I haven't blogged in a couple of weeks.

So, I started my new online Sociology class for Summer I.had some fears about this class because I have never done an online class. Plus, this class is fast-paced; reading two chapters a week, assignments, and weekly test that are due on Sundays.

I'm surprised how well I'm doing in this class. I have to give God all the glory. I know that if this is the path I'm to follow, He will provide for my means, and that I don't need to worry about how I'm going to pay for my classes, and not really having much of a social life. I have more of a social life than I thought I would, but have had to say "no" to some things. I even got to go to an awesome Masquerade Ball Party, which was super fun!!

I'm grateful for the chance to go to school. I mean, I thought I was one of those people that don't go to college. I see that now I'm also leaning towards doing some kind of work with children also; not as a teacher, but maybe at an adoption agency or orphanage, which would be in the social sciences field. I might end up taking Human Development classes which are mainly for a teaching degree.

I have been praying so long for God to lead me and tell me where He wants me to be as far as a career goes. I have always had an IMMENSE love for children- well people of all ages, but mainly little ones, and serving others. Working at an orphanage or adoption agency will combine these two loves of mine.

I keep praying for wisdom and discernment and that I won't be concerned with missing out on things like parties and get-togethers. I know that fellowship is important, and I do fellowship, but sometimes I'm focused too much on that, and not on what God has for me to do.

He is telling me to press forwards and keep doing what I'm doing. Things seem to be aligning together for this to happen, so I'm really joyful and excited about what comes next.

He is also opening up opportunities for me to meet new people at church. Most of them share the same interests in the arts as I do. I'm just amazed about what God is doing for me and through me by His Spirit.

My next goal is to start slowly paying off debts, and really take care of myself by exercising. I know it is hot outside, but I have a desire to go walking or doing something to get myself in shape.

I can't wait to see what God has in store for me tomorrow!!! :-)

It's Friday, and I'm at home. I'm not sure if I want to get out of the house and go somewhere or stay here and veg out by watching t.v. 

One thing that consumes my mind right now is my Summer 1 Intro to Sociology class which begins June 8th and ends July 16. I don't mean to be a Negative Nancy, but I do have concerns about the class.

For one, it is online and is fast-paced requiring 12-18 per week outside of my work schedule, church activities, etc.  It requires me to read a chapter every couple of days, respond to discussion boards and questions from my peers in regards to class assignments, and do review sheets, etc.

I'm really going to have to prioritize well and be disciplined and focus on my studies.  I'm going to have to learn how to manage my time well in order to exceed in this class for the next 5 1/2 weeks.  

My concerns are that I will not understand the reading material. I easily forget what I read, and I can re-read over things again and again and still not understand the text or directions. It's frustrating, but it seems like what I just read just "blinked" out of my mind the moment I finished reading it forcing me to focus harder and harder without any distractions.

Regardless of my concerns for the class ahead, I'm excited about what I am going to about myself and my peers who are attending class with me online. Each of us are assigned to a small group, and one of my group members already e-mailed me.  

When I got home from work, I logged online and read the first chapter of the book required for the class. I will probably re-reread the 20 plus pages of the first chapter so I can remember what I read better.

I keep praying for wisdom, discipline, focus, drive, motivation, and time management. I don't want to get burnt out and drop the class. I tend to be an overachiever and want to do well and stay on the right path and direction God has for me.

I feel like I'm stressing out about it too much, but I intentionally and sincerely want God to take control of my life and I want to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading in my life. I'm 29 years old. Life is a vapor and I don't want to waste my life or concern myself with thing I don;t need to concern myself with.

God, grant me wisdom to take this class. Please help me retain what I read, understand the reading material, and understand directions for class assignments. Lord, give wisdom while taking all the quizzes and tests after each chapter for each unit. Lord, help me to manage my time well and to be focused on my education. Lord, give me the will, drive, and motivation to do this fast-paced 5 1/2 week long course as it requires a lot of my time outside of my work, church activities, and social life. Help me most of all, to stay focused on you as top priority, as everything falls apart without You. God, help me. I need You. I love You and everything You are doing for me right now, have done, and will continue to do through me by the power of Your Holy Spirit which guides me in all truth and knowledge.

In Jesus' Name. Amen.

S.L. Johnson