A new season- Seminary.

"I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever." Psalm 86:12

In three days I will be attending my first class of my masters degree (Missions) at Mid-America. Craziness!

Excitement is an understatement. Nervous- yep. Anticipation to the max.

And the story begins like this…

I’m a planner. When I was little I planned that I would get married when I was 22. My earlier years of college I planned that after I graduated I would either move to a big city and work for a magazine or travel the world with my husband, both seemed like reasonable and accomplishable plans.

Recently, giving my life to the Lord has made me realize several (simple) things about the planner that I am…

My plans are pretty silly and selfish.

I’m a planner because I like to be in control (yep, I admitted it… whew)

Giving my life to the Lord means giving him my plans, my desires, my passions, my hopes and dreams.

With all that said, this is the intro to a journey of God altering, transforming and changing my plans into His incredible plans… trusting in Him and His prefect timing.

God laid on my heart a desire for missions last summer when I went on a mission trip to Jamaica with Northside’s college and young adult group. Since then, I went on a medical mission trip to Romania this past March, a difficult yet amazing experience. I helped out at my church’s youth camp, and fell in love with the youth group. I then returned to Jamaica with Northside’s college and young adult group continuing the work from last summer. As I look back on this past year, God has been opening my eyes and heart to so many incredible experiences. I caught a glimpse of the sufferings and sacrifices Christ followers endure. I worshiped with fantastic, sincere Jamaican women. I made some new Romanian friends with a passion for the Lord that blows my mind. I was challenged and faced many fears and every moment was worth it. My heart is joyful for the opportunities and burdened by the lost world we live in.

I've been wrestling with this desire of missions because of the planner that I am. But the closer I become to God, I realize I won't always see the bigger picture and I won't always understand. His plans are so much greater, far beyond my comprehension. I then find myself stepping back from the planning and stepping forward in obedience.

I don’t know the ‘what, where and when’ for after Seminary… giving those worries and doubts to Him because I know in His perfect timing He will reveal where He wants me. For right now, I’m following and obeying where He is calling and leading me to- Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary… to receive more Biblical education and to see and experience new things about Him… equipping me for what’s next.

As I start this new journey I’m humbled by God’s great love. I’m reminded of the work God is doing in my life and what He’s doing in the lives of my friends. A new season of life... I can’t help but praise Him and give Him all the glory.