Gift to me

This is the purse that I purchased myself on Friday. It was supposed to be my graduation gift but since it was an older version, it had been discontinued and they only a had a few left in stock. Besides that, my 25% off coupon was only good through today.

They didn't have the matching wallet/clutch so I had to order it.

I'm not sure when I'll get to use it for the first time. Reason: While I'm school I carry a backpack. I refuse to carry a purse and a bookbag. Perhaps over the weekend or for a special event. Just another reason that I can't wait until I graduate.

Speaking

I first saw the painting at this years P.A of W convention in Nashville. It wasn't in the budget at the time but its definitely going to be on my wall by Christmas.

I've been told that art is subjective and means different things to different people. I can definitely agree. My immediate and continuing thought of this piece is the awesomness that it speaks of our relationship with God.

For those who don't know what this picture is meant to reflect, take a moment to read Matthew 9:20-22, Mark 5:25-34, and Luke 8:43-47.

When I reflect on the woman with an issue of blood, I consider each of us as a person with "an issue". Something that all of our money, education, friends and family, or own self will is unable to cure. We deal with it for weeks, months, and maybe even years before we come to the realization that its only by the healing power of God (Jesus) that we can be healed and delivered. Once we get to the point of desperation, we are willing to go through whatever it takes to get to him. I'm sure that the woman with the blood condition was being trampled, yelled at, knocked around, and every other imaginable thing, by those in the crowd. They too, were there to get "something" from Jesus but wasn't concerned about their issue. She realized that He was the only one who was able to make her whole and it didn't matter what anyone around her had to say or thought.

Many would have you to believe that Jesus didn't notice that others in the croud were touching him, and were likely healed in the process. But how awesome it was of Him to take notice of her. That's just how wonderful Jesus is...even with others around, and you feeling as though the weight of the world is on you, He is able to take notice and make you feel like the most important person in the room.

I can attest to the fact that God has a way to make you feel absolutely wonderful, especially in times when ou need it the most. That's the greatness of an all-seeing, all-knowing, and always waiting God.

Passing

As if school doesn't have me busy enough, I decided that I'd get another license for my job. When the BofA acquisition was announced, it became pretty obvious that my time in my current position was limited. Don't get me wrong, I never intended to make this position a permanent career move but I had anticipated sitting tight until I completed my MBA in December. The possibility of not having until December, put a little fire under my tail.

During my year end review last year, with my managers support, I decided that I would get my Series 24, which allows me to function as a principal, or as I'm hoping, in Compliance. Because of the heavy coursework for school, I put off opening my window 120 window until July. Once I recieved my materials, I still didn't start studying right away...just a little hear and there. Then I learned that BofA was meeting with our department heads and that Legal Day one would be October 1st. It became clear that this was not the First Chicago/ Bank One or Bank One/ Chase mergers that I'd gone through in previous years. BofA is moving swiftly and they know exactly what they are doing. In fact, news about our positions is expected by the end of October.

I degress...

About two weeks ago, I decided to buckle down and prepare to take the test that spans 3.5 hours with 150 questions (plus five additional questions that the proctoring location throws in). I studied day (at work) and night, with the exceptions of the time I was at church or in class. I finally made the decision on last Sunday night that I would take the exam this Friday morning at 9am. I spent Wednesday and Thursday cramming at the library. I had heard the horror stories of how it took people 2 and 3 attempts to pass it. My time constraints don't allow for that. A 30 day waiting period between each attempt and a 6 month wait after the 3rd failure....no sir'ee bob...I plan to have my life back after December.

Enter test room, say a prayer, and begin. The first 30 or so questions left me pretty confident. Somewhere around question 35, in this freezing room, staring at a computer, I think to myself "what the heck, I have no idea what they are talking about". Let the guessing begin! Upon reaching question 115, my confidence had return and the final few were a breeze. Although I had a few marked for review, I decided that I'd trust God and my first instinct. I immediatly hit the COMPLETE link, gathered my things, as I waited for my score to generate. 72%...YESSSSS. It may sound like just passing but in this field just passing is a big deal. These exams aren't meant for you "score high"...in fact, no one really cares what you score because you don't really learn until you start operating in the function.

As suspected, once I got to work, there were some people that were extremely excited about my success while other displayed their negative, sarcastic attitudes as they always do. Thank God I didn't allow them to steal my moment. Besides that I have in possesion my graduation gift (pic will be posted a little later) and it's looking extra lovely.

What next? Series 4, 55...who knows...perhaps I should just focus on graduation and then starting the CFA program next year.

God?

I immediately found the truth and humor in this. Can imagine the kind of confusion that a kid would go through if they were forced to acknowledge every "god" out there? Then what order would you put them in when listing them? I think its important that we teach children prayer and the truth about the God that we serve. I also believe that schools allow children to exercise their right to practice their faith as long as it does not infringe on others. However, I don't think I want the CPS or any other public school system delivering religion to its pupils.