What's next?

I graduated from UMBC on Monday, May 24th. I sat at my Commencement and soaked it all in, thoroughly enjoying my graduation day. As I sat there, listening to the valedictorian and President Hrabrowski, I realized that I was about to embark on a new season of my life, one that did not involve college (for now). This is hard for me to imagine, since I have always been enrolled in some form of academia for the last 20 years of my life.

So what does this new season hold for me? Many people ask me what my plans are, now that I've graduated. To be honest, I don't know. Although I may not know what my future holds, I know who holds my future. I am taking this summer and dedicating it to the Lord to hear what His plans are for me. I want to do what the Lord wants me to do, and I have not yet received any clear direction. I'm waiting on God and trusting that He has a good plan for me, one that is full of hope and good things (Jeremiah 29:11). I trust that He will open doors for me to walk through and close the doors that aren't for me. This isn't always easy. I'm holding to God's Word, especially Psalm 143:8-11, which says:
8 Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,
for I am trusting you.
Show me where to walk,
for I give myself to you.
9 Rescue me from my enemies, Lord;
I run to you to hide me.
10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God.
May your gracious Spirit lead me forward
on a firm footing. 11 For the glory of your name, O Lord, preserve my life.
Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress

My question for you is this: Are you waiting on the Lord and trusting Him to lead you?

If so, keep waiting and trust in His perfect timing. His plans for you are good!

Live your Life!!

Life is to be lived actively, not passively. Too many people just exist and let their life pass them by, often without even realizing it. I've been there. But I reached a point in my life where I realized I was not living the life I wanted to be living, the life I had envisioned for myself. I wasn't happy, and I had no peace or direction. I made a decision to change. And my life hasn't been the same. I surrendered everything to Jesus. I now walk in His strength, and I have joy that surpasses happiness because it's not dependent on my circumstances. I have peace and a renewed sense of purpose and direction.

Jesus said in John 10:10 "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." I have that life! And I am living it to the full! As I share my life with you, my readers, I hope that you will come to have this life and live it to the full. I hope you can find encouragement, not only from my past, but also from my future; and may you find strength to make the changes necessary to live the life you want to live. Don't live passively. You only have one life to live - so live it!

My question for you is this: Are you living the life you want to be living?

If not, do something about it!