The Weekly.

Hey You~ Happy Monday!

“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:

A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up; A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing; A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away; A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak; A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace.

What profit has the worker from that in which he labors? I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.

I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-13

—

This week- this week is all about the change of seasons. Saying goodbye and letting go of one chapter, one season in life and opening up to the next.

So here’s the thing: I’m not ready. I’m not ready to let go. I’m not ready to say goodbye. I’m not ready to let that part of my heart break. I’m not ready to see my limitations as a resource…to let go of what’s comfortable and move into what’s hard. I’m not ready to mourn through the ending of one season, while trying to embrace the next. I’m not ready.

Clinging on to these words from Ecclesiastes…believing that there truly is a time for every purpose…that He will make all things beautiful in His time…that He has put eternity in our hearts to have us long for our forever home…and all the while, believing that nothing is better than to rejoice.

In this week with worlds shifting, lives changing, and beauty coming, I am hoping for a miracle. And when I think I’m responsible for the miracle, may I remember that I am really just responsible for the surrender. This is for you too, friend– so whatever season you’re in, as these sunny days turn to cool autumn mornings, as your life changes, your world shifts, let’s believe these words from Ecclesiastes together…let’s believe in the miracle, the beauty that He is bringing and let us rejoice!

Academics & Adventures:

*Week 10. Final week of this term. This term has brought about so much goodness! It’s reminded me of the lighter side of life, it’s brought about the development of some great relationships, it’s brought about laughter and sunshine, good food, and lots of learning. This term has reminded me of what it is to enjoy life, to have fun and embrace the beauty of adventure. Thankful for all that the past 10 weeks has gifted with me…having a hard time letting go of this term, knowing that the next couple months hold long shifts, extended work hours and studying sessions, increased professionalism, big decisions and the push to perform. Thankful for the last few days that I have of this term, where I get to celebrate with my cohort and the fire department…where we get to present our research projects… where we get to say goodbye to community relationships build up over 10 weeks and where we get to extend blessing and grace….

*Throughout this term, we have had the opportunity as students to partner with a group called Phoenix Rising. This program meets with inmates at a correctional facility in the area once a week and partners with the guys in giving them leadership skills and giving them life tools to use when they are released. This opportunity has been such a gift to me. I have enjoyed getting to know the participants, their passions, their goals, and their aspirations for when they get out. This opportunity has broken down a lot of barriers for me…it’s reminded me that we all live within our own prisons, although defined by different standards and not as visible as others, we all have stories, baggage and seasons of our life that we shut-off and shut-up. What a blessing it’s been to see beyond the walls, beyond the judgements and simply share in an intentional conversation.

*As my term comes to a close, my break between terms begins…so very happy to be journeying back home to see my family, to send my brother off to college to watch him pursue his dreams, to enjoy a time of rest and refreshment with those that know me best and love me well. Thankful and excited for what lies ahead!

Must-Haves:

*Love this cute Button Up Hoodie ~ perfect for welcoming in this fall season!

*This Bath Caddy… gotta love it! Perfect for creating a relaxing bath environment with a good book, a candle, and a cup of hot tea.

Goals for the Week:

*Letting go with grace…