Second Chances

So I think it's about time for an actual update, eh? I'm getting so excited about the health related news I've been reading up on, I just feel it needs to be shared! Haha

Some big things are happening around here. My husband has officially decided to go to path of Dietetics & Nutrition (which explains all the nutritional info), so we're getting him ready to switch over to MSU next semester. Luckily, we're in the right place at the right time because they have a phenomenal program...I've been doing hair for a few people who went through the program and even the Head of the program...seems God brings just the people you need! We are very excited because this is a perfect fit for him.

As for me, I've began writing my first book. Stay tuned for that. :)

I also went to the Professional & Graduate Studies Open House at Evangel to look at the degrees they had available for working adults. The plan from the beginning (or in actuality, the "middle") was to get my Cosmetology license so I would always have something to fall back on, and it could help me pay to finish my degree. 

So anyway! I go to the Open House with every intention of changing gears and finishing with a Communications Degree...mainly because they don't offer a Music degree in the Professional Studies Program. As I was walking out, I stopped and looked at the table for the Masters in Music. No one was standing there, but I must have been glancing at it longingly because a girl came up behind me and said, "thinking about Music??"

Sigh. "Well, I started my music degree, but I wasn't able to finish...I really wish there was a professional studies option for it." What happened after that, my friends, was so unpredictable that I'm still trying to grasp onto what's happening.

So she says to me, she says, "I'm pretty sure there's a way you could do it through online classes and being part time! Let me grab Dr. Honea!" Now, Dr. Honea was actually one of my directors and professor's when I was there, so we were great friends. He's one of the most interestingly eccentric people you will ever meet.

After the initial shock that I had returned, we chatted briefly about where I was and what I was attempting to do. Then, he motions for me to go to a computer with him to look at where I was in my program. This whole time I was thinking I was a SOPHOMORE and if I tried finishing it would take me like the rest of my life.

I'm a Junior.

When I saw that, a glimmer of hope welled up in my heart. Was it truly possible that I could begin where I left off and finish what I started?

Honestly at this point, I hadn't given it a thought simply because I felt like I screwed up big time and it was too late for me. Like I had to punish myself for being stupid and not trusting God enough so I should have to spend the rest of my life NOT doing what I love. I honestly thought I'd never TRULY be able to come back to my first love, music.

But that's the beauty of it. God has given us such amazing grace.

Now I'm working on returning part-time next semester to finish my Music Education degree. I want to teach and direct music. The department is helping me with scholarships and we've discovered that there is a Student Loan Forgiveness Program for Teachers out there. Basically, if you teach in a participating state/school for 5 consecutive years, all of your loans are forgiven. It almost sounds too good to be true! I'm so excited, and so grateful for second chances!!

"God knows my every desire,
and He is waiting on the other side
of my failure and my shattered dreams
with some dreams of His own..." (Leslie Ludy)