(Lumber)Jack of no trades…

MASTER of something! Wahoo I am done. It is still a little surreal but it is official I have a Master’s degree! I took my last final the morning of graduation and depending on how I did, I could graduate with a 4.0! They estimate that only 16% of American’s have master’s degrees, it feels like quite an accomplishment. Especially when my kindergarten teacher told my parents “I was just one of those kids who wouldn’t learn to read”. Surprise I can read, thanks to an amazing 1st grade teacher who taught me a “Pig Can Jig”.

I should also mention my incredibly supportive husband was my tutor, editor and chief deserves a huge THANK YOU, I really couldn’t have done it without him.

He made me feel so good, expressing how proud he was of me!

I am aware of the sacrifices I made to accomplish this even when I doubted my abilities and when it seemed impossible but my kids made a lot of sacrifices too. School was time consuming; Brant had to edit a lot of papers. I thought psychometrics would do me in. They watched entirely too many movies as I prepared papers, exams, presentations, etc. 

My brother also taught me to be grateful that the Lord didn’t give me natural smarts because I know who really gave me the ability, it is much easier to recognize His hand when I know it isn’t me! To illustrate this point, let me tell you about an experience. I had read all the material required, I couldn’t gather my thoughts I didn’t know how to write this paper and cover the material, which I didn’t agree with. I plead for help from my Heavenly Father. As I started to type, the words came and it was probably the fastest I have ever typed and I knew it wasn’t me when I read through it and nothing was underlined in red for spelling. I don’t think Brant suggested a single change to the paper either.

I have a testimony of Rocks. When I changed my program of study to, psychology, human relations, I felt good about the change but didn’t know if I could do it. I asked the Lord for help. As I read in the Book of Mormon about the Brother of Jared, I thought, "Were rocks really the best idea?" It was his idea and after all the work of preparing those rocks, the Lord reached out and touched those rocks to do more (best idea or not). I feel like each rock I have brought to him, He has touched. 

Louie the Lumberjack graduated too!

While I am uncertain about what the future holds and finding work and yes, nervous about what to do now. I have no doubt that if I prepare righteous rocks He WILL touch them! 

Tera and her kids even sat through graduation

I received so much help and support all along the way, from so many people, thank you!