Here lately I have been freaking out about my future plans.
All of a sudden I just have no clue what I'm going to do when I graduate in a few short months. I don't know where I want to work, hospital or clinic, what hours I want to work, three 12s or five 8s, or in what area I want to! All I can think about here lately is having a little family.... but that's a whole other post :) :)
It's constantly hanging over my head, stressing me out! I don't know exactly why-- probably because May is getting closer and closer all the time and the reality of actually being an RN is sinking in. Honestly, I am just going to have to surrender this to the Lord, I know that. I don't know why I have been trying to figure this out on my own this whole time! Especially when I can look back over the last few years of my life and clearly see God making the right doors open at the right time, things that I had no clue were coming but things that were 100% right for me!
At the end of the day, HE is the AUTHOR of my life's story and I need to give Him back the PEN.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I have plans for you declares the Lord; plans to prosper you not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Romance Uncensored
Marriage is a perfect reflection of the marriage of Jesus to His Bride, the church. No other humanly relationship was given the privelage of representing our Savior and His first love. What a testimony we are capable of having as married people!!! But how many people can look at our marriages and see the love that Jesus has for His church? Ouch. I definitely realized this weekend at Romance Uncensored the potential that we have as a couple to make a difference for the Lord without ever shoving a Bible in someone's face or preaching the gospel at the top of our lungs. Without saying a word, I can represent the greatest and most unconditional love the world has ever seen, the love that our Lord has for His children, His church, His first love.
I learned so much this weekend at the retreat. I was convicted and challenged to love my husband and my Lord even more so. Why? Because if your relationship with your husband is HOTT, so will your walk with God be, and vice versa. If we are passionately pursuing our Savior, obeying Him, being sensitive to His leadership in our lives, so then will we be wanting to honor Him by doing the same towards our husbands. Just realizing that God has given us such a sacred and special gift in marriage is so beautiful to me. It is more than just 2 people living together and loving one another. We are painting a picture of Jesus's love for us, His bride. WOW! Ryan and I had some really great, heartfelt conversations that drew us so much closer. After 2 years and plenty of ups and downs I can honestly say I love him more than ever. Sitting there beside my best friend, knowing no one in the world knows me or loves me or protects me like he does, just melted my heart. God has made us ONE! What a beautiful thought! Sometimes I feel so undeserving... that God would choose me to receive such a precious gift. I just hope that I can give Him honor & thanks by the way I love Ryan on a daily basis! I take that for granted so many times in the busyness and craziness of life.
After the friday night session they sent you out to go on a HOTT date (no doubles allowed). It was late so we opted to go to Applebees & do 2 for $20... we stayed there for quite awhile cuddled in our booth doing our "homework" from the retreat and just talking. I was so suprised as Ryan really opened up about a lot of things and that conversation will always be special to me. After, he took me for ice cream (the key to my heart) and then we went back to the hotel... We stayed at the Branson Motor Court, a little hotel from the 1940's that costs $40 a night. It was sooo cute! Super clean, very old fashioned, and we loved it! You can make anything romantic if you want to ;) The next morning we grabbed breakfast at Starbucks (FYI the fall flavored drinks are out now and oh my yum are they delish!) and then barely made it to the conference on time! After it was over we had lunch with some friends that also went to the retreat. It was so great to see these godly couples and their love for one another as we were all so excited for what God had done in our lives this weekend! I am thankful for godly couples to look up to!
Anyway, I'm so glad that God taught us these truths this weekend and that we can begin to apply them to our everyday lives. I want our marriage to be a testimony!!
I learned so much this weekend at the retreat. I was convicted and challenged to love my husband and my Lord even more so. Why? Because if your relationship with your husband is HOTT, so will your walk with God be, and vice versa. If we are passionately pursuing our Savior, obeying Him, being sensitive to His leadership in our lives, so then will we be wanting to honor Him by doing the same towards our husbands. Just realizing that God has given us such a sacred and special gift in marriage is so beautiful to me. It is more than just 2 people living together and loving one another. We are painting a picture of Jesus's love for us, His bride. WOW! Ryan and I had some really great, heartfelt conversations that drew us so much closer. After 2 years and plenty of ups and downs I can honestly say I love him more than ever. Sitting there beside my best friend, knowing no one in the world knows me or loves me or protects me like he does, just melted my heart. God has made us ONE! What a beautiful thought! Sometimes I feel so undeserving... that God would choose me to receive such a precious gift. I just hope that I can give Him honor & thanks by the way I love Ryan on a daily basis! I take that for granted so many times in the busyness and craziness of life.
After the friday night session they sent you out to go on a HOTT date (no doubles allowed). It was late so we opted to go to Applebees & do 2 for $20... we stayed there for quite awhile cuddled in our booth doing our "homework" from the retreat and just talking. I was so suprised as Ryan really opened up about a lot of things and that conversation will always be special to me. After, he took me for ice cream (the key to my heart) and then we went back to the hotel... We stayed at the Branson Motor Court, a little hotel from the 1940's that costs $40 a night. It was sooo cute! Super clean, very old fashioned, and we loved it! You can make anything romantic if you want to ;) The next morning we grabbed breakfast at Starbucks (FYI the fall flavored drinks are out now and oh my yum are they delish!) and then barely made it to the conference on time! After it was over we had lunch with some friends that also went to the retreat. It was so great to see these godly couples and their love for one another as we were all so excited for what God had done in our lives this weekend! I am thankful for godly couples to look up to!
Anyway, I'm so glad that God taught us these truths this weekend and that we can begin to apply them to our everyday lives. I want our marriage to be a testimony!!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Random
Last week we had 3 tests.... and when you are in the nursing program that's an insane number because it requires an INSANE amount of studying. So I was exhausted after last week, had a super busy weekend since it was Ry's birthday, and then we have another MedSurg test tomorrow so Monday I had to start studying full force again... Basically, if I get through tomorrow I just might shout for joy. Then I have a week without a test!!! Yes, it must be a miracle! hehe... but you can bet that I'm going to enjoy myself!
School has definitely been consuming my time, but I have been DYING to dive into some DIY projects that I've found on pinterest. I really want to do 2 new canvas paintings for my house, and then make some other types of wall hangings. I'm not very good at decorating, and I want to spice up the house a little bit!!! I plan on going to some flea markets & trying to find some treasures as well =]
I ran a mile and a half today... it felt a little easier. I think the cool weather makes it easier for one. It's funny, Jack and Ryka always run with me but it's been awhile since we've really ran hard. Like me, Jack has been getting really used to just relaxing little strolls down to the creek and back. Weeellll, today when we ran a solid mile and a half I wasn't the only one gasping for air! Needless to say Jack & I are trying to get back into shape together. We used to be decent runners! LOL
This weather has definitely been making me want a cozy cup of hot chocolate. Yummm.
Oh yea, this weekend we are going to a Christian marriage retreat in Branson that's supposed to be wonderful & really fun! We are excited to spend the weekened together learning more about each other =]
This has been such a random post, but I just felt like taking a study break and writing a little. So, thanks for listening to my rambles!
School has definitely been consuming my time, but I have been DYING to dive into some DIY projects that I've found on pinterest. I really want to do 2 new canvas paintings for my house, and then make some other types of wall hangings. I'm not very good at decorating, and I want to spice up the house a little bit!!! I plan on going to some flea markets & trying to find some treasures as well =]
I ran a mile and a half today... it felt a little easier. I think the cool weather makes it easier for one. It's funny, Jack and Ryka always run with me but it's been awhile since we've really ran hard. Like me, Jack has been getting really used to just relaxing little strolls down to the creek and back. Weeellll, today when we ran a solid mile and a half I wasn't the only one gasping for air! Needless to say Jack & I are trying to get back into shape together. We used to be decent runners! LOL
This weather has definitely been making me want a cozy cup of hot chocolate. Yummm.
Oh yea, this weekend we are going to a Christian marriage retreat in Branson that's supposed to be wonderful & really fun! We are excited to spend the weekened together learning more about each other =]
This has been such a random post, but I just felt like taking a study break and writing a little. So, thanks for listening to my rambles!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Happy Weight
Ok, so Ryan and I agreed on something today. Ever since we got back from our cruise we have been super laxed about our typically semi-healthy eating habits and working out. Like, they have pretty much been non-existant...
So, all of the hubby's pants barely button and I have been waaayyy too cozy living in my big tshirts & Nike shorts every day! Unfortunatlely, we agreed we were letting the "happy weight" sneak up on us & we want to stop it before it takes over!
I hate when you see married couples let themselves go after the wedding! I don't want to be like that! Obviously, I know it's just 5-10lbs for us, but still I think it's so important to always try your best to be healthy and attractive for your husband/wife. Fortunately, ours is not from a lack of caring but more from enjoying life a little too much together! Me baking Ry his favorite brownies has to end & him taking me to get ice cream does as well... It's cracking me up, we are going on our first diet together as a married couple. So, my next few blog posts may be keeping up with our progress & possibly some healthy recipes I'm going to resort to along the way :) We want to meet our goals by November 7th (our 2 year anniversary) so that gives us about 2 months to get whipped back into shape.
I guess I better start lacing up my running shoes!
So, all of the hubby's pants barely button and I have been waaayyy too cozy living in my big tshirts & Nike shorts every day! Unfortunatlely, we agreed we were letting the "happy weight" sneak up on us & we want to stop it before it takes over!
I hate when you see married couples let themselves go after the wedding! I don't want to be like that! Obviously, I know it's just 5-10lbs for us, but still I think it's so important to always try your best to be healthy and attractive for your husband/wife. Fortunately, ours is not from a lack of caring but more from enjoying life a little too much together! Me baking Ry his favorite brownies has to end & him taking me to get ice cream does as well... It's cracking me up, we are going on our first diet together as a married couple. So, my next few blog posts may be keeping up with our progress & possibly some healthy recipes I'm going to resort to along the way :) We want to meet our goals by November 7th (our 2 year anniversary) so that gives us about 2 months to get whipped back into shape.
I guess I better start lacing up my running shoes!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Morning Mercies
I know everyone has been going on about the weather, but I can't help but chime in!
The past few days have been breathtaking. I know I usually say summer is my favorite season, but when fall comes it always reminds me of peaceful and refreshing it is... and just how much I love it.
The past few mornings have been so perfect for a hot cup of coffee & some yummy creamer, sitting on the front porch- finally bundled up in a cozy sweatshirt :) For me, I've enjoyed sitting there and letting God teach me a few things. Really, just taking in the cool air can move you all in itself. It's like you can't take in enough of the beauty of the Lord & His creation. Just walking out on the porch these past few mornings, I've felt the spirit of the Lord there. So I got to thinking about references in the bible about seeking the Lord in the morning. I'll share what I found...
Psalm 5:3In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
Psalm 90:14Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Mark 1:35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Psalm 63:1 "O God, thou art my God; EARLY WILL I SEEK THEE...."
Lamentations 3:22-23 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Psalm 5:3In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
Psalm 90:14Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Mark 1:35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Psalm 63:1 "O God, thou art my God; EARLY WILL I SEEK THEE...."
Lamentations 3:22-23 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
These are some of the verses I found. I agree with David in the Psalms, there is something about seeking God in the morning that is satisfying! You can feel His presence so strongly & it makes you GLAD all your day!! Also, Jesus got up very early in the morning to pray. I'm sure there is signficance to that...
And finally, one of my favorites! Lamentations 3:22-23.... The Lords' mercies are new EVERY MORNING! It has been so refreshing to me to get up these past few days & relish in those mercies and thank Him for them!!
Honestly, the past few morning have not been intense prayer times for me or reading chapter after chapter in my bible (which is important none the least)... but have simply been enjoying a cup of coffee on my front porch, letting the cool air, the new day & the new mercies remind me of God's FAITHFULNESS to me & simply thanking Him silently as I enjoy His creation and experience the joy and peace He gives us as His children.
So I'm thankful for this weather, as it has drawn me closer to Him.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Date Night
Last night Ryan took me to the Carroll County Fair. When he first mentioned it, I said our other option- sushi- sounded better. But he really wanted to go so we did.
Let's just say by the end of the night I was like a little kid again! LOL We watched the rodeo, rode rides, played the games, drank their super sugary lemonade, & looked at the animals! It was so cute- Ryan even threw darts at balloons and won me a stuffed pig! LOL The night ended perfectly on the Ferris Wheel & then we we headed home.
I love nights like that. Nights when nothing else matters expect being
young and
in love and
enjoying each other's company.
xoxoxo
Let's just say by the end of the night I was like a little kid again! LOL We watched the rodeo, rode rides, played the games, drank their super sugary lemonade, & looked at the animals! It was so cute- Ryan even threw darts at balloons and won me a stuffed pig! LOL The night ended perfectly on the Ferris Wheel & then we we headed home.
I love nights like that. Nights when nothing else matters expect being
young and
in love and
enjoying each other's company.
xoxoxo
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