I Am Grateful to the LORD. . .

• for His unfailing promises, which I cling to when Satan hurls his venomous darts toward my soul
• for His death and Resurrection for me, chief of sinners!
  
• for my special times of Conversation with Him under the Gorgeous star-lit sky (providing there is no rain) ; )
• for the Holy Spirit's Leading and Persistence - I would even give up on me at times!
  
• for knitting me in my mother's womb (what a picture!)
• for my Beloved Mother - Best Friend and great Listener and Reprover
• for my precious Principe Seth - my comforting, tender-hearted boy who can stop the tears from falling with his gentle Love
  
• for my Handsome Jeshua - my ever grateful boy who is full of life and vigor and who can always put a Smile on my face
  
• for my Brave Soldier brother, Zach
• for my Father - great Provider for his family
• for His boundless Mercies, which are New every morning - heaven knows I need it!
  
• for His wonderful creation that Shouts out His Praises
• for getting me through college - a Miracle indeed!
  
• for a wonderful job - a true Blessing in this economy
• for my encouraging Friend and Mentor, Dena - always willing to listen to my struggles and give me godly advise
  
• for my family who loves me for being. . . Me
• for my loving family who believes in me even when I don't

And most of all I am grateful for the life in Christ that God has given me; that He called me out of darkness into the light of His glory. The thought of Him loving and caring for me in spite of knowing the deepest thoughts of my heart is truly amazing to me.

I live in the present and look to the future. I am also truly grateful for God's promises yet to be fulfilled = )

God reigns, life is beautiful.

Current thoughts. . .

So much has been happening it seems that it's been difficult to gather my thoughts in an organized fashion. . . So here's the best I can do.
I recently finished reading a book by Candice Watters called "Get Married: What Women Can Do to Help it Happen." It really turned my view of the road to marriage upside down (in a good way), and I would definitely recommend it anyone young lady with a desire for marriage (and more or less of marrying age). Previously I found myself feeling guilty for my desire for marriage, but after reading this book I've come to realize that it's ok, and most likely what God wants. He doesn't play with our emotions for fun. I believe He has given this desire for a purpose; He created marriage for His glory and gives His children the desire to fulfill it. There were also a lot of other topics that Candice talks about that were eye-opening for me. So if you're looking for a good book about a very interesting topic ; ) take a look at this one!

Also, I used to think that when I got married I'd continue working full time. After all that's why I went through Dental Hygiene school, to use my training, right? Well, now my perspective is changing. I started out working 5 days a week; then due to school I cut down to 4 days a week. Now I realize that I would be more than happy to work even 3 days a week. And after I have children I wouldn't mind working only 1-2 days a week . . . Even less : )
I honestly don't know the full reason the Lord brought me through DH school (is it missions??? Do I need to start some king of oral health program?????), but He has given me the desire to stay home with my children whenever He deems the time right for me to have children. I long to be a teacher, nurse, cook, etc. All of this to say I've come to learn that God has also given me these desires . I don't know what my life will look like in the future, but I am willing to follow God's leading wherever it takes me.
So we'll see what the future has in store. . .

Newgraditis

Some graduates aren't even affected by this illness, which is mainly psychological but may have physical complications as well. It a very interesting disease, as it comes and goes as it wishes, much like the common cold. . . except this does not involve any form of liquid emitting from your nose. It can, however, target the eyes, and force the emission of a salty liquid.
Enough of the physical manifestations of this illness; what does it do to a person psychologically? Well, it forces one to question whether or not one is capable of doing what one has been trained to do for the past two years or longer. This instability of the mind can then affect different actions one takes, or rather forgets to take. Whether it is forgetting to write in a patient's chart or having to look at the chart notes 10 times just to make sure that you anesthetize the right area in your patient's mouth, it seems to mostly target self-assurity.
You might ask, "How do you know about this illness?" Well, shocking as it may be, I am in the midst of this illness. Don't worry though, friends; it doesn't seem to be contagious. According to survivors of this disease it can last up to about 5 years after graduation; however, I am hoping for a more speedy recovery on my part. After all, I do have the medicinal balm of faith in Almighty God on my side. I find, though, that I don't use this comfort as much as I should. For I still often question my abilities even though I know that God has placed me where I am for a special purpose. This medicine must be "taken" daily if I am to be restored to psychological health. This, I believe, is the only way to conquer Newgraditis.