Nice Girls Don't Change the World

A few months ago I bought a few Nook books.  I get these sporadic moments of inspiration to dig in a book.  I then fall asleep and wake up with a Nook on my face.
I'm currently on vacation with my Dad.  We've successfully spent the last two days (10am-5pm) merely sitting on the beach.  We've taken a few naps and read a lot.  I've gone through three books and expect to be on my current one for a while.
I just finished Nice Girls Don't Change the World.  It is such a fabulous and short read for those of you interested.  Lynne Hybels discusses the pain she went through as a young Christian who spent all of her time and energy aiming to please God.  After seventeen years of being a Pastor's wife, she finds herself tired of the God she once knew.  She was exhausted of doing thing after thing and never hearing from God.  So she quit.  She took time off and rested.  She had been the ultimate "nice girl."  She talks about the differences between a nice girl vs. good woman vs. dangerous woman.
At one point in her life she tells God that she doesn't know what she's doing and she was going to listen to God's voice.  She was open to idea of doing whatever God told her to do.
She sensed God saying

Okay I will guide you.  I will lead you into the future.  But if you really want my guidance, you better get ready for an adventure.  You better prepare yourself for new challenges and unexpected opportunities.  You better get ready to learn, and stretch, and grow

She was then sent to Belfast, Ireland to speak at a conference. Lucky girl.

At the end she prays this prayer:

May we be dangerous women.  My we be women who acknowledge our power to change, and grow, and be radically alive for God.  May we be healers of wounds and righters of wrongs.  May we weep with those who weep and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.  May we cherish children, embrace the elderly, and empower the poor.  May we pray deeply and teach wisely.  May we be strong and gentle leaders.  May we sing songs of joy and talk down fear.  May we never hesitate to let passion push us, conviction compel us, and righteous anger energize us.  May we strike fear  into all that is unjust and eveil in the world.  May we dismantle abusive systems and silence lies with truth.  May we shine like stars in a darkened generation.  May we overflow with goodness in the name of God and by the power of Jesus.  And in that name, and by that power, may be change the world.  Dear God, please make us dangerous women. Amen 

Amen.

Such a Beautiful Beginning...

Change has been in full-swing lately. I have learned so much about myself in these last few months while living at home.  I was initially confused and frustrated about what was going to happen next. I moved with no job and no prospects- just a lonely Social Work degree and six months experience with Foster Care.
I started waiting tables for my sister-in-law just until I found a new job.  Five months later....things have drastically changed.  I stopped looking for a job and found myself applying for Seminary instead.  And guess what. It's final.  I'm moving to Richmond this fall.  I'm spending my time in my home church until then, though.  Specifically, I'm teaching the really old ladies Sunday School (with Large Print guides from Smyth and Helwys).  I'm hanging out with more youth and children (go figure) and spending time with our Senior Adults.  I've got Orientation in a few weeks and Debriefing right before I move to Richmond.  Housing answer awaiting...praying for the hopeful answer soon..
So this is my beginning. A new beginning.  Praying for a smooth transition and peace during all this.