Light At The End Of The Tunnel

Have you ever been to the point of exhaustion? Or maybe to the point of burnout? Have you ever wondered what more could you do to get things completed faster? Or maybe you have thought about just quitting, afterall, it seems easier doesn't it?

These are the questions that have been running through my mind the last couple months. I know a lot of it has to do with the fact that there is a TON on my plate. If there was a literal plate, mine would be overflowing with all kinds of things -- all of them good, but at the same time, there's just sooooo much! Is there anything I can do to minimize this? Not really. So, it's one of those times where you just have to roll up your sleeves and take the nitty with the gritty (or however that goes). :)

Today's good news is brought to you by Liberty University. Okay, well the good news was actually given to me, but I want to share it with you.

I called Liberty to change my degree program to a BS in Early Childhood Education Interdisciplinary. My degree plan was set at a BS in Psychology Christian Counseling. While I still feel that I can do this sort of "job", my heart is in a family child care/development setting. Originally my degree completion would end in March 2015, attending at the current pace I have been attending (summer breaks, two classes in the fall, four in the spring). However, after the academic adviser informed me of how I can accelerate a lot quicker, I seriously felt like I had just heard THE BEST NEWS EVER (besides knowing that Jesus died on the Cross for me and wants to have a personal relationship with me).

It is most certain, or at least it feels that way, that the reason why this feels like THE BEST NEWS EVER is because I am absolutely burnout on attending college. For once I want to have my mind blank (umm, I'm a female and there's just no possible way this could happen, huh?) and not worry about college classes, reading tons of material, answering questions and quizzes, and taking tests. I want to have the freedom to come and go as I please with our children and do things as a family, to take many more date nights with my husband without school getting in the way.

At the same time, I know once I earn this degree it will be one of the most rewarding things I have accomplished. It will have been earned with rapid heartbeats to meet deadlines, procrastination, thorough examination of material given, and lots and LOTS of tears. It will be so worth it! It WILL BE rewarding!

Picture by ME.

So, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I will now graduate around 15 August 2014. Yes, on this accelerated path I will have to overlap sub-terms. This fall I will overlap so much that at one point I will be in FOUR CLASSES (someone help me now, please!) for four short (not so much) weeks! Several times I will be in three classes at a time for two to three weeks at time. BUT ... it will all be worth it when I can finally say that I have graduated with a Bachelor degree, one that will be so rewarding to put to use -- not just financially, but in that "warm fuzzy" heart kind of way!

THERE IS A LIGHT at the end of the tunnel that is growing increasingly brighter!! THANK YOU, LORD for answering this prayer about what I should do concerning school! His provision NEVER FAILS!

I am still learning ...

Over the past two weeks there are a few things that I have learned and am continuing to learn (in no particular order):

1. Since I do not know how to make espresso or even a homemade cappuccino (probably because I don't have the right machine and know-how, right?), I've learned to make myself a good cup of coffee! YUM!

2. To go along with number one, I have learned that this goooood cup of coffee is also good cold! Who would've thought?! Not me, for sure! YUM x 2 = Yumminess!!

3. Sometimes what I think is fair and right, is not always fair and right, and ONLY GOD has the right purpose for that being so.

4. As much as I want to be a very organized person, I don't know if that's absolutely possible anymore. Things get too chaotic and I get too overwhelmed and well, I'm just one person. It's hard.

5. I have been getting quite annoyed over the smallest things recently and I don't like this a single bit!! Please make it stop.

6. Things can't always be my way. I equate this "has to be my way" and the "I'm right" characteristic to being the oldest child. It's not my fault ... I didn't ask to be born first. LOL. Patience is NOT a strong point of mine ALL the time (especially lately).

7. Homeschooling is becoming A LOT more frequent and is going A LOT more smoothly. I read in a blog somewhere that some homeschool parents just "get it" within the first year, and others could take three years. Really?! Well, I'm that three year parent. I still do not have the right curriculum that I want to use with the kids, but we'll work on that. For now, organization and "just keep moving" is really important.

8. Remember to remain quiet .... a.) until you have all of the necessary information and b.) when you have the floor to speak. <---- This one is often a hard one for me to do, as well .... I know I can't be alone on this one.

9. I just might go back to school after all, and be able to finish my Bachelor's degree online! WOOHOO!! Still have to do more checking on that and what all I would need to do to transfer my credits, transcripts, etc., but I can still be excited about it, right?! :)

Since we are currently in the new year, what are some things you have learned over the last two weeks??
Please share ....