, I finally gave in to the Holy Spirit, who is relentless by the way, and enrolled in school. I was stressed about the process, but I was not fearful any longer. I knew I was doing the right thing, and I knew exactly what I needed to major in. I signed up for an Associates degree in Biblical Studies. I yearned for a deeper and richer understanding of the Word of God. I needed to know more, I was thirsty for more, and I was excited to learn more.

I am asked what I want to do once I finish school. The answer is, I do not know. Well, that is not necessarily true. I know what I want to do, and that is write. I want to use what I have learned to become an author of women’s devotionals and help minister to women. However, ultimately it is up to God. I finally listened to him and look where I am now. He has helped and guided me throughout this whole journey and I know he will continue to do so. It would be foolish of me to stop listening to Him or doubting His incredible work in me now.

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; do not try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he is the one who will keep you on track.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (Msg)

Living by grace,

Misty