Down but not out

It's been FOR-EVER since our last blog and I'm sure many of you were wondering if the Northcutts had abandoned the blogging world. But have no fear -- we are back! The last few weeks have just been a little crazy:

Craig started back at school in January and has been working hard to balance his job and school work. Last semester, Craig found out that he would not be allowed to graduate in May. He only had 13 hours left but two of the classes could not be taken simultaneously. It was a big disappointment when we found out he would have to go two more semesters and graduate in December. I know Craig was frustrated and so anxious to be done with school but he kept saying that God is sovereign and He had a reason for allowing this to happen. Well, now we know the reason! Craig is taking two very demanding classes. There is no way he could've handled all 13 hours. At least once a week, one of us mentions how glad we are that his schedule got messed up. I guess Garth Brooks said it best... Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.

I started an internship at Our Children's House at Baylor and am working there full time this semester. This had created a change in our home life since I am not at home much anymore. I worried about being able to have job and get everything done around the house but my husband has been INCREDIBLE. He always has dinner ready or at least started, he helps with laundry and doing housework, (He's going to be so embarrassed that I posted this but I felt I just had to brag about him)!

My internship has been a great learning experience and lots of fun and also A LOT of work. I have learned that working full time is not as glamorous as I thought it would be and that college life was pretty good. I leave the house about 6:45 am and don't return until 7 at night, physically exhausted and emotionally drained. It has been a challenge to get use to this schedule but I am learning more than any class or textbook could teach me. My greatest lessons have been about God's grace and the undeserving love He has for me. I have always felt blessed for the things God has given me -- family, friends, a place to live but I have never thanked Him for myself. I now realize that He created a miracle in me. I am grateful for every breath I take because it's breath taken without the assistance of a ventilator. Grateful for every step I take because it's a step without the support of a wheelchair. Grateful for every word I speak because I can say them freely without struggle. The body He created for me is not what I deserve and His love overwhelms me.

So for now, life is crazy, unpredictable and at times, so wonderful!