As a teacher now myself, I don’t underestimate the importance of writing encouraging comments on student papers.  Because that’s how our friendship began:  through campus mail. 

Spring semester 1993 at George Fox (then College) I was deciding whether or not to major in Writing & Literature.  I was enrolled in a British Literature class taught by first-year instructor Richmond and that finalized my decision.  From Beowulf to Sir Gawain, my already keen interest for language caught fire, inspired by her love of learning for its own sake. She introduced me to author Dorothy Sayers and resonated with a kindred sense found in the verse of Gerard Manley Hopkins.

Professor Richmond assigned “Reflection papers” due after the completion of our reading.   I looked forward to these because they allowed me to synthesize connections to life and use a stream of consciousness style that was rooted in the material.  And she wrote back!  Soon I would eagerly check box #5649 for these papers.

When school was out for the summer we decided to continue our correspondence through the mail and Professor Richmond became Colleen to me.  I met her husband and daughters.  We all discovered common interests and activities and became fast family friend sharing literature, music, drama, art and travel. News clips, music lyrics, quotes from Shakespeare and personal poetry flew back and forth through the post or over shared caramel lattes.  While I was a college student I filled her office with handmade art, not knowing I would sit in, work from and eventually clean out that same office.

We encouraged each other, not only in our writing, but spiritually as well and in life dreams and goals.  Our letters spanned my Europe travels and her trip to Africa .  Colleen worked diligently to realize her dream of a PhD in literature and became Dr. Richmond with her dissertation entitled, “The practical preaching and vital voices of Margery Kempe, Margaret Fell, and Maria W. Stewart” published in 2003, the same year I graduated from seminary. She also created a class on  International Women’s Voices that was (posthumously) added to the George Fox University curriculum.

When Colleen was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer in the spring of 2005, she continued to teach with the same vigor she always had, despite the surgeries and taxing chemotherapy appointments.  She reluctantly stopped teaching by the winter of 2006 and the University asked if I would be willing to teach her, yes, British Literature course in the Spring term of 2007.  In a pain-filled state she passed her syllabus and books to me and for a term this student became a professor. 

For two weeks we talked on the phone, her coaching me and me telling her all the details of the classroom so she could feel like she was there.  One Tuesday, from her Minthorn office after class, I called to give her our customary update only to hear that she had slipped into a coma and on a Friday afternoon, January 26, 2007 she passed away.

A large package arrived in the mail from her husband:  fifteen years of my letters that she had saved.  I had saved hers as well but had no idea that she kept mine.  Now, in a mysterious way, we are writing something together.  This is my tribute to an amazing professor, friend, and poet whom I will always dearly miss.  Someday? Heaven: when this earthly full circle and course is completed.

Stepping Out

by Kim
2004 Graduate - Business Management major

There I was, a soon-to be 22 year old with a business degree, a hope to pursue a large corporate job downtown maybe, but only 1 interview under my belt! After that interview for that big corporate job I thought, “No this isn’t me. It doesn’t get me excited, doesn’t push me.” I had known since I was fairly young that I wanted to own my own business someday; I had the drive, the dream, and the deep desire to be a “mover and shaker.” My hopes were to gain experience in the corporate world and then, once seasoned, step out into the unknown realm of owning a business. But that would be years down the line... right? I was so new and green... right? There’s no way I could go straight from college to creating my own business... or could I? The Lord quietly called me... The time is now, Kim.

Just weeks after graduating from George Fox I was approached by a family friend who had a very successful 20 year career in real estate. She approached me and said, “You know Kim, you’d make a great real estate agent. Have you ever thought of getting your real estate license?” No way! I went to college for 4 years so I wouldn’t have to depend on all-commission sales. I politely thanked her but declined her offer. But something gnawed at my heart. Maybe this was my chance? Maybe this was the Lord opening a door to me, just much sooner than expected, to use the gifts he had given me paired with my passion for running my own business.

I ate, slept, and breathed real estate for the next 5 weeks. What many agents study for six months or more to prepare for, I wouldn’t stop for a month until I was licensed. I struggled the first six months and kept a part-time job, trusting that the Lord would bless me for stepping out. The next full year was incredible. I had 26 transactions, (the average real estate broker has 4.) Now, for over 3 years, I have continued to climb, leaning on the Lord each step of the way.

Looking back at that 22-year old, somewhat shy, not very certain young woman, I would never have seen or believed all the Lord had planned for me. I have continued to sell more than most brokers who have been in the business for years. I have purchased my own home, and then purchased investment property. I paid off all my school loans, (Haha it CAN be done!) And I am completely debt free. Many of my clients are twice my age, yet they trust me for the largest investment of their lives. I have a ball with my clients, leading them, encouraging them. My passion for business is fed every day as I create my own marketing, work within my own corporate budget, and grow my business. Most importantly, as buying or selling a home can be an incredibly tumultuous time for anyone, the Lord has worked through me to share Christ with my clients in those sensitive times He has opened for me.

I just passed my Principal Broker’s Exam last week... meaning that I can now hire agents to work for me. In the next 2-3 years my broker will retire and she is going to pass her business to me so that I can join it to the business I have already created. It is incredible when I think what the Lord has done. He only required one thing from me; just to step out. The rest He has accomplished.

Priorities

by Jaliene
2000 Graduate - Business major, Athletic Training minor

Hello, my name is Jaliene and I graduated from George Fox in 2000 with a major in Business and a minor in Athletic Training. I earned my MAT at the University of Portland in 2001, taught for three years at Jesuit High School in the Health/PE department, and am now at home with two young boys. I am still technically at Fox, as I am working towards my doctorate in Education one or two classes at a time. I married my husband, a George Fox baseball player and history major, between my junior and senior year.

Every stage of life brings new challenges, and I remember when getting my homework done well and working in the training room seemed like so much to handle. But, in every stage of life you can grow if you want - and know you need - to, and now I look back at my undergrad years with amazement regarding how much time I didn't spend (that I really did have) to pursue deeper friendships and to have fun. I said no to so many social engagements because I thought I needed to study more. I am definitely not promoting slacking on your homework - so don't get any bad ideas! - but my advice is to diligently work on managing your time well so that building quality relationships can be a priority during your time at Fox. In the end, relationships - with God and our neighbor - are what really matter in life.

I married young while at Fox, and my husband is a very good man. But, I do caution any of the ladies out there who are hoping for a young engagement and marriage to reflect and ask for guidance - guidance from spiritual leaders, unbiased school counselors, etc. - regarding entering the marriage vow so young. It's not that marriage isn't right for some people young, but the freedoms you might take for granted right now (think travel, career aspirations, service work, etc.) change once you are married. It's not that they don't (or can't) happen according to your plans, but once two people are in the picture two people need to agree on what is best for the family unit.

I wish all of you ladies at Fox a blessed and wonderful year, and may your all your dreams start to take root and grow!

With God, Life is an Adventure

by Kellie
1980 - 1985 Graduate

Sometimes life takes strange twists and turns. In 1980, I was a freshman from a small town in northeast Oregon, who grew up on a cattle ranch. I had a spirit for adventure and moving to Newberg, the big city, was a new adventure for me. My first adventure was a 3-month mission trip with Teen Missions International, following graduation from HS, in 1979. After returning from Bolivia, South America, I went to work for the US Forest Service (USFS) working outside in the forest. I loved being physically active and working hard, as well as the mental challenge. Each summer, while attending George Fox, I worked as a Fire Fighter for the USFS. Fighting Fire was an excellent way to make adequate spending and tuition money in a short period, as well as provide for the adventure and challenges that I enjoyed. I graduated from George Fox in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. After graduation, I decided to take one year and continue to work for the USFS before moving on to my chosen career. During that year, the USFS offered me a permanent position and the rest, as they say, is history. I am now in my 27th year of forestry and fire fighting. I receive odd looks when I tell people that I have a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with minors in Health and Athletic Training. My forestry and fire fighting education has come through on-the-job training, both practical and classroom. I love learning, and forestry and fire fighting has provided opportunities for continuous learning.

Did I waste my time and money by attending George Fox? Absolutely not!! Even though I ended up working in a field completely different from my college education, I learned many "life skills" from my attendance at George Fox.

The personal growth, leadership and people skills I learned from being a Resident Assistant, playing Basketball and Softball, and being an Assistant Softball coach at North Marion HS, has been invaluable in my career. My teaching classes taught me skills that I use today as I instruct entry level to advanced fire fighting classes.

Forestry and fire fighting is physically and mentally challenging. I can honestly say there has never been a dull moment and there has been plenty of challenge and adventure.

After 15 years with the USFS, I felt God was leading me to make a change. That change did not come without wrestling, arguing and a great deal of personal soul searching and prayer. Who in their right mind quits a good paying job with good benefits? After 3 years, I made the decision to resign, and I felt like the world had lifted off my shoulders. I resigned my position, without any knowledge of where God would have me go next. I took a month-long trip to Papua New Guinea to visit friends and spent another 5 months searching for a new career.

Sometimes, I believe God asks us to do crazy things to see if we are willing to be obedient and to trust him. I began to think that maybe God wanted me to finally put my Physical Education degree to work, but my heart was in the "outdoors". I looked at several opportunities working with kids in Christian Camping and Outdoor Recreation but nothing seemed to be right. Eventually God led me back into forestry and fire fighting but this time it was with the State of Oregon.

The change of employers has been a positive and rewarding experience. I believe that I have had personal and professional opportunities and growth, which I would not have had by remaining with the federal government.

What is my advice? Be willing to be obedient and to follow God wherever He would lead you. At the time, it might seem crazy, but God will lead you on an adventure that you will never regret.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 - For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me; when you seek me with all of your heart. (RSV)

All About Relationship

by Doreen

"After our dinner together, Sue, Nathan, and I saw the movie 'Apollo 13,' about an aborted moon flight and the successful attempt to bring the three astronauts safely back to earth. Underneath all the spectacular technology there is the story of human relationships and the discipline required to make them lifesaving. As the three of us watched it, I realized that somehow we too are astronauts in a spaceship trying to make it home safely. I guess that is true of all people who take the risk of friendship."

- Henri Nouwen, Sabbatical Journey

I am all about relationship. I am wired for them. I am replenished by them. I am hurt by them. I am fed by them. I even do them for a living.

In my years at Fox (1983-1987) I experienced relational mountaintops and craggy valleys. I was young and in my first away-from-home experience. I was naive and in the early stages of developing a cohesive self apart from the well-established family-self identity I had thus far nurtured. Deeply desirous of garnering approval and appearing more mature and grounded than I ever felt internally, I worked at impressing others and building my accomplishment portfolio...good grades, lead roles in plays, leadership opportunities, and the list went on.

As I look back on those years, however, it is the relationships that were formed in and around these activities that have had a much more potent impact on who I have become than the mere events could ever have hoped to have.

I have been given several opportunities of late to speak to assembled groups about experiences that have played important roles in my development. The stories that came immediately to mind were stories written into my life experience during these "Fox years."

One occurred when I overloaded my backpack with other people's items on my day as leader on Walk About and ended up being unable to continue under the weight of my pack. Realizing my folly, my group lovingly sang a hymn as they physically lightened my load without me seeing who was taking what so I would not be tempted to try to repay.

The other occurred when I was partnered with a blind student for a trust walk on campus. In that story I truly was the blind being led by the blind, forced to surrender my sense of volitional control and "obey" the body language and well-developed skills of a woman who sees in ways I may never be able to see...with her senses and with her determination and heart. It was an amazingly stretching experience.

Many times at Fox I was like an Apollo 13 astronaut, dependent on my comrades to help me "make it home safely." In the above referenced book Henri Nouwen refers repeatedly to the discipline of friendship. Within friendship, he says, "...nothing can be taken for granted, nothing comes automaticaly, nothing comes without concentrated effort."

With all the concentrated effort required to study and live well, may we always create opportunities to live out our friendships with discipline and integrity. May we attend to our relationships with God, others, and ourselves in dynamic and intentional ways that help us all make it home safely.

Engineering and Bicycles

by Meagan
1995 Graduate - Pre-Engineering

Fifteen years ago, I was an 18-year-old freshman embarking on an exciting new world at George Fox. I can't believe it's been fifteen years! But, as it turns out, when I do the math, it really has been. So here's what I've been up to…

After four years of playing basketball at GFU and studying engineering (1991-1995), I transferred to Oregon State University for 2 years and earned my Mechanical Engineering degree. OSU is a great school, but GFU is what I think of when I reminisce about college.

In my last spring at OSU, I received a job offer from Tektronix in Wilsonville, OR. I've been there ever since; although in 2000, Xerox bought our portion of the business, so I now work for Xerox. It surprises me that I've stayed with the same company all these years, but I've been blessed with so many different opportunities and experiences that I haven't felt the need to move on.

In February of this year (2006) I accepted the job I'm currently in, which is manager of an engineering group. Six of my employees are Product Engineers (the first engineering job I had) and one is a Usability Engineer. So far, the new experience of managing direct reports has been very positive and I find it rewarding to help others be successful. But let me start with where I began…

My first job at Tektronix was as an "Escalated Hardware Specialist." It was a college-hire training program where they hired engineering students and had them answer calls in the support center to help on-site technicians resolve printer failures. The objective was for us to learn the ins-and-outs of how network color printers operate and fail so that we could take that knowledge into a real engineering job designing the printers. After about 10 months, I moved into a Product Engineering job influencing the design of the printers. I did this for close to three years, and then realized I needed a new experience in order to establish a broad foundation on which to build my career. So I moved over to the Global Procurement organization and worked as a Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) for the laser printers that we procure from Asia.

After a couple years, I was ready to move on again. So I took a program management position in the engineering group that represents the interests of Xerox's service organizations. I led a sub-group of folks involved in the printer development process influencing the product design, as well as ensured that the worldwide servicing organizations were prepared to service the printers when we launched them. I really enjoyed doing this job for nearly 3 years, and then moved into my current role.

Throughout my nine years working at Xerox/Tektronix, I've had opportunities for international business travel. I've been to Japan a dozen times, Thailand and the United Kingdom. We are truly a global company and it's been fun establishing relationships with many different cultures (although challenging, as well).

When I started college, I did not yet know what I wanted to major in. All I knew for sure was that I was passionate about sports. So I'm thankful God led me to engineering and gave me the perseverance to make it through even when my interest seriously lagged, because it has been such a blessing. And, with regards to sports, I'm just as passionate today as ever. My husband exposed me to competitive bicycle racing, which I've done for the last five years. I also continue to play basketball (although it's mostly in the driveway these days), mountain bike, golf, tennis, run, ski, wakeboard, and anything else active that I can find to do.

And just to wrap up the summary of what I've been up to since college, the highlight has been getting married in 2000 to my husband, Aaron. We have not yet started the kid thing. I'm sure it will be fun and all, but we've wanted to milk this phase of life as much as possible before moving onto the next one… And these last 15 years have been a blast.

The Good, the Bad, and the Not-So-Bad

by Beth
Admissions Counselor for Master of Arts in Teaching program

In the picture: Beth, Rob, Karley, Tenley, and dog, Jake.

I graduated in 1982 with a Psychology major with the intent of getting a doctorate in research psychology

Married the summer after graduation, August 21, 1982

Became pregnant and had a baby May 19, 1984, therefore I didn't ever begin grad school and I'm okay with that now. My oldest daughter is a senior in college and my youngest is a senior in high school. I have a job at GFU that I love and am still not considering furthering my education. I hope to be available to my children as they begin their lives separate from our home.

When I was in 8th grade I wanted to become an expert on teaching and learning and teach teachers to teach. Sounds strange but at the time a mentor in my life did this exact thing and I was quite sure that some teachers needed the help. I have worked at many jobs since graduating from college, including teaching gymnastics, working with learning disabled, building houses, running a business office at a drug and alcohol treatment center, and so on. I originally came back to GFU as an admin assistant in Humanities. I worked half days and had summers off - a perfect job for a mom. After 2 years, my favorite professor and then interim Vice President for Academic Affairs, Jim Foster, approached me to work as his admin assistant. I did, for four years. Then, as God seems to do, He inspired someone in the admissions office to approach me about the Admissions Counselor for the Master of Arts in Teaching program. So, now I am involved with teaching teachers to teach. Isn't it simply amazing! I always have more to learn, mainly about marketing (which is not my favorite part of the job) but also about what makes a good teacher and what makes teaching a fulfilling a career. I definitely feel that I'm part of helping kids to learn in better and better classroom environments.

One of the toughest times in my life was when I became pregnant before I had "planned." I remember a kind of depression that I didn't come out of until I realized I had many blessings to be thankful for, including healthy children, a loving husband, a strong church family, and wonderful friends. It took about 4 years but over time I learned to focus on the good things (blessings) in my life. I chose to focus on the good things present in my life and not on the missing things. I also recognized things could be worse and chose not to dwell on my own difficulties. I really think this is what God is referring to in Philippians 4:8: Finally, brothers (sisters), whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Heart Instead of Wallet

by Krystal
2005 Graduate - Accounting and International Business

Hi! My name is Krystal. I graduated in 2005 with a double major in Accounting and International Business. As sad as it was for me to leave the comfort of Fox, God has done some an amazing things with my life!

During my time at Fox I was an RA, an apartment manager, and even Senior Class President. To say the least it was an eventful four years. I was involved in everything from here to there! To add a challenge to my busy schedule, my sophomore year of college I was diagnosed with a very advanced case of multiple sclerosis. In all honesty, I took the news about the disease and kept going! I didn't let my disease stop me and my time at Fox was an absolute blast!

The lessons I've learned in school were great! I thought once I graduated my learning days were over... no more books… no more reading…. just me making money and having fun! Boy was I wrong! I've been out of school now for a year, and in all honesty, I have learned more in this one year than I think I did in four years at Fox (that is not a shot at the education at Fox. The school did an amazing job of preparing me for my future, but there's always more to be learned. Be prepared to be learning for the rest of your life!)

Currently I'm all over the board! Professionally, I'm starting my own business, attaining my MBA (3 more classes!), and preparing to go back and get my Masters in Tax. My business is called Ambassador of Quan Consulting, and my motto is, "Thinking with my heart instead of my wallet!" Business is going great! I can't believe I'm my own boss! How weird is that?

Outside of my profession, I'm writing a book. I'm calling it The Maybe Men, Forgive Them For They Know Not What They Do! It's a book about 3 different men in my college life, and how as a woman their actions meant something completely different to me than to them. The things they did will shock. I hope to finish writing it by this Christmas, and have it published and on the shelves by next Christmas!

All I can say is life's amazing! Disease and all, I'm loving life! I have a saying, "if it's too great a challenge, it's too great to pass up!" I keep my faith in the Lord, and He takes care the rest! If I can leave you with anything it's three simple words: TRUST and OBEY! To succeed in this world that's all you have to do. Just sit back, trust Him, and watch God work, there's no doubt my mind that He will amaze you! God has a plan for all of our lives, all we have to do is buckle our seat belts and enjoy the ride!

The Pattern Upon the Upper Side

by Victoria
2004 Graduate - Organizational Communications

My husband and I graduated from Fox in May of 2004. We went out with a BANG! as some would say, getting married the day after graduation and leaving for a Junior's Abroad trip to Africa the day after the wedding. Everyone thought we were crazy — but we were fine, it was our parents I was worried about — all that activity made them ready for a vacation. After returning from Africa we immediately settled in Tualatin, though we didn't know for how long. Grady, my husband, was applying to dental schools across the nation. I didn't want to leave Oregon, but as the application process continued, I began to be more open to the idea.

We got the first offer for an interview from the University of Pittsburgh. In the middle of January we boarded a red-eye flight to Pennsylvania after a long day's work and a few arguments about the lack of time we had to prepare for this important trip. We arrived in Chicago early the next morning and were dismayed to see that our flight to Pittsburgh was delayed….for four hours. There was a blizzard outside and I knew that there was no way we were getting off the ground in that mess! We sat for a couple hours and then all of a sudden my husband sat up straight with a look of terror on his face. He had just realized that he forgot the brand new pants that went with his brand new suit that he was supposed to be wearing to the interview the next day. Needless to say, we were both a little upset. We called the "Men's Warehouse" in Pittsburgh and asked about our options — the sad truth was that we would have to buy a whole new suit.

We finally got on the plane a few hours later and were disappointed again by the voice over the intercom, "We're sorry ladies and gentlemen, but the captain just came down with something and we're looking for another pilot to fly you to Pittsburgh." Grady was assigned to a seat directly in front of me, and though there was an empty seat beside me, he elected to sit by himself to think out the day's events. All I could do was look out the window and pray…I prayed that God would solve this problem and I wondered whether this trip to Pittsburgh was all a mistake. When our new captain finally came to fly our plane the view out the window was still intimidating, no wonder the other guy got sick. I couldn't see two feet from the plane for all the snow - and I wondered after this horrendous day if this was the end - if the plane would just crash and our life here would be over. We took off and began ascending above the clouds — as we broke through the last layer, the view was one I'll never forget — the most beautiful sunrise I've ever seen. As we climbed a poem came to mind; one my mother said was read at my sister's funeral…"The Master Weaver."

Our lives are but fine weavings that God and we prepare,
Each life becomes a fabric planned and fashioned in his care…
We may not always see just how the weavings intertwine,
But we must trust the Master's hand and follow His design.

For He can view the pattern
Upon the upper side,
While we must look from underneath
And trust in Him to guide.
Sometimes a strand of sorrow is added to His plan,
And though it's difficult for us, we still must understand
That it's He who flies the shuttle, it's He who knows what's best
So we must weave in patience, and leave to Him the rest

Not till the loom is silent, and the shuttles cease to fly
Still God unroll the canvas and explain the reason why.
The dark threads are as needed in the Weaver's skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned.

-Anonymous

I continued to gaze out the window at the beauty of the sun, remembering the storm that continued to rage on the ground. "For He can view the pattern upon the upper side" - and as I got to that line I heard the Lord's voice clearer than ever before. He said, "Vickie, this is how I see everything, all the time." I knew what He meant, and I was thankful for that word of encouragement, but I didn't fully understand until the following days.

Before we got off the plane, I had asked a gentlemen where we could find the nearest "Men's Warehouse" and after trying to explain directions he said he would just take us there. We ended up buying a whole new suit - pants, coat, tie, and shirt - the whole nine yards. When I asked the salesman where we could catch a cab to the University, he answered the same way the other gentleman had, "I'm going that way, so I'll just take you there." We arrived at the hotel exhausted, but encouraged by the wonderful display of humanity by Pittsburgh residents.

The next morning Grady got ready for his interview. He put on his new suit, we said a prayer and he headed off.

About 30 minutes later I got a phone call from him. He was asking me to bring his extra coat, shirt and tie (the one that belonged to the pants that we left at home). It turns out that one of the other applicants also got stuck in the weather the day before and the airline lost his luggage so he had nothing to wear to his interview. I quickly grabbed the stuff and took it to the admissions office.

Grady's interview went well and we thoroughly enjoyed our time in Pittsburgh. We went home, relieved that the interview was over and anxious to hear what the decision would be. About one week later Grady received a phone call. It was the admissions office at the University of Pittsburgh. Rose, the admissions specialist, was calling to tell Grady he was accepted to the dental school and the weird part….she wanted him to know that the competition was really steep, but that someone in the admissions committee found out what he did for that gentleman that didn't have a suit and they "want people like that at Pitt." All I could do is sit on the floor and cry…and then I remembered what the Lord had said…"this is how I see everything, all the time." Who knew that a forgotten pair of suit pants would help Grady get into school?

My husband and I now live in Pittsburgh. Grady is doing great in dental school and I am working at the University as well. I wanted to share this story with you because we need to hear about what God is doing. Life is hard, and we don't always get to see the plan from the upper side, but just remember: when there is a storm raging in your life and you can't see two feet in front of you, the Lord is on His throne, and in charge!

Personal Worth

by Jessica
2004 Graduate - Organizational Communications

When I graduated from Fox in 2004, I had a difficult road before me. I was engaged to be married (yes, I had a ring by spring, but he didn't go to Fox - so does that really count?) to the man of my dreams. What's so hard about that, you ask? Well, in my dreams, my husband-to-be wasn't a wheat farmer. That's right, I married a wheat farmer. I took my $100,000 bachelor's degree and my "summa cum laude" title and moved to a small town of only 800 people (on a good day) to "lose money farming," as my husband puts it. It's a life some don't think even exists any more. Let me tell you - it does.

Right about now, you're probably thinking what the rest of my family thought. All that money... what a waste, they said. Oh, you'll never find a job out there, said another. Even then the comments went unspoken, I knew they were there. But something I learned right off the spot is that God works EVERYWHERE - not just where people THINK He moves. Jeremiah 29:11-13 says, " 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and no to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you…" I took that promise and took a step of faith.

What I was starting to understand was a fundamental truth that I never fully grasped before. My worth, as a person, is not defined by what I do, where I live, who I hang out with, what I look like or the words that come out of my mouth. My personal worth comes from the Lord and Him alone! The Bible says, "…we are God's masterpiece." Not just a good thing, but his MASTERPIECE. "He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." (Ephesians 2:10 NLT) What a wonderful, encouraging thought!

More so than we could ever be, GOD IS FAITHFUL! Within 1 month, I had a job. Not just any job, but my dream job - in my field. And I'm doing more than most fresh college-grads dream - managing marketing activities and product development for an entire company. I joined my husband's church family and was quickly pushed into ministry opportunities. As I have sought, so have I found the Lord! More than ever, I'm seeing life as BY God, WITH God and FOR God. Has it been easy? No. Has it been worth it? Absolutely - every step of the way.

Don't be afraid to take God at His Word. He is infinitely more faithful than we could ever be and HE LOVES YOU. He had you in mind ages before you were born. Don't be defined by society. If God calls you to work the inner city slums, go. If God calls you to be a CEO of a major company, go. If God calls you to be a teacher, go. If God calls you to be a housewife, go. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." (Colossians 3:23 NIV)

The Waiting Place

by Rachel
2004 Graduate - Business Administration: Marketing

If any of you are like me, high school and college have been or are a fast-paced and "full" time of life. I thought my entire life was going to be like that. I believed I would get my first job, start on my dream career path, and take off to a fast-paced, "full", post-college adult life. I thought wrong! Have you ever heard the statement that God laughs at our plans? I believe it is true.

When I graduated from George Fox University in the spring of 2004, I had a degree in marketing and a giant to-do list of things I wanted to accomplish. Approximately 10 days after my graduation day, I was off to Washington, D.C. for a summer internship. After this, I planned on getting a business job in the city so I could begin climbing the ladder of success. I already had some great contacts and prospects were looking good. After my first internship with the National 4-H Center, I was set to work with a huge marketing non-profit organization called Point of Purchase Advertising International. In fact, before my 4-H position had ended, I got a call from this company asking me to interview for a full-time job. Wow! What an opportunity right? Right…but it wasn't what God wanted. Instead of taking the position, I enrolled in a Youth With A Mission (YWAM) DTS in a small town in Germany. When I returned, I was hanging out in Oregon for about 4 months without a job. It seemed my life was in standstill. I was waiting…

My heart longed to go back to Washington DC, and I truly felt that's where I was supposed to be. So in August, I gathered all my belongings, hopped in the car with my mom and drove for 6 days until I reached the other side of the United States. Finally, I was living in the big city again like I had dreamed about…but wait, I didn't have a job! God took care of this too, but not before there was a long period of waiting again. This whole waiting thing was starting to seem like a pattern…

Now here I sit almost exactly one year after moving back out to the East Coast. Guess what I am doing? That's right…waiting! At first it was frustrating and depressing. I sat at my house almost every night, slept, and did nothing more than wallow in my own self-pity. I asked all my friends to pray that I would get a job, that I would find an apartment, and that my life would start again so I could climb out of my rut. But, once again, God had other things in mind. I am still in the waiting place as we speak. I'm still at an internship which no longer challenges me. I'm still living in a community house which feels more like a dorm than my own place. And I still have very few friends since most of them returned home after the internship ended a few months ago.

My whole life feels like it is in limbo. I have been continually praying that this situation would end and my life would start to move forward again. However, I now know God is trying to teach me a lesson through this particular situation. What is the lesson? Simply this: to know that wherever I am, it is exactly where God wants me. My life may not be the glamorous one I had pictured while I was still at George Fox, but it is strengthening me for the "real" plan for my life.

I have two short quotes I would like to share and expound upon. These are the bits of wisdom I would like to bestow upon you.

Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one. The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort. God is more interested in making your life holy than he is in making your life happy. - Rick Warren

Character forming may not be the most comfortable thing we go through in life, but it is the most important. Follow God wherever He takes you. Realize that often times you will make mistakes, but as long as you are trying your best to follow God, you will end up right where He wants you. I can almost guarantee you that life will be NOTHING like what you expect…this is a good thing. Our time here on earth would be far too boring and predictable if it went according to our plans.

I was so anxious about the future that I neglected the now! - Paul Uriat

This quote came from a young man I worked with during YWAM in the Philippines. Make every day count! Don't get so caught up in your plans and your future that you forget to make this day, this time, and this moment count. This is especially true when you are waiting. Learn to enjoy every breath for what it is - a gift from God!