For Him

I guess at the end of last year I was a little confused about what the future held for me; now for those of you who know me, you have probably worked out that I'm a bit of a control freak. So not knowing my plans for the new year really bothered me. I winged and wined (I would say talked, but we all know it was more likely that I actually winged) about this to my 'mentors' on more then one occasion and eventually got the message that God knows my future.

This is the verses that popped up a few times...

John 10:27-28 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.

After a lot of prayer whinging, researching, reading 'Cure for the common life, Max Lucado', Praying, talking to 'wise' friends, applying and more praying... I came to the conclusion that god had put a desire for animals and their welfare in my heart for just this reason ... to be a vet. (Dr. Steph) has a nice ring to it.

Ever since I was 7 I wanted to be a vet, I looked up to Dr. Harry Cooper, on his TV show Harry's Practice, and had the pleasure of meeting him once. I loved all animals of every description, big or small, wet and slimy or dry and prickly, you name it... (all but spiders).

But somewhere along the line my life became crowded with other desires. Children and the desire to serve God, had me leading youth group and a Sunday school class, and interning at the church and school. Don't get me wrong the past two years of my life have been full of challenges and blessings, and lots of growth both personally and spiritually.

So at the end of 2009 when it came to assessing my life and setting a future path, I was at a loss, I had know idea what to do with out the identity of "Stephanie the Craigmore intern, dependable, reliable, and at your service". But God knew, He knew all along that I needed those two years to grow in Him, and he new that at this time in my life I was ready to walk the path He had set for me...even if I was a little oblivious to it at the start.

I am currently a few weeks into term 1 at Para West Adult Campus studying Maths Studies, Chemistry and Creative textiles. Heading for a TER of 93+ to enroll at uni for veterinary science. It's hard work and most days I try and go it alone, but I know that I cannot do this in my own strength but it is the Lord alone that can get me through. And when I am a vet it will be because of Him and for Him.

A bridge called Hope

I wanted to tell you about this awesome book that I have just finished reading, I wanted to blow your mind, sharing of its inspiration, fun and laughter, it's wisdom, and it's sadness and tears. This book has opened my eyes to the glory of the way God answers prayer; in His own time, and His own way (which is best for us) even if He answers it in a way and time we were not expecting. This book told me stories of rescued horses, that when showered with love and compassion that went on to 'rescue' youth from their own battles of lack of love, or their miss fit nature or their inability to trust. Through these horses and this youth ranch God has used both the two legged and the four to restore love and ignite hope in the lives of these children, which are so precious to God.

... I suppose I have some what shared with you this amazing book A Bridge Called Hope, Kim Meeder. And I hope the lessons this book has taught me will continue to effect my life and the lives of others around me. I hope that I too am a viable vessel that God can use for His glory.