When I am not blogging or hanging out with my pups, I am meeting with clients, helping them sell or find their perfect home. My real estate career began 7 years; 6 months after I graduated college with my Business Marketing degree. It wasn't my dream job or what I had planned out for my life but as each day went on my love for real estate grew, quickly realizing that this really is my dream job.

Growing up I was taught to have 5-year and 10-year plans, I was always so quick to answer the famous question, "where do you see yourself in 5 years." As time went by my plans never ever seemed to go as planned. My interests were constantly changing, in 3rd grade, I dreamed of being a teacher, in middle school I wanted to be a doctor, in high school, I went back and forth between wanting to be a doctor, lawyer and news anchor. Whatever it was that I wanted to be I made sure I quickly developed a plan on how to get there. But somewhere along the lines my plans always took a turn. Never realizing that it was God making those turns in getting me where he wanted me to be.

"The heart of man plans his ways, but the Lord establishes his steps." Proverbs 16:9

Over the years I have found so much comfort in that verse, knowing that God is in complete control of my life and there is nothing I can do to change His plans. I used to struggle with worrying and anxiety over God's will for my life. I constantly questioned His will for me and was fearful that I might wreck God's plan or ruin His will for my life. But God is a purposeful God, allowing every circumstance in our life to enter and causing doors to open or shut. In my first real estate job, I worked for a small company of about 7 employees, I loved it there, but one day after 6 months, I was fired. I cried, I couldn't believe that I was terminated, I was humbled and embarrassed, but if it wasn't for me getting fired I would have never left. God allowed me to get fired so that I could grow and apply at larger companies. The following week, I accepted a job with a much larger firm and grew substantially.

When I moved to Virginia, I was nervous about signing on with a new company, because I wanted to make sure it matched up with my mission statement, vision and how I conducted business. After interviewing a couple of brokerages, I chose the best one. After being there for a year, I realized that it was time to move on to a company that better matched my way of business, but I was comfortable and wasn't motivated enough to make the switch. Well, four months later, the Lord sent a sticky situation my way that caused me to jump. No matter where you are in life, if you are a child of God, you can find comfort in knowing that He is always with you, guiding and leading you every step of the way. (even when we aren't so quick to listen)

If you struggle with constantly wanting to know God's will for your life, pray this verse with confidence "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths, guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation and on you I wait all the day." Psalm 25:4-5 But remember, God's will is simple, we are to honor Him in all that we do by being obedient to His word.

If the plans you had set out aren't going as planned, do not fret or worry, keep seeking the Lord, for His ways are greater than ours. God's plans aren't always the easiest, merriest or exciting, there are times He will have us go through trials but it is all for His glory and in that we can find joy. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Love you girls, keep seeking the Lord and trusting in Him! Nioby

MY PLANS, DREAMS, AND GOALS.