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Completion

I am innately a procrastinator... and I get sidetracked. I have been accused of having too many irons in the fire and not finishing projects. However, I will defend myself by adding to my list of confessions... "I work better under pressure!"
Having said that - please understand - I LOVE the feeling I get when I have accomplished a task. I like to make "To Do" lists, mainly for the gratification of checking items DONE off my list!
As this year closes, I am feeling immensely accomplished! I have finished my Bachelor of Science Degree Program in Alternative Medicine! Every day since my first class in August 2008 until my final exam on December 17, 2011, was a challenge. I learned to structure my time and LIFE to fit around an internet connection and the college deadlines I was given. We traveled more in ministry than we ever have before; and yet I managed to keep it all together. (Dare I mention that I made the Dean's List with a 4.0 every single semester? To God be the glory!) I burned the midnight oil and set my alarm hours earlier just to keep the pace. So here I am - at 52 years of age - and I've finally FINISHED something major on my bucket list!
I am excited to see what Twenty-Twelve and the future holds. I know that Jesus has never left my side. I have leaned on Him... felt His nudge and urging to succeed. I have rested in His confidence and approval. He has been my strength and has ordered my steps all the way. The details He worked out were amazing... and many times, I KNEW He was purposefully orchestrating calendars and timelines to accommodate me. (For example... my Dad passed away in April of 2010. It was no small thing to me - nor could I see it as a coincidence - that his last week on this earth was during my Spring Break... I was able to give my undivided attention to him and my family.)
My husband has also been amazing. His support and consideration of my work-load were second to none. (He should get some kind of Diploma or Award for putting up with me!) I tried not to allow my college work to alter our lifestyle and ministry... but I do feel if anyone got short-changed it was Jeff. I could not have finished this degree without him! Late nights and early mornings became the norm for me - and he kept me balanced and took me "away" from it all every chance he could, (always making sure I had a strong wireless internet connection!) I think he is really the only one in my family who understands how hard I worked to get through the program.
So... I have never been where I am right now. I am walking in unfamiliar territory. Will my career take off and pay off? Will I have to get a J.O.B. to pay for these student loans? What lies ahead? I may not know the answer to these questions... but I do know that God is in control and in charge of my life. When cancer knocked at my door in 2008 at the beginning of this journey, God gave me this scripture... Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." NIV
He is God and I'm not... and that thought gives me peace! Twenty-twelve... here I come!

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