Not dreamin'...

Seeing my name at the top of this list makes me realize that walking across that stage is not a far-off dream.

I'm almost done...

I'm just tired of searching for/reading facts.

I'm a researcher. I wish I wasn't, but it's kind of a family trait that none of us can seem to shake.

We like to get all the facts. Make an "informed" "decision" (if we ever get around to making one).

I've been researching vitamins and cameras for the past two hours.

Yes. Yes, there is such a thing as over-analyzing.

But thankfully I'm just "well-informed."

*Edit*

Oh, and I forgot the daily search for a plane ticket. Anyone want to go to hot and humid Illinois in July?

There once was a cat named Babs...

Few people understand the value and place of a pet in a family. We didn't have lots of animals when I was young. But we did have a dog. And my sister had a cat. And then, when I was eight, I finally convinced my parents to let me take home a the little white runt of the litter from a family friend's farm.

And so Babs "became a Berg" that summer of '92. And she became my baby, my princess, my special little cumquat.

I could wax long about her quirks, but I realize that no one, save those in my immediate family, would care or understand.

And, as few of people understand the value and place of a pet in a family, fewer yet fully understand the loss of one.

And so forgive me as I type this post for myself. And for my parents who gave greatly of themselves to care for my cat the past few months. She was a special one for sure...who had a place for me in her heart as much as I have one for her in mine.

And so. I don't have a good way to end this. I'm just thankful that she's no longer struggling. And I'm thankful that God used my little runt as His tool for healing. And I pray, just in God's style, that He would continue to bring fullness of life even through death.

Bright hope for tomorrow

This summer you can find me in Cleveland, Tennessee.

Yesterday, after months of searching, running, thinking and waiting, I started my internship.

It’s not a glamorous job. It’s not in Atlanta or Charleston or San Diego or Chicago or New York. And it doesn’t pay.

And regardless of these factors, I still found myself pumped and elated Sunday night and Monday morning to start working with New Hope Pregnancy Care Center as their public relations intern.

Because, you see, I had a slight revelation.

A teacher of mine had told me about this internship way back in March or so. It tugged at me, but I sadly dismissed it because, well, I wanted to go to Atlanta (aka “The Land of Opportunity”).

Weeks upon weeks went by. Resumes went out. Silence returned. Prayers were abundant—just as abundant as the admonition from those who prayed to not worry but fully trust the Lord and His timing.

Out of options, I finally contacted the director of New Hope and met with her before I left for Atlanta and Illinois in May. It was tentatively set for me to start when I got back, but that didn’t stop me from still looking for another internship.

I knew that if I was going to relocate to Atlanta, God would have to open some doors and work some things out. And I knew that if I was to stay in Cleveland, the Lord would need to work some things out in my heart and give me the desire to do so.

Well, long story short, I am here in Cleveland and so expectant and confident in the Lord and His work. I shouldn’t have run from His tug in the first place—it would have saved me a lot of anxiety and a lot of “I don’t know” answers to inquirers questions.

I don’t want to work in corporate America (or Europe or China…). God has blessed me with an amazing opportunity to do what He’s given me a heart to do. And I’m excited to see what is ahead (Yeah…after that official graduation thing).

I cannot be someone I am not. I cannot deny the passions and compassions He has given me. I cannot be content to be silent when He has given me a voice for those without one. I must do something I believe in. I must live a life of passion.

In all this, I am learning to hear the Lord and know what His leading looks like. It’s quite a journey.

And so, I must get back to work doing a little research on what someone who is facing an unplanned pregnancy thinks. Then I can make a post-card and flyer for a mass mailing to those on the south-side of town.

All for His glory.

“Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, That glory may dwell in our land.
Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed.
Truth shall spring out of the earth, And righteousness shall look down from heaven.
Yes, the Lord will give what is good; And our land will yield its increase.
Righteousness will go before Him, And shall make His footsteps our pathway.”

Psalm 85:9-13

Waiting.

...seemingly my life's profession.