Directional Assistance

To the point of being comical, I have always been directionally challenged.  When others are noticing helpful road signs and landmarks, I'm zoned in on my music and podcasts.  When there's a 50/50 shot on choosing which way I should turn, I get it wrong about 80% of the time. lol  Thank God for navigation - I need my destination plugged in so it can direct me step by step!

Metaphorically speaking, even though I (finally) know the desired "destination" includes leadership, writing books, speaking at conferences, teaching at CCU, and supervising counselors, I do not remotely claim to know the best pathway for getting myself there.  I need God's step-by-step guidance to stay on the course He has mapped out for me without falling into a ditch or taking the longest route possible!  It's a comforting thought to me that He already knows how this ends and has charted the best course forward.

Walking with Jesus on the left; trying to change in my own strength on the right.
For my path to becoming an LPC, Colorado on the left; Oklahoma on the right.
For Mom's path to healing, Integris on the left; OU Hospital on the right.
Access matters, and good leaders design systems to simplify that process!

It's been a humbling reminder for me to consider why God usually reveals things turn by turn rather than handing us our whole life-course map.  He. wants. us. to. stay. close.

Sometimes I've complained about how "I want the detailed map, but God gives me a compass."  But I'm realizing that metaphor doesn't represent His heart well.  What He gives me is the Holy Spirit, a personal guide and supportive friend who knows all my needs, has an exact plan for the best course, and walks beside me throughout life.  It's not ethereal, and He is not aloof or indifferent about where I end up.  God's desire is for us to enjoy the journey with Him ("fullness of joy in His presence") as He "makes known to us the path of life" (Psalm 16:11).  He just wants us to tune in, consistently seek Him, and stay close - and our lives are designed accordingly.

It's the best feeling to vacation with someone who plans well and has already navigated the best course, made reservations, and prepared a schedule for the day.  We have that in the Holy Spirit - we can rest in His guidance.  Who needs a detailed map when the friend you're walking with designed the whole course?  I want to keep that in mind moving forward, staying very close and listening for His voice!

"Apart from Me, you can do nothing!" (-Jesus, John 15:5)

"Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it." (Psalm 127:1)
"May Your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing." (Psalm 143:10)

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These Bible recap prayers are my sincere prayers for the remainder of the PhD program and my LPC hours - to grow and learn with the right heart and motives - so hearing and praying through them daily feels really helpful - a kind little gift from God!

I had my final Momentum interview with Mr. Faure yesterday afternoon - very grateful that we had a good connection, and thankful God opened this new door!!  Part 1 was a Zoom interview with Chloe; Part 2 was a recorded AI-counseling simulation; and Part 3 was that interview with the company founder... all a little nerve-wracking, but such good experience!  I slightly over-prepared, but it made me feel so much better and more confident than I have in prior job interviews.  (*Side note, but I am thankful for the ways Brene Brown and Adam Grant have made me less afraid to TRY - they emphasize the value of being well-prepared and working with excellence, and their intellectual brilliance combined with genuine friendship is unique and inspiring).  I am embracing that growth mindset of preparing well and putting in my sincere best effort to learn and seek out new information when I feel stuck or overwhelmed, and to be wholehearted as I move forward in the counseling profession!  I'm back in it now - let's do this!!

Seven books that have shaped me:

Yay for catching up with Kristin last week!  I don't think I ever posted this, but here it is.  Their logo was cute, so it merited this rare upward-angle pose. lol


Michael being Michael and making me laugh!

FB presenting me with rrrrandom ads that also make me laugh!  They seem to know I will always pause scrolling for cute Pom puppies. lolol

Yes, David!!  "The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me."  And provide directional assistance throughout the journey!  ;-)

Praying God blesses the CCU campus, faculty, and students... and that I get to join them as a professor someday.   Already thinking about what my first Residency talk might look like and what a JOY that would be for me! lol ❤

Miss K and her teammates in their final tournament at CCS on Monday!

The red leg-sleeve makes her easy to spot - I love that she is unafraid to shine and stand out - that will serve her so well moving forward!

Yay, Mini Miss K!  And yay that the Counselor hoodie and identity are making a comeback! ❤

Still worthy, just for the record. lol
I love so many things about this movie - what a treat to see it on the big screen again!!

Learned a new word from the Situated book that may become my "Word for 2027"...
It's pronounced purse-pick-acity, and it's a God-given leadership trait where Chettles (aka Channels) definitely shines, and something I would love to grow in!

Miss Katherine Claire protecting the butterfly that befriended her ❤

And Miss Parker Elizabeth being proud of her Fruit of the Spirit award for Love - preshface!! ❤  Kids being  joyful and proud of themselves is truly one of my favorite things!!

And for the record, I also love seeing adults celebrating their accomplishments - yay, Alicia!  Yes to celebrating good things every time we get the chance!!

September is officially coming to a close tonight.  Wild.
Lots of change on the horizon, but the Holy Spirit will be walking with me in every step, telling me when to rest, where to turn, and when to push forward.  I'm listening!

Praying for a fruitful month of October ahead!!

❤ ❤ ❤