Burden or Blessing?

Well, time is already sliding by faster than we realize, and it has been over a month since our last post! We are already preparing to pay our 3rd month's rent in our new townhouse here in Memphis- wow! Moreover, Kent just completed his first dental school exam yesterday morning at 8am! He studied all weekend, and he has been diligent to study every day after class to stay on top of his material. He did GREAT! Thank you for all the prayers, and your continued prayers are welcomed to keep him lifted up throughout his dental school tenure.

I also desire your prayers as I have begun a journey of unfamiliar territory. I started a new job on August 9th, working as a dental receptionist for a father and son dentist team. Ironically applicable to my life, right? :) Well, I began my job with nervous energy and excitement, and I now find myself lost in stressful uncertainty and inner turmoil. I desire to live for the Lord daily, and serve Him in whatever setting in which He has me. For some reason, however, this new job is very difficult for me! I appreciate all of your support, prayers, and wisdom as I seek contentment in the Lord regardless of my circumstances, and more than that, to remember how blessed I am to be employed and earning an income! My co-workers and the doctors I work for are really great. I have learned so much about the dental field, working in a medical office, and I am learning more about myself than I ever dreamed I would just from starting a new job. I have realized that Satan is at work trying to discourage me and make me think of my job as a burden when it really is a blessing! Today was my best day at the office so far, and I am so grateful for all the encouragement and wisdom I have received during this time of growth and change in my life. I'll keep you posted as I become an "expert" scheduler, office manager, accounts manager, and more! Funny note- I am learning how teeth are numbered (or lettered if the patient is a child), the names of tooth surfaces, and the various dental procedures (and more!) almost at the same time Kent is learning them in school! (Side note from Kent: That was the first 5 minutes of class on my first day!... :) ) God works in mysterious ways!!! :)

  

GRIFFINews

 Since it has been a while...I'm going to give you a quick update on what we've been up to lately...

*Katie and Mom helped move us in July 9-11

*Tori Swinehart came to visit July 15-17

*Mom & Dad (Griffin) came to visit us July 22-25

*We went to the Memphis Zoo on July 27- Tuesdays are FREE for TN residents! Yipee! :)

*Kent started dental school on Aug 2

*Andy & Julianne came to visit us on Aug 5 & 8th on their way through Memphis to and from a wedding
*Kelly started work at a dental office on Aug 9

*Kelly went to Seattle on Aug 17 for Robby & Kendahl's wedding on Aug 20 (Kelly's brother & NEW sister-in-law!)
*Natasha Archie came to visit us on Aug 28

*Trip to Charleston for cousin Carly's wedding coming soon- Labor Day weekend!!! :)

*James 1:2-6*

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind."