"Trust an unknown future to a KNOWN God!"

Heyyyyy! I haven't blogged in awhile, and I said I was going to regularly blog. Oops. MB! (my bad). So here is a brief update on the happenings in my neck of the woods.

I went to New Orleans for a little weekend get away trip with my honey. We had a blast! We stayed at the cutest bed & breakfast (seriously y'all!). The house was built in 1865, and was well preserved and completely French inspired with all the decor and antique furniture. Loved it! It was also only a few blocks away from the French Quarter..so walking distance! We were completely blown away by the hospitality that we received there. The breakfast every morning was amazing (one morning we had home-made waffles with fresh fruit) & the next morning it was pecan praline french toast casserole from scratch! Talk about deeeee-lish! We also took a little trip to the zoo, and I got to pet an elephant! I was so excited. They feel like wrinkly leather with hair..kind of weird..but it was neat nonethless! We also took a trip down to the Ninth Ward which is where Hurricane Katrina hit and caused the most damage in New Orleans. We went and visited a cemetery, as well. You're probably thinking..uhhh...what? A cemetery?!!! Yeah..well in New Orleans, the burial plots are shallow because the water table is high. So if a person were to dig a few feet down, a grave would become soggy & instantly start filling with water. That would, in turn, make the casket float! So...instead people decided to make the graves above ground tombs to tackle that problem. They often refer to the cemeteries there as the "cities of the dead" because they kind of resemble little villages or something in a way..with all of the statues and crosses and such. Pretty crazy. I tried boudin for the first time (not a fan) and I also tried alligator (wasn't a fan either). All in all though, we had a blast & it was definitely a nice get away for the both of us.

Spring break...came and went. I can't believe it was my last official spring break ever in life...lol. I didn't get to relax or enjoy it though..because I had to go to Atlanta for work. The whole trip was super last minute..but I ended up going. I worked 65 hours during the week and slept very little. On the upside, I got to stay in the Ritz Carlton (which may be the only time in life I ever stay there...LOL) It was such a nice hotel..and the staff and everyone there were so polite and friendly! And the room was very comfortable, to say the least. Also, (and the best part about the entire trip of all..) I got to see one of my best friends...Monica! She lives in Charlotte, NC which is only about 3.5 to 4 hours from Atlanta...so she drove down & stayed two nights with me! I flew out to Atlanta on a Monday and she got there within a few hours of my arrival..so we were able to chat and catch up on everything. The next night we went to an amazing, stylish and contemporary restaurant in mid-town Atlanta. Every single dish that we ordered was HEAVEN. Seriously..it was so so SO good..I thought I was going to have to be rolled out of there because I was so full!

The whole Atlanta trip experience..made me realize what a lonely lifestyle that would be...yet so many people do it. Lots of people choose money over their family (which is fine if that's more important to you) but that lifestyle just wouldn't be for me. I don't see how someone can work 65 or 70 hours in a week..travel and be away from their family...all for the Benjamin$$. Getting wined and dined in the process is no exchange or recompense for precious time with the people you love..in my opinion!

It was SO good to see Mon..words cannot explain! I can't believe we have been friends since freshman year of college. Time flies! But in all seriousness, I couldn't imagine my life without her friendship. She is truly a blessing! Seeing her and catching up, was definitely much needed...especially because I feel so lonely here in Houston. It's kind of weird because yes I know some people that do live here in Houston and have some friends that live here, as well. However, I feel like I am secluded in my own world because I live on the opposite side of Houston (from them) and our lifestyles are drastically different. I work full time AND go to grad school full time...which takes away a significant amount of free time from my schedule. Also, on the occasion that I am free, since I commute to downtown Houston every day for work..sometimes the last thing I want to do is drive to Houston again to meet up & do something. I'm just too tired by the weekend! And..even if I am up for doing something...some of my friends are all boo'ed up and in love..and I don't want to be a third wheel! Unfortunately, my boyfriend doesn't live here in Houston...so he can't always keep me company either. So because of all of that...I often spend a lot of time alone. Ironically, though, my alone-ness has actually been a blessing in disguise..because in my almost two years here..I have learned what being independent is all about. I have always worked and paid for my own things, so that's not the type of independence that I am talking about. What I mean, is that I have had to learn to tackle this world on my own. I don't have family down the street..or a friend next door that can help me. I have to figure it out myself. I had to find my own way..figure out how to get to/from places...navigate around...ect. At the end of the day..I had to learn how to be secure enough in myself..happy enough with myself...to find my own activities to do. I learned that it's okay to go to a movie by yourself..it's okay to go on a shopping adventure by yourself...it's okay to just be alone. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to be alone all the time..lol..but I have learned to be content in myself..instead of being one of those extra needy people that has to be around someone all the time. I give all the glory to God, though, because when I first moved here, there were lots of tears that were shed. There were many tears of loneliness..cries of desperation...feelings of frustration because I was lost or didn't know how to get somewhere. And the feeling of being alone..the agonizing silence that I experience day after day when I come home...those were times that I leaned on God instead. I could have felt sorry for myself..but instead I used that time to grow more..and to read more of the word. I also do a devotional every night with Marlon on the phone or via skype. Even though we are far apart, we have grown so close spiritually together. It's so awesome seeing God at work!!!! People often ask me how we make long distance work..and I will tell you that besides all of the plane tickets (lol) it mostly has to do with God and the fact that we have made Him the center of our relationship. Our relationship is wearing the armor of God..so when the enemy tries to attack us..we are ready!

Anyway, I have grown so much since I left law school and Lubbock. It's amazing to me because I remember back then..thinking I WAS GROWN! haha. I guess the "twenties years" are a lot about growth and change...working through awkwardness..independence...and finding your niche in this world. I can finally say that I am well on my way! I graduate May 19th...and I feel like it is coming so fast. It's a day that I have waited for..worked for..for forever it seems like...and it's finally almost here. I prayed for this day..hoped for this day...wished for this day..and now all of my hard work is coming to fruition. I almost wish I could make time stop for a little bit..just because I feel a little afraid. I know it's silly..but I kind of do. I feel like my whole life has depended/revolved around school..and now that I am finally going to be finished...what will that mean? I reflected on this today..and read this Bible verse..which calmed me and gave me peace.

“But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. I praise God for what He has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?” (Psalm 56:3-4, ESV)

So true. Of course it's easier said than done..but oh when we do it...it's amazing the peace that we feel! God is in complete control of my life and I know that He has something great in store for me! He isn't just preparing me for IT..He is preparing IT for me!!!! I can't wait to see what that "IT" is. I have no idea what I will be doing after graduation just yet...but me and Marlon have prayed about it for almost an entire year (seriously!). So I know God is going to open up some big doors. I have been applying to many jobs lately..and luckily none of my apps have been rejected..they are just "under review." The process for working at a government job is such a...well..PROCESS!

How many of you are anxious about your future? Fearful even? Do you live in the present moment...but let your mind travel years from now..spending more time on the what ifs that you forget the what nows? I know that I am guilty as charged..haha..."But I am trusting you, O LORD, saying, ‘You are my God!’ My future is in your hands.” Psalms 31:14-15 (NLT)

I heard a quote once...that you can "Trust an unknown future to a KNOWN God!" Ammmennn! God already has it all mapped out...so stop worrying..stop letting the devil make you question how it is all going to work out. Instead, let God direct your paths..and give your worries to Him. He's got the rest. :) I can't wait to see what God has in store for my life! And also..in YOURS! :)