Pretend this is JANUARY 2nd

This is a new year and I am happy about several things:

• I passed my nursing entrance exam! What does this mean, you ask? It means that I can apply to nursing school at Aquinas College in Nashville. The application deadline is March 1st, and I will find out in April if I made it in for the fall semester. This process has been a lifetime journey, let me tell you, and I am expectant of the outcome. If I make the cut and begin nursing school, wonderful! I will be fulfilling a dream & calling I have had since I was a little girl. If I do not get into nursing school, I will honestly be content. For me, this will be a "hang up your hat" type of sign. I have done my best to begin this journey. I have petitioned the LORD for guidance and to reveal Himself to me. And I know that He has a purpose for my life that is not dictated by a job title. I will trust Him no matter the outcome.

• Jeremy quit his job and is pursuing his own business! This is no small undertaking; especially in this economy. It has been very exciting to see him apply for his small business license, make a website, purchase a uniform, create business cards, make contacts, etc. etc. I admire his work ethic and the enthusiasm he has had going into this. He wakes up everyday excited about the day's duties and the contacts he will make. I see a new spirit in him; a revived spirit that is hopeful and expectant. I love watching my husband come to his best!

• We have the best friends in the whole world. God has truly blessed us with dear, true blue friends, how grateful we are! Friendships change when you are married. It is a good thing. It is also scary & new. We have met some insanely awesome couples that we will journey and grow together with for a long time. I have a specific group of ladies that I am closer to *post college, and I can't thank them enough for staying the course with me and helping me through difficult times. We need people in our lives that we can look to and say "Remember when...?" We need people who will point us to Christ and remind us of who we are - children of God.

So, as this New Year & new blog begins for me, I look forward to recording beautiful moments and daily glimpses of grace. My memory does not always serve me well, so I will be glad to have an account to look back on.