Patty Cogswell's Blog

Wednesday, August 17, 2011 |

I always chuckle to myself when I have to present my story or myself in a few select words. This is partly because i REALLY like laughing, but also because it has taken me a long time to realize that I, along with everyone else, have a story no matter if it has been a path filled with bumps and curves or one that might be characterized as straight and more rigid. I have been uniquely created and shaped by God with my own gifts and assets as have all of the wonderful people I have met over the years, hurting or not.

Through the years I have been involved in several lay ministry opportunities including Bible studies with youth, college students and couples, drama and preaching, and other avenues of teaching and leadership roles. I have seen churches build people up as well as tear them down. Nothing has made me feel more alive, though, than when I connect with people and partner with them on their journey... their own life story. This has all come to an even larger understanding after my marriage and parenting journey began. I now understand the demands of making a good mariage great and the high calling of being a mother and am invigorated by these challenges. Both of these areas take much dedication but will ultimately be one of the best chapter's in my story if I continue to work at them. Life happens for all of us, whether good or bad, but it's a matter of how we deal with it and what character features God is developing within us at that time.

I have focused my studies in the area of counseling and know that my heart is to serve people in that capacity. I completed my undergraduate work at Evangel University and am currently working on my license for becoming a professional counselor. It has taken me too long to understand that I was valuable and strong in God's eyes. I have traveled the road of not feeling good enough, not having passion, not feeling complete, and feeling like a failure. Whether you are at that place in your journey or another, God's plan is for you to feel complete and whole. He does not desire for us to be alone on our journey.