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.
Philippians 4:13, NIVI can do all this through him who gives me strength.
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
Living By Grace 