Two years ago, I had just returned from one of the most painful lessons in my life. I had moved to Texas because I felt it was my destiny to get away from North Dakota. I was naive. God taught me a complicated, messy lesson through this move. It ended up costing me a large lock of hair, 2 days in my car, 4 months of my life, and $12,000 in school loans, but the return is worth it all. - - - I returned from Texas two years ago, the Wednesday after Thanksgiving. Everything has come together since that long drive back home. When I was in Texas, shortly before Thanksgiving, I realized that I had missed the man of my dreams and left him back home. I remember writing him an email after about 6 months without communication, my heart was racing. I used to always pray that I wouldn't miss my husband when our paths crossed. I would pray that if I did miss him, God would provide another meeting. I hated the idea of missing him and ending up with the wrong man. I used to pray that God would protect his heart and preserve it for me alone. God provided another meeting. My soul's match was still single and excited to hear from me again. He said he still thought about me often and prayed for me. He romanced me during a very dark and difficult time in my life and gave me hope that God had not forgotten about little me in the state where "everything is bigger." My soul's match, Steven and I have been together for the past 2 years without flinching. We are now engaged and can hardly wait for the 3 months until our wedding to pass. On 3.21.09 I will be marring my best friend and we will become one flesh. I will always love you Steven. - - - Two and a half years ago, I decided to return to school. I had "taken some time off" a year prior because I "didn't know what to study". I have always known that I have the ability to accomplish anything that I set my mind to, but "knowing this" has often been a cop out that makes it so I don't finish anything. In two and a half weeks I am graduating with my Bachelor's degree. I have been on the Dean's List several times. I am a member of the English Honor Society. I recently set the curve in one of my classes at midterm time. I have excelled in school and I am racing to the finish line. I am completing something! - - - I have heard horror stories about the long gap between when people graduate from college to the time when they find a job. I didn't want this to happen to me. I knew I couldn't afford it-mentally or financially. Last spring, I decided that I was going to have a job offer by graduation. I started looking for an internship, even though I didn't need one to graduate. I just wanted the extra experience; just in case it would lead me to employment following graduation. I am an intern at a weekly newspaper. I have had 6 articles published so far and it worked. 2 weeks ago, I was offered my perfect first job. It is a new position they're creating. I am the Special Sections Coordinator at the newspaper in my hometown. I will be in charge of design, layout, content, and editing about 13 inserts ("special sections"). Even better, I will be able to write if I want to (or I can assign the stories to freelance writers). I can't wait to start. It is exactly the position I would have chosen for myself. - - - A good friend of mine said to me a few days ago, "Tiffany, I am very happy for you. All of your hard work is finally showing." I have been working so hard trying to get everything together ever since I returned from Texas and everything is finally coming together. My heart smiles and I can't even hide it. - - - I am so blessed. I am so happy. I have trusted the Lord and He has given me the desires of my heart. It has been hard at times, but the He is good and is the giver every good and perfect gift. I serve a wonderful god. | 
