Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast."



Sunday, May 8, 2011

Life Happens.

So, during this semester of my life I have discovered more than ever that life happens... people change, things happen (good or bad) but life still moves on whether we move on without it or not (sometimes it is harder to take a step forward for fear of change--- at least from my perspective). Though, something I have learned and held tightly to even through the changes of life is that even though friendships may change the heart of the friendship always remains.  I had a hard time realizing that this semester with every thing that has come my way (graduation, craziness of life, meeting new people, new roles in life... etc) though, I was reminded tonight that even though friendships may change the heart of a friendship will always be there.  That my friends, is refreshing because I am one who hates change... so to know that even though things happen in life that the heart of a friendship is still there even when everything else in my world feels out of control and chaotic... it is such a beautiful thing to find rest in-- this really shows me that deep down these are friendships that are truly connected at the heart.  I have really learned that friendships are so important in life and even more importantly having a friendship with my spouse is extremely important; I am so blessed to know that my relationship with Reagan began as a beautiful friendship that blossomed into so much more. Though, each day it needs pruning and care so that it can blossom and flourish to be the best of what God needs it to be (I am looking forward to learning how to better invest my time into my relationship with my husband!!!) -- today's church service really enforced this for me; definitely something I needed to hear!

I sit here tonight reflecting... grateful for all that God has given me in the midst of this crazy semester of life.  Moving forward, I think even more than ever I will cherish the true friendships that God has given me and remind myself when life gets crazy and changes that my true friends are those in which there is a heart connection; those that love me through the pain and laughter of life even though I may not see them every day.  These friends are those that are few and far to find but are such beautiful relationships when God places them in your life.  So, I challenge you to really reach the heart of your relationships and friendships so that when hard times and happy times do come you know that there our people on your side who love you wholeheartedly and care about you more than ever even when all things seem so unfamiliar. The greatest friendships are those that are bonded at the heart and filled with love... just some thoughts from tonight for things God really showed me and reminded me today.

I hope everyone had a wonderful mother's day! I am blessed beyond belief to have such an incredible mother who loves me so much--- she is my best friend and I do not know what I would do without her.  Thank you Lord for giving me my beautiful mother; I am truly blessed :)

PS: I have so much to write about from graduation (and pictures to share) but tonight is not the night-- it has been an extremely long weekend and I am just too tired.  So, be looking for my graduation recap and pictures this weekend!

"When one allows themselves to be vulnerable and expose their heart, they blossom and are used by God in more ways than we could ever comprehend."

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Relaxation

Relaxation is something I have not gotten to do in a long time since the craziness and overwhelmingness (is that even a word?) of school.  Though, today I had a pretty relaxing day.  I got stuff in order for graduation on Saturday (WOOHOO!!!), washed a lot of clothes that I neglected because of final exams, and picked up our house since our parents are starting to come today!  I am so ready to see everyone and celebrate with them. We definitely both miss seeing our families, so it will be wonderful to spend time with them all :)

On the negative side of my relaxation day, my belly has not felt too good.  I have always had problems with my stomach and lately it has just not been my friend... so my nap today was something I definitely think my body and belly needed.  I kid you not, sometimes I have so many problems with my belly that I tell Reagan I wish I had a new one-- he just laughs and tries to comfort me the best he can.  Some days are good and some days are bad-- these past couple of days have not been great at all.  Hopefully it is just from all the nerves of graduating and not big time stomach issues again... haha who knows!

Well off to fold the last load of laundry... it was all conquered today and that feels so good and then packing for the weekend away with our families!

PS: the only thing that could make this graduation weekend better would be having my best friend and her sweet family here.  Miss them oh so much and wish they were already done with finals.  A promised celebration of all our accomplishments is coming this summer and I cannot wait :)

"How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then to rest afterward..."

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

All things must come to an End!

I never thought this day would come... but I am finished with all of my finals and am done with college. WOW... such a huge accomplishment! Honestly, I do not know what to do with myself... weird that I have nothing to study; I could get used to this! :)

These past four years have been a wonderful blessing and I am so grateful that my parents supported me through my education; that is a true gift I can never repay them and I am grateful beyond words.  Along this journey I have met so many wonderful people and have made some incredible friendships and I really feel like I have learned so many important things that I can use for the real world.

Right now, I am in a place where this just does not seem real, but I know reality and tears will probably hit once I cross the stage this Saturday and then the emotions of excitement and celebration will come!!  The real world is here now.. kinda scary, but I know going through this next chapter of life I will have the incredible support of my husband, family and friends and that is so important to me. The one thing I cling to beginning this new chapter of life is that God is in control and He knows what is best for me... I cannot wait to see what He has in store!

WOW... it is really all done.  The next big thing on my list is to get ready for graduation this Saturday... WOOHOO--- many pictures to come :)

Well off to the gym (I have neglected it a little too much lately) and then lunch! I hope everyone has a wonderful day, the weather in Texas is finally starting to warm up!!

"Beginnings are usually scary and endings are usually sad, but it's the middle that counts.  You have to remember this when you find yourself at the beginning." -- Sandra Bullock

Monday, May 2, 2011

Just ONE more :)

I am relieved to say, I just have one more final left tomorrow at 8am (bright and early... blah)!!  Though, tonight at the Farish house, it is going to be a busy night of studying.  I have a lot more studying to do (since I had a huge final today that needed my attention... thank goodness that is over) and Reagan will not get home until after 9pm from work and he will need to continue studying for his BIG Greek exam that is tomorrow.  So, to say the least lift us BOTH up in prayer tonight and tomorrow as you think about us... we have a lot to accomplish tomorrow and our prayer is that we Kick Butty on our exams.

I cannot believe tomorrow is my last day of college as an undergraduate student... it just does not seem real! These last 4 years have gone by so fast, with a lot of trials and triumphs I have had to go through.  Though, God taught me a lot during this period of life and I cannot wait to see what He has in store for the next chapter of of my life and our lives as a married couple!  Though, I will let you in on something kinda funny.  I told Reagan the other night that I wanted to be an over achiever and go to grad school right now.  His response, "Heck no... you need a break from school... you are not a very nice person when you have stress from school."  At first I did not know what to say, but then I had to laugh because he is so right-- school stresses me out... but who knows one day Grad school just may be in the cards; will need to keep praying about that one :)

The other night, I must admit...I told Reagan I felt like I had not accomplished enough (Yes, I know these are Satan thoughts... but let me explain).  I felt this way because I have been applying to jobs like crazy, gotten some good feedback but have not gotten a job offer yet... I feel kinda crappy about it because a lot of my other friends have accepted offers to jobs.  Though, Reagan told me that I needed to remind myself that it was all in God's timing, not my own... which is so true, and that Graduating from college is a HUGE accomplish in itself.  I know he is so right about both these things, but I would just love if God would open a door wide and say, "Here ya go... the PERFECT job for you my princess!" But, that has not happened and I am still patiently waiting.  I know God is working through this situation because He closed the door to Gladney because He knew it was not right for me... so I just wish God would give me a little insight on what the next stepping stone is.  So, I will remain being faithful and giving this situation to Him because I know He has it all worked out and when all things align up perfect to His plan everything will fall into place... as of right now that has not happened yet; so I will continue to be in prayer and I would love if y'all would pray on my behalf that I am fully in-tune to what God needs me to do with my life to honor Him through my work (Yes this is hard for me... I am type A personality/planner and I want to know these things, but God definitely has an awesome reason as to why I do not know yet, and since He is in control of this Great situation I am okay with not knowing-- crazy I know but I know it will all work out because my Jesus is for me not against me)!!

Well, marriage and family study stuff is calling my name.  My prayer is that I can at least get enough sleep tonight that I can function in the morning enough for the test and then I can come home and crash ;)  WOW... LAST NIGHT TO STUDY... seems so UNREAL!! I have been waiting for this day for so long; here goes to putting all my best effort I have left into this test! 

I hope everyone has a wonderful night and stays warm since it's May 2nd and COLD outside... Crazy Texas weather!

Jeremiah 33:3 --"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."