Thursday, March 1, 2012

Living outside of the box

Hello!! -

I've been a little negligent of updating this fun little writing outlet for myself.    I really enjoy sitting down to think through my thoughts and sharing what's on my heart.    However, lately I've felt like I've been in constant motion that there has not been much time to be still.    So, that's what I've really been challenging myself these past few weeks, as I re-evaluate some of my current situations.    I absolutely LOVE how God uses songs, sermons, people, etc... to communicate exactly what I need to hear.    This verse from a few weeks ago was perfect:

The Message's version 46:10 "Step out of the traffic!   Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything."

We live in such a high paced connected society that sometimes we forget to step back, retreat, and just BE STILL away from all the hustle and bustle of our lives.   

So, that being said I have really been evaluating my current position and how much stress, hours I have to work, and very poor pay.    I'm to the point in life where I'm not willing to have my job be my life, and thats what this job is starting to require of me.    Really like many aspects of my position, but there are many others that just frustrate me.    So, I've been in the search process for something different.    This past week I applied and interviewed for a Chiropractic Therapy Assistant Position.     It sounds perfect and right up my alley of enjoyment.    I have my 2nd interview on Friday with the chiropractor, so it will be interesting to see if he is someone I can see myself working alongside.    This job consists of working M-Th, and would offer me the pleasure of being able to leave my 'work' at work and to come home or go to another PT job without the stress of being on call all the time.    So, I've been in prayer about this process, decisions that this could lead to, and just being able to find enjoyment in a job here.

I finially got to talk to Greg a week ago Friday, on 2/24/2012, as he was moved to his official site location of where he will serve out his time.    I love our letters back and forth, but there is something so nice in being able to have those real time conversations back and forth without the snail mail lag in communication.    He is doing AWESOME and is in great, high spirits in his location.     Something that I ask for prayers for him for is endurance and strength.    He shared with me that in the first 15 minutes of being in this facility - the Short Term Offender Program - he had the opportunity to drink alcohol, smoke weed, smoke cigarrettes, etc...   Crazy the stuff that you can get away with in prison.     

One of the BLESSINGS and exciting things we have learned is that Greg is able to knock off 3 months of his sentence by being involved in their classes at the program.     This puts him being done with everything on June 27th.    We are in prayer that he can move forward and start classes as soon as possible, as right now he is just waiting for them to allow him to start.    Another blessing is that once we get all the paperwork done, and me approved as a visitor, then I can go and see him 1x a week and we can have 2hr visits.     One of the downfalls is he is 134 miles away, which isn't forever away, but it is a significant trip back and forth.   

Due to Greg's earlier release date, we've discussed at length when we want to get married, and we both agree that we want to do it this fall.     So, I guess its safe to tell you all that I'm getting married.    Most likely the end of October, we are looking at the 20th or 27th, and looking at some Kansas City location options.      I know this causes many mixed reactions from people, most of them concerned that we are rushing things, or that it would be better to wait awhile after Greg is out and had time to prove himself accountable.      I know in my heart, and believe that this is who and where God wants me.     We could wait to appease everyone else comfortable about our decision, but bottom line is that we both feel that God's got us both in the palm of his hands and he's going to guide and protect us in this decision.   

As Greg and I discuss the reactions various people are making to me, we both are very real about the situation.   He most of all understands peoples reservations towards him and his past, but he knows that he has never been at this place in his heart and his faith.      

So I ask.... What is faith?   It's not easy to get out of the box, but man does it feel good to live within the center of God's will.     Will we make mistakes - most definiately - but that's going to be okay because it is in our weaknesses that God draws us closer to Him and teaches us.    

So... here I sit with 3 things on my heart and mind:   Job decisions,  Moving / decisions on when to get my apartment and move my stuff from Missouri, and planning a wedding from a few states away.  

Psalm 37:23 "The steps of the Godly are directed by the Lord, He delights in every detail of their lives.   Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand."

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