here I go again...

So here it is... January 2008... wow, does the time fly!  I've decided to blog again... and yes, it will probably be just as sporadic and inconsistent as my previous blog was... but as I have started journaling more, I've realized how amazing it is to look back on life and see how God has moved and worked in my life and in the lives of others...  plus it's always fun to read amusing stories... so here I go again... blogging, take 2... 

Updates on my life:

1. I graduated from Bradley in December with my Bachelor's degree in elementary and special education and I'm finally ready to be a grown up... whatever that means anyways... 

2. I'm a new 3rd and 4th grade resource teacher at Whittier Primary School in Peoria and I love it so far and am SO excited! The kids are awesome, and although it can be stressful and challenging at times, I have no doubt in my mind that this is where I'm supposed to be right now.

3. I moved back home into my parents' basement recently... long story, but it's been really good for me to be home... plus I'm saving money... but I still have my name on some amazing friends' couches and futons:)

4. I'm single... and just focusing on drawing near to God right now.... Jesus is my boyfriend! (haha, lame i know, but i'm actually pretty serious... and I mean it in the most non cliche way possible:) 

So yep, there's my life right now in a nutshell! Pretty much everything is new, uncertain, and undefined,  but as hard as that can be at times, it's actually really exciting and I'm okay with it... or at least I am most of the time...  I really believe that God had to bring me to this place to break me and help me to experience that He is ALL that I need and more than enough. In my confusion, weakness, and brokenness, God has been teaching me to follow and rely on Him, surrendering all my plans, hopes, dreams, fears, insecurities, worries, and mess to Him.... completely revealing and covering me with His amazing, perfect, unconditional, and passionate love for me. Even though I totally don't deserve it and have turned away so many times, He's always been right by my side, calling me by name, just as I am, with open arms... so powerful... So today I'm resting in the truth that God's love and grace is so much deeper than I can ever understand, and He has a far greater plan and purpose for my life than I could ever hope for or imagine...

Isaiah 42:16.