I'm going to shine. :)

Hi there out there in bloggerworld...

I think I finally got all my stuff sorted out with blogger. I converted to a new template to see if that has anything to do with my issues here. We'll soon find out, I guess!

So here's whats been going on in my world -- it's been so long since I've given a proper update. Firstly... I have been so blessed over the past few months and praise God that under his close and complete direction and guidance I have been taking a lot of the right paths and choices and that have ultimately steered me in the exact spot that I wanted to be in for years.

I was accepted in to a course 2 weeks ago that I applied for early in December. I was given the impression that my acceptance would be sheer luck because I didn't apply in the appropriate way (I was confused and called for help so the coordinator invited me in for an interview after I told her just how serious I was about getting in) ... but I found out that I was accepted after a really difficult (imo!) interview ... furthermore, I was told the other day that they knew they were going to accept me in to the course before I even left. Praise God, man... It was something that I prayed hard about, asking for His help in guiding me and making it all happen if it was His will.

Basically it's a study of Early Childhood, from ages 6mths to 6 years old (I think), the course outcomes will provide me with the qualification to be a daycare teacher, to care for younger children, to work for family services or to go on further to become a primary school teacher. I am still unsure of which path I'll take but today I got my full year time table which is great because I can know exactly what I'm doing, when I'm doing it. It is easier for me to plan my year, to try to get work and all of that stuff.

Earlier I mentioned that I won a trip to Sydney late last year and so last week was that trip. It was fantastic. I had heaps of fun. Originally my Mum was supposed to come, but she decided at the last minute that she didn't want to (which messed me around majorly, thanks Mum.) so instead I asked another friend and we had a really good time. Although the concert was fun, I think the actual stay in Sydney, hanging about in the city and bumming around our hotel room laughing at how we'd been messed around the whole trip... it was fun. Lots of funny things happened which I think will probably last as private jokes for a long time. Including, spotting a certain winner of a certain reality tv show boasting about how he would be swimming in a "sea of panties" to a friend... *rolls eyes* ... and funnily enough... he was mostly unapproached all night hahaha.

So everything is great. I mentioned some months ago some things that were going on with my family such as my Dads gf having cancer, my brothers problems and such -- but both issues have been completely resolved, Praise God. My brother is doing so much better, I am so happy about that because it was causing my whole family a lot of stress. I have to keep praying about that though, it's something that will affect him long term if he doesn't keep his socks pulled up so to speak. My Dads gf has been given the all clear. This took a double amount of stress from his shoulders and so Christmas and after went smoothly. My Dad just turned 50 this weekend. I spoke to him kind of briefly but he seemed so happy :) We talked about my course and I don't know when it was that my Dad was this happy with me and proud of me... I really feel like (although I am excited and hugely interested in this course) I am doing a lot of this for him and for the Glory of God... I want both my Dads to be proud and happy with my good work, everything that I do, I owe to them both.

I just realised over the past few weeks that I have some really, really amazing and encourging people in my life. It's sometimes easy to get caught up when you don't sit back and take stock now and then, but I had this ultimate moment over the weekend after the kindness of a good few people (the least likely, I might add) where I just was like, "Wow... I am so inspired!" ... I know that sounds so corny, but it's true... I came home Early sunday morning (after being to a concert at crown casino that night) thinking... no, knowing that I have a lot of people who have really pulled out for me... Who have helped me along and encouraged me when I felt like my life was kind of futile.

There's one person in particular who just believes in me whole-heartedly no matter what I do, no matter how I feel, who always always always manages to make me feel so worthy. While some people extend encouragement but have reservation and interior doubts, this person I know wholeheartedly BELIEVES that I can achieve and be anything I want to. And indeed, this time I will shine.

I start classes on wednesday. I will be back to blogging here as normal, hopefully!!! So please keep checking back and I will be back to business keeping updated on all your blogs and ongoings!!!

Lastly, a very close family friend of ours was just diagnosed with breast cancer. My dad tells me its really bad and her outlook isnt that great, she has to have a full masectomy -- this is quite a shock to everyone... I've been praying about this since I've found out now, but I especially would like to ask you all who read this to extend your prayers and thoughts to her and her wonderful family.

The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call
on Him sincerely. - Psalm 145:18