CPA exam...Take 2!

After an amazing review and meeting with my bosses, I am jumping back into studying for the CPA exam.  It will take up so much of my time, energy, and money.

Let's talk money...

I looked at Roger, Wiley, Becker, etc study programs and they are so expensive, I'm trying to find a way to pay for one without breaking my family's budget.  Then add in the actual exam expense and this exam will cost me a few thousand dollars (and then some if I end up failing a few).

I've tried in the past to concur this but I haven't had success, but I'm not sure I was ever 100% into it. This time, I'm in a different place in my life.  I'm just going to jump in and do it.  I pray that I'll have the strength to get this done because this will be an amazing career advancement opportunity for me.  I plan on blogging my progress, to keep me motivated & accountable.  My online time will be limited as well as any free time I have at home, but it WILL be worth it....right??

If y'all could keep me in your prayers I'd love it.  I think I'll need all I can get!


Blessings,
Melissa

Genealogy Page is Open for Business

That's right!  The genealogy section of my blog is open!   It hasn't been updated recently but feel free to have a look around.  You can always click the genealogy link in the upper right corner of my blog to take you right there.

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About 9 years ago I began an adventure that has led me to find many lost and unknown relatives.  It started with one simple question, am I able to get into the DAR?  That one question has now developed into a great passion of mine.

I have found not just one or two but many ancestors that have service in the revolutionary as well as many of the wars our country has fought in since then.  I have found great stories and great sadness, broken down brick walls, and met some family members along the way.

I'm not just focused on my own family history.  I also enjoy helping others on their own family history.  I assist them in finding records and documenting family graves around the Hampton Roads area and some near my home town in New Jersey.  

If you have any questions, I'm always happy to help out in any way possible.

Lis

Bible Journaling on Easter

I wanted to catch up and put the pages I have worked on so far in my journal in one place so that I stay current.  I focused and prayed over 2 pages today and I love how they turned out.

This one is my favorite from today.

 The rest I have done over the last 2 weeks.

I love working on these.  I really makes me focus on the verse/book I'm on and it relaxes me.  I know I'm not an artist but I'm not worried about that at all.

Have a blessed Easter.
Lis

Genealogy Page

Coming Soon!

It's been a while...

Life has a way of going out of control.  And I'm not talking about a bad way, just in general.  I mean here it is, 23 days in to March already and it's 83 days into the new year.  I've been working like crazy at work, at home and just in general while my blog sat waiting patiently for me to return.

To tell you the truth, I didn't know what to write about.  I needed to refocus and see what came to me. During that time I started bible journaling (I'm DEFINITELY no artist!!) and dove into a bible study led by Time Warp Wife.  I started up my genealogy hobby again (more on that later)  and planned out my garden for the summer.  Then it occurred to me.  I just listed off everything I want to write about.  

So That's what I'm going to do.  Over the next few days/weeks I'm going to fill in the missing pieces of the blog, introduce you to my hobbies and entertain you with my craziness I call life.  

One Word 2016: Present

I will admit, I struggled with this.  I tasked myself and you all to find one word focus on for the upcoming year.  I prayed over it, read my bible, talked to friends, and I still struggled.  Last night while I sat alone with my thoughts I finally came up with mine.

Present

I want to focus on being present.  I worry about tomorrow and how things were handled in the past making me miss the present.  Each moment is a gift and I want to be able to value each one.  My daughter is 12 and growing into a strong young lady and I want to be present more in her life.   My husband and I are in a great place but I need to remember not to get distracted when life gets hectic and to always make time for us.   I’m do well with my devotions and my first 15 but there is always room for improvement.  I plan on making an effort to put down my electronic devices and live in the now. Last year was a blur with buying a new house, problems at school, work, family, etc.  Now that we are settled, it’s time to focus on what’s important.

I know I will need to redirect my thoughts and actions over the next year and it will take a great deal of prayer to help me along the way.


Did you find your one word?  Let me know!

What's Your One Word?

Do you have a word or a theme that you focus on for a year?  

Most people use the start of a new year to create a them or think of a focus word to meditate on for the next year.  That's all good and well but I know myself and I will likely fail if I start something as a new year's resolution.  For me, Autumn seems like the perfect time to start a theme or a word to focus on.  I mean why not?  Fall is time to Restart!  Reboot! and Refresh!

Let's look at that more closely, if you are like me, you may have planted some bulbs this fall so at the start of spring you have new growth!    So if you think of a word to live by now, come spring you may also see some growth and blessing in your own life.

My task this week is to think of that one word.  I also challenged my good friend Jac with the same task and if you are up to it, I challenge you to also find that one word!!

Blessings, 

Melissa