God's got this.

There is something I've come to realize in the past few months. It is a fact that I have known in the back of my head for years but never really stopped to fully realize and act upon.

During my church service today, Pastor Kitty read the scripture from John 4 and earlier Exodus 17.1-7 had also been read. Both of these scriptures related to water and God's providing of what both the Israelite needed and Jesus proclaiming the eternal life through him where none will thirst again (John 4 NIV). In her sermon, Kitty went on to talk about how God provided for all the needs of the Israelite from guidance (both by day with a cloud of smoke and at night with fire), with manna when they were hungry and even gave them water when they carped him about their thirst.

Each time God met their needs.

I have come to realize in my young adult life that the same can be said about believers today. God's unconditional grace and guiding hand was not limited to those of Biblical times. It did not cease to exist when the twenty-first century dawned. No, He is still providing for us all our needs, not matter how great or small.

As Jesus told his disciples, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be open to you" (Matthew 7:7 NIV). This is still applicable to us in the faith community today.

No, I am not saying that God is a genie who grants our every wish. I am referring to that deep connection between man and Creator that drives our very lives. The whispering Spirit that tells us, "This is my plan for you". 

Human beings were given free will and we have the ability to decisions, both good and bad. I do believe though that God has a divine plan for each and every one of us. A purpose that we were given to fulfill with our time here on earth.

This message was what was placed on my heart as Pastor Kitty spoke this morning and I reflected on how God has, does and will provide for me always. The biggest example of this currently is my impending trip to Washington. I know I've talked about it a lot, both in person with people and constantly on social media but it is the most exciting thing to happen in my life thus far.

When we are more cognizant and make a conscious effort to listen for God's guiding voice or see Him work in our lives through answered prayer (or not answered prayer in what we thought we needed) you see His divine plan.

The fact that I was accepted into this Washington Semester Program was the first amazing thing. Then came a chain of events where God provided for each and everyone of my needs with moving to DC. A chain of events I did not see until I took the time to stop and look.

The first came with the company I would have with me in Washington, DC. A sweet part of my life that provides me such joy every day. Then he answered a prayer deep in my heart to provide a faith community for me in DC. That has already been abundantly answered, not only in a building but already a community of brothers and sisters that I can foretell will support and uplift me. Especially I have found that in beginning conversation with Pastor Donna. I cannot quite explain it but I have continue to have this feeling deep in my heart that she and I will connect while I am in DC and that I will learn a lot as Christian from her example. Already I have found this in watching her post on Facebook, reading her blog and listening to her sermon online. Already I'm coming to love her sweet disposition and passion for God.

I want to make the most of my experience in Washington, DC. More than just the classes I will attend and internship I will complete in my broadcast journalism endeavor. I want to grow in my faith as well and serve the DC community through ministries in a church. It will be out of my comfort zone and a bigger community to serve that I have ever seen; but I think that's where we grow most in our faith.

I want to become and fulfill all God has in store for me both next semester, the rest of my college career and beyond into my future career. I see more clearly now that we have to open our eyes to see what God is doing. If we reflect back with a gracious heart, both the small and big moments will come to life. It's like a puzzle piece of our lives coming together with a plan greater than anything we've ever dreamed for our own lives.

Keep our eyes, heart, mind and spirit always open to see and feel God's guidance. The riches that will spill over that like water, will be more fulfilling than anything we've ever experienced.

thankful for a liberal arts education

It was not until I came to college that I realized that the word "education" has many facets. Prior to coming to college, I just generalized education in the academic sense.

"Take this many number of math classes."

"Take this many number of English classes."

"What electives can I get?"

Oh my goodness another PE class?

All my focus was on the classes themselves and what facts I was retaining, and soon after forgetting, from one year to another. This is not to say that I did not receive a quality education while I was in elementary, middle or high school; I just did not have an appreciation for what it meant for me to obtain my education.

As I continue down my journey of college and head towards graduation and a career in the newsroom, I often pause around me. It is during these pauses that I see the multiple fabrics that make up the blanket of a true education.

I call this the liberal arts effect.

Attending a college where I take a variety of classes that do not necessarily fall into the realm of my major, has expanded my viewpoint on myself, my community and the world itself.

I have become a critical thinker. Attending classes that were more challenging for me or gave me perspectives in subjects I had never be exposed too, helped me in my education as an adult.

It is here that I saw the purpose of college. Not just educating my mind for academic performance in readings, papers or test. It was about educating myself in professional skills such as leadership, handling stressful situations or trusting my abilities as I complete projects or tasks.

A liberal arts education I have found is making me a well-rounded adult. I am learning in the academic sense but also am being educated in the social, professional, personal and many other areas that will help me be a productive worker when I toss my cap and enter the labor force.

I have come to appreciate my education I am obtaining in the collegiate world. I am learning to look deeper at every aspect of life and what makes things happen the way they do.

The better aspect is that I am learning how I can be a better me to give back to my community what I am retaining in all factors of my liberal arts education.