And God saw that it was good.

I spent the past weekend in Taos, New Mexico with my family enjoying time together, breathing in fresh mountain air while enjoying God's handiwork. I was awe struck at God's creation- the beautiful mountains, the bright blue sky. It was breathtaking.

Genesis 1:9-10
And God said, "Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear." And it was so. God called the dry ground "land," and the gathered waters he called "seas." And God saw that it was good.

I love reading the Book of Genesis. The story of creation still amazes me every time I read it. God called into creation the entire universe, Heaven and Earth. He created night and day, He separated sky and water, He created land and sea, He formed trees and plants, He created seasons and morning & night, He created living creatures, He created man and woman in His image. He gave us this Earth to glorify Him.

It is astounding to me that the Creator of Heaven and Earth, who formed the mountains and the trees created you and me. And it's a beautiful creation.

It's time to stop and smell the roses.

Life never slows down. I feel like I never stop moving. Time never stops and the world keeps on moving.

Stuck in traffic on I-75 not moving fast enough. Riding my bike on White Rock Trail not moving fast enough. Chasing my career dreams not moving fast enough. I feel like I'm never moving fast enough for this world.

This world believes you can't get anything fast enough. But sometimes it is necessary to slow down and remember that life is a journey, no matter how quickly we travel through it.

In a life that is ever so crazy, it is not a more perfect time to just stop and smell the roses.

Things I Learned at Barton Creek...

I'm at Barton Creek for New Hire Seminar for a two week long training session. I've been here for 12 days now and this is what I learned...

-Two weeks is a long time.
-It is hard to remember 177 people's names, name tags are a necessity.
-I never knew chicken could be cooked so many different ways, but the Barton Creek Chefs have cooked them all!
-Playing Catch Phrase until 1am with 15 fellow trainees after a long day of training and a few drinks is the funniest thing.
-The next morning, training at 8am is not fun.
-Three cups of coffee is necessary to survive each day of training without falling asleep.
-Working at 9am on a Saturday after partying at 6th Street the night before is punishment.
-Accounting jokes are only funny to other accountants.
-Naps after training are better than naps after college class.
-Training is a lot like freshman year of college- including experiencing a getting the flu and having a roommate.
-The flu spreads faster than wild fire with 177 people who spend night and day with eachother.
-After 4.5 years of college and loving living on my own, but a month of living at home again, I'd like nothing more than to go home to Mom, Darrell and Bratwurst.

Surprisingly enough, I've learned very little about accounting and auditing. Training is a blast.

Truth.

One word. Truth. It is hard to find, easy to believe, and difficult to digest.  2009 is sure to bring new and exciting things in my life.  However, the only thing I want 2009 to bring is the truth.  

I'm seeking the truth.  His truth. 

"Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; 

guide me in your truth and teach me, 

for you are God my Savior, 

and my hope is in you all day long."

Psalm 25:4-5 

This world binds and ties but, we don't belong in this world.  My heart is set on a Heavenly home where the truth is sung by angels.  

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32

I know my Savior.  I will seek His truth and He will set me free. 

What is your word for 2009? 

One Month.

This last month has been the most crazy month I've ever experienced.  I don't think I've ever accomplished so much, felt so loved, or been so humbled by God's amazing grace. 

Over the last month, I: 

-Studied to take my last final exam

-Wrote my last college paper

-Gave my last presentation as a student

-Sat in the front row and listened to the President of the United States, next to his mother and father give the Commencement Address

-Walked across the stage and received two diplomas 

-Appreciated my family that celebrated my accomplishments with much love and admiration 

-Learned patience but finally celebrated passing 1/2 of the CPA after many anxious weeks

-Celebrated my Savior's birth and remembered the true meaning of Christmas

-Saw 2008 turn into 2009 

-Took the third section of the CPA

-Started my first full time job!

-Prayed God will use me in my profession for whatever purpose He desires 

I still feel like I'm stuck in between being a kid and being an adult.  However, I am certain that I know my God, and He knows me.  He has me right where I need to be to live out His amazing plan for me.  I couldn't be more excited. 

It's 2009 and my time to shine!

Happy New Year!!! 

2008: I successful finished my internship, got a full time job offer, got my heart broken, learned who I am, 'grew up', found my healed and whole heart by the Grace of God, and graduated from college- twice! 2008 was an amazing year, but, I'm glad it is over. 

Things I hope to see/do in 2009: 

- Start my career at Deloitte 'Where the Best Choose to Be' 

- Pass the CPA 

- Travel to Europe 

- Read the entire bible 

May God continue to bless you in 2009. 

Twelve Days 'till Graduation

Graduation is fast approaching and I couldn't be more excited.  Since I'm graduating in December, I thought it was only appropriate to make up an accounting/graduation version of the popular Christmas song, The Twelve Days of Christmas. 

Twelve Days 'till Graduation 

(Sung to the tune of the Twelve Days of Christmas)

Twelve days 'till graduation, my professors gave to me: 

Twelve graduate classess,

Eleven calculators calculating,

Ten generally accepted accounting principles, 

Nine accountants dancing, 

Eight tax collectors a milkin ya,  

Seven students a studying, 

Six accountants a laying, 

Five long years

Four CPA sections,

Three French Hens, 

Two diplomias hangin...

and an auditor in a Deloitte tree