Summer Time is Here (kind of)

We are summer kids and are happy its here! It has rained now about 17 days straight, so that has been crazy! It seems like every time I leave for Stillwater a torrential downpour begins and I can't see ANYTHING! We planted grass seed this spring, and our grass is loving the rain!


Happy Birthday Sister!

First Snow Cone of the season!

Some of the MFT (marriage and family therapy) girls

Michelle and Me in our office at school

Heather graduated from Law School!! We are so proud!

We went to see the show Wicked with some of my friends from school. It was so good!!!

George at Flower's birthday

Having fun tubing

Last Class!!

Today I turned in my take home final exam for my last class of the program!! I honestly still don't believe it! Now I "just have to" write a thesis and complete 320 client contact hours. Its going to be hard work...but it feels so good to look back and see how much is behind me. It feels very strange to be this close to a life long dream. I have to thank Michael and my mom for listening to countless hours of me talking about this experience. This class was on family crisis...so every day was a discussion on working with families or individuals who are experiencing death, domestic violence, terrorism, racisim, sexual abuse, grief, war, divorce, and on and on. I was telling a supervisor the other day how exhausted I am...and unsure if I can hear another heart breaking story. I was again reminded to look for all of the good in the world, and that it is there all around me- everyday. There are heart breaking stories, but also stories of hope and healing.
One of my favorite songs has been Praise you in this storm by casting crowns. (If you have read my other posts or know me...songs seem to fit for me to express things) :)

I was sure by now,
God, that You would have reached down and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls I barely hear You whisper through the rain, "I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away.

And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried You hold in your hand
You never left my side and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain "I'm with you"

and as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

I love this song. God has truly called me to and taught me to praise him even when the storm seems to be raging all around me. In my unfaithfulness, God is faithful, in my weakness God is my strength, in my fear and uncertainty- God is so consistent and unwavering. There have been times when I have asked God to deliver me from pain, and he has not. In times that require blind trust my faith grows even more. I'm thankful that God's plan is so much bigger and better than mine. I am praying to be in a place where I can truly say show me your glory God...and know that that sometimes may require hard times- and that I will praise him in storm or sunshine.
This is me with some classmates after our last class.

2005-2007 Cohort

There's something about the ocean...

There is a song that I like:

There's something about the ocean
Makes me rise up and praise
There's something about the heavens
Makes me stand in awe again
There's something about the sunrise
Reminds me of Your faithfulness
There's something about the ocean (Your presence)
And I'm lost in love again

There is something healing to me about the ocean. I think part of that is that I grew up 45 minutes from the ocean, have lots of happy childhood memories there, and it reminds me of a much simpler time of life. Also- being at the ocean reminds me of God's incredible power. The ocean is a metaphor to me of God's faithfulness. My faith may at times be like the shifting sands, but God is steady and consistent like the tide. We spent the last week of May at the beach with my family. It came at a time when I was in great need of a break, rest, and renewal. Again I was reminded of God's power and faithfulness- and that has been my anchor these days.