Learning After Education

Now that I am finished with my degree I have found something peculiar and wonderful. I am falling in love with learning all over again! Since I have graduated I have learned a lot. I have learned how to quilt and opened an online boutique ( www.cassidycay.etsy.com ). I have read things, and not because they were assigned, I have read them because I wanted to and they were interesting to me. I am finally excited about doing in depth Bible studies again because it isn't just homework anymore. Current book of study, Acts. I am also studying Swahili and anxiously reading about Uganda and the culture of the people.

I am loving this time of learning. My passions that had been brutally stunted by the tedious frivolities of formal education are blooming and growing in my "new" life. Last night Mitchell and I even had an "intellectual" party. We watched Alfred Hitchcock's, "Rope" and then discussed the existence of a superior human. How fun!

Go, go, go. Go learn about the world, about what it has to offer, about God and his love for you, and about you! Search, explore, and find yourself in a light you may not have expected.

His Mercies Are New Every Morning

Yesterday a good friend of mine and her husband welcomed their first son into the world. (I was thinking the 11th so the 10th was a pretty close I guess, I also had the underdog vote since everyone was thinking about a week past her due date of the 8th) Thinking about the amazing miracle and gift that a baby brings really just opened my eyes and allowed me to see God's blessings in everything.

I love thinking about all of the beautiful memories that I have and all of the unforgettable moments in my life that are yet to come. On Sunday night I went to eat with some family friends and talked to their kids most of the dinner (3rd, 5th, 7th, and 12th grade). Watching their 5th grader made me think of all the fun times that I had with my little sister as we were growing up. I think of the wonderful summer days with just a trampoline and a water hose. I think about the entire upstairs of our house covered with Barbies and Barbie paraphernalia. I think a sister is one of the best gifts anyone could ever ask for.

Thinking about miracles, I also remember summer camps during high school and getting to see God move without the distraction of friends, family, and school. It was at one of these retreats that God really showed me that He has a specific plan for my life.

I also thought about my wonderful husband and how God put us together so young and made it so obvious that we were meant for each other. I think that the plans God has for Mitchell and I are probably very big and I think they probably are also a little scary and painful that is why God put us together young so that we can build that teamwork, connection, and intimacy to be able to face the most scary times together.

There also are numerous unforgettable moments that are yet to come, like having kids, our trip to Uganda, our 50th wedding anniversary, Caroline's family coming together, Davis's family coming together, grandchildren, hopefully getting one of my stories published (In no particular order of course).

Life is so rich and full of blessings I think I forget it occasionally and then I start to feel low. Please pray that God continues to show me the blessings in the small things like looking at a friends new baby pictures or if my potted plants ever bloom. His mercies are new every morning and I will be praying that God makes these abundantly obvious to you so that you can praise Him and glorify Him. If He does such amazing things for birds, and flowers, and trees how much more does He want to do for you, His beautiful creation that He gave life and intelligence and beauty to?