... and it just keeps getting better !

I think it's safe to say that my last post was a very nice prelude to how my week is turning out. So thankful for the blessings God has graced my life with <3

This Weekend

... was pretty amazing.

* A beautiful white winter wedding

* An early birthday dinner with my family

* A chance to refresh during my short reading break..

So far this year has really flown by. It was a shock when I realized earlier this week that we were already halfway past the month. It was great to be able to take this weekend, slow it down, and cherish the special moments I that I had the privilege to share with people I love and care for <3

Hope your all having a great long weekend as well!

xoxo

Masters Degree

You may recall my previous post where I was excited about completing and submitting my application for my Masters in Social Work. From that moment, I've had mixed feelings about whether or not it was still something I wanted to pursue. Some days, I'd feel soo DONE with school, and eager to just embark into having a career and an adult life. I was sick of being a student, and was not looking forward to any more time spent within a classroom. Other days, I would tell myself, its only one extra year (two if I continue with a part time program), and it is easier for me to complete this degree now while I am still young, because once I am married, with kids, going back to school will be a lot harder for me.

I found myself going back and forth between these two trains of thought. Recently, I was speaking to my supervisor who is currently taking her Master's Degree in Counseling ( a specialization within Psychology). This sparked my interest, because I feel like I work best in a counseling setting. While I enjoyed my last practicum, it wasn't very clinical in nature and felt called to return to working in a capacity of a counselor. The more I think of receiving a master's degree in Counseling, the more appealing it is.

While the program will take a lot longer, -- from my Supervisor's experience (who also has an undergraduate in Social Work)-- the material you learn in a Master's degree in Counseling is a lot more clinical in nature, and targets counselors. I am considering taking an online or blended option for this, thus allowing me to start a career and still go back to school...

Upon graduating I will be able to be a Registered Social Worker and a Registered Psychologist... a huge perk I think...

Anyways just a tentative idea for now, but one that I think has taken root in my heart is beginning to grow. =)

My practicum...

...is pretty much amazing!! Working with youth in a Christian setting is such a blessing. While I have previous experience working within the Catholic School District, the two just don't compare!

Every morning, Heritage staff members have a staff meeting before classes (as did St. Mary's Staff), except instead of only discussing school related announcements, the staff members have a weekly schedule dedicated to praying, studying, and worshiping God. The order of tasks varies, but always consists of a day each for:

1. Devotions/Sharing
2. Praying in Small Groups
3. Worship
4. Scripture Reading
5. Chatting / Fellowship

Its absolutely great. Lunch conversations are centered around God, and his unending love and compassion for all of us. I no longer find myself feeling like I have to defend myself for believing in God. Its such a blessing to be able to pray with the students, and co - workers.

My supervisor has allowed me to grow both academically and spiritually, and I am eager to continue this growth!

I now understand exactly what kind of setting I would like to work in, and even if it may not be with Heritage Christian Academy, I will continue to seek opportunities where my work Honors God not ignores or avoids Him.