As you probably remember, for the last year Briana has been getting ready to attend a college about 45 min. away this fall.  She has always enjoyed interior design, and has been really excited to study it and attend this college. 

Except for the doubts. 

They weren't there all the time.   They would just creep in on occasion.  See, there was an original decision to make about whether to pursue interior design or musical theater.  She settled on the design, because she thought it would be more practical, although, she couldn't fathom giving up either one.  To try to compensate, she was going to minor in theater, although it wasn't musical theater, which is her love.  So only occasionally would she doubt~~until November.  In November she grieved for a long time after the Nutcracker that her stage life was almost over.  She prayed a lot, and eventually settled back in.  Except now in hind sight, I'm not sure if she ever got back to the place of interest in interior design that she had been.  I think it's been a slow simmer this spring.  By the time she finished her recital (which has not only ballet, but quite a bit of musical theater type production numbers), then went to her annual 2 week muscial theater camp, she was in "crisis". 

So last week, exactly one week before orientation and writing a really big check, she came to me and said that this was not what she wanted.  She would enjoy learning some about interior design, but it was not what she wanted to do.  Her heart longs for musical theater.  Even with that, it was not an easy decision.  She loves the campus she was supposed to attend, was reluctant to make such a huge decision, and had no idea where to go from here.  We had one week to decide what to do, and Dad is in Guatemala.  (Can you say, "Okay, Mom, take a deep breath and pray?") 

I certainly wasn't set on her majoring in interior design (it's totally their decision whether they even attend college), but like her, was afraid to make such a big decision in a week's time.  After prayer and long conversations, she has decided to not go to college this year.  She has trust in the Lord leading her.  He knows the desires of her heart, and in fact, He is the author of them.  Yes, the atmosphere of the theater concerns me, but I am fully confident in Him and where He will lead and where He will protect.  Plus, I know she is very strong in her faith, and is not afraid to "miss out" or step out of something she does not agree with. 

So, now what?  We don't have a clue.  In some form or fashion and location, if it works out, we plan for it to include voice lessons, tap, and further ballet lessons.  We have a little over a month to figure that out if she is to start in the fall.  I'm not sure if she will live at home.  We are looking at Christian colleges with musical theater degrees for next year, and if that works out, she will probably be 4-5 hours from home.  I'm not at all ready to say what will happen.  The Lord is definitely still revealing Himself in this, and it may turn out that college is not the way she will go.  Briana's long term goals are to have a family and stay at home, but I know He will do so much through her until then.  He knows the plans He has for her. 

That seems to be the theme for our family this year~~  "I have plans for you.  Just be still and wait on me." 

Spring Recital
Lyrical Solo to Rachael Lampa's "No Greater Love"  (Christian song)

Ballet en Pointe~Briana is front and center

Aladdin

Triple Threat Summer Intensive Program, June 2008

Briana's Monologue~The Stepsister Speaks Out 

Musical Theater Class

Pointe class~below
   See the lady in the pink on the far right side, clapping?  She is the pointe teacher, and her husband teaches ballet.  They were both in the Kirov Ballet (Russian), and we were told this year that he was the succesor to Mikhail Baryshnikov.  This playhouse is ideally where Briana would love to train this next year, but housing is an issue. 

A couple of people have asked about an update on the mission trip.  I don't know much.  I do know that Sunday night, "many" people came forward at alter call.  I know that it has rained torents, as of this morning neither Ashley or James has been sick, they are on their way tonight back to Anigua, and will fly home tomorrow.  I am SOOOO past ready.  I'll update next week. 

Please pray for their flight tomorrow, and for Briana as she continues to seek God's direction for her life this next year.

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Posted by HomeintheMitten

It sounds like she is making a careful and wise decision. It's wonderful to know she is seeking the Lord and her parents' counsel, looking ahead to the future and thoughtfully weighing her plans. It's so comforting to know God is in control and has given your daughter special giftings and passions.

Our pastor's daughter just graduated from college, also majoring in dance performance and did a lovely dance at our church a few weeks ago. Your daughter's pictures reminded me of her, so graceful and strong!

Blessings, Julie

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Posted by jiffy11

I am so glad I stumbled upon your blog. I sense you are a very wise mama. I love the attitude you have towards your daughter furthering her education...college isn't a must but following God's will is. This is the attitude I have towards my children (although they are still young 11,8,5,3) but there are some family and friends who believe college is a must.

Your daughter looks to be a very talented young lady!

Jennifer

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Posted by Shari Ellen

It's neat that Briana knows what she is interested in and is wanting to follow the Lord's will. Too bad that she will be further from home. I'll be going through this in 3 years with my oldest. And I'm already scared.

I haven't looked into the Mystery of History. I've used the first volume of Story of the World and this is why - I liked the price and I could read it aloud to all of my kids at once. It wasn't too overwhelming, yet I learned a lot. So, I'll probably get volume 2 for this coming school year. The book mentions Bible stories in vol. 1, but there isn't an emphasis on Christianity. If that is what you want then you probably wouldn't be interested in Story of the World. You can look through sample pages at christianbook.com
It's always so hard to know what the books are actually like. We live out in the boonies and the only way to get our curriculum is to order it, so I don't get to really check it out first.
http://ellenfunlearning.blogspot.com/

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Posted by ByHisGraceInColorado

Sounds like you have a lot going on :)
Bless your heart!

Thanks again for coming by to check up on me. I haven't been posting much at all, but did just post a fun one with lots of pictures. Come see!

Blessings, and thanks for your friendship,
Nancy

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Posted by tn3jcarter

I think it's wonderful that she listened to that still small voice and came to you with her doubts. So many people feel are scared to change paths once they've begun making plans!

Thanks for the comment on my clutter post. I appreciate the empathy. I'm slowly making a little itty-bitty bit of progress. I watched that show Clean House today hoping it would inspire me! ha!

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Posted by MamaJ

It must be so wonderful to see how much prayer your precious daughter is putting into her decisions. I can't imagine it must be easy to let go and allow her to make those decisions either. But remember God's promise, "Teach them in the way they should go and whey they are old, they shall not depart from it". I'm sorry that I don't remember the reference to that verse. I'll be praying for you and your family as well during the time of decisions. But it sounds to me like your daughter will always make you proud, no matter what. And with the strong base of faith you as parents have given her, God has huge plans for her, and will guide her. Now it's time for Mama to rest in Him too. God bless you.

Mama J.

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Posted by ReviewsbyHeidi

Now I see why you told me you were having a different summer. Wasn't that your word? Bless your heart~ alot for a Mama to take in and deal with when Dad is away. But, it sounds like Briana has made a very wise decision~ I'm one for not going to college if you're not sure~ and I totally respect your decision not to push her into something she's not sure of. God will definitely have a hand in planning her future and it sounds like she's very open to His leadings.
Sending you hugs.....

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Posted by joyfulhomeschool

Oh man! I am reading and learning from you! Way to go Mom! You did take a deep breath and you prayed and the Lord is leading. I am so excited to see where He leads. It sounds like you guys made the right choice since she was feeling so strong about it! I think you are amazing to be alone at that time and facing so much and the ability to see that time is on your side and it is okay to wait to be sure! What a precious Mom to have and she looks like she just glows in her perfomances! Beautiful.

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Posted by His4life

You have lots of BIG stuff going on!! I will pray for Brianna and for your family! What a GREAT thing that she is realizing this before the semester or year started!! Praise God!! What an inspiration that she is!!

I hope that the mission trip went well!

Thanks for stopping by my blog and posting a comment! You are a blessing!

Love and God bless!
Angie:)

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Posted by AcceptanceWithJoy

I think it is wonderful that Briana is developing her talent. God created her with a gift and the passion to perform.

I have been thinking about this with my Marissa for some time. Marissa has a beautiful singing voice. Because of her FAS, she has anxiety; she is not always sure how to interpret the song. She watches someone else perform and then tries to mimic what they do. She is uncomfortable on stage because, although she is capable, she fears people will see her disability. (Even though she tells me that she loves to sing because she feels like she doesn't have a disability when she sings. I know this doesn't make sense, but she is 16 and I figure things don't have to make sense). Anyway, she has talked a lot about quitting lately. You see, she only wants to sing if she can be someone, name up in neon, raking in 6 or 7 figure salaries.

You have done something right if Briana knows and understands that it is more important to do something for the glory of God, no matter what. Yeah parents! And, yeah Briana for following the doors that God opens for you.

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Posted by ThreeLittleLadies

I'm sure this won't be her last change in plans, but praise God! God will work in her to will and to do according to His good pleasure.

YWAM has some theatre arts programs... Maybe Briana could consider doing a Discipleship Training School in the fall or winter followed by a school of performing arts... Just thought I'd throw that out.

Carol

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