The great oak tree was once a nut that stood its ground.

It’s amazing to me how God puts little things in your life to let you know He’s with you. A couple days ago in my Immunology class, we had a debate about embryonic stem cell research. I was the only person in my class who was against using human embryos for research. Instead of being nervous, I took it as a great opportunity to share my beliefs with the rest of the class.

Being that I was the only person in the class against it, my professor asked me to start the discussion by sharing my beliefs. I was allowed to talk freely for probably 10 minutes on why I thought it wasn’t a good idea to do tests on embryos. On top of that, people were interested and asking me questions about my views. I really felt like it was a great opportunity to take a stand for something, even when I was greatly outnumbered.

The purpose of this post is not to give my reasons for why I don’t agree with embryonic stem cell research. Instead, I want it to help people to speak up for what they believe in, despite how outnumbered they may be or nervous they may feel. I knew that in singling myself out like I did made me an open target to any opposition. I knew that there would be those that thought I was crazy, or stifling a good thing that science could do. I didn’t let that stop me, and I’m so glad. Not only did people get to hear my side of it, but the two people on my lab bench actually decided after the debate that they agreed with my standing, and not the majority. It felt really rewarding to hear that.

The truth is, even if no one agreed with me at the end of the debate, I knew I had done the right thing for sticking up for what I believe in. There is a satisfaction that comes when you are faced with a conflict and you hold true to your values and Godly principles no matter what the rest of the world thinks. And the more you practice standing up for what you believe in, the easier it becomes.

I felt really good after the debate. I only hope that God was pleased with me for standing up for what I think He wants. On my drive home from school, I came across the quote at the top of this post, which was located on a billboard at a gas station. I had to laugh to myself because it was totally perfect as to what I had experienced that day in lab. And I believe that was God telling me “well done”.

Don’t be afraid to live out your convictions. Don’t waver just because you’re going against the flow. You just may find out that there are people out there needing a “nut” like you to show them the right path.

My plan for my relationship: My relationship with M, first and foremost, has to be kept Number One. I never want a piece of homework or a call from work to take priority over him. I’m not saying it’s okay to skip studying for a final just to watch a TV show with him, but time with each other is important to me. And I’m not saying I’m going to the extreme of making a literal schedule in which I have to pencil him in. That’s kind of weird, if you ask me. I just want to be sensitive to the amount of time I am spending with my husband. I don’t want to neglect our relationship. Sure, there are times when things really need to get done, possibly for a deadline, but it’s healthy to step away for a break now and then. And even then if M would need me for something, I wouldn’t hesitate to help him. And now that M is back in school, I see the importance of making time for your spouse even more so. Although I’ve been pretty understanding so far about him needing to do schoolwork, there are still times that I wish he would just step back for a couple minutes and give me some attention. And he has been really good about that too. So no matter what school may bring, I’m not going to forget that I have a spouse that needs my attention as well.

My plan for work: It seems like I’ve got about four different jobs I’m balancing at once. I will be starting part-time as a children’s minister at the church soon, which will require much dedicated time. On top of that, I have a job at an assisted living home and a few hours at another senior housing facility. And in March of this year I started selling jewelry at in-home parties, which business has quadrupled since I started. It’s great to be making money and contributing to paying our expenses. However, being a part of the children’s ministry is going to have to be my priority. I’m going to have to cut way back on the hours I take at the assisted-living facility, and maybe even stop doing jewelry parties, although they pay very well. If I don’t make priorities as to what job is more important, I’m going to run myself in the ground with work. Although there might not be as much income coming in, I have to make time for school as well.

My plan for school: I’m just starting my last year as a Biomedical Science major, and I am already overwhelmed. I’ve got a presentation on Diabetes that is to last two class periods due in two weeks. Biochemistry makes me feel like I can’t breathe. My Immunology teacher has never taught a class before and doesn’t have a clue. And I can’t find the book for my Medical Terminology class! I have a lot of work to do! In order to make this semester as easy as possible, I’m making a clear plan for myself. First, every assignment and test coming up for each class is going to be written in the same planner so I can keep everything straight. Next, instead of crashing on the couch when I get home from school like I’ve done in the past, I’m going to work on any assignments that are due in the near future. My motivation for working on assignments right away takes me back to my first plan–my plan for my relationship. The sooner and quicker I get my assignments done, the more time I will have to spend with my husband when he gets home from work. Another great time for me to work on homework is when M is busy doing his own homework, or if he is out mowing the lawn or doing something I can’t be involved in. For example, M will be gone all weekend at Promise Keepers. I decided before he even left that this will be a study weekend. As of now, I’ve already finished a paper that isn’t due until Wednesday, and I’ve started researching for my upcoming presentation. Tomorrow it’s Biochemistry. School should go better if I stick to my plan.

I’m really excited to see how taking the time to write down what I expect of myself is going to affect the way I manage my time. If it works for me, maybe it can work for you too.

I had to read a Work-Life Problem solving matrix for one of my assigned readings and it really hit home. It was about a woman and a man who were engaged. She took a job in Boston for her Doctoral residency and he found a job out there also. They had all sorts of dislikes and likes about stuff out there and what they would decide on. It ranged form where they would live in relation to their jobs to where they would store their horses. I was reading it and totally enjoyed it! I found myself putting mine and B’s name in there as I read. It made me realize that we would have to make some decisions like this someday.

B finishes school next spring with a degree in Biomedical Science and then she is going to look for a job. I will finish my graduate program in early 2008. We don’t have any kids yet and we only have a puggat name Roogy. Roogy is easy going though! We will have some decisions to make when I am done with school and even when she is done with school. B also took on the joy of doing children’s ministry at our church part time until she is done with school. I just started to get more involved in running men’s ministry. Life seems so busy right now, but we know God has it all under control.

I am sure my posting here on BrauchTalk will slow down a bit due to the fact that I will be so busy with life. I know that God will guide us in what we decide to do with the direction he has given us. I hope to have a few posts up here soon that has to do with school and our new car and a few other things. B starts up school here in two days again. Life is busy but good! Enjoy Labor Day! God Bless!