There are two words to describe my first few weeks of nursing classes...whirl-wind. The condensed version of my classes, though convenient, are CRAZY. Fortunately for me and my classmates today was the last day and all that stands in the way of us and freedom is two tests! As making beds, giving shots, and taking blood pressure commences I begin the unfortunate studying that comes with Pathophysiology. Though interesting, the class in itself is pretty rough...but I'm hopeful! One thing that has kept my sanity intact is World Cup! None of my nursing cohorts share my enthusiasm for the sport, so I am left to share my opinions with Penny. But she is a great listener, and always agrees with me. She even celebrated with me for the US's late stoppage time goal this morning! On that note, let's give it up to our soccer boys for their performance today and winning their group for the first time since 1930! Way to go! Hopefully the world cup will not be a horrible distraction for me, and wimbledon for the that matter. Honestly studying is about the only thing I have been doing, no other real updates. Well time to hit the books!
until next time...
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
God Speak
We have been doing this very interesting series at Church about hearing God's voice. Not so coincidentaly, we have also been doing a study on prayer with our life group. They both seem to fit together perfectly in the lessons that we are learning. I encourage everyone to do this prayer study with John Eldriedge. It is AMAZING!!! to say the least. A few things he talks about are prayers of intervention, praying with authority, and he communicates the seriousness of prayer in our lives. After every chapter I feel the need to fall to my knees and have an hour long conversation with God. What is interesting is that in the series at Church, we have been learning to hear God's voice in a few different ways. Through His Word, through others, and through prophecy (now don't freak out, stay with me!).
I think we have all experienced this is some way or another. Maybe someone says the exact thing you have been needing to hear or praying about. Or, God puts it on your heart to say an encourgaging word to someone and you had no idea how much pain they had been dealing with. In these small ways God speaks to us and allows us to interact with each other in Kingdom building ways. I remember one time when I was going through a very rough patch and questioning God in several ways, someone came up to me that I had never met and said 'Don't worry, God loves you'. These simple words, which we know and have been taught for so long have a HUGE impact on someone, like me, who was questioning God's love. I have been able to witness and experience so many encouraging examples of this over the past few weeks.
Now, what John Eldriedge has to do with this is that our communication with God is directly impacting the people around us. We must realize that our walks are not separate, but they intertwine and connect. Each interaction we have with someone is an opportunity to welcome the Kingdom of God or invite satan to have more footholds in our lives. It is a profound thought, and very heavy...but also very true. Our prayers allow us to receive direction from God and if we aren't walking step by step with Him we are missing out on opportunities to further His Kingdom on this earth. I appreciate how these studies have opened my eyes to the seriousness of spiritual warfare going on around us. My views on prayer, and even how I pray have seriously changed. This is just a snipet, so please go do the study. Can you imagine the difference we can make in the world if we all walk with the authority that God gives us through Jesus! Jesus told us we would do more miraculous things than he did, so what's stopping us!?!?!
I think we have all experienced this is some way or another. Maybe someone says the exact thing you have been needing to hear or praying about. Or, God puts it on your heart to say an encourgaging word to someone and you had no idea how much pain they had been dealing with. In these small ways God speaks to us and allows us to interact with each other in Kingdom building ways. I remember one time when I was going through a very rough patch and questioning God in several ways, someone came up to me that I had never met and said 'Don't worry, God loves you'. These simple words, which we know and have been taught for so long have a HUGE impact on someone, like me, who was questioning God's love. I have been able to witness and experience so many encouraging examples of this over the past few weeks.
Now, what John Eldriedge has to do with this is that our communication with God is directly impacting the people around us. We must realize that our walks are not separate, but they intertwine and connect. Each interaction we have with someone is an opportunity to welcome the Kingdom of God or invite satan to have more footholds in our lives. It is a profound thought, and very heavy...but also very true. Our prayers allow us to receive direction from God and if we aren't walking step by step with Him we are missing out on opportunities to further His Kingdom on this earth. I appreciate how these studies have opened my eyes to the seriousness of spiritual warfare going on around us. My views on prayer, and even how I pray have seriously changed. This is just a snipet, so please go do the study. Can you imagine the difference we can make in the world if we all walk with the authority that God gives us through Jesus! Jesus told us we would do more miraculous things than he did, so what's stopping us!?!?!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
The Big D
Sunday was finally race day! I had so much fun spending time with Randy in preparation for our half marathon debut. It was great being with someone who was in the same boat as me.
Sunday we had to get up a 6 to get ready and drive over to the race sight in time. Apparently this was a smaller race, but it didn't seem all that small to me. I think there were a little over 5000 runners. As you can imagine the start was insane. The first few miles were so much fun though! Since everyone still had energy there was so much cheering and yelling, it was hard not to run super fast because of the adrenaline. Randy and I ended up finding each other around mile 2 and ran together for most of the race. Thank goodness she was a great pacer for me!
I felt surprisingly well throughout the race until the last couple miles. It felt like the last bit of energy was sucked out and I had nothing left. Seeing a man being taken away on a stretcher did not help either. I finally crossed the finish line and felt relief. It was the best sense of accomplishment!
I knew that I would probably have really bad knee pain afterwards, but it hasn't been as bad as I thought. My legs are still recovering but the soreness is finally starting to subside. I never really pictured myself as a long distance runner, but I'm really starting to get into it. I'll for sure do another half marathon in the Fall if not a full. There is just something about pushing yourself physically to reach a goal that is so fulfilling. If you haven't experienced it before then you should, it is a wonderful feeling.
Until next time...
Sunday we had to get up a 6 to get ready and drive over to the race sight in time. Apparently this was a smaller race, but it didn't seem all that small to me. I think there were a little over 5000 runners. As you can imagine the start was insane. The first few miles were so much fun though! Since everyone still had energy there was so much cheering and yelling, it was hard not to run super fast because of the adrenaline. Randy and I ended up finding each other around mile 2 and ran together for most of the race. Thank goodness she was a great pacer for me!
I felt surprisingly well throughout the race until the last couple miles. It felt like the last bit of energy was sucked out and I had nothing left. Seeing a man being taken away on a stretcher did not help either. I finally crossed the finish line and felt relief. It was the best sense of accomplishment!
I knew that I would probably have really bad knee pain afterwards, but it hasn't been as bad as I thought. My legs are still recovering but the soreness is finally starting to subside. I never really pictured myself as a long distance runner, but I'm really starting to get into it. I'll for sure do another half marathon in the Fall if not a full. There is just something about pushing yourself physically to reach a goal that is so fulfilling. If you haven't experienced it before then you should, it is a wonderful feeling.
Until next time...
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Long Awaited
Wow, has it really been this long since my last post? I was surprised to see my Merry Christmas banner still up. Well I guess it is definitely about time that I update on things going on in Abilene! School is well under way. Thank goodness Spring Break is around the corner!! A well needed rest is exactly what I need. School has finally slowed down after two weeks of craziness and I can finally take a deep breath.
Here are the things that have happened since my last post:
I quit working at ACU
I started working at ACU's Medical Clinic
I applied for Nursing School and took my entrance exam
Jon's brother, Mark, got married
Elizabeth got married
My parents celebrated their 35 wedding anniversary!!
I guess those are the major ones.
I have a TON of pictures to post from Elizabeth's wedding and Mark's wedding. Those are coming soon. Also, I'll update on school and everything once I get some more time next week.
Until next time...
Here are the things that have happened since my last post:
I quit working at ACU
I started working at ACU's Medical Clinic
I applied for Nursing School and took my entrance exam
Jon's brother, Mark, got married
Elizabeth got married
My parents celebrated their 35 wedding anniversary!!
I guess those are the major ones.
I have a TON of pictures to post from Elizabeth's wedding and Mark's wedding. Those are coming soon. Also, I'll update on school and everything once I get some more time next week.
Until next time...
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Leaving ACU
I'm not sure how many of you know yet, but I've officially resigned my position at ACU. Jon and I made the decision that I would have to leave this next semester as I start to take classes at ACU full time. As unexpected as this was, I'm excited to begin this new stage in life. Nursing school is becoming more and more of a reality and I am so excited. Friday is my last day before Christmas, and my last official day will be January 8th. I hope to work part time next semester, and all during school. So, if you know of any part-time work in Abilene let me know!!!
Until next time...
Until next time...
Monday, December 14, 2009
Running/Skiing
After watching the season finale of 'The Biggest Loser' I have had enough. If these people can run a marathon, I sure can. For several years now it has been a I wanted to accomplish. I'm finally stepping up and making it happen, in moderation.
After discussing with Jon the how consuming school and work will be, we decided a good compromise would be for me a just run a half this time. So, a half marathon it is. The date is set for April 11th in Dallas, The Big 'D'(that is the name of the marathon, not how I refer to Dallas). I somehow recruited my friend Ashley to run with me for moral support. This morning was our 2nd run, so far so good! We've also been recruiting other Abilenians to join us! So far we have added 6 others, anyone else who wants to run just let me know. Jan 5th is the last day to sign up before the entry fee increases. If you don't want to run you can come and cheer us on during the race! We will need all the support we can get. Especially around mile 10. Posters and bull horns are preferable.
In other news, we leave to go skiing/ snowboarding this Saturday. FINALLY!!! I had so much fun yesterday getting out all our snow gear and packing everything. Snowboarding is SO much fun and I'm glad I get to go two years in a row. I'm just praying my legs hold up and aren't super tired.
This will also be the beginning to our Christmas break and time with family and friends. We can't WAIT to see Jace and Randy and have so much fun with them on the slopes. Then it is off to have some relaxing time with Jon's family. This will be my first Christmas without my family and I'm super bummed. But hopefully our amazing Thanksgiving will tide me over for a while. I'm excited to be with Jon's family and learn all their family traditions, and have some yummy Christmas food!!
Until Next Time...
After discussing with Jon the how consuming school and work will be, we decided a good compromise would be for me a just run a half this time. So, a half marathon it is. The date is set for April 11th in Dallas, The Big 'D'(that is the name of the marathon, not how I refer to Dallas). I somehow recruited my friend Ashley to run with me for moral support. This morning was our 2nd run, so far so good! We've also been recruiting other Abilenians to join us! So far we have added 6 others, anyone else who wants to run just let me know. Jan 5th is the last day to sign up before the entry fee increases. If you don't want to run you can come and cheer us on during the race! We will need all the support we can get. Especially around mile 10. Posters and bull horns are preferable.
In other news, we leave to go skiing/ snowboarding this Saturday. FINALLY!!! I had so much fun yesterday getting out all our snow gear and packing everything. Snowboarding is SO much fun and I'm glad I get to go two years in a row. I'm just praying my legs hold up and aren't super tired.
This will also be the beginning to our Christmas break and time with family and friends. We can't WAIT to see Jace and Randy and have so much fun with them on the slopes. Then it is off to have some relaxing time with Jon's family. This will be my first Christmas without my family and I'm super bummed. But hopefully our amazing Thanksgiving will tide me over for a while. I'm excited to be with Jon's family and learn all their family traditions, and have some yummy Christmas food!!
Until Next Time...
Monday, December 7, 2009
Christmas Ready
I feel that I had a wonderful productive weekend. Saturday I was able to accomplish most of my Christmas shopping in 3 hours!!! And no, it was not all online!
I think this is a world record. Never have I been done so early and actually had presents under my tree for more than a few days!!
Yesterday we put up lights on the entire house. Poor Jon had to climb on top of the house because the ginormous bushes in the front yard don't lend themselves to ladders very well. I never realized how many lights are necessary to decorate a house. I always thought dad having 3000 lights on the tree was overzealous, but now I'm spoiled by the sparkling wonder. 800 lights on the front of the house just doesn't do it. Watch out Walmart, your after-Christmas sale lights are MINE! But I must say that our simple Christmas lights are very pretty. We waited until dark and then went out to the street for the best vantage point. I think we win the best house on the block prize hands down. Even without an inflatable snowglobe that lights up and snows inside.
I was also able to wrap all of our presents yesterday! I had to make a dollar store run for tape, and got the cutest present name tags! I might stock up on them for next year. I found the cutest stocking for Penny! I've been looking for a doggie one for a while, and who else would have one but the dollar store! I'm thinking about writing Penny on it somehow, but I think the stocking pretty much says whose it is.
We also had pizza night last night! Margaret and Jeff gave us the great idea to make our pizzas at home. Since then Jon has had a secret desire to make some. They actually turned out really yummy! Mine was Cheese, Pepperoni, Sauteed Onion and Mushroom! Mmmmmmmm. The best part is that there was a Harry Potter marathon on the rest of the night. Pizza and Harry Potter, what a great combo.
Now back to the study grind. I have my final tomorrow and have to get started on hard core studying. A part of me feels ready as these should be questions that I've seen before...but you never know with Pat. Wish me luck!
Until next time...
I think this is a world record. Never have I been done so early and actually had presents under my tree for more than a few days!!
Yesterday we put up lights on the entire house. Poor Jon had to climb on top of the house because the ginormous bushes in the front yard don't lend themselves to ladders very well. I never realized how many lights are necessary to decorate a house. I always thought dad having 3000 lights on the tree was overzealous, but now I'm spoiled by the sparkling wonder. 800 lights on the front of the house just doesn't do it. Watch out Walmart, your after-Christmas sale lights are MINE! But I must say that our simple Christmas lights are very pretty. We waited until dark and then went out to the street for the best vantage point. I think we win the best house on the block prize hands down. Even without an inflatable snowglobe that lights up and snows inside.
I was also able to wrap all of our presents yesterday! I had to make a dollar store run for tape, and got the cutest present name tags! I might stock up on them for next year. I found the cutest stocking for Penny! I've been looking for a doggie one for a while, and who else would have one but the dollar store! I'm thinking about writing Penny on it somehow, but I think the stocking pretty much says whose it is.
We also had pizza night last night! Margaret and Jeff gave us the great idea to make our pizzas at home. Since then Jon has had a secret desire to make some. They actually turned out really yummy! Mine was Cheese, Pepperoni, Sauteed Onion and Mushroom! Mmmmmmmm. The best part is that there was a Harry Potter marathon on the rest of the night. Pizza and Harry Potter, what a great combo.
Now back to the study grind. I have my final tomorrow and have to get started on hard core studying. A part of me feels ready as these should be questions that I've seen before...but you never know with Pat. Wish me luck!
Until next time...
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