Finding Balance Life while Seeking God's Will

7 months ago I graduated from Cal Poly.... never wanting to set foot in a classroom again. Once my senior project was turned in, that feeling only intensified. 6 years later, with student loans piled up and college-life scars... I know in it all I did what God called me to do... I was a student. That was a priority, and I finished it. Everytime I tried to take on a job full time, school full time, church commitments and desires to serve, time with friends, and having free time I think it was Wayne Lidbeck (but of course he is always referred to until the day I die as Mr. Lidbeck) that God called me and placed me in the role of being a student, and that was my priority. As I am still going through slowly the John Piper book "Don't Waste Your Life", I wonder what God will call me to next. I know what God wants of me, and that includes being responsible and having respect for other, integrity, dignity, and in all that a genuine love for others.... as Christ loves the church. What's next though? I am working in the hospitality field and am blessed with all considering the current state of the economy, I have amazing and wonderful roommates whom I love dearly, an amazing Church family, a great family, friends who continue to bless me, and I live in a place better than what I deserve. I was talking to a dear friend tonight about what we deserve and what is best for us as people.... and really.... our desire should be what God's Best is for us. Not our best or the worlds best, or so and so's best... but GOD'S BEST. And sometimes it is faith and putting off worry, and taking a risk.

The past month or so.... I have gone back and forth on going back to school. Grad school? Or getting a second bachelors (possibly in Biblical Counseling or Marketing... or even Wine and Vitaculture). I feel like I have so many interests and things I enjoy or would do well at, that I could do an array of things. Then I remember that regardless of what I do... I will be the happiest not behind a desk in a cubicle with minimal human interaction from 9-5. I want to help people, I want to build relationships... I want to have a job, or being in a career that let's me show God's love and compassion. So, back to the drawing board. While my degree offers avenues to go into Non-Profit, Church Ministries (planning and organizing), fundraising.... it all seems part of the game (making profit, and not doing something that is not fullfilling). While I enjoy studying tourism, and sharing my love for SLO County, or being that ridiculous planner of events, or working for a winery. 60 hours a week working is not me. As much as I like to be busy, I don't want the same thing keeping me busy. Working, and not having the time to enjoy the life I am "working" to have.

So as I continue to pray I am open about returning to school. Not for a degree, as of yet. I am interested in Dental Assisting. I don't know if I want to do orthodontics, but I know there is security in the economy with the medical field, it is good money to pay off debt and not struggle, and I would be helping people. Especially if I got to work in a child's office. So it is something I am thinking about to get accepted into the program through Allan Hancock in Santa Maria. They take 28 students year, and so I may spend Fall preparing with taking care of pre-reqs that I didn't fulfill during my General Ed at Poly includind a biology class, nutrition sciences, and a CPR class... and then I will have the requirments. I am still praying, and nothing is for sure, and this is a pretty new developement. I just know I want to help people, and I want my job to be part of that. I know I want to have the right scheduling so I can serve with my church family, and also be an active part with friends and see them when they aren't working. Getting out of debt is also another big one for me. So, it seems like a lot, but it's not. I think God is just opening up doors to areas He may bless for me to walk through.

Prayer Requests:
My mom-- her health and her to heal or for God to provide the resources needed for her to get better.
My roommate Kim as the quarter is quickly approaching the end for perserverance
My friend Brian who is looking for a job
Reconciliation and restoration of broken relationships
Direction
My brother in his moving out of my parents house after he graduates in June
CAMP CHALLENGE 2009- Pray for the staff, the kids, and the ministry of what God will be doing! We may see a decrease with the cost of camp v.s. the economy. So pray for God's provision for kids to come (and money not be a hinderance in what God wants to do in their lives for that week)
A friend of mine who's marriage is not going well. For guidance and clarity on the Lord's will. And a peace about a decision to be made, and the answer clearly being from the Lord to both of them. For the husband who's heart is hardened to be broken and restored!