A much needed smile-producer

from my Bible-study leader . . .

Hold Me Jesus

Well, sometimes my life just don't make sense at all
When the mountains look so big
And my faith just seems so small

So hold me Jesus, 'cause I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace

And I wake up in the night and feel the dark
It's so hot inside my soul
I swear there must be blisters on my heart

So hold me Jesus, 'cause I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace

Surrender don't come natural to me
I'd rather fight You for something I don't really want
Than to take what You give that I need
And I've beat my head against so many walls
Now I'm falling down, I'm falling on my knees
And this Salvation Army band is playing this hymn
And Your grace rings out so deep
It makes my resistance seem so thin

I'm singing hold me Jesus, 'cause I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace


Rich Mullins

He Meets Me Where I Am

Seemingly ironic, but surely a "God-thing" that today I read our Bible study chapter on doubting. The following is the prayer at the end of the chapter, from the book "Lord, Change My Attitude" by James MacDonald (I highly recommend it!!)

Lord, I thank you today that You are a good and a faithful God. Oh, God, increase my faith! Give me this day and this week a greater capacity to trust you, to rest in Your promises. Lord, help me to see You related to the very circumstances I face. Might I see how all that comes our way and how we handle it is directly related to our willingness to rest in Your promises and walk closely with You. Grant that kind of victory to me. May this day be different because of what I've prayed and acknowledged before you in this moment. And I promise to give You thanks and praise and glory for Your care and compassion for my life. In Jesus' name I ask these things. Amen.

P.S. I guess I won't go to Australia.... they probably have bad days too! : )

Is this the beginnings of a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day???

. . . I wanted to stay in bed . . .

. . . My Mp3 player froze . . . completely . . .

. . . My mind is confused and whirling . . .

. . . I miss everything about home . . .

. . . it's a Monday . . .

I am absolutely loving my classes, especially since they are progessively more "nursing-y" : ) And, I am enjoying more free time (can you believe it?)!



But . . .

How can three weeks of classes go so fast, but three weeks of life go so slowly?

I miss so many people, so many conversations, so many things . . .

My New Baby : D

Today was like Christmas-in-January . . . I got my new pride and joy : )

1.5 years closer to being a nurse, and 1 step closer to looking like a nurse : )

Here it is:

And, a few more fun things . . .

Proverbs 30:8,9

Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.

Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
and say, 'Who is the Lord?'
Or I may become poor and steal,
and so dishonor the name of my God.

Thank you

I just want to take a moment to say that I am so grateful for those who are older and wiser than me who are willing to share honest but loving wisdom with me as I navigate through this adventure called life.

Thank you to all of you.

Our New Do

Here are some pictures of our hall before . . .

. . . and after decorating!

Our God Saves

Hear the joyful sound of our offering
as your saints bow down
as your people sing
we will rise with you
lifted on your wings
and the world will see that

Our God saves
Our God saves
There is hope
in Your name

Mourning turns
to songs of praise
Our God saves
Our God saves


Paul Baloche

A friend read this story in her devotions yesterday, and it was insanely applicable for both of us... In the midst of saying goodbye and returning to school with a mixed bag of emotions, I am trying to remember to make the most of each moment instead of constantly wishing for the future. God has me here for a reason, and those at home are at home for a reason... Even though I might not prefer the circumstances, I can still look for His hand in each day and find ways to be a blessing to others.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A story is told of a king who went into his garden one morning, and found everything withered and dying. He asked the oak that stood near the gate what the trouble was. He found it was sick of life and determined to die because it was not tall and beautiful like the pine. The pine was all out of heart because it could not bear grapes, like the vine. The vine was going to throw its life away because it could not stand erect and have as fine of fruit as the peach tree. The geranium was fretting because it was not tall and fragrant like the lilac, and so on all through the garden. Coming to a heartsease, he found its bright face lifted as cheery as ever. "Well, heartsease, I'm glad, amidst all this discouragement, to find one brave little flower. You do not seem to be the least disheartened." "No, I am not of much account, but I thought that if you wanted an oak, or a pine, or a peach tree, or a lilac, you would have planted one; but as I knew you wanted a heartsease, I am determined to be the best little heartsease that I can."

Others may do a greater work, but you have your part to do; and no one in all God's heritage can do it so well as you. They who are God's without reserve, are in every state content; for they will only what He wills, and desire to do for Him whatever He desires them to do; they strip themselves of everything, and in this nakedness find all things restored a hundredfold.

Captivating Beauty

Beauty is, without question, the most essential and the most misunderstood of all of God's qualities--of all feminine qualities too. We know it has caused untold pain in the lives of women. But even there something is speaking. Why so much heartache over beauty? We don't ache over being geniuses, or fabulous hockey players. Women ache over the issue of beauty--they ache to be beautiful, to believe they are beautiful, and they worry over keeping it if ever they can find it...

A woman knows, down in her soul, that she longs to bring beauty to the world. She might be mistaken in how (something every woman struggles with), but she longs for a beauty to unveil. This is not just culture, or the need to "get a man." This is in her heart, part of her design.

Captivating, John and Stasi Eldredge

P.S. Ladies, if you haven't read Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge, buy it or borrow it from someone. I definitely recommend the 52 pages I've read so far!

Excitement . . .

How many good things can we take in before we burst with excitement?

: D

The BIG Red Book . . . and a cumulative exam

Buried under that red book and dozens and dozens of pages of power point notes . . .
Yup, gotta know all that . . . and be able to think critically about it . . .
And that's just one class . . .

Nursing will be a blessing . . .
nursing will be a blessing . . .
nursing will be a blessing . . .

: P

I think I can, I think I can . . .

Just an update because I don't know when I will have a chance to update for real. Ha.

FYI: homework, papers, and tests are my life for the next three weeks. Lovely.

?

: /

Fish Out of Water

Today was the Veteran's Day chapel at school. Needless to say, everything military-related "went against my grain" and I left the Jeremiah chapel feeling more convinced of the importance of peace . . . and more of a loner in the middle of a "God and Country" school. During the last few weeks, several people involved with the University made the statement, "God Bless America." On the contrary, I whole-heartedly agree with the bumper sticker that states, "God Bless the WHOLE World. NO Exceptions." But, should I barely breathe a word of disagreement with that statement, I would be labeled as unpatriotic . . . among more severe descriptions. Whatever makes us think that we are God's favorite? Since when did the Biblical meaning of blessing strictly mean lavish finances? . . . Or at least that is how we seem to define it. What about His other children in the world, who are satisfied with the "meager" (dare I say "meager" according to Christian American standards) blessings of enough food but not extra, a roof but not a 5,000-sq. ft. home, health but not cosmetic vanity. Not only are they satisfied, but they are genuinely joyful. When will we learn the importance of doing things for His glory and His kingdom, instead of seeking an earthly blessing or reward by the means of prosperity?

And while we make statements about the sanctity of life, the precious nature of life, and the importance of protecting life, why do we "kill people who kill people to show that killing people is wrong?" How can we say that life is precious, while in the next breath angrily murmur hateful sentiments towards someone who "wronged" us?

Don't get me wrong; I'm speaking as much to myself as to anyone else . . . actually, I'm merely venting my thought processes from today. I don't understand the entire position of peace. I don't know how to back up my beliefs beyond ignorantly accepting what I've grown up with; I don't understand how to defend my beliefs in the context of Romans 13; I don't know what would happen if America wouldn't have "intervened" in World War II. But, at the same time, have we given peace a chance?

Call me cynical, unpatriotic or ungrateful. I am certainly grateful for the freedom I experience each day, the freedoms that allow us to bring glory to His name. I understand the price American servicemen and women paid for our freedom. But, do we understand the price of orphaned children, disabled bodies, and destruction other nations face when we invade in the name of "justice bringing freedom?"

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

P.S. Feel free to leave suggestions of books, conversations, knowledge, experiences and the like that could help me to understand the peace position of the Anabaptist faith so that I may develop my "baby beliefs" without blindly accepting what I have been handed. If that makes sense.

If you think missing me is hard, then you should try missing you.

-Author Unknown

I am so ready for another break.

Or perhaps just a week unlike the last.

Surprise!

It's amazing how much excitement one email can bring . . . even when it only says:

"You have a BOX!!!!!!!!!!!"

Somehow, those words are like life-savers to a college student. Something unexpected----maybe something to eat instead of the cafeteria food??!!!!

Now, it's time to make your mouth water . . . Here is the box I got today:




A basket of goodies from Mrs. Field's . . .

• Double Fudge
• Butterscotch Blondie Fudge
• Toffee Fudge
• Triple chocolate cookies
• Semi-sweet chocolate without nuts cookies
• White chunk and macadamia nut cookies
• Oatmeal, raisin and walnut cookies
• 12 raspberry and blueberry mini-muffins

YUM!

Life

I'd appreciate prayer this week, as I have an intense and demanding schedule ahead of me. As a sophomore nursing major, life tends to be intense anyway. But, this week the demands are multiplied.

• Anatomy and Physiology Lab Practical (today) [update: Survivable; I'm glad it's over!]
• Nursing Medical Terminology Quiz (today) [update: went well!]
  
• Humanities Quiz (today) [update: went well!]
• Microbiology Lab Quiz (tomorrow . . . 40 pts is a large quiz!)
• Microbiology Exam (11/2)
  
• Anatomy and Physiology Exam (11/5)

Some things to look forward to though . . .

• Registering for spring-semester classes tomorrow!
  
• Advanced Clinical Physiology
  
• Nutrition
• Provider of Nursing Care 2
• Statistics
  
• Old Testament Literature (Bible-minor)
  
• Worldview Development (Bible-minor)
  
• A "reward for surviving" Chinese dinner out with some nursing friends on Friday evening. . . well, it's still in the works, but it's a possibility!
• Parents' weekend in two weeks!

Fall Break

A beautiful weekend, in so many ways!

(The picture does not do justice . . .
but, that waterfall was 94' high!)


. . . and, my favorite . . .


.10.20.07.

Only 50 hours . . .

The Perks of Volunteering

Start with water and juice to build a strong core . . .

. . . Add 6-inch subs and bags of chips . . .

. . . Oh, and don't forget the goldfish crackers . . .

. . . And, top it all off with cookies . . .

. . . What do you get?

A HUGE pile of free food consisting of
18 subs,
20 bags of goldfish,
15 bags of chips,
28 juice boxes,
14 water bottles,
and 13 cookies.


And one much stronger girl after she carried it from the Rec center to her room!

The story behind it all: Today I volunteered on the lunch staff at a University event, Junior Jam. At the end of lunch we had a lot of extra food, so each volunteer ended up packing bags and boxes full of food to take back to our rooms. We decided our halls lavish us with love after we hand out free subs and such! : )

A Letter from God to all Women...

I made her... she is different. With love I formed her in her mother’s womb. I fashioned her with great joy. I remember, with pleasure, the day I created her. I love her smile. I love her ways. I love to hear her laugh. And the silly things she says and does. She brings me great pleasure. This is how I made her. I made her pretty and not beautiful because I knew heart, and I knew she would be vain... I wanted her to search out her heart, and learn that it would be me in her that made her beautiful... and it would be Me in her heart that would draw friends to her. I made her in such a way that she would need me. I made her a little more lonesome than she would like to be, I know her heart, I know if I had not made her like this she would have gone her own way and forgotten about me... her Creator. I have given her many good and happy things... because I love her. Because I love her, I have seen her broken heart and the tears she’s cried alone. And I have cried with her and had a broken heart too. Many times she has stumbled and fallen alone, only because she would not hold my hand. So many lessons she has learned the hard way because she would not listen to my voice... So many times I have sat back and watched her go her own way, only to return to my arms sad and broken. And now she is mine again... I made her, and then I bought her... Because I love her. I have to reshape and mold her.. To renew her to what I had planned for her to be. It has not been easy for her or for me. I want her to be conformed to my image... This is the high goal I have set for her....
Because I love her.

When I created the heavens and earth, I spoke them into being. When I created man, I formed him and breathed life into his nostrils. But you, woman, I fashioned after I breathed the breath of life into man because your nostrils are too delicate . I allowed a deep sleep to come over him so I could patiently and perfectly fashion you. Man was put to sleep so he could not interfere with my creativity. From one bone I fashioned you. I chose the bone that protects man’s life. I chose the rib, which protects the heart and lungs, and supports him, as you are meant to do. Around this one bone I shaped you... I molded you. I created you perfectly and beautifully. Your characteristics are as the rib, strong, yet delicate and fragile. You provide protection for the most delicate organ in man, his heart. His heart is the center of his being; his lungs hold the breath of life, the rib cage will allow itself to be broken before it will allow damage to the heart.

Support the man as the rib cage supports the body. You were not taken from his feet, to be below him, nor from his head to be above him. You were taken from his side to stand beside him and be held close to his side. You are my perfect angel, you are my beautiful little girl. You have grown to be a splendid woman of excellence, and my eyes fill when I see the virtues in your heart. Your eyes-don’t change them. Your lips- how lovely when they part in prayer. Your hands- how gently to touch. I’ve caressed your face in deep sleep. I’ve held your heart close to mine. Of all that lives and breathes you are the most like me. Adam walked with me in the cool of the day, and yet he was lonely. He could not see me or touch me, he could only feel me. For everything I wanted Adam to share and experience with me, I fashioned you- my holiness, my strength, my purity, my love, my protection, my support. You are special because you are an extension of me. Man represents my image; woman, my emotions. Together you represent the totality of God. So man, treat woman well. Love her, respect her, for she is fragile.

Momma and Baby

An interesting find in a 5 lb. bag of gummy bears . . .

Beauty ... and Kronk!

The sunset this evening . . .

And . . . introducing Kronk!
. . . the only male allowed in our room ; )

Numbers

15 . . . 14 . . . 13 . . . 12 . . . 11 . . . 10 . . . 9 . . .
. . . 8 . . . 7 . . . 6 . . . 5 . . . 4 . . . 3 . . . 2 . . . 1 . . .

Lovely!

I really like girlie, heart-to-heart chats.
Even if they're through email.

: D

When you sing this song, my heart smiles! ; )

I Love the Pit-Pit Patter of the rain drops,
I love the buzz-buzz buzzing of the bee,
But the sound I love the best, the very, very best,
Is to hear that God loves me.
Is to hear that God loves me.
Is to hear that God loves me.

Words of Another

Absence diminishes small loves and increases great ones, as the wind blows out the candle and fans the bonfire.

~François Duc de La Rochefoucauld

Worth a Smile

11.

and.

1.

; )

Bet Ya Don't Have One of These...

Not only do sophomores get to eat breakfast with the President...
We get a cool mug to prove it.

Take a look at the proof:

Four.

: )


; )


: D


; D

Where, oh where?

If you come looking for me, and you can't find me
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
I'm under all of my Anatomy and Physiology books, notes, power points, coloring books, lab reports, flash cards...

oh goodness.

how can time seem so short when looking at a list of "to-do's," but look so long in other ways?

Pop, Bang and Boom

Just some pictures from the annual, amazing fireworks...

Don't You Wish You Were in Nursing School?

intracellular--antecubital--phalageal--ipsilateral--
anatomical position--olecranial--calcaneal--contralateral--
serous membrane--peritoneum--glycoproteins--enzymes--
selective permeability--diffusion--osmosis--tonicity--bilayer--
hypertonic--phagocytosis--ectoderm--epithelial--cadherins--
hemidesmosomes--basement membrane--pseudostratified--
simple cuboidal--squamos--positive feedback system--
homeostasis--interstitial fluid--synovial--catabolism--
aqueous humor--pseudostratified columnar epithelium--
microvilli--phospholipids--concentration gradient--
hydrophobic--midsagittal plane--systemic--cephalic--
transverse plane--meninges--mediastinum--otic--dorsum...

* Flowers *

I've decided that a dorm room can greatly benefit from the addition of flowers. Therefore, I went to the store and bought some. Here are the beauties:

...and my favorite picture:

The Room (or at least my half)

These aren't the best pictures, but I hope they'll work for now. Hopefully more pictures (better pictures) to come later...

Part of the view of western sky from our window. With the exception of cloudy and rainy days, like today, we have a lovely view of sunsets!

-Update-

I will post pictures of my new room when I actually take some pictures : ) It's a lot bigger than last year!!

Stay tuned...