Learning...

I believe I am just in that season where I am learning about many facets of life. I have been putting in a lot of hours at work and in the library studying. The good news is that I only have 74 days until I am walking across the stage AGAIN with my MASTERS DEGREE this time. It has been a long 2.5 years, but I know it will be worth it. I am just excited about getting back to a normal life of work and playing! :)

Here are just some areas that I have been a student lately...

1. My girls: I have for the longest time in my life felt incompetent to meet and mentor anyone. But for some unknown reason I have a group of girls who look to me for wise counsel, encouragement and fun! I enjoy them so much and I try to spend quality time with each one of them at some point in the week. For me and Clair -- we tend to see each other in the Library. For me and Amber -- well we do a Wednesday night dinner thing! I am very fortunate to have these people who come to me because they feel I have something to offer. So when I am feeling down and out like I don't have anything to give they show up and I find that fulfillment in my calling to be at CSU.

2. School:As of right now writing this post I only have about 74 more days until I walk across the stage. I believe I can do it! :) No - I KNOW I can do it! :) I did get my ring in the mail the other day. Its PURTY! As for my class - Its midterm week for us and I've been in the library studying like crazy. I think I'm gonna do just fine in this class, but its definitely been draining and time consuming. What have I learned so far? Well, I have learned that a business plan takes a lot of research and details. I love details so that doesn't intimidate me. Its the research crap that I don't like. I have also learned about how organizations can and should operate under a definitive selection of values. You have to develop/create---->implement---->evaluate! Most organizations get the developing and creating part down well. Some even get the steps defined on implementing that strategic plan, but many fail to actually follow through so that they can get to the evaluation part. They just jump back to creating before they know if the current process ever worked. I see a lot of this failure in CSU.

3. Photography: I think I might have finally figured out some settings on my camera to shoot better pictures in the Fieldhouse. I have been shooting a lot of volleyball pictures...so that is exciting. I am learning more about sports photography seeing that I have taken well over 1,000 pictures just in this past weekend (cross-country, football, volleyball and softball). I am also learning more about being competitive and style for my business plan!

4. Myself: I have a lot of issues! I might go into details about what I am learning some time soon. Right now - I just need your prayers!

5. God: He is so patient! He is sovereign and will get the glory no matter what! Elevate has been a complete turn around and I believe it because of those leading others closer to God and closer to each other (Elevate motto this year)!

Last thing for this post... Today is my little sponsor child's birthday! Jhonatan Omar Silva Murrafo. Please pray for him! He just turned 8 years old today!

Seeking help from the Maker!
Tam

July - Sweet July!

Can you believe that it is already JULY!?! Oh my word!

I am sitting in my office looking over a list of things that need to be done just for this week and its pretty long, then I hesitate to even step back further and look at the assignments until we get to August 15th -- Freshman MOVE-IN! AHHHHH!

Time will pass quickly for me because not only am I working on getting Elevate, FCA and Orientation stuff planned, scheduled, and marketing ideas underway, but I am taking TWO classes still. I survived last month which was a rough ride, but God was good to me. :) So I am going to persevere through this summer. Plus, I have plenty to look forward to...July 4th weekend at home with my family, keeping Jachin for a weekend by myself, trip to the dentist, and then even more important...I'm going to TEXAS! Oh yea! And as if that trip alone isn't enough...its my BIRTHDAY and we're going to see John Mayer & Colbie Caillat in concert in Dallas, TX! I think I am willing to endure for that trip!

I guess the more solid foundation that I am standing on right now is that I am looking to the LORD for my source of strength and encouragement. Even in my doubts and incompetencies I have found that the Lord is looking out for me. Like I told you before I have been down a rocky road over the past eight months, but it has overall been interesting. :)

For all of you OTLs reading this...get your rest and idea caps on...We're going to have a tough week to tackle in August. For all of you others reading...please continue to pray for me and the things that are happening.