The Journey of a Believer

Merry Christmas

2011-12-15T12:54:00.004-06:00

Christmas, my favorite holiday, is just around the corner! Hard to believe- especially since it's 62 degrees outside right now!

This holiday started with the birth of our Savior, despite what others may think. I know this to be true, and I am so thankful for His birthday.

I recently read a facebook status regarding the "Elf on the Shelf" which spurred up a conversation about the true meaning of Christmas and Santa.

I know I'm not a parent, but I do have a opinion on Christmas traditions, new and old.

I have no reservations about Santa and the Elf.

When I was younger, Santa visited our house. (And he still does).

When I found out the truth, that was that.

I did not doubt the truth of God's Son, Jesus, by any means. My parents had never, to my knowledge, openly discussed the "truth" of Santa. However, they did openly discuss our Lord and Savior.

I recently read an article regarding this subject, so I thought I'd share!

http://www.andysavage.net/default.aspx?p=84018&beid=116040

Merry Christmas!

Coffee Milkshake

2011-09-25T16:04:00.005-05:00

Every once in awhile, especially during the summer, I crave something cold and delicious. Most of the time something with coffee in it. :)

This is my favorite coffee milkshake recipe. About once a month or so, I'll go to the store and buy a PINT of coffee ice cream. (One pint makes 2 milkshakes.)

My favorite brands are:

(from starbucks.com)

(from haagen-dazs.com)

First off, I microwave the pint of ice cream (with top off) for around 10-15 seconds to soften it.

I then divide the pint in half either using a knife or guesstimating while scooping into blender.

Add 3/4 cup of milk (I use skim to try and save a few calories! :))

Add 1 tsp of vanilla (I guesstimate as I pour in).

Blend together and enjoy! :)

Leaning on the Truth Tonight

2011-09-18T20:58:00.003-05:00

Isaiah 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD."

I've been unsure of God's plans really for the past year and a half. I'm still working part-time, even with a Bachelor's degree, I'm just lost. There are many nights I've laid in bed and just asked Him "Why?" But see, the only reason I'm asking that is because if it were up to me, I'd have already had a job that I saw fit for me. But that's the thing- He is all-knowing, and well, I'm not. He knows what He's doing, whether I do or not. He has a perfect reason for His plan. It's not my plan and I don't understand it, but He does. He knows and that's all that really matters.

Isaiah 55:9 "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

How comforting it is to know that His ways are higher than my ways! If I had picked my own "perfect" plan, I might be miserable right now, who knows!?! But His ways are higher than my own. He knows why He hasn't shown me the perfect opportunity. And when it does come my way, I'm hoping that I'll see it- see why He had me wait.

My lovely girls, I pray that you see this, too. Not necessarily related to a job, but more so in your single lives. God has higher ways. He has a perfect plan. Instead of complaining and asking, "why?," we should just be content with it, growing closer to Him and serving Him through it.

This post was sort of brought on by a blog post I read, suggested to me by a sweet friend.

Nail Polish

2011-08-11T14:08:00.002-05:00

I recently blogged about my fav toenail polish color. Well, now I'm gonna share with y'all my fav fingernail polish color.

Essie Ballet Slippers

Neutral, yet sheer. I've been looking for a neural pinkish color that covers well. This is it! I absolutely love it!

Here's a pic from flickr that shows it on nails.

Try it out! You'll love it, I'm sure!!

Beauty Review

2011-08-03T19:29:00.002-05:00

I've used different types of shaving cream for years. Usually just whatever is on sale... Well, I think I've found my favorite!

Skintimate Skin Therapy Lotionized Vitamin E Shave Gel.

Target had a 2-pack for pretty cheap, so I thought I'd get that instead of my usual.

This shaving cream is lotion and gel in one. It's more of a creamy gel.

Normally, with the other kinds I have tried, my legs feel dry and need lotion. With this kind, I don't feel that I have to put lotion on after my shower. Granted, I still do because it's best to moisturize after a shower, but I don't feel that I necessarily NEED to.

Try it! I bet you'll love it!

The Prayer of a Minor Prophet

2011-07-23T11:28:00.002-05:00

The Prayer of a Minor Prophet

The Covenant and Prayer of a Preacher

A. W. Tozer

(I am reposting from this website).

This is the prayer of a man called to be a witness to the nations. This is what he said to his Lord on the day of his ordination. After the elders and ministers had prayed and laid their hands on him he withdrew to meet his Savior in the secret place and in the silence, farther in than his well-meaning brethren could take him.

And he said: O Lord, I have heard Thy voice and was afraid. Thou has called me to an awesome task in a grave and perilous hour. Thou art about to shake all nations and the earth and also heaven, that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. O Lord, my Lord, Thou has stooped to honor me to be Thy servant. No man taketh this honor upon himself save he that is called of God as was Aaron. Thou has ordained me Thy messenger to them that are stubborn of heart and hard of hearing. They have rejected Thee, the Master, and it is not to be expected that they will receive me, the servant.

My God, I shall not waste time deploring my weakness nor my unfittedness for the work. The responsibility is not mine, but Thine. Thou has said, "I knew thee - I ordained thee - I sanctified thee," and Thou hast also said, "Thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak." Who am I to argue with Thee or to call into question Thy sovereign choice? The decision is not mine but Thine. So be it, Lord. Thy will, not mine, be done.

Well do I know, Thou God of the prophets and the apostles, that as long as I honor Thee Thou will honor me. Help me therefore to take this solemn vow to honor Thee in all my future life and labors, whether by gain or by loss, by life or by death, and then to keep that vow unbroken while I live.

It is time, O God, for Thee to work, for the enemy has entered into Thy pastures and the sheep are torn and scattered. And false shepherds abound who deny the danger and laugh at the perils which surround Thy flock. The sheep are deceived by these hirelings and follow them with touching loyalty while the wolf closes in to kill and destroy. I beseech Thee, give me sharp eyes to detect the presence of the enemy; give me understanding to see and courage to report what I see faithfully. Make my voice so like Thine own that even the sick sheep will recognize it and follow Thee.

Lord Jesus, I come to Thee for spiritual preparation. Lay Thy hand upon me. Anoint me with the oil of the New Testament prophet. Forbid that I should be come a religious scribe and thus lose my prophetic calling. Save me from the curse that lies dark across the modern clergy, the curse of compromise, of imitation, of professionalism. Save me from the error of judging a church by its size, its popularity or the amount of its yearly offering. Help me to remember that I am a prophet - not a promoter, not a religious manager, but a prophet. Let me never become a slave to crowds. Heal my soul of carnal ambitions and deliver me from the itch for publicity. Save me from bondage to things. Let me not waste my days puttering around the house. Lay Thy terror upon me, O God, and drive me to the place of prayer where I may wrestle with principalities and powers and the rulers of the darkness of this world. Deliver me from overeating and late sleeping. Teach me self-discipline that I may be a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

I accept hard work and small rewards in this life. I ask for no easy place. I shall try to be blind to the little ways that could make life easier. If others seek the smoother path I shall try to take the hard way without judging them too harshly. I shall expect opposition and try to take it quietly when it comes. Or if, as sometimes it falleth out to Thy servants, I should have grateful gifts pressed upon me by Thy kindly people, stand by me then and save me from the blight that often follows. Teach me to use whatever I receive in such manner that will not injure my soul nor diminish my spiritual power. And if in Thy permissive providence honor should come to me from Thy church, let me not forget in that hour that I am unworthy of the least of Thy mercies, and that if men knew me as intimately as I know myself they would withhold their honors or bestow them upon others more worthy to receive them.

And now, O Lord of heaven and earth, I consecrate my remaining days to Thee; let them be many or few, as Thou wilt. Let me stand before the great or minister to the poor and lowly; that choice is not mine, and I would not influence it if I could. I am Thy servant to do Thy will, and that will is sweeter to me than position or riches or fame and I choose it above all things on earth or in heaven.

Though I am chosen of Thee and honored by a high and holy calling, let me never forget that I am but a man of dust and ashes, a man with all the natural faults and passions that plague the race of men. I pray Thee, therefore, my Lord and Redeemer, save me from myself and from all the injuries I may do myself while trying to be a blessing to others. Fill me with Thy power by the Holy Spirit, and I will go in Thy strength and tell of Thy righteousness, even Thine only. I will spread abroad the message of redeeming love while my normal powers endure.

Then, dear Lord, when I am old and weary and too tired to go on, have a place ready for me above, and make me to be numbered with Thy saints in glory everlasting.Amen. AMEN.

#1 of My Favorite Things

2011-06-20T23:30:00.004-05:00

1. Nail Polish on my Toenails

I hardly EVER have "naked" toenails. Can't stand them to be without polish. My new favorite nail polish, which I believe will be my favorite for years to come is....

Peach Daiquiri by Essie

(from Essie.com)

It's a reddish-pinkish-orangish color. This picture doesn't really do it justice, but it sunlight it looks red. Inside, it looks pink or orange. It's a "coral" color, according to their website, but I would consider it pink. Try it- you'll love it, I'm sure!

Here's a pic from flickr that looks more like it...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/42054479@N05/5443729320/

I bought mine at Target! (So glad they carry OPI and Essie nail polishes now!)

#2 of My Favorite Things

2011-04-23T17:54:00.003-05:00

2. The Holiday

This is my all-time favorite movie. It's a classic romantic comedy. I'm always in the mood to watch it- winter, summer, you name it. If you haven't seen it yet, you MUST!

Cto5K: Week 3

2011-04-01T23:34:00.003-05:00

Week 2 (3 days):

Walk 5min

Then (Run 1.5min, Walk 1.5, Run 3min, Walk 3min) 2x

Walk 5min

I was a little worried about this day. It took me awhile to get used to 1.5min of running, so how could i do 3 already? Well, I certainly surprised myself but I did it! It is great that I can already run 3min straight- my lungs are able to keep up, thank goodness.

I haven't been in any pain from running, actually. I got shin splints the very first week, but have yet to get them again. *knock on wood.* :)

On top of this running program, I began the Tone it Up Bikini Challenge. They send workout videos each day to get you toned for bikini season! :) It's been great, although I have been sore from all the squats, lunges, and push-ups we've been doing. Pain for Gain, right? :)

Any else out there doing these programs? How's it going?

Cto5k: Week 2

2011-03-25T23:02:00.002-05:00

I know it's been 2 weeks since I last blogged, and yes- i just finished week 2.

Week 2 (3 days): [I ran 5]

Walk 5min

Then (Run 1.5min, Walk 2min) 6x

Walk 5min

It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, actually. Last week, I did start week 2 on the right day, but because of spring break (more hours added to my schedule) and plans I had made, I could only run 2 of those days, and I was exhausted the next day I could have ran.

So I made the decision to run week 2 again, so I would stay consistent with the program. My legs have become accustomed to the running, as I don't get shin splints at all (*knock on wood*). And I am not sore afterwards. I'm hoping they stay this way! :)

Today, after my last run of Week 2, I have realized that my mind wanders while I'm running. During week 1, I was really focused on my running, as I was pushing myself to keep going, so I think I'm able to release stress more now as I'm actually enjoying it!

I'm hoping to sign up for a 5k some time this summer- I'm very excited about the possibility of actually finishing a race that I've ran the entire time.

Any other Cto5k people out there? How are y'all doing? Any success stories? I wanna hear them!!

Cto5k: Week 1

2011-03-11T20:33:00.003-06:00

I've always wanted to start running, but every time I tried, I could never run as far as I would have liked, got out of breath easily, and just didn't enjoy it.

Now that my schedule is pretty open (at least till I finally find a nursing job), I decided to give it a try.

I heard about this program called Couch to 5k. The title itself caught my eye- that sounded like something I could do! I did do my first 5k a few months ago, but I couldn't run a whole mile without losing my breath (I do have asthma and was sick at the time). And I was so pumped that I really thought I could do it! It took me about 44min I think. I wasn't too happy with that. :( It's a dream of mine now to run a 5k all the way through!

Anyway, this week I decided to start the program, so over the next couple months, I will be updating (hopefully) at the end of each week about my runs.

Week 1 (3 days):

Walk 5min

Then (Run 1min, Walk 1.5min) 8x

Walk 5min

The first day was rough. I almost quit after the 6th run because I was huffing and puffing. But I pushed through and kinda walk/ran the last two. It was not fun, but I felt good because I accomplished it nonetheless.

The second day was much better. However, it had been raining, and I had to run through puddles and get my new shoes muddy! :( I also hit one of my shoes against the other ankle and scraped it up. Thankfully it was during my last run, so I didn't run with an injury the whole time. It wasn't very pretty when I looked at it once I got home.

The third day this week went real well too! But I do think the second day went a lot better. I was running against the wind a lot, so that made it harder to push through. BUT I did!

I think the last two days of running this week went better because I used my inhaler before I went running. I didn't try too hard to breath, so it was easier to run. I have asthma, but I only show symptoms when I get sick. My doctor mentioned that I should use it before I exercise, and that had never occurred to me. I think it actually makes a big difference, so I'll be doing that regularly.

Stay Tuned for Next week:

Walk 5min

Then (Run 1.5min, Walk 2min) 6x

Walk 5min

#3 of My Favorite Things

2011-03-09T20:12:00.003-06:00

3. Water.

I don't drink as much water as we're supposed to (8 80z glasses +), but if I have to drink water, I have 2 favorites.

one: Vitamin Water, dragonfruit is my favorite flavor. So good. And you get vitamins and antioxidants all in one. Love that. And can't deny that flavor makes the water taste like something. :)

two: SmartWater. I've only had it a few times (trying to drink more from the faucet), but I buy it when I can when I'm going out of the country (I bought a few before going to Mexico to have some clean water) or when I can't go to the store often and want to make sure I have a lot to drink (when I go to church camp and we make a trip to the store, I'll buy one or two in case I can't get to a drink machine). They recently made another video to promote it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rc47LcvIxyI&feature=player_embedded

Rahab & Ruth

2011-03-09T19:28:00.002-06:00

My Bible Study Group (I'm thinking we need a "name," girls) is doing the Ruth Bible Study by Kelly Minter. You can order it on Lifeway. She does an amazing job of slowing down the story so we can focus on words we would have normally skipped over that are certainly very important.

Talking just yesterday with the girls, we realized that God does love the unlikely. BUT not only that, He was born into a family of unlikely people. Ruth a Moabite- was from a city who was filled with sin. His line was NOT from Joseph, like we would probably think, but from Judah, Joseph's brother. The Bible is full of unlikely people who lead up to the most wonderful, loving, humble thing One could ever do.

As we were talking, I began to think about the story of Rahab I blogged about in 2008, from another blog. Rahab has became probably my favorite story since the time I read the blog about her. She is, again, a VERY unlikely person. As I re-read my blog, get this: Rahab was the mother of Boaz!!! Rahab became Ruth's mother-in-law! How wonderful is that? Again, we see how God uses the unlikely to fulfill the ultimate gift. Wow!!

Refresh your memory or Read about Rahab for the first time HERE. It's an amazing story!

English.

2011-03-07T22:32:00.003-06:00

I like English. Reading, not so much. But English, I like. I enjoy knowing (for the most part), the rules of our language. There are so many people in this nation who do not know how to correctly speak or write their native language, unfortunately.

Part of that is due to texting. You only have a little over 100 characters to tell someone something, right? So that's when shortened words, letters, and numbers become second nature, and then students start using them in essays and research papers.

One blogger looked at it in a humorous way, and I really enjoyed it! I hope you do, too!

http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/04/alot-is-better-than-you-at-everything.html

My Jury Experience

2011-03-04T15:42:00.003-06:00

After this week, I've concluded that I don't like jury duty. Don't get me wrong- I love my country, I follow the laws made, and I will do my duty for my country, no matter what it is- including jury duty. I will be on a jury as often as I am called. But I sincerely don't like jury duty.

Considering I'm 23 years old, and registered voters are required to come to jury duty every ten years, if they are called, one could deduce that this was my first time.

Did I think I would be put on a jury? No. I knew there was an option, and I knew that most people would not be involved in a trial, but I never thought that I would be on one at least this first time. No way. Not me. Never.

HA! Was I wrong!!!

The first day, right after lunch, I was called to be qualified. But no- I wouldn't be qualified to be on one. No way. Not me. Never.

HA AGAIN! :)

They selected me to stay on the jury for the week. (Side Note: This was not a civil disagreement. This was a serious case. One I would have sworn I would not have been involved in.)

Then after all the evidence, testimony, and lawyer arguments, I thought that surely my name would be one of the alternates- meaning I would not have to stay to deliberate. Surely!

HA!

I had to stay and deliberate with 11 others about this serious matter. You would think we would all agree- we had all seen and heard the same evidence. But no- we were split. We deliberated (or in my opinion- argued very loudly) for at least 8 hours. NOT FUN. I'm not the kind of person who likes it when people argue.

Even after all that, we still could not come to a decision, so unfortunately the trial did not end. Wish it had ended differently.

After this week, I've come to the conclusion that I don't like being on a jury AND that God sure does have a sense of humor! :)

Waiting.

2011-02-25T21:53:00.002-06:00

I read a few things today that really hit home to me. As I'm here, in this forever long (it seems) waiting period- for a job, a career, a "grown-up" life- I'm unsure. Unsure of why I'm here, unsure of God's perfect plan, unsure of why I have a part-time job, unsure of the multiple "no's" i've gotten through both applying and interviewing.

I'll be the first to admit. I like to be in control. I like to be in the driver's seat- literally and figuratively. I believe this is human nature. It began with Eve. She chose to take a bite- not the snake, not Adam. SHE chose. She wanted to be in control.

I am like Eve. So of course I'm having a hard time waiting. If I could have controlled the answers to my applications and interviews, I would have a job now. However, I had/have no control in that. God is the ultimate Controller. I get that- I believe it. He ordains things to happen for reasons. I wish I knew the reasons, but nonetheless, He is in control.

He knows the perfect job for me- the perfect patients, the perfect time, the perfect coworkers. I believe that will all my heart.

So- back to what I have read today, regarding Isaiah 40:31 and "Waiting" (how perfect for this season!)

"That evening, when I was at my lowest, confounded by obstacles, bewildered by the darkness that surrounded us, unable even to continue preaching, I discovered an astonishing truth: God is attracted to weakness. He can't resist those who humbly and honestly admit how desperately they need him. Our weakness, in fact, makes room for his power." Jim Cymbala

"Weakness does not preclude faith; it's a reason for it. Waiting is anything but passive. It involves an active application of mind and heart to the task of hoping in the Lord to fulfill his promise to deliver us." Scott Grant

John Butler on Isaiah 40:31- Scripture speaks much about waiting on the Lord. Few things are as hard to do as waiting on the Lord. It requires a lot of patience, faith, and submission. But waiting on the Lord has many wonderful compensations. Our verse speaks of four great compensations from waiting on the Lord. They include energy, elevation, enthusiasm, and endurance.

Energy. “They shall renew their strength.” You must wait at the gas pump for the gas to fill your car’s gas tank, or you will not go far before your car runs out of energy. Likewise we need to wait spiritually if we want spiritual energy. We need to wait in His Word. Do not be in a hurry to get through your daily Bible reading. The same is true regarding prayer. The hymn says, “Take time to be holy,” and it takes time.

Elevation. “They shall mount up with wings as eagles.” Eagles rise above the world with their wings. Spiritually we need to rise about the world’s standards and interests. Waiting on the Lord will give us the wings to do this. It will help us live a higher, more nobler, more godly life.

Enthusiasm. “They shall run and not be weary.” Running pictures enthusiasm. And not being weary in running speaks of lasting enthusiasm. We need more of this at church. Some get enthused, but it does not last. Others do not get enthused about the Lord’s work at all. But if these folk would take time and wait in the Word and prayer they would see their spiritual enthusiasm become greatly increased.

Endurance. “They shall walk and not faint.” Walking speaks of the normal round of life. It is what we do most. And frankly, it is harder to live for God in the normal routine of life than in any other area. Many folk only get with it spiritually on special days at church. They have not learned to live their faith in the ordinary round of life. But when we wait on the Lord in His Word and prayer, we will gain the endurance to live our faith in the common routine of life without fainting. Our faith will endure the struggles of ordinary living. (Daily Bible Readings)

To wait on the LORD is to look to Him with dependence and trust, not passivity. ESV Study Bible

All of the above quotes are taken from Commentary on Isaiah 40:31. I have never been on this website before, but I have found it very helpful. I skimmed through the information, so I do not know if I believe all that is written on there, but from what I have read, I find it to be a very resourceful site.

A First.

2011-01-31T21:19:00.003-06:00

I'm not much of a beauty queen, as in I don't care too much about my looks, but I thought I would do a first: a post of some things that I (recently) always be sure to keep in stock.

1. Face Wash Regimen

My face hasn't always been the clearest, but I've found some things recently that I feel has kept it much clearer than the past:

In the morning: Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub, Biore Triple Action Astringent, Clean & Clear Morning Glow moisturizer

In the evening: Biore Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser, Biore Triple Action Astringent, Target brand dual action moisturizer

Once a week or Less often: Biore Pore Strips (i'd say once a month or so- they're really harsh on your skin. but they come with coupons that save me money on the other biore products i use!), Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque (from Walgreens. i use it once a week, and my skin feels so rejuvenated and soft afterwards. love it!)

2. Teeth Cleaning Regimen

I brush my teeth at least twice a day. Each time, this is what I use:

Listerine Vibrant White Pre-brush Rinse (I used this in college once cause I had a coupon, but more recently started using it regularly)

Crest 3-D White Advanced Vivid Toothpaste (I just bought my second tube of this, and I love it, despite having been a "Colgate" user for years!)

My teeth aren't the whitest, but I think both of these products have whitened them more than they've been in the past. I drink a moderate amount of coffee and dr pepper, so I never expect my teeth to be bright white, but these have shown a noticeable difference, in my own opinion

3. Make-Up

I don't wear much make-up. My friends and siblings can vouch for that. But I only use Almay TLC Foundation (it's hypoallergenic and I have sensitive skin). It's real easy on the skin, and keeps it moisturized (my skin dries out easily). I also use their "Intensify i-color" eye shadow, liner, and mascara. I do have Cover Girl fresh complexion concealer, though.

Hope this is interesting to y'all. Again, I'm not much of a beauty expert, but I've found that these products help me (and my skin) the most.

Special thanks to Jennifer for introducing me to the Biore products, and to Ashlee for introducing me to the Mint Julep Masque!

And the Winner is....

2011-01-31T21:17:00.003-06:00

Comment #1:

Ashlee!!!!

Since I'm already sending you something in the mail soon, I'll just put this in there with it!

Thanks to all (4 of you) who entered! Maybe I'll be doing more giveaways in the future!

My First Giveaway

2011-01-27T20:57:00.003-06:00

I'd been contemplating doing a giveaway for the past few days, and I decided that now would be as good a time as any!

One lucky winner will receive...

a Water Bobble in the color of their choice!!!

If you don't know what that is, see my previous post!

Who is Eligible:

All readers of my blog who have a U.S. mailing address- I will not ship outside the U.S.

How to Enter:

Leave a comment stating which color Bobble you would choose if you were to win. Color choices are: Black, Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, Pink.

Comments will end Sunday night at 7pm (central time). I will then choose the winning numbered comment using random.org. I will post the winner Sunday night or Monday!

Good luck!!!

Agua

2011-01-25T15:00:00.003-06:00

I thought I'd post a quick product review. I bought this the other day at Target for 91 cents. The total price was 10.91, but I had a $10 gift card, so I personally only paid 91 cents. It was worth the 91 cents. And is worth so much more than $10.

Introducing, the Water Bobble:

picture from waterbobble.com

It is a water bottle that filters the water as you drink. I consume way too much bottled water, so I thought I'd try this out. I bought the aqua blue color (my fav color is blue for those who don't know me, or read my blog for that matter!). Let me explain how it works (from what I understand).

It uses a carbon filter (ones like Brita uses- but theirs takes time to work...) and the water goes through the filter as you drink it. The clear plastic bottle is reuseable, and you just buy the filters (they were $10 for 2 at Target) every two months or so, depending on how much you use it. Now, in my opinion $10 every few months is SO much cheaper than buying bottled water every week.

The first time you use it, you have to squeeze a full bottle through the filter to get rid of some carbon that is in it. It'll look like black colored water. Once you do that, you're good to go! I use tap water to fill it up and it doesn't taste like tap water when you drink through the filter. So I think it works really well!

The plastic bottle is hand wash only, I believe, and the filter/top can be boiled to clean/sanitize it. Great invention, I think! I love it!

The only con is the plastic seems a little thin. If it were a little thicker, I think it might last longer, but they are trying to save the planet, as the bottle is fully recyclable, too! So I'm okay with that!

Go buy yourself one- I really don't think you'd regret it! You'll save yourself some money!

Funny (TV) Moments

2011-01-21T23:23:00.003-06:00

We've had quite a few snow days here in TN. I believe this winter we've had more snow than I've ever seen since we moved here almost 13 years ago! It's been great- snow always makes the scenery much more beautiful, but the down side is definitely the driving conditions.

Anyway, I've had some time to chill and watch tv since the schools have been closed, so I thought I'd post about a couple of funny moments I have seen.

One was a cooking show. I was watching this lady bake some chicken in the oven. When she took it out, she was explaining that you would know the chicken was done if you pressed on it and it bounced back. (I believe that's what she was saying). So to show the viewers, she pressed her finger on the chicken then IMMEDIATELY said "Ouch! That's hot!!" Um... really??? Chicken that just baked in the oven is HOT?? I had to laugh because it was kind of a dumb moment for her. Did she expect the chicken to be cool to the touch? I wonder...

A second funny tv moment was when I was watching a home show, where couples search for a home in another country. This one couple was Utah was moving to England. The softspoken wife was excited to move there with her husband, which was expected. However, on their search in England she picked up an English accent- fairly quickly. It wasn't the best accent, though. I think she was "trying to fit in" or something. I believe it takes longer than a week or so to pick up an accent.... Who knows, though! Maybe she really did pick it up that fast! :) I saw this episode with my sister a few months ago- we were both cracking up at how fake her accent seemed!

Hope these moments make you laugh, too!

#4 of My Favorite Things

2011-01-18T22:38:00.006-06:00

Been awhile since I've blogged my favorite things. one day i'll finish this up! :) here goes #4...

4. Take5

Take5 candy bars are my fav! They don't sell them everywhere- I believe they're only at Walgreens where I live... don't quote me on that, though! Anyway, they are chocolate-filled caramel-peanut-peanut butter-pretzels. 5 ingredients. Sweet, salty, crunchy, and chewy. So good.

Icy Windows

2011-01-06T09:45:00.004-06:00

This was one of my Christmas presents.

Picture from EddieBauer.com

I actually got it the day after Christmas. I think my parents forgot to put it under the tree. :) Anyway, I opened it before church. At first, I didn't really know what it was. I thought it was a hand muff that came with an ice scraper. Then my smart little sis figured it out, and what a smart invention it is!

A down-filled cover that goes over your hand as you grip the ice scraper and scrape your icy car windows. I didn't use it until this morning, and to be honest, I was very skeptical. Would it really keep my hand warm? My thin knit gloves don't do much, but I just dealt with the cold. I mean, I had to get to work on time so I had to freeze my hand in order to see out my window to drive, right?

Well, I came to the conclusion that it works wonderfully! My hand was warm throughout the whole process of icing my car windows! If you have an Eddie Bauer near you and scrape your windows regularly, go buy one! They're on sale! :)

Thanks, mom and dad- great gift idea!

This is Faith.

2010-12-06T23:09:00.000-06:00

"Waiting for God to act is fleshly unbelief. It means that I have no faith in Him. I wait for Him to do something in me so I may trust in that. But God won’t do it, because that is not the basis of the God-and-man relationship. Man must go beyond the physical body and feelings in his covenant with God, just as God goes beyond Himself in reaching out with His covenant to man. It is a question of faith in God–a very rare thing. We only have faith in our feelings. I don’t believe God until He puts something tangible in my hand, so that I know I have it. Then I say, 'Now I believe.' There is no faith exhibited in that. God says, 'Look to Me, and be saved . . .' (Isaiah 45:22)." Oswald Chambers

Sunrise

2010-10-14T00:25:00.002-05:00

If I had the chance
To go back again
Take a different road, bear a lighter load
Tell an easy story

I would walk away
With my yesterdays
And I would not trade what is broken for beauty only

Every valley
Every bitter chill
Made me ready to climb back up the hill
And find that . . .

You are sunrise
You are blue skies
How would I know the morning
If I knew not midnight?

You're my horizon
You're the light of a new dawn
So thank You, thank You
That after the long night, You are sunrise 

There's a moment when
Faith caves in
There's a time when every soul is certain God is gone

But every shadow is evidence of sun
And every tomorrow holds out hope for us
For every one of us

You are sunrise
You are blue skies
How would I know the morning
If I knew not midnight?

You're my horizon
You're the light of a new dawn
So thank You, thank You
That after the long night, You are sunrise

You alone will shine
You alone can resurrect this heart of mine

You are sunrise
You are blue skies
How would I know the morning
If I knew not midnight?

You're my horizon
You're the light of a new dawn
So thank You, thank You
That after the long night, You are sunrise

You are sunrise

Another Health Post.

2010-09-20T19:02:00.002-05:00

Few things I came across today that made me angry- well, upset more than anything.

1. I started working at a before/after school care (until I find a nursing job), and the kids are fed breakfast every morning. Their breakfast meal today??? Guess!!!! I'm pretty sure there's no way you would get it correct... Pizza!?!?!?!?! I was really upset about this- especially since I had watched a few episodes of the show Food Revolution last year. Schools are part of the problem, I think, with childhood obesity. Parents allow their kids to buy their breakfast and lunch in the cafeteria because it's easier to hand them money than to take the time to pack their lunch each day. But do those parents realize what they are being fed? I'm not sure they do...

2. I went for a physical examination this afternoon, like I do each year. It keeps my doctor up to date on my health, and it's great to know if there is anything I can do to improve my health or if I am at risk for developing anything. However, today I was told that insurance doesn't pay for physical exams. Why is that? Isn't it important for the doctor to check you out each year? Shouldn't it be required to have insurance? For the insurance to know your "normal" health, then use those results to compare your future visits?? I think so!

What are your thoughts??? I'm curious..

#5 of My Favorite Things

2010-09-07T23:40:00.003-05:00

5. Spanish-Speaking Countries

I know that may sound weird, but I've had wonderful opportunities to go on two short-term mission trips to Puerto Rico and Mexico. (Yes, PR is technically a US territory, but where we were not too many people spoke English). I had a great time at each place, and I would love to go back to both some time in the future.

I went to Puerto Rico when I was in high school with my church. I was on the team that helped to build a house for a lady with cancer. I journaled each day I was there, and I cherish those written memories and the pictures I took. I was also able to talk to a few kids (with broken Spanish, as at that point, I'd only had 2 educated years of it).

I went to Mexico last summer on a medical mission trip with my school. I was so blessed to go to a school with Christ as the number one priority. I will always be thankful for that. That trip gave me the opportunity to serve with the gifts that I had been given and that I had acquired through nursing school. It had been a few years since I had taken Spanish (4 years in high school), so I couldn't remember too much. I still could communicate pretty well with the kids (they spoke slower than the adults! haha). They told me what to paint on their face or arm, we talked about tv shows (they all loved sponge bob!) I was amazed at how much of that language came back to me on that trip!

All in all, I just love being able to communicate with others in a different country, with a different culture. I learned so much about them and about the Lord. I do believe that I would not hesitate if I had an opportunity to go to another Spanish-speaking country. They are all in my heart.

Tozer Top Ten

2010-08-10T17:04:00.003-05:00

Louie Giglio tweeted his top ten for Tozer's quotes this past year, and I really wanted to share them...

A. W. Tozer has some great thoughts that have spoken truth to me.

10. (God) expects of us only what He has Himself supplied. AW Tozer

9. We are called to an everlasting preoccupation with God. AW Tozer

8. We please God most, not by frantically trying to make ourselves good, but by throwing ourselves into His arms. Tozer

7. Our pursuit of God is successful just because He is forever seeking to manifest Himself to us. Tozer

6. Let a man set his heart only on doing the will of God and he is instantly free. Tozer

5. God, being who He is, must always be sought for Himself, never as a means toward something else. Tozer

4. Refuse to be average. Let your heart soar as high as it will. Tozer

3. Prayer is never an acceptable substitute for obedience. AW Tozer

2. God never hurries. There are no deadlines against which He must work. Tozer

1. It is not what a man does that determines whether his work is sacred or secular, it is why he does it. Tozer

#6 of My Favorite Things

2010-08-09T23:37:00.003-05:00

6. The Color Blue.... And My (New) Room

Which I need to show y'all!!! So here y'all go:

I wanted it to be more updated- as my "old" room was youthful and i slept in a small twin bed with a broken frame... haha. I am so excited to have it, and I've slept very soundly since I've had it!! (I even missed it while I was in Indy visiting family!) :)

Now for a quick update...

Camp is over, so my life is pretty boring. (as of the last three days. haha). I miss those kids like crazy! And I'll be visiting them in afterschool soon, as I always do!! Please pray as I'm searching, and applying, for nursing positions in my area. Hoping something becomes available soon.

I feel like I haven't blogged much- and I even thought I had not informed cyberspace of my passing boards-- as I can tell, I actually did! This summer has flown by and been so busy! I've been exhausted, yet I had fun- camp kids always make up for those tiring days!!

Thank You

2010-07-19T19:07:00.002-05:00

Thank you all for praying for me and encouraging me as I studied and took my nursing boards. Thanks to God, I passed, and I'll now officially be a "registered" nurse. I am very thankful to y'all!!! I was very nervous, as I did not think I had passed- I had to take ALL 265 questions, while others took only 75. SO I thought I had done badly... BUT no worries anymore, as it is all behind me!!! My license should be in the mail any day now!

I found out last Thursday after work, so I apologize for having not updated it since. This summer has been packed full of events... and working, and I've been exhausted almost every weekend- just wanting to chill out at home. This past weekend, I was also sick, so I've just not been up to par the past few days. Hopefully once camp ends, my life will slow down a bit (besides the looking for a job part). I'll be leaving soon to head up to Indy to visit my extended family! It's been awhile since I've been up there- I couldn't get two weeks off of work last summer, as I went to Mexico, so I'm pretty excited!

Well, I'm getting sleepy (and it's only 7pm!!), so I'm gonna chill for a bit before I go to bed for the night- gotta rest up so I don't yell too much at the kids!! (or be too irritable... :)) good night, and i hope you're all doing well!!

Airplanes

2010-06-28T21:33:00.002-05:00

So- not much has happened lately to blog about... But I update just a little (in random order):

I'm still working at camp. No peds new grad nursing positions open in the area. I have boards coming up in a few weeks (July 13- start praying NOW, please!). Had a church picnic last night at the Y- lots of fun! At camp, I witnessed some kids and a lifeguard have a dance competition at the pool- hilarious, actually! (the lifeguard wasn't too good... haha). Got "grossed out" at camp- NOT fun, for me. Prob was for the kids, though. I went to church camp last week with the kiddos. I was the camp nurse- that was fun, especially since i haven't done much nursing related since i graduated besides putting bandaids on kids. I overslept this morning and was almost an hour late to work- FIRST time EVER that late... I got together with a few college friends- first time in awhile (prob since we graduated). that's about all i've got tonight.

i'll leave you with a song lyric that's been in my head all day... :)

Can we pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shootings stars? I could really use a wish right now.

Spent the Day...

2010-06-05T19:31:00.003-05:00

Trying to get everything switched over to... my new laptop!!! i love it so far... it's so pretty! :) haha. My first laptop (which I received after high school graduation) just about died on me the beginning of my senior year, so my parents bought me a "new" one to have until i graduated. So, I had to buy myself a new one or buy that one. i chose the first option (especially since brooke's is messing up now, too!). she gets that one, and i have my new one! it's the newest dell inspiron (1564, i think). it has the new intel processor, which is very speedy!! and an HD screen! And a webcam, which i have never had before... i'll be trying that out later with ashlee! ;)

anyway, without further adieu, here are some pics of the shiny new thing! (forgive the poor phone pic quality- my camera battery needs replacing next!)

Summertime

2010-05-30T21:46:00.002-05:00

I love summertime... this is probably the last summer i will have for awhile, considering i'll be working in a "real" job soon. i scheduled boards for July 13th. start praying now, please!!!

i'm working part time at a summer camp until i do find a job, and i just love it! i miss those kids throughout the year, so it's nice to see them again, all another year older! it's crazy how fast they do grow up!

just wanted to write a quick note and update! hope everyone is doing well!

Those I've Loved

2010-05-16T22:51:00.002-05:00

My dear friends who(m) I miss so much:

I heard this song as I was leaving Clinton to head home, and it brought tears to my eyes! I hope each one of you knows how much you mean to me! I miss each of you already, and I can't wait till we get together again soon!

Those I've Loved

Eric Church

I remember waitin’ by the curb with Mr. Murphy

When daddy picked me up from school his eyes were red
We drove to the hospital in a hurry
Where my family gathered round my Grandpa’s bed
He was my best friend
He taught me how to fish
And I cried listenin to my daddy pray
For one of those I’ve loved along the way

She had a ribbon in her hair the day I met her
That whole next year we couldn’t get enough
And after graduation she took off for Denver
And for awhile we both tried to keep in touch
She was my best friend
And it broke my heart
But I don’t regret the day that she became
One of those I’ve loved along the way

And I hope they know
I never woulda made it this far on my own
Where would we all be without those
Fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers
The friends I’ve made, the long lost lovers
I wouldn’t be who I am today
If not for those I’ve loved along the way
Along the way

Now I’m just a country boy with a guitar
Lookin’ back down this old road I’ve been travelin’ on
It was never about tryin’ to be some big star
For me it’s always been about these songs
You see they’re my best friends
They’re the life I live
And I hope they put a smile on the face
Of those that I’ve loved along the way
‘Cause I wouldn’t be the man I am today
If not for those I’ve loved along the way

Let This Sink in...

2010-05-16T00:42:00.000-05:00

"The Word of God well understood and religiously obeyed is the shortest route to spiritual perfection. And we must not select a few favorite passages to the exclusion of others. Nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian." A.W. Tozer

Long Overdue

2010-05-13T23:39:00.003-05:00

Well, it's been almost two weeks since I've last blogged, and some exciting news is in order:

I am a college graduate!!!!

I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing last Friday, and I am so excited!

Next step: pass boards on the first write!!!! (Begin praying for me as I study for this: please and thank you!!!)

That's about it! I'm getting ready to start camp next week (I am currently in the process of looking for a nursing job). BUT I'm excited about it- I love camp and being a counselor to those sweet (and sometimes not-so-sweet) kids! :)

Hosanna!!!

2010-04-29T21:28:00.002-05:00

I see the King of glory
Coming on the clouds with fire
The whole earth shakes, the whole earth shakes
I see His love and mercy
Washing over all our sins
The people sing, the people sing

Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna in the highest

I see a generation
Rising up to take their place
With selfless faith, with selfless faith
I see a near revival
Stirring as we pray and seek
We're on our knees, we're on our knees

Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like You have loved me
Break my heart for what breaks Yours
Everything I am for Your kingdom's cause
As I walk from earth into eternity

Hosanna

Will You Go?

2010-04-28T21:56:00.003-05:00

This evening, our pastor was speaking in Romans 10:14-15a

"How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent?"

He gave us three things to do earnestly this summer:

Call, Trust, and Go.

Call on the Lord. "How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed?"

"Call" translates from Greek incorrectly, as we seem to understand this as "pray" or "speak to." However, it is used as a desperate plea. This summer, I am to desperately seek God.

Trust in Him to speak to you. "How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard?"

Listen for Him to speak. Ask for Him to speak, expecting Him to answer. This summer, I will expectantly listen for Him.

Go tell about Him. "And how will they hear without a preacher?"

Tell others about Him. Speak of Him in everyday conversation. Make Him the center of your world, always speaking of Him and expecting Him to act. You don't have to go out of the country, but just tell about Him, go out of your way to tell others.

Read this story; I'm sure you'll feel the same.

Do You Trust God for His Identity or Activity?

2010-04-25T18:57:00.004-05:00

I was not at church on Wednesday night, but a dear friend told me what she learned that night. Our pastor used to above question that night, along with a quote from A.W. Tozer:

"There is within the human heart a tough fibrous root of fallen life whose nature is to possess, always possess. It covets “things” with a deep and fierce passion. The pronouns “my” and “mine” look innocent enough in print, but their constant and universal use is significant… They are verbal symptoms of our deep disease. The roots of our hearts have grown down into things, and we dare not pull up one root lest we die. Things have become necessary to us, a development never originally intended. God’s gifts now take the place of God, and the whole course of nature is upset by the monstrous substitution."

Human nature after the fall is to sin. We want things, we choose things to possess as our own. This is disease that every single citizen of the earth has. We all choose "things" to own because we "need" them, when in reality, we don't. God gives us these blessings that we take as our own. We do thank Him for them, but we tend to only see those blessing as Him. We interpret those blessings as His presence, when they aren't. Yes, He gave them to us, but God isn't all gifts and feelings. Do we look to God for what He can give us, what He can tell us, or how He makes us feel? OR Do we desire His presence?

I do not have this altogether. I still struggle with this, especially since I was just informed of this way that we take Him and His blessings. I have been questioning myself since then, wondering, knowing that I do that at times. I do see those things as Him sometimes, when He is the One behind them. My pastor said this morning that we tend to seek His hand instead of His face. We feel that by seeking His hand, we will still know Him, but we don't realize that when we seek His face, we are also receiving His hand.

May we all be blessed by this this week. May we seek His face and not His hand. May we see His blessings, but further seek the One giving them.

#7 of My Favorite Things

2010-04-19T18:05:00.003-05:00

7. Smoothies

Summer is slowly coming to a start, and I can't wait! I visit Tropical Smoothie almost regularly in the summer. Oh. So. Good. My favorite is the Kiwi Quencher. Well, it used to be Cool Breeze, but they took that off the menu (although they still make it). If you have one near you, go visit. I can guarantee you won't regret it (except for maybe their service... ours is hit and miss). They also have some amazing coffee smoothies, too! Delish!!!

I also know that Yoplait came out with a frozen smoothie package that you just put in your blender and mix with milk. I tried it one day with my sister, and it was pretty good, too!

We have tried to make our own smoothies, but we just can't make them as good as Tropical Smoothie, Smoothie King, or Euphoria...

Any one have any recipes for some good smoothies??? (SN: I don't like oranges or bananas... The smell/texture/taste- just not for me!)

Clinical is......

2010-04-09T19:09:00.000-05:00

OVER!!!!!!!!!! WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!! :)

(our teacher let us out so early! oh, how nice that was!!!)

3 year olds...

2010-04-07T21:59:00.002-05:00

Emotional without a nap... Just watch it... and watch the WHOLE thing. it gets funnier at the end!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTCm8tdHkfI

and then watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKEQwvaYI_k&feature=watch_response_rev

Happy Easter to All!

2010-04-04T13:46:00.002-05:00

Time In Between

Francesca Battistelli

You were there when your Father said

Let there be light
You obeyed when He whispered
Son, You have to leave tonight
To spend nine months in a mothers womb
Three days in a borrowed tomb

But it’s the time in between
That brings me to my knees
Knowing you came for me
And all that I can't be
I'm amazed, so amazed
And I thank You for the time in between

Don't take much for this crazy world
To rob me of my peace
And the enemy of my soul
Says You’re holding out on me
So I stand here lifting empty hands
For you to fill me up again

But it’s the time in between
That I fall down to my knees
Waiting on what You'll bring
And the things that I can't see
I know my song’s incomplete
Still I'll sing in the time in between

So many ways
Your love has saved the day
And I'm grateful for them all

But it’s the time in between
The middle of two thieves
That says everything
It’s the reason I believe
I'm amazed, so amazed
And I thank you for the time in between
Oh Lord, I thank you for the time in between

Christ Has Risen

Matt Maher

Let no one caught in sin remain

Inside the lie of inward shame
But fix our eyes upon the cross
And run to Him who showed great love
And bled for us
Freely You've bled for us

Christ is risen from the dead
Trampling over death by death
Come awake, come awake
Come and rise up from the grave
Christ is risen from the dead
We are one with Him again
Come awake, come awake
Come and rise up from the grave

Beneath the weight of all our sin
You bowed to none but heaven's will
No scheme of hell, no scoffer's crown
No burden great can hold You down
In strength You reign
Forever let Your church proclaim

O death, where is your sting?
O hell, where is your victory?
O church, come stand in the light
The glory of God has defeated the night

O death, where is your sting?
O hell, where is your victory?
O church, come stand in the light
Our God is not dead
He's alive! He's alive!

Thirty Nine

2010-03-29T22:14:00.001-05:00

I start my last and final clinical rotation TOMORROW!!! (39 days left till grad!)It's in the Emergency Department at the #1 Trauma Center in my state... Oh how fun!! :) Haha. Who knows what I'll get to see!!!

Just wanted to give a quick update... I'm headed to bed!!!

Good night, all!

Health Care Reform

2010-03-23T13:03:00.002-05:00

As a future nurse (come May) and citizen of this country, this bill has me a little worried, for a few reasons.

1. Around 50% of doctors have already said they will quit/resign/retire if this bill is passed. If the doctors quit, the hospitals can't run. If they can't run, they won't need nurses. See my problem? I don't think Obama thought too much about the health care workers when he signed this bill. Actually, I don't think he thought about many Americans when he signed this bill. As Rep. John Boehner (Ohio) said, "We have failed to listen to America."

2. It doesn't make sense. It will cost the g'ment about $1 trillion over ten years. Okay... BUT it will reduce the deficit by only $130 billion in a decade??? I think they just doubled our debt. That makes a lot of sense. They also cut lots of money out of medicare reimbursements. If the hospitals aren't being reimbursed, why would they consider taking those patients?

3. The 10th Amendment clearly states that the Federal G'ment does not have this right. Why? Because it states "Powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states." They do not have any authority in health care under the constitution, the states are not prohibited in health care; therefore, the states have that power. And if they made this bill and force the states to carry the laws out, they need to reimburse them for the extra costs! Have they said that they will? NO. Will they? Prob not. Is that right? No.

4. About the states filing a claim against the federal government? I think that's their right, and I hope they win. The Constitution is the backbone of this country- read it, dems!

5. Finally, I'm all for giving healthcare to those who have none, but taking money from those who do, well, it's not right.

6. Looks like someone won't be reelected come 2012.

I've said this before, and I'll say it again. I am not a political person, but this is how I feel. It is strictly my opinion. I am open to ideas, but I do have a Constitutional right to free speech!

Strawberry Cookies

2010-03-20T13:06:00.007-05:00

So, I absolutely LOVE Newk's Strawberry Cake. It is to die for!!! :) Well, I have a friend from the Strawberry Capital of the World (in Florida). She recently introduced me to Strawberry Cookies, and they are almost just as good as the cake. Easy, very simple recipe. Took me less than 30 minutes to make them and bake them-- no joke. I thought I'd share it with you, and I took some pictures along the way! (Pictures are from my phone, so they aren't the best quality). So, without further adieu, here you go:

Strawberry Cookies

Prep time: 5-10 min.

Bake time: 10 min.

Ingredients: Duncan Hines Strawberry Cake Mix, 1/2 cup of oil, 2 eggs

Mix all ingredients together

Drop spoonfuls onto cookie sheet

Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.

Here's a pic of them baking in the oven:

Sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar.

And ENJOY!!!

They are absolutely delicious, and very easy to make! They are very refreshing, so they'd be perfect for a spring/summer snack!

Spring Break

2010-03-17T20:29:00.002-05:00

Well, I'm halfway through Spring Break!!! It's been a wonderful and well-needed break from my last semester in nursing school! whew! Can't believe I'm graduating in less than two months! AH!!!

As I've stated before, I'm a workin' kind of girl... Therefore, I'm helping out at the Spring Break camp with those wonderful kids! It's crazy and not real structured, but I still enjoy it (for the most part).

Keep me in prayer for a nursing job after graduation. It's not looking like I'll be finding one soon, as some of the December nursing grads are still trying to find jobs... But I'm trying to be hopeful!

Well, I'm working bright and early in the morning, so I'm gonna try to get to bed early! :)

Senioritis

2010-03-06T20:03:00.002-06:00

It's been dormant for four years but is slowly coming back to life. oh how i hate having to deal with these s/s! (signs and symptoms, for those non-nursing folk!)

Lack of Motivation

Page Staring

Easily Distracted

Lazy

There are more, but I'm too lazy to think of them. haha.

Well, I have a test on Wednesday that I need to do well on, and I would like to ask for your prayers in that area. I never do feel like studying when I should be, and forcing myself to do it is not helping, as I just stare at the pages. I know I work well under pressure, but I don't need to wait till the last minute to study for this one.

Thanks in advance for the prayers!

#8 of My Favorite Things

2010-03-02T21:03:00.002-06:00

8. Pilates

When I actually have the time to do it, I love working out with Pilates. I have this one DVD that I just love because it ties together pilates and yoga! Granted, it gets kinda boring after awhile, but I still love how I feel afterwards. Because my back is so weak, pilates helps to strengthen it and improve my posture (when I actually do work out). Nursing school has held me back in doing pilates for numerous reasons. First of all, I don't have the time. Second of all, I am so exhausted by the time I come back from clinical that I'm usually in bed within an hour. Finally, it's kinda weird trying to work out when you have a roommate whom you don't know when she will come in. (I'm not a big fan of working out with people watching. haha.)

Anyway, if you love pilates and yoga like me, you can enter to win a yoga mat, sweat towel, and slip-free rosin bag here! And these yoga mats are LONG (great for my height) and thick (good on your knees)! You have until Thursday to enter and win!!! And if you have a twitter and/or blog, they each give you another chance to win! :) If you don't win, you can order one here.

To Obey is Better than Sacrifice

2010-02-15T16:42:00.003-06:00

I came across this verse in a blog I read on occasion. It got me to thinking...

God would rather us obey Him than to sacrifice something for Him.

Here's a scenario:

You're a camp counselor. A kid will not listen. He hits and screams and runs inside, while you're constantly trying to get him to stop. The next day, he brings you a gift, promising that he will listen to and obey the rules. However, he begins hitting and screaming and running inside again.

How would you feel?

Exactly.

That's, I'm sure, close to how God feels when we come to Him, after disobeying Him, after a bad situation, when we need some "good luck" (to quote Kate). When we feel bad, offering Him something to "make up" for what we did.

How often do I do that to Him? More often than I'd like- Much more often than He would like...

"To obey is better than to sacrifice. In the New Testament it is said this way:“Without faith it is impossible to please God.” These two statements are really one in the same since faith is believing God not casually, but to the point of obedience." -Kate

I know I mess up. I know God knows that I mess up. But I shouldn't only come to Him when I do.

May we strive to obey His commands daily.

But Samuel replied:
"Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD ?
To obey is better than sacrifice,
and to heed is better than the fat of rams.

1 Samuel 15:22

New Look

2010-02-13T23:51:00.003-06:00

For My Blog, that is.

Let me know what you think....

Wonderful, Merciful Savior

2010-02-13T22:54:00.001-06:00

One of my favorites....

Wonderful, merciful Savior
Precious Redeemer and Friend
Who would have thought that a Lamb could
Rescue the souls of men, Oh You rescue the souls of men

Counselor, Comforter, Keeper
Spirit, we long to embrace
You offer hope when our hearts have
Hopelessly lost the way, Oh we hopelessly lost the way

You are the One that we praise
You are the One we adore
You give the healing and grace our
Hearts always hunger for, Oh our hearts always hunger for

Almighty infinite father
Faithfully loving Your own
Here in our weakness, You find us
Falling before Your throne, Oh we're falling before Your throne

Grey's

2010-02-13T12:52:00.004-06:00

As much as Grey's hasn't been as good recently, I still watch it. I'm thankful to have watched this past week's episode, as a quote really spoke to me.

"If you don't feel the losses, if they don't hurt you and humble you, that's when you know you're not cut out for this kind of work." Derek Shepherd

This quote means a lot to me, as I had endured watching two young losses. It was difficult to watch, and I must say that I was hurt. I was humbled. I feel that it really changed the way I do my job now. I don't need to take moments with each patient for granted. And I hope that I won't ever.

On a different note, Valentine's Day was really good. I'd recommend going to see it.

SNOW!!!!

2010-02-12T12:15:00.008-06:00

sorry the pics are kinda small and blurry... i only had my phone with me... i'll try to go out later with my camera and get better pics!

huge snowman on the quad

snowman and sledding in the bowl

outside the caf

outside my dorm

my car

Random Thoughts

2010-02-10T20:49:00.003-06:00

A few random things I wanna blog about. no joke- this will be really random!

1. Obama getting rid of the space budget. Now, all I know about this is what I just wrote. Honestly. SO, my opinion: i don't see the point to space missions at all. Okay- I get that it's cool and everything, but who are we helping by getting up there? no one, really. I am all for satellites taking pictures- there are amazing pictures of galaxies and planets that we wouldn't have otherwise. BUT taking trips up there to do things (honestly, i dont know what they really do), i think is kinda pointless. my opinion... i'm sure you have yours. so all in all, i'm fine with that.... just thought i'd see what everyone else thinks.

2. Acts 17. My church had a speaker come and talk to us tonight about Acts 17:19-34 and the "sermon" Paul spoke to Athens. There are some interesting points he made. First off, Paul did not use scripture at all in this sermon. Why? These people had no knowledge of scripture, so they wouldn't have understood! Point 1: Sometimes spreading the gospel does not involve scripture. Second of all, he related to them. They had worshiped an "unknown" god "just in case," and he taught them that there is God they should be worshiping. Point 2: Find something others can relate to. Third, God demands us to teach others. the Great Commission: go and make disciples... TEACHING them to obey everything I have commanded you." Point 3: God calls EVERY disciple of His to teach others. We are not to leave that up to the pastors and missionaries. We must, under His command, teach others. It's our choice...

3. All for Love. By Hillsong. There is a lot of truth to that song. "How many times have I broken Your heart but still You forgive, if only I ask? And how many times have You heard me pray "draw near to me"? Lord, You're always there. May I be the one drawing near to You.

4. I think there was something else, but I'm not sure.... And besides, my obsessive-compulsiveness does not allow me to end with an odd number... :)

The Bachelor

2010-01-30T14:32:00.003-06:00

I'm not a huge fan of reality shows... really, i never care too much for them. but my friends and i have spent the last year or so watching the bachelor or bachelorette on monday nights. we have our favorites and hope that's who wins! :)

well, my favorites on this season are Tenley and Ali. Tenley is such a sweet woman who deserves a man like Jake. She's also a Christian, and I do believe I saw her reading Captivating at one point! :) Ali and Jake seem to hit it off well, too.

Besides guessing who's gonna win, i also like to look it up and see what the rumors say. Let me just say that i really hope these rumors are not true because, well, i don't think they would work well together....

anyway, if you watch the show, who are your favorites?

#9 & #10 of My Favorite Things

2010-01-22T18:21:00.004-06:00

Wow- it's been awhile since I've added to this list!!! well, it's time.

10. Dogs/Puppies

For those of y'all who knew me when i was younger, you know how scared I was of dogs.... I mean, terrified!!!!! I have gotten over my fear, and I hope to have one one day. They are so adorable!!!! We dogsat one a few times, and it was scared of storms, so my dad would always bring her into my room, and she'd snuggle up real close. it was so sweet!

9. Dr. Pepper!!!!!

I love it!!! ALL 23 FLAVORS!!! Our cafeteria changed from pepsi to coke products (or vice versa- i don't remember) last year. And we now have dr. pepper. however, i believe i've only gotten it like twice... i drink water during every meal (besides breakfast- that deserves coffee). But, I occasionally have to go to walgreens and get me a bottle of it because it's hard to stay away for so long! :)

Aftershocks.

2010-01-21T21:48:00.002-06:00

My heart is still heavily burdened by the Haitian Earthquake. I feel for those people, without even knowing exactly what they are going through. As I hear of all the aftershocks occurring, I, again, am burdened.

I decided to look up some information regarding aftershocks because I am completely uneducated in this subject. I know this isn't a reliable source, but wikipedia explains them well.

I learned that they can occur for YEARS after the original earthquake! YEARS!?!?! How crazy is that? These aftershocks are basically just the earth's layers "settling" after the force from the earthquake.

Some countries still have "aftershocks" today, 200 years later! This is because of an equation that explains the frequency of aftershocks predicted each day after.

According to these equations, the rate of aftershocks decreases quickly with time. The rate of aftershocks is proportional to the inverse of time since the mainshock. Thus whatever the odds of an aftershock are on the first day, the second day will have 1/2 the odds of the first day and the tenth day will have approximately 1/10th the odds of the first day (when p is equal to 1).

How amazing is that? (Yes, I know I'm a nerd, but I'm so amazed at how well this earth [it's good and bad] can become an equation). Our God is great and mighty!

Well, my brain has taken in a lot of information today (Hey- we learned about hemodynamics and the shift of some curve relating to oxygenation today.... I'm worn out!)

Haiti: the Lord is on your side! Do not fear!!!

Psalms 118:6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

Haiti

2010-01-14T22:20:00.002-06:00

My heart is heavily burdened for Haiti. I am constantly praying for those Haitian people. If I could, I would go straight to the airport, hop on a plane, and head there to help them. As an (almost) nurse, I am called to care for those who are sick and in need. That is my passion in life, as a nurse and a believer. Seeing as I am not an official healthcare worker yet, there is not a possibility that I could. So here I am, praying. hoping. loving.

I recommend that everyone read this. As some have heard a person say that God apparently "hates" Haiti, I beg to differ. God loves Haiti. He cares for Haiti. He hopes for their salvation.

So God, I pray that Your love would shine among all the rubble and mess among the streets of Haiti. I pray for those that are able to volunteer their time and effort, that they would show Your lovingkindness to the Haitian people. Father, open up their hearts to hear You, that they may receive the hope that You have given Your sons and daughters. I pray for those who can donate, that they give more than is needed for this country to be rebuilt. Lord, comfort Haiti. In Your Son's Name, Amen.

The Last Song

2010-01-05T23:34:00.002-06:00

Okay- so I admit, I have yet to finish the book, but I'm loving it!!! And, although it has many similarities to A Walk to Remember, it may quite possibly become my new favorite Nicholas Sparks book, that is, until another one comes out! :)

So, without having learned the ending to this book, considering I have five or six chapters left, I suggest you go get this book at some point in the near future and read it! I'm sure you'll be glad you did, tears and all!

Spiritual Perfection

2010-01-02T21:53:00.004-06:00

It's the start of a new year, thus I'm beginning a Bible Study. In yesterday's reading, I was reminded of a certain significance.

One of my friends took a class on the history of math at my school. Since I go to a private Christian college, the professor also took into consideration the meaning/significance of Biblical numbers.

While reading in Matthew 1, i found in verse 17:

"So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations."

Curious as to the significance of the number fourteen, I searched google and found here about the number fourteen:

"Fourteen being a multiple of seven, partakes of its significance; and, being double that number, implies a double measure of spiritual perfection. The number two with which it is combined (2x7) may, however, bring its own significance into its meaning, as in Matthew 1, where the genealogy of Jesus Christ is divided up and given in sets of 14 (2x7) generations, two being the number associated with incarnation."

Spiritual Perfection, in the genealogy of Christ. How amazing, how divine! I think I'm going to be looking up the meaning of biblical numbers more often. It sure changes one's perspective!

The Short Entry

2009-12-26T22:22:00.002-06:00

I'm very sleepy, so I'll probably be heading to bed soon after I write this short blog entry.

Besides Christmas, not much has gone on the past few days. Ashlee came home for Christmas, I worked some, and I took pics on the square with Brooke and some friends!!!

Ashlee and I made some cinnamon rolls the night before Christmas (she did most of the work) to have for breakfast. (look at her blog- i think she has the recipe somewhere on there). And we all slept in a lot longer than we usually do, got up to open presents at 8am.

Not sure what else to say at the moment, but Happy Early New Year (if I don't write another entry till then!)!!!

New Again

2009-12-21T21:15:00.002-06:00

Remember the Reason for this season. The birth of our Savior, to die for all our sins.

New Again

Sara Evans & Brad Paisley

Mother, do not cry for me.

All of this is exactly how it's supposed to be.

I'm right here. Can you hear my voice?

My life, my love, my Lord, my baby boy.

As they nailed me to this tree,

Just know the Father waits for me.

God, how can this be your will?

To have Your Son and my son killed?

Whatever happens, whatever you see

Whatever your eyes tell you has become of me

This is not, it's not the end.

I am making all things new again.

I remember when You were born

In that manger where I first held you in my arms

So many miracles and lives You've changed

And this world repays you how? With all this pain.

Chorus

A Christmas Song

2009-12-02T22:34:00.005-06:00

The Giver & The Gift

The Mistletoe Project

Three men and a star in the sky

Oh what I would give for a wisdom so bright

One girl with a journey to make

Oh how I wish I was that brave

Fearless, shameless, faith through the dark

How I wish I was as strong as they are

You say, "Come to Me, wait no more

I give you all you're asking for

Forget the lies this world has told

I'll wrap your life in red and gold

I'm more than just only one night that's holy
I'm your star and I'm your wish

Cause I am both the Giver and the Gift."

A child far away born in the night

Too young to know what is meant for His life

But He'll grow and He'll love more than anyone can

And the world's gonna see a light where He stands

Chorus

Christmas Eve, all I see is snow on the trees

And it's white and it glows, that's how I want to be

Chorus

It's a Holiday!!

2009-12-02T14:41:00.002-06:00

So I've been on a search for some new Christmas music, as I've lost a lot of mine on my old computer. And I found this! It's a MUST, I believe, for this season!!!

Just take a listen- I'm sure you won't be disappointed!!

Thankful

2009-11-25T20:07:00.004-06:00

Now that i actually have [some] time on my hands, I thought I'd write a little about the last few months.

Third semester of nursing school has been tough--no lie. It's been busier than the past semesters; basically, they give us lots of busy work (workbook pages... and we all just copy the answers from the back--and they know we do it, so what's the point?). On top of nursing school, I have an elective (my advisor never "advised" me as to when the right time to take it would be). The elective is not too time-consuming, it's just tough because I had three tests in two days, due to my extra class. I also had two research papers due around the same time, for the same reason.

It all started with clinical- much earlier than we've started in the past. I wasn't ready for it, yet God allowed me to start with pediatrics, and I'm so thankful for that! I have known from early on in my life that I wanted to be a nurse; more specifically, a pediatric nurse.

Pediatrics: I'm thankful that my first day in peds was on the hematology/oncology floor. Since I want to work at a local pediatric oncology hospital some day, I knew that God sent me there for a reason. I was able to do a few things and learned a lot as well. I enjoyed having a small view of that hospital. I'm thankful for the math I had to learn in that rotation, as I really do like that subject. I am glad I learned how to safely administer medications in young children. I am also thankful for the experience I had in the PICU. I never expected to see that, and I never expected to be thankful for it, but I am. As I talked with my boss from this past summer, I know that God gave me that experience because I could be just the person for the job. It's something I'm still praying about, and I'd appreciate your prayers too.

Psych: I'm thankful for the men in our building at the state hospital. They taught me so much. I literally did not enjoy this rotation at all, but I was sad to leave. I'm thankful for the conversations I had, the knowledge I gained, and the appreciation I now have. Psychological disorders scared me before this rotation, but I now look back and miss the time I was there. Those men could not help the way they acted, so I am very much thankful for my health.

Adult Cardiac: Although I wished I had gotten the oncology rotation, I am thankful for my experience in cardiac. I did not enjoy it too much, but I did learn the importance of electrolytes, lab values, and certain medications. I had wonderful patients whom I am very thankful for. My instructor was wonderful, as well. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to experience all of the outpatient clinics and the knowledge I have gained.

I'm thankful that the Lord made me as a stress-free (for the most part) person because I see how others tend to handle themselves in certain situations. I just take it in strides. I know that there have been many people in nursing school before me, they've made it through, and they survived. So I know that I can survive... I don't have to stress out because I have hope that I will make it.

I am thankful for this short break, but more importantly, for my family. I love them so much!

Thank You, Lord, for my family, friends, nursing school, and experiences!

May each of y'all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Safe

2009-11-25T10:50:00.001-06:00

Safe
Phil Wickham (featuring Bart Millard)

To the one who's dreams are falling all apart
And all you're left with is a tired and broken heart
I can tell by your eyes you think your on your own
but you're not all alone

Have you heard of the One who can calm the raging seas
Give sight to the blind, pull the lame up to their feet
With a love so strong and never let you go
oh you're not alone

You will be safe in His arms
You will be safe in His arms
'Cause the hands that hold the world are holding your heart
This is the promise He made
He will be with You always
When everything is falling apart
You will be safe in His arms

Did you know that the voice that brings the dead to life
Is the very same voice that calls you to rise
So hear Him now He's calling you home
You will never be alone

Chorus

These are the hands that built the mountains
the hands that calm the seas
These are the arms that hold the heavens
they are holding you and me

These are hands that healed the leper
Pulled the lame up to their feet
These are the arms that were nailed to a cross
to break our chains and set us free

I Carry Your Heart

2009-11-20T22:15:00.002-06:00

I Carry Your Heart With Me E. E. Cummings

I carry your heart with me (I carry it in my heart)

I am never without it (anywhere I go, you go, my dear

And whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling)

I fear no fate (for you are my fate,my sweet)

I want no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
And it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
And whatever a sun will always sing is you

Here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(Here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
And the sky of the sky of a tree called life;

Which grows higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
And this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

I carry your heart (I carry it in my heart)

a waterproof....

2009-11-03T21:21:00.001-06:00

So this ad popped up on facebook, advertising a waterproof.... well, i'll just let you see what it is:

http://www.bardinmarsee.com/waterproof.aspx

what has this world come to?

2009-10-29T16:28:00.000-05:00

read this

My Beloved's Vineyard

2009-10-16T16:11:00.003-05:00

Now I will sing for the one I love a song about his vineyard:

My beloved had a vineyard on a rich and fertile hill.

He plowed the land, cleared its stones, and planted it with the best vines.

In the middle he built a watchtower and carved a winepress in the nearby rocks.

Then he waited for a harvest of sweet grapes, but the grapes that grew were bitter.

Now, you people of Jerusalem and Judah, you judge between me and my vineyard.

What more could I have done for my vineyard that I have not already done?

When I expected sweet grapes, why did my vineyard give me bitter grapes?

Now let me tell you what I will do to my vineyard

I will tear down its hedges and let it be destroyed.

I will break down its walls and let the animals trample it.

I will make it a wild place where the vines are not pruned and the ground is not hoed,

a place overgrown with briers and thorns.

I will command the clouds to drop no rain on it.

The nation of Israel is the vineyard of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

The people of Judah are his pleasant garden.

He expected a crop of justice, but instead he found oppression.

He expected to find righteousness, but instead he heard cries of violence.

Isaiah 5:1-7

An Ethical Dilemma

2009-10-16T16:03:00.003-05:00

Ethical issues come up often in my future career choice. After my experience in the Pediatric ICU, i really didn't want to have any more patients that had to deal with the subject of death. Having that experience not too long ago, it's still close to my heart. Yesterday, my teacher assigned me and my partner to a DNR patient. A "do not resuscitate" patient: one who prefers no cpr to keep them alive.

I honestly still haven't decided how I feel about this subject, but that patient hit me hard. Yes, she was very very old, yes she was alone, yes she was really sick. BUT i don't know if I could stand beside her while she was dying and not do anything to save her. I chose this career to help people, to care for them, to (in a small way) help heal them (physically, spiritually, mentally). I took a CPR class to know how to save a person's life! How could I stand by and not do anything about it when I was taught to?

Anyway, does anyone else have any opinions on this subject?

My Spill on the Undeserved Prize

2009-10-09T12:58:00.004-05:00

My sister asked if i would be writing a blog about the new Obama news. Umm... most definitely, yes!

I understand that some Presidents have received the Nobel Peace Prize. And they deserved to. Not to say that Obama doesn't deserve it, but just read what it says on nobelprize.org:

"The Nobel Peace Prize goes to President Barack Obama 'for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.'"

Now, just a few of my own opinions/thoughts about this. (And I hope the government doesn't track me down because apparently it will soon be against the law to speak your own opinion.... ah!! i'm so scared!! [see previous post about that]) (Sarcasm)
Here goes.
1. Ever since he sat in office, I have seen more people against his ways than previous presidents. Granted, I do live in the South, where most republicans live, but still. It's just way more than I've seen in the past (I honestly don't know how he was elected!).
2. Change. That he brought. But not a change that I, or others, would have preferred.
3. Has he done all the things he promised he would do? NO.
4. Has he made more enemies than Bush? Yes. He's unproper, especially in regards to other cultures. Give elaborate gifts to leaders- not cheap stuff! That's insulting! The Polish and Czechs don't like him... HELLO???
5. Leaders from Shanghai and Poland say he doesn't deserve it because he hasn't accomplished anything yet. He got the award from popularity, apparently.
6. A Norwegian on the Nobel committee stated that it was to criticize Bush. Now WHY would you give a prestigious award to criticize someone??? DUMB!! (And this is the country it started in...)
7. MOST important... Apparently, the nominations ended in February.... Like a month after he was in office. Had he done anything worthy of a nomination by then? NEGATIVE!

Okay- that's my spill... what's yours???

Just Watch

2009-09-30T19:19:00.000-05:00

When My Heart Is Overwhelmed from Reality on Vimeo.

Just watch. You will be blessed!

Glory to God

2009-09-27T11:24:00.004-05:00

So I'm not sure exactly how this post will end up, but i feel that i should write about it anyway.

A few weeks ago in clinicals, I had the opportunity to go to the PICU (Pediatric ICU). I had preferred not to go there; however, my teacher had assigned me that floor, so nonetheless, i had to.

Let me back up just a little bit... I have almost always wanted to be a nurse. i have an assignment I did in first grade about what I wanted to be when I grew up--a nurse. So I'm currently fulfilling that dream. Now, I have worked with kids ever since I was old enough. I mean, I helped with VBS, Mission Friends, Kindercamp, summer camp, and baby-sitting. I just love children! They always brighten my day!!! So, I really want to work in pediatrics.

Back to my story... We "ranked" the floors we wanted to go to, in the order we would like. I put the PICU in last place. I love children, and I just didn't think that I would like to see children in that manner- really sick, in a coma, etc. But I had no choice, so I went.

It started off pretty well. I really did enjoy the first hour of being down there. I mean, you only have like one or two patients, you sit down there just watching them the whole time. It seemed to be a laidback environment.

...until... a code was called from another floor. A girl had metabolic acidosis from a type of dialysis (a really rough kind). She went into shock... So they rushed her down to the PICU, they were doing all sorts of procedures on her, pushing fluids, transfusing blood, etc.... Thank goodness she survived, as far as I know. It was hard just standing there and watching, unsure of what would come.

Then, another code was called. This time, from the emergency room. A young boy was rushed in. His blood pressure was like 40/30 in the ER... REALLY low... As soon as he came in to the PICU, nurses gathered around him, doing CPR over and over and over again.... The doctor put in a central line to get epinephrine straight to his heart so it would work faster on his body. He lost his pulse again- that part really got to me, i mean, his foot at NO pulse.... As a student nurse, I'm always feeling pulses. To not feel one at all... goodness!

They did CPR again.... He regained his pulse for the time being. They brought his mother in. She could barely stand to watch them. She kept yelling, " Jesus! Please don't take my baby!" That broke my heart! Children are young and healthy they should not be in a situation like that at all! It was a tough thing to watch. When I left, he was still alive; yet, I heard later that he had died. Apparently, he had a lost a lot of blood through internal bleeding- they found blood in his lungs, his stomach, and his brain.

All in all, I had had a rough day. I pray I will never experience something like that again. I know I'm in the healthcare business, but I just don't want to see a little child struggle to stay alive. That shouldn't happen! So- I don't plan on ever working in the PICU!

That night, I prayed hard to God, just asking Him, "why?" Why did that happen to those children? Why did he have to die? Why did He choose to save the girl and not the boy?

Just hard questions that only God could answer. He led me to a verse in Psalms. I don't know which chapter exactly, it was a miracle I had turned there! But it was very comforting, just proclaiming His justice and His plans! I do not know the answers to my questions, but I do know that He is just. He is fair. He is loving. He is righteous. And I thank Him for that. He is in control. We may not understand His plan, but just know that it all works out according to it. Everything happens for a reason. And He is glorified through it all.

More Beautiful You

2009-09-24T18:59:00.002-05:00

"More Beautiful You"
Jonny Diaz

Little girl fourteen flipping through a magazine

Says she wants to look that way

But her hair isn’t straight her body isn’t fake

And she’s always felt overweight

Well little girl fourteen I wish that you could see

That beauty is within your heart

And you were made with such care your skin your body and your hair

Are perfect just the way they are

There could never be a more beautiful you

Don’t buy the lies disguises and hoops they make you jump through

You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do

So there could never be a more beautiful you

Little girl twenty-one the things that you’ve already done

Anything to get ahead

And you say you’ve got a man but he’s got another plan

Only wants what you will do instead

Well little girl twenty-one you never thought that this would come

You starve yourself to play the part

But I can promise you there’s a man whose love is true

And he’ll treat you like the jewel you are

Chorus

So turn around you’re not too far

To back away be who you are

To change your path go another way

It’s not too late you can be saved

If you feel depressed with past regrets

The shameful nights hope to forget

Can disappear they can all be washed away

By the One who’s strong can right your wrongs

Can rid your fears dry all your tears

And change the way you look at this big world

He will take your dark distorted view

And with His light He will show you truth

And again you’ll see through the eyes of a little girl

Chorus

I just really like this song. thought i'd share it with you. i think it's something that all girls should read- no matter the age! Just to step back and be real with yourself, your motives, and your actions.

Political Post #2

2009-09-14T22:04:00.002-05:00

i had no inkling i'd be writing another blog about our government system, until i read this!

what right does the government have to MAKE a child go to a particular school and learn about OTHER religions: all just to SOCIALIZE with other children?

As far as I know, we have the freedom of speech AND religion!!!

I don't know what constitution that judge was reading, but in the UNITED STATES' Constitution, those freedoms are listed in black ink, for all to read!!!

My Try at Politics

2009-09-13T16:01:00.003-05:00

I'm not much of a political person. I don't even watch the news enough to know what's going on in the government; however, I have seen enough in the last few weeks to really be disappointed in our government.... and the president.

For example- Obama's Czars!!! Who needs that many "whisperers" in their ear??? I mean, the president should have his own opinions, yet he is listening to the opinions of unreliable people. I get that that law for advisors to the president was started under Bush; however, 30-something is WAY too many for him to have! WAY too many!!!!

Another example, the way the government is trying to get rid of our "freedom of speech" by not allowing talk shows to talk about the president as much as they want- ONLY because there are more conservative talk shows taking bad about the president than liberal talk shows who agree with the president. How WRONG this picture is!!! We were founded on freedom- how DARE they take it away!!!

Finally, the health care system. I'm not even gonna try to talk about this. As I will be working in the health care system soon enough... I just want you to watch this video, as it states exactly how I feel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9GMKK_fWKg

Mr. President, you had better get it together or you'll be hearing from me! :)

Never had I known this, but republicans stand behind the constitution- a legal document our founders wrote, sticking to the beliefs of why our country was born. however, democrats stick to it loosely- they don't see it the way I do. I believe everything our founders did. I believe we were founded for freedom, and I believe we should have that freedom in everything we do- health care, speech, opinions- EVERYTHING.

And that's the end of my political blog.

My Crazy Life in Nursing School

2009-09-05T13:36:00.003-05:00

It's been a crazy few weeks of third semester nursing school... we started clinicals on thursday (much earlier than expected), and have been busy with classes (8-5 everyday) and have already had our first test (which i got a B on!)

Just wanted to catch y'all up with what's going on in my crazy life!

oh- my mom's birthday was yesterday, and unfortunately i was unable to go home due to late clinical days and homework, but she did have a great day! happy birthday, mom! i love you!

Anne, Bruno, and Corrie

2009-08-16T00:47:00.004-05:00

Kinda Random, But:

If you were to ask me what part of history I wish never happened, I would have to say the Holocaust. I just hate what happened to all those innocent Jews and others!!!

I just finished watching The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. GREAT movie; however, I wish it had not ended the way it did. But it brought another reality to what occured during that time. An innocent little boy, Bruno, befriending a Jew, Schmuel.

Anne Frank, Bruno, & Corrie ten Boom: True Heroes in my book.

Campers Say The Darndest Things

2009-08-07T21:17:00.003-05:00

Seeing as it was the last day of camp, here are a few of my favorite quotes from this summer:

" Miss Alissa, do you think I'm from a black family or a white family?"

"Miss Alissa, I wish you were my mother! You're so nice!"

In response to kissing each other (on the lips), two five-year-olds say "It was an accident!"

"Miss Alissa, you're my favorite counselor!"

Here's a note one of my kids wrote to me (our group name is the Wolves):

"Mrs. Elias you are the best teacher ever. You help use when when fall. You are the nices teacher. We think you are cool. from Wovels to Mrs Elias :)"

I wear a purity ring, symbolizing my decision to remain pure until marriage. That's a hard thing to explain to a child. Here's how a conversation went one day:

Miss Alissa, are you married?

No, I'm not.

Well, why do you have a ring on that finger?

I'm waiting for my husband.

Where is he?

I don't know.

What's his name?

I don't know.

Well, does he know you're waiting for him?

I'm not sure.

Have you met him yet?

I have no idea!

That was a very difficult conversation... I tried so hard not to chuckle!

On career day, I dressed up in scrubs and my lab jacket. I had also brought my blood pressure cuff and my stethoscope. One kid asked me if I would take her "blood temperature." lol.

It was a very sad day for me, as I may not be going back to camp next year (if i graduate and get a real job). I'll miss those kids so much! I wish being a camp counselor was my real job!

just a little quote

2009-07-03T10:03:00.001-05:00

"God always ignores the present perfection for the ultimate perfection. He is not concerned about making you blessed and happy just now; He is working out His ultimate perfection all the time." Oswald Chambers

2009-06-27T22:01:00.003-05:00

been a month since i've posted... sorry about that, my only reader! :)

but not much is going on. i've gone to st louis and seen the arch (as well as go to the top of it) for the first time, had a wonderful group of campers, and gotten ready to go to mexico (just a few weeks left!).

that's about it...

summer

2009-05-27T00:19:00.002-05:00

camp starts in a few days! i can't wait... i do believe it's the best part of my summer! it's so fulfilling, and i just enjoy being a part of those kids' lives. i mean, i may be the most positive person they have in their life at that moment, and i try to impact them in that way.

also, i'm going on a mission trip to mexico this summer- and i'm looking forward to that, as well! it sure will be hot there! :)

just wanted to update my few readers....

for Ashlee (and anyone else interested)

2009-05-22T23:23:00.002-05:00

microwave apple crisp.

Prepare the Apple

First wash the apple. Next completely peel the apple. Cut the apple around the core and then cut the pieces into thin slices. Next arrange the slices in your microwave safe dish.

Apple Crisp Crumb Topping

Now I make the crumb topping. Put 1 1/2 tablespoons of self rising flour into a bowl. Next add 3 tablespoons of old fashioned oats. Next cut 1 tablespoon of butter and put it into the bowl. Add 2 heaping tablespoons of brown sugar. Next sprinkle some cinnamon.

Mix these ingredients until you get a good texture for the crumb topping. Sometimes you need to get dirty and use your hand to mix in the butter.

Combine Ingredients and Heat

Now, spread the crumb mixture over the apple. Microwave the dish for 2 1/2 minutes on high. When it's done, serve and enjoy.

It was quite enjoyable, i must say. and i learned what self-rising flour is...

in case you wanna know:

1 cup flour

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

I got this recipe here:

http://video.about.com/busycooks/apple-crisp.htm

let me know if you try it!!! it's definitely worth it!

#11 of My Favorite Things

2009-04-27T13:23:00.002-05:00

11. The Beach

And i'm going there in almost a week!!! I can't wait!!!

#12 of My Favorite Things

2009-04-24T18:07:00.002-05:00

12. Working.

I know, that may sound weird, but I really do like to work. I'm not sure I will ever not like to. It all started with baby-sitting, which I love to do, but then it turned into childcare at church, camp counselor, and lobby worker. Soon it will be as a Nurse! (If I pass my last final... it'll be tough, but I know I can do it with help from the Lord.)

I just have worked for so long, I get bored if I don't have some place to be, so working is enjoyable to me. It gives me something to do, I feel accomplished, and I earn my own money- which is always nice!

Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire

2009-04-18T14:25:00.003-05:00

just a few quotes from "The Lure of Marketing" in Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala:

"Dwight L. Moody was haunted all his life by an occasion when he felt he got too clever in presenting the gospel. Six years before he died he recounted what had happened back in Chicago in the fall of 1871:

I intended to devote six nights to Christ's life. I had spent four Sunday nights on the subject and had followed him from the manger along through his life to his arrest and trial, and on the fifth Sunday night, October 8, I was preaching to the largest congregation I had ever had in Chicago, quite elated with my success. My text was "What shall I do then with Jesus which is called the Christ?" That night I made one of the biggest mistakes of my life. After preaching...with all the power that God had given me, urging Christ upon the people, I closed the sermon and said, "I wish you would take this text home with you and turn it over in your minds during the week, and next Sunday we will come to Calvary and the cross, and we will decide what we will do with Jesus of Nazareth."

"Just at that moment, a fire bell rang nearby. Moody quickly dismissed the meeting and sent the people out of the building. It was the beginning of the Great Chicago Fire, which over the next 27 hours left 300 dead, 90,000 homeless, and a great city in ashes. Obviously, Moody never got to finish his sermon series.

"He continued:

I have never seen that congregation since. I have hard work to keep back the tears today...Twenty-two years have passed away...and I will never meet those people again until I meet them in another world. But I want to tell you one lesson I learned that night, which I have never forgotten, and that is, when I preach to press Christ upon the people then and there, I try to bring them to a decision on the spot. I would rather have [my] right hand cut off than give an audience a week to decide what to do with Jesus."

and

"Attendance, buildings, and cash. A-B-C: The new holy trinity...

"Such a thing would never happen in Peter and Paul's day. For one thing, they had no buildings to call their own. They met in people's homes, in public courtyards, sometimes even in caves. As for budget, they seemed to have dispensed most of their funds in helping the poor...

"Nowhere in the epistles do we find Paul saying, 'I hear your attendance was down last quarter--what's the problem? What are you going to do about it?'

"This leads me to say that no church, including the one I pastor, should be measured by its attendance. Although I am thankful for the crowds of people who come to the Brooklyn Tabernacle every week, that is not a sign of God's grace."

I Would Like to Notice:

2009-04-15T19:53:00.003-05:00

I have recently been told about a "Noticer Project" going on around the world. This is where people notice the five most influential people in their lives. Without further adieu...

1. My Parents

Without my parents, I would not be here. I would not be the person I am today, for they have raised me in a caring home, taught me about my Lord, and told me how much I was loved and cared for. Since I have been at college, I have learned how much I love them and care for them as well. Being away from them has showed me how lucky I am to have them. So thanks mom and dad for always loving me and being there for me!

2. My Sisters

Ashlee and Brooke are my bestest friends in the world! I know that they will always be there for me no matter what I may do or say. We can always have fun and will always love each other even if we argue about something. Although, it's very sad that I don't see them as often as I would like. That's life, but I still wish we lived closer to each other. (ashlee... move back home! :) haha.) I love y'all!

3. My Best Friends

Jennifer and Robyn are amazing! They are always there for me, too! I'd actually consider them sisters! Thanks to them, I have grown closer to the Lord. I can always be myself around them and not care what they think. College plans sent us in different directions, but we can always get together and forget those months we've been apart! Y'all are the best!!

4. Jesus

His patience is unwavering, His grace is unchanging, His love is unending, His mercy is new daily, His joy is abundant, His peace is overwhelming, and His forgiveness is amazing.

5. A Camper

Ever since I was younger, I wanted to be a nurse, but not till a few years ago did I consider working at a pediatric cancer research hospital. I had a camper one summer whose brother just got diagnosed with cancer. I did not see her for a few weeks, and once I did, my heart just broke for her! I told her I was praying for her and truly cared about her family, and she just lost it! She was scared and didn't want anything to happen to him! Thankfully, her brother is doing wonderfully well, and I pray that I will get to minister to families like hers daily in the future!

Ashlee: for you...

2009-04-06T20:05:00.000-05:00

If you hadn't heard:

http://www.tomsguide.com/us/president-obama-queen-apple-ipod,news-3729.html

http://www.newsy.com/videos/breaking_royal_protocol/?gclid=CKbWlc7J3ZkCFQJvswodQi0KWw

Wait.

2009-04-06T19:55:00.000-05:00

"Desperate and helpless and longing, I cried.
Patiently, lovingly my Lord replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate;
And the Master so gently said,
'Child, you must wait.'

"'Wait? You said wait?' my indignant reply.
'Lord, I need answers. I need to know why.
Is Your hand shortened or have You not heard?
By faith I have asked, and I'm claiming Your Word.

"'My future and all to which I can relate
Hangs in the balance, and You tell me wait.
I'm needing a yes, a go-ahead sign,
Or even a no to which I can resign.

"'And Lord, You promised that if we believe
We need but to ask and we shall receive.
And Lord, I've been asking, and this is my cry,
I'm weary of asking, I need a reply.'

"Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate
As my Master replied once again, 'You must wait.'
So I slumped in my chair defeated and taught,
and grumbled to God, 'so I'm waiting for what?'

"He seem then to kneel, and His eyes wept with mine,
And He tenderly said, 'I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens and darken the sun;
I could raise the dead, cause the mountains to run.

"'All you seek I could give, and pleased you would be.
You would have what you want, but you wouldn't know Me.
You'd not know the depths of My love for each saint;
You'd not know the power that I give to the faint.

"'You'd not learn to see through the clouds of despair;
You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there.
You'd not know the joy of resting in Me
When darkness and silence were all you could see.

"'You'd never experience that fullness of love
As the peace of My Spirit descends like a dove.
You'd know that I give and I save, for a start,
But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart,

"'The glow of My comfort late in the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight,
The depth that's beyond getting just what you asked of an infinite God
Who makes what you have last.

"'And you'd never know, should your pain quickly free,
What it means that My grace is sufficient for thee.
Yes, your dreams for that loved one overnight may come true,
But oh the loss if I lost what I'm doing in you.

"'So be silent, my child, and in time you will see
That the greatest of gifts is to get to know Me.
And though oft may My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious of all is still, Wait.'"

-Unknown Author. Possibly Elisabeth Eliot??

Heart Like Memphis

2009-04-05T11:59:00.001-05:00

Heart Like Memphis

Carter Twins

She's got a heart

Like Memphis

She's Georgia Honeysuckle sweet

Smiles at strangers on the street

Remembers everybody's name

Calls her momma every day

Got the look

Got the friends

Gives the world

All her mess

But she hides

All the rest

She's got a smile like California

She's got a spirit like New Orleans

Eyes like the lights of New York City, yeah

Cool as a Carolina breeze

But underneath

She's got a heart like Memphis

She sleeps with the TV on

Wakes up dreamin he came home

Won't lay on his side of the bed

Too many memories in her head

No one knows

When she cries alone,

In the night

They just think

She's alright, cause

She's got a smile like California

She's got a spirit like New Orleans

Eyes like the lights of New York City, yeah

Cool as a Carolina breeze

But underneath

She's got a heart like Memphis

Oh yeah

She puts on

A new dress

She goes out

She turns all the boy's heads

That's as close

That's as close as they get

As they're ever gonna get

She's got a smile like California

She's got a spirit like New Orleans

Eyes like the lights of New York City, yeah

Cool as a Carolina breeze

But underneath

She's got a heart like Memphis

Wanna See My Sis in Action? :)

2009-03-29T20:42:00.004-05:00

I can't think of much to blog about right now, as I just finished a paper.... And I hadn't written a paper in months!

So, I'll just refer ya'll to my sister's cooking blog:

ashleeinaction.blogspot.com

She apparently cooks way more than I've ever seen her cook. I think I should go visit her just to get a home-cooked meal! :)

I'd also like to speak about what we're doing as a church till easter. We are doing a one-one-one thing. Pray for one person, for one minute, at one o'clock each day. This would be someone who is needing the Lord. Pray for conviction, for pain and suffering (as this brings people to God), for salvation, for grace.

I'm personally scared to pray for pain and suffering. I know from somewhat personal experience what this can do. I baby-sat two kids in high school. Their mother was in a bad car accident and miraculously survived. Come to find out, her mother had prayed that God would allow her to have the faith she used to have. He used her car accident to bring her mother closer to God. How wonderful! yet, how scary!

To pray that something like that would happen to someone is hard! But I know that despite whatever it is, the Lord is worth far more than earthly relationships and things. It's tough, but it will be worth it.

Colossians 4:2-4

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.

Hope everyone is well!

Spring Break!

2009-03-12T21:21:00.001-05:00

Weatherman says it may rain almost every day during Spring Break.

No tan for me, it seems! :(

Reality Tv.... Ugh!

2009-03-10T20:48:00.002-05:00

I admire Melissa Rycroft, the "chosen" winner of the final rose, last week on the bachelor. More than just winning though. If you haven't heard, Jason (the bachelor) changed his mind after the final rose, and chose the other girl instead. Now, granted- Melissa and him had broken up before the taping of After the Final Rose, but she had no idea Molly was the one he was seeing.... It was dumb to break up with her on tv and tell her that in front of millions. Mean, really.

Anyway, 'nough said...

She's on Dancing with the Stars now!!! Same channel, same day, same time!!! I'm so excited!!! She deserves to win this one- -and not let it be taken from her!!!

The Desert Song

2009-03-02T15:35:00.001-06:00

Verse 1:
This is my prayer in the desert
And all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides

Verse 2:
And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames

Chorus:
And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain

I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

Verse 3:
And this is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on it's way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

Bridge:
All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

Verse 4:
This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've recieved I will sow

God will not give you more than HE can handle!

2009-02-25T18:04:00.003-06:00

God won't give you more than you can handle.

We talked about this last night in Bible study, so I wanted to elaborate a little on it. God won't give you more than you can handle. I know we've all heard it before! I've heard it MANY times before, but have you even thought about it? It's not in the Bible ANYWHERE!!!! Where'd it come from? It's basically a paraphrase from 1 Corinthians 10:13. Read it:

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

What does He promise? He promises that He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand- He will provide a way out of the temptation. So... God did not promise that He won't give you more than you can handle! He said He wouldn't bring temptations that were more than you can handle. One man, Ed Welch, states it like this: "He will never put you in a situation where a sinful response is the only way out."

You can have troubled times and hard days that you don't think you can go through. God allows those to happen, for whatever reason, but know that You are not alone! You alone may not be able to go through it, but with God's help and His strength, you can!!!

He will not give you more than HE can handle!

Psych

2009-02-16T18:17:00.002-06:00

I start clinical rotations this week. First up, PSYCH! Scary, I know! Hopefully I''ll have trained real well in the communications area to help my patient. I'm sure I'll have some crazy stories after this rotation! (although, due to HIPPA violations, I may not be able to say too much.)

After psych, I go to maternal/infant, where i'll hopefully be able to watch a delivery! I think it's amazing just to think about it!

And finally, I'll go to Med-Surg after spring break, and hopefully get to see some pretty awesome gut stuff! :) Those other students only get to see bone replacements... aka BORING! :) haha.

#13 of My Favorite Things

2009-02-14T22:38:00.002-06:00

I passed my first three tests, so I'm going to clinicals! Yay!!! I've just gotta keep that grade up now... :)

13. Time to Myself

Now, I love being around my friends and love them so much! However, when I'm around them 24/7 in nursing school... they get kinda annoying! :) But thankfully, I am able to get away and be alone when I need to. I love that time- silence, thoughts, space, cleanliness, and just me!

Feb 9, 1988

2009-02-09T22:43:00.001-06:00

I turned 21 today. Don't feel any different. Never really do.

I'm calling it a night, though... It's been a long day! :)