Winds of Change

I've returned from a great trip with wonderful friends.  Five of us spent 8 days traveling Route 66 from LA to Chicago.  The trip was filled with numerous "firsts" and many laughs and meaningful moments.  This trip also marks the beginning of a season of change for me.  In just 40 short hours I will be returning to school.  I've decided to pursue a BSN degree (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)  I have only 3 prerequisite courses to take.  At the end of December I can apply to the School of Nursing.  Should I be accepted, I anticipate on graduating in May 2011.  In addition to this endeavor, at the end of September I will leave for Nariobi, Kenya on my first mission trip.  

As you may imagine dramatic change and unpredictable chances are not things that this gal has been known to take.  However, the freedom and excitement that has come from these commitments have been so rewarding!  On the flip side, with this eagerness and anticipation comes anxiety and thoughts of doubt.   "Will I make it?"  "Am I good enough?"  

There are some uplifting verses that I've found are helpful in simmering the negative self talk that can so easily entangle and snarl this new and uncharted path.  

•  "This is the confidence that we have in approaching God:  that if we ask  anything      according to his will, He hears us.  And if we know that He hears us-whatever we ask-    we know that we have what we asked of Him."
• "Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed."
  
• "Do not dwell on the past."  Isaiah 43:18
• "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16

I know that the third bullet point will be the hardest for me.  Not dwelling on the past--moving forward--accepting the failures and mistakes that happened, learning from them and pressing onward.  I am looking forward to the days ahead and sitting in a classroom once again learning a new craft and sharpening old skills.