Two days, two posts. I’d say that’s a solid start to answering God’s call on me to write. Miracles ARE everywhere. YOU are a miracle, a miracle of life. Your very existence proves God’s. I have a lot of plans I am making for my future, and I’m actually taking the steps to get there. That’s the important part. Without action, plans are dreams unrealized.

In the past three days, I have been so productive, and have still been able to spend time with friends as well. Granted, it is much easier to get things done when I am in control of my own schedule and don’t have to go to work. Plus, with only limited time left in Phoenix, I am doing the most I can to maximize that time. I am also happiest when I am busy. I have completely quit drinking and smoking since the Saturday before Mother’s Day and I plan on staying sober pretty much forever. I have done a lot of partying in my life, and God is guiding me away from that lifestyle for this new page in the book of Lauren. I find it much easier to be motivated when I am sober, as well. My depression and anxiety have also decreased exponentially with the healthier choices I am making in life.

I went to the dentist today and got a deep cleaning done, as well as paying off an old debt with them. I’m going to spend a good portion of time with them in the next two weeks to max out my dental benefits while I still have them and continue with correcting my dental issues. I also went to my college to talk about finishing my degree and transferring to a college in North Carolina. Ultimately, my dream is to finish a Bachelor’s degree in nursing and become a travel nurse.

Ever since I chose the job of medic for the army, I have considered myself a healer. The tattoo on my lower back represents that, with Chinese characters that say “Heal, Long Life, and Good Fortune”. The tattoos that I have tell parts of my story. They are not just pretty pictures. They represent who I am, and I find joy in sharing my passion for art with everyone who looks at me.

That’s a bit of an aside from what I really want the focus to be: school! As I wrote yesterday, I worked really hard this last semester. I discovered I actually enjoyed learning, and I discovered a Business degree is not where my passion lies. When I first moved to Arizona eight years ago, my goal was to get a degree in nursing. I worked toward that goal and was finally accepted into the local nursing program. I did not study or dedicate myself like I should have, and I ended up failing out of the program in the second semester. I missed passing by two points and did not have the financial resources to start from the beginning, as they would have required of me. This happened in the first semester of 2013. I was devastated, and my life went into a bit of a tailspin. I was aimless as far as pursuing school, and I got a job with a wonderful company that allowed me to put school on the back burner while I took time and figured things out.

Last semester, Sam encouraged me to go back to school, so that I could explore my passions, and work toward at least completing some sort of associate’s degree. I decided to take his advice and took Public Speaking, Intro to Business, and Computer Information Systems. I knew I would need quite a few more classes to finish a Business degree, but what I learned today is that with those classes under my belt, I am only two classes away from completing an Associate’s in Art degree. TWO CLASSES, Y’ALL. So, you better believe I got my cute little buns signed up for Intercultural Communication starting in July, and a math class starting in August, both online. In December, I will complete my first college degree. It may take me nine years, but the sense of satisfaction I will feel from that little piece of paper with my name on it is going to be so good. God is so good.

I had a conversation with my advisor, Branson. He asked me why I was suddenly so motivated and I answered honestly: God. I told him I recently returned to my faith in Him, and he called me out – basically reminding me that God has been guiding me the whole way, only now I am aware of it. We also talked a little about my upcoming move, and his parting words to me were, “I’ll see you later in North Carolina!”

I’m gonna tell you a little secret. Now, some of y’all already know this, but it’s good to be reminded: God lives in you; God lives in me; God lives in all of us. The Holy Spirit is all around us. All you have to do is listen real close and pay attention to the signs. They’re everywhere, and God is in everything. Conversations after returning to my faith have taken on a new life. What I took from Branson’s parting words is that God will see me in North Carolina and that I am on the right track.

My message for you today is this: Listen. Look around. God is waiting for you. His love knows no bounds. No matter the sins you’ve committed (trust me on this one, because oh…how I’ve sinned!), He will forgive you. He just asks you to repent and try to do better. Progress, not perfection. You are already perfect in His eyes. Set goals. Take action. He’ll help you get there.