The things that happen in life. I took a quiz today in class and didn't do so well. It is so discouraging. I really want to do well but I feel like things aren't going that well. This is my third quiz and I got the lowest grade so far. So discouraging.........I just need to remember that it is only a grade. Yet I think what bothers me more is my attitude towards the situation. I feel so out of it this semester and distracted. I feel like my heart isn't in it. Its in it but not as much as it should be. Sometimes though it is an important thing to get a dose of humility, and to remember that God is the one who is in control and not me. YES I need to be responsible in studying and doing the best that I can but once I have done the best that I can all I can do from there is trust in the Lord. Why is this such a difficult concept for me to understand? I think it's difficult because it is not about ME. So many times in life I tend to glorify myself and not Christ. I am a selfish human being who wants things to go my way. I don't think about others and I most definitely do not have a natural desire to serve the Lord. Yet with Christ living in me I can bring glory to God.

How quickly I falter and crash to the ground. Lord, how can you use such a tattered and useless being like me? How great you are. I get caught up so easily in the things of this world that entice me to think that your way is not worth it. BUT it is Lord! Help me to see and understand this and to believe it with all my heart. I am so weak and you are strong.

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for our souls. For My Yoke is easy and My load is light." Matthew 11:28-30

What a great verse to remember. I really need to read His word more SO THAT I can better focus on glorifying Him and helping others. 

P.S.

Only 8.5 weeks until I am Mrs. Riley.........

Well, less than a week left of regular classes and then finals. I can't believe it's almost summer! I am nervous for this summer though....I want to make a lot of money so that I can help pay for things and get prepared to live on my own with my soon-to-be hubbie Matt. I applied at a daycare in Chippewa but I didn't get the job. I have my job at HomeInstead but I am afraid I won't get enough hours and that the hours will be hard to plan around. I was talking with my aunt last night about her job at the Manor and I really enjoyed our conversation. I could relate to a lot of the things she deals with on a daily basis, but just not as in depth. Her job is much more strenuous in the fact that she moves people more frequently, cleans them up after using the bathroom more often than I do, and dealing with more patients. I was thinking and praying about possibly becoming certified as a CNA (a 2 month class that is very limited to working in the medical field, I think just strictly with the elderly). I am worried though that if I do take this class, which costs 360 dollars, I won't be able to work as much, it will become really stressful and I won't be able to get a lot of things done. The biggest thing would be the lack of money. Yet I know that if I want to work in a nursing home I need to become certified and I don't think I will have anytime to do this class after I am married because it would probably be hard financially, and time-wise, since I would need to work a lot more to keep a consistent income for us. BUT if I do get certified I could possibly get a job at a nursing home while I am married, eventually gain benefits such as health insurance, sick days and vacation time (YIPPEE). BUT I am so torn. I don't know if there is even a class avaliable this summer and if I take it I wouldn't be guaranteed to get a job anywhere and then I would have wasted my money, at least that is the way is seems. Well anyways...I just need to keep praying about it and seeking God's guidance. I just feel so uncertain about my area of concentration within the HDFS major. I love kids, and the elderly. I guess I am afraid that I will suffer from "burn out" working with the elderly at a nursing home much faster than I would working with kids. Yet I know that this is not true because it takes a lot of energy to work at a daycare, be a mommy and watch out for your family. I think the biggest thing I need to do is pray and ask God to show me where He wants me to be, of course within His will, but more specifically a concentration. Please pray for me about this area and where God is leading me. Pray that I would remain in His will and follow after Him....and so seek to glorify Him no matter where He may put me.

This is the beautiful engagement ring that Matt picked out! He did such a great job! I love vintage and very glad he knows my style! I'll put the story up here so you all can read it!