Dr. Crawford

Alright folks, the time has come again for the big decision. Around this time a little over a year ago I had found out that I'd been accepted into the Counseling Psychology PhD. program and I was ecstatic. NO ONE gets into a doctoral program right out of undergrad. This must be God. Well after much prayer I realized that I had jumped ahead of God. I have had the "opportunity" to witness people who have done just this. The field of Psychology is full of scientists, scholars, and researchers who are highly intelligent and have used their human abilities to climb their way up the ladder of academic and professional success. They may have severe money in the bank and a title, but joy is not one thing that appears to resonate in their lives. I've watched people for years who have put themselves in that very situation and I've decided I don't want that. So needless to say, I felt like the Lord was saying that I would be moving ahead of Him. 2 years later I am overjoyed that I didn't go. #1. Texas is not the place for me. #2. God said no. #3. Numbers 1 and 2 are enough.

In these past couple years I've learned so much about myself, my life, my future, and my God that I nearly cry at the thought that I would have missed out on such growth had I'd gone ahead and accepted the offer at Texas A&M. One of the many things I've learned is this: If you open your own door (which is possible, as intelligence and confidence can move one quite far in this world) you will have to sustain yourself in that position. However if you allow the Lord to lead you, He will sustain you in that place in which you've been placed. I NEVER want to open my door again. This has rang true even in terms of relationships. Forcing relationships just because you want them is a no go folks. Allow the Lord to connect you to those He wants you in relationship with.

I've also learned to let things ride. I cannot control this life and God doesn't need my help (thanks Pastor Niecy). When I've been offended I've learned to forgive and show grace. People are people, and they will always be people. It's only fair to allow others the grace to grow. When I have offended others I've learned to apologize and allow the Lord to work on the offendees heart, that he or she may forgive me. God is in control and I'm just coming to terms with this fact that has been and always will be. It ain't nothin new, I'm only just learning it.

Well here I am again. I'm about to have my Masters degree. I've studied, I've worked hard, I've been diligent to remove distraction in order to remain focused on my God given path, I haven't given into idleness. And now I feel ready to do it. I am ready to take that last educational step and enter into a PhD. program. Because I'll already have my Master's it will take around 3 years. I am READY!!

Where to go is now the question. Well, it's between Nashville, Chicago, or North Carolina. I'm looking for a Community Psychology program, which are few and far between so my choices are limited. However I have complete confidence in that the Lord will place me exactly where He wants me. I've just got to keep my ears open to His voice and my spirit open to His direction.

Disclaimer: I take no credit for any of this. I am officially and publicly giving the Lord the glory and credit for everything He has done for me, the doors that He has opened and the relationships He has formed.

P.S. SUPER EXCITED for the 4th of July week-end. Thank you Lord!

♥Grateful♥