Reflecting and Refreshing...

I have not blogged in a few days and I have been thinking about whether or not I really have anything significant to blog about. As I sit here tonight, I realize just how much my life needs some refreshing. I am so thankful that when I feel low and like I need some inspiration I have God's love and guidance. It makes realize how much I need God for direction in my life. Tonight, I am reminded that I am a child of God and that he has me in his care at all times. Moving to Hattiesburg is a BIG change in my life. However, I know that this is where God wants me to be and the fact that he has really blessed me to be here confirms that for me. It has been a difficult change but, I try to keep concentrating on God's plan for me here. In reflection, I am realizing that maybe God wanted to challenge me because, I feel certain that he has plans for my future here (Jeremiah 29:11). I am trying to open my mind and heart to what God has in store for me here. I have so much to be thankful for in my life and really should remember not to underestimate the power God and the scriptures. Sometimes it just takes me sitting down, being still and quiet, to realize the unmeasurable love and power of God (Psalms 46:10).

These are just some of my reflections tonight. These verses are helping me to call upon God for my strength and to feel his presence in my life where I am right now.

-"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."
Luke 2:19

-"I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, And will call upon th name of the Lord."
Psalms 116:17

-"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31

-"To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven."
Ecclesiastes 3:1

Family Time

One of the sacrifices you make when you move out of your home state is being away from your family. I a so fortunate that Jesse has taken this step in life with me, however, I miss so much being at family events. I miss the Sunday afternoon dinners at Granny and Papa's. I miss hanging out on family birthdays and holidays. I feel so blessed to have been given the opportunity to relocate in Hattiesburg and attend graduate school in a field that I am truly passionate about; I also believe that Jesse and I living here without the immediate access to our families and friends will really help our relationship grow. However, we both do miss our family A LOT! Since moving to Hattiesburg, we have been fortunate enough to spend several weekends with Jesse's family. I am glad that we got to do this because Jesse has never really lived far away from his family so, I think it really encouraged him to see them. (Then again, Jesse is probably adjusting to this better than I am! Ha ha!). We were able to go back to Jemison for Jesse to go to the Phish concert. Another time, we were able to go back for a family reunion of his (See pictures above). This was really fun (although the drive there and back was not so fun). Recently, we celebrated the 4th of July with his family down at Dauphin Island. I think this was the first time Jesse and I have been to the beach in 2 years. We were so excited and had such a relaxing time. On the other hand, I haven't seen my family (all of them) since I was home last Christmas. It has been TOO LONG! Mom, Granny, and Wayne made several trips to see me in Troy so, I have not been completely neglected but I am really looking forward to, hopefully, seeing them at the end of July or early August for my birthday. The reality that I am getting older starts to set in when I realize that I live two states away from my family and haven't seen them in months. So, needless to say....I am craving some family time. I'm very thankful for all the support of my family and Jesse's family through this move to Hattiesburg. We couldn't be more lucky. Both of us have wonderful, loving, encouraging, and supportive families and despite how far away we are from them they are always in our hearts.

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you." -Philippians 1:3

Work, Work, Work

So, Jesse and I have been working at the apartment complex where we live (Boardwalk at Dewberry Landing). We are helping with marketing projects around campus and the city of Hattiesburg. Our titles are Boardwalk-ette and Boardwalk-dude! It's been pretty fun so far and, we have met some new friends. That, to me, is very exciting!! We get paid through discounted rent which is really awesome, too. Jesse is still looking for a more full time position and has some promising offers. We are praying that one of them comes through AND very soon!! I am anxiously awaiting my assignment as a graduate assistant in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Southern Miss. I will be working there part time so, I am really anxious to see what I get to do. Hopefully, we will know in a week or two. Having the job at Boardwalk as a Boardwalk-ette helps keep me busy until school starts so, I am really enjoying it right now. Things are still good in Hattiesburg and I can see

Back to Bama

This past weekend Jesse and I took the Amtrak train to Birmingham. That, in itself, was a really fun experience. Jesse went to the Phish concert in Knoxville, TN with his sister (it was a late birthday prsent). At the end of the week we went to our friends Amy and Ryan's wedding. Since I was a bridesmaid we had a lot of festivities to attend (luncheon, rehearsal and dinner, and of course wedding and reception). It was really fun to se many of my sorority sisters and friends from Troy. We know that we may not get to see them for a very long time so I was really glad to spend some time with them. We would have hung out more with them but you wouldn't believe how much a wedding can wear you out. Jesse and I also spent a lot of quality time with his family. While he went to the Phish concert I helped his Mom babysit his nephew - Jaden - who is so adorable and a great baby. Also, we were able to catch up with his parents (and teach them how to use their new Blackberrys - ha ha). Sunday we headed back to Hattiesburg (on the train again).

It was a great trip and I am so glad we were able to go but, I am glad to be back in Hattiesburg. Surprisingly, it is starting to feel like home after only a few weeks. I can't believe we have adjusted so quickly!

New People, Places, and Things!

Well, about a week and two days ago Jesse and I ventured to Hattiesburg, MS. This was our big move as I am going to graduate school at Southern Miss in the Fall and he is working on finishing his Bachelor's degree. I will be working on my Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy and I m ecstatic about starting the program. Jesse is considering a degree in a few different areas - he is still trying to decide on one. We were so blessed to have my parents help us move because believe me we could not have done it by ourselves. I am also counting my blessings for the fact that Jesse moved here with me. With my seizures and all, my choice to pursue my education would have been a lot harder. We have enjoyed our new apartments here at the Boardwalk. It has been so incredibly nice to layout by the pool, meet with our roommates, and discover this new town (which might I say is WAY bigger than Troy, AL). I do miss Troy, though, because we have so many friends there. Sunday, we visited Main Street Baptist Church which was a great worship. We are really trying to find the place where God wants us to worship and Hattiesburg offers a lot of options, thankfully. Tomorrow, we head back to Birmingham for a few days. Jesse is going to a Phish concert with his sister and brother-in-law (a late b-day present which he is so excited about). I am going to stay with his Mom while he's gone and then this weekend I am in my previous roommates wedding. So, we have a very exciting week ahead of us and it will be so great to see some family and friends. Even more fun, we are taking the Amtrak to Birmingham which neither of us has ever done before. We are having so much fun and I can'wait to see what else is in store for us!