So, in my post below I shared some pics from our Halloween party. I'm thankful for those couples- they are a few years older and have been great examples to Ry & I. We really look up to them, not to mention are great friends! An answer to prayer, as we have prayed for godly friends and married couples in our lives.
Today has been such a blah day. I think I need an attitude adjustment! Anyone?
For some reason today I let the stress of future plans once again freak me out.
Where will I work? Can I do this? Hospital or clinic? Bachelors? Masters? Nurse Pracitioner?
It goes on and on... not to mention 2 big tests on Thursday that I've only slightly studied for.
Wah. Wah. Wah.
And then I got overwhelmed.
More from the fact that I'm constantly worried if I know enough or will be good enough as a nurse. It's a scary thing, working with people whose lives are in your hands. But also there is beauty in it- a chance to pour into someone's life when they need it most. Today I wasn't able to focus on that to say the least.
Somedays it's hard to not let those feelings and thoughts just make you no fun to be around!
We talked in Sunday school about how we let the things of the world drag us down... we start searching for happiness instead of experiencing the joy of the Lord every day.
Soooo I went for a walk with my puppies and asked the Lord to help me focus less on myself, my worries, my happiness.. and to focus on who He is, what He has done, and the joy that He gives us daily.
Then I came over to visit Ryan, and he asked if I'd like to go to a haunted house and out to dinner. Well, how bout that! Instead of letting my crankiness win the rest of the day, I'm gonna smile and enjoy my night with my husband. And try to hide from him the fact I've been a very cranky girl today!!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Happy Halloween!
Just wanted to share a few pics from our Halloween part. We had some great couples over that we have gotten to know & really love! We had a super fun night!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Happy Sunday
Starting out this Sunday with some worship. New favorite song. So beautiful!
I love that God lets experience worship wherever we are. I'm over in Ryan's cold empty shop using the computer all alone... I hope no one can hear me singing this loud LOL. Anyway... enjoy some worship today!
This is the day that LORD has made, let us REJOICE and be GLAD IN IT!
Happy Sunday!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
He Is Constant
FINALLY! My blog's makeover is complete. Doesn't it look cute?! Much better. I was needing a change.
Speaking of change, that's what I'm blogging about today.
I could write 15 whole pages over how my life has changed these past few years, but I'll spare you. Not to say change is necessarily BAD, it just takes ADJUSTMENT. And sometimes it can simply stress you out, even if in the end it's a good change. Even right now, the season/weather is changing. Change is something we will deal with our whole lives. Yearly, Monthly, Daily, Hourly, Secondly (is that a word? lol). Today I was feeling a little overwhelmed with some of the changes in my life. Frankly, I was driving home to an empty and messy house today and was a little cold from my lack of a coat due to this weather change... and I thought: "man, all I want to do is go to Sarah's and walk, have cofffe, and be with my best friends like I could do so easily when I lived at home." Thinking about it made me sad for a moment. But wait, you love your new life being married, having a home of your own, a little farm perfect for walks, etc.!! Of course I do... but it doesn't mean that the whole CHANGE that went along with it doesn't hurt my heart sometimes.
Sometimes I wish I was still 10 years old and the only worries were getting off school to drive 1.2 miles down the road to Sarah's house to "play" like we did EVERYDAY and then come home to Mom and Dad's for a big supper, Dad WALKING in the door with his UPS browns on, little Trevy actually being LITTLE, and enjoying a night as a family. I could go on... and it's not that I dislike where I am now, I actually LOVE it. It's exactly where I need to be in my life. BUT the change that went along with getting here was tough at times. Get the idea of things?
So I said ALL of that to share this: While I was driving home, having that thought, feeling a twinge of sadness about the way life had changed, three words popped into my head.
When life around us is changing, and will continue to the rest of our lives here on earth, we have a FATHER who is CONSTANT. Never changing. Always that safehold, strongtower, and refuge to run to.
Speaking of change, that's what I'm blogging about today.
I could write 15 whole pages over how my life has changed these past few years, but I'll spare you. Not to say change is necessarily BAD, it just takes ADJUSTMENT. And sometimes it can simply stress you out, even if in the end it's a good change. Even right now, the season/weather is changing. Change is something we will deal with our whole lives. Yearly, Monthly, Daily, Hourly, Secondly (is that a word? lol). Today I was feeling a little overwhelmed with some of the changes in my life. Frankly, I was driving home to an empty and messy house today and was a little cold from my lack of a coat due to this weather change... and I thought: "man, all I want to do is go to Sarah's and walk, have cofffe, and be with my best friends like I could do so easily when I lived at home." Thinking about it made me sad for a moment. But wait, you love your new life being married, having a home of your own, a little farm perfect for walks, etc.!! Of course I do... but it doesn't mean that the whole CHANGE that went along with it doesn't hurt my heart sometimes.
Sometimes I wish I was still 10 years old and the only worries were getting off school to drive 1.2 miles down the road to Sarah's house to "play" like we did EVERYDAY and then come home to Mom and Dad's for a big supper, Dad WALKING in the door with his UPS browns on, little Trevy actually being LITTLE, and enjoying a night as a family. I could go on... and it's not that I dislike where I am now, I actually LOVE it. It's exactly where I need to be in my life. BUT the change that went along with getting here was tough at times. Get the idea of things?
So I said ALL of that to share this: While I was driving home, having that thought, feeling a twinge of sadness about the way life had changed, three words popped into my head.
HE IS CONSTANT.
It was like a breath of fresh air!
HE IS CONSTANT.
When life around us is changing, and will continue to the rest of our lives here on earth, we have a FATHER who is CONSTANT. Never changing. Always that safehold, strongtower, and refuge to run to.
What a beautiful thought!
I hope that thought encourages you today as it did me!
I hope that thought encourages you today as it did me!
Malachi 3:6
“For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.”
“For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.”
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Bums R Us
We woke up at 7:30 again today. FAIL. The past 2 mornings our alarms have been set for 5:30 & then 6:30 (in hopes that an extra hour would be enough)... but nooooo we finally rolled out of bed closer to 7:45.
I could blame it on the weather and how the cool air is perfect for sleeping with the windows open, and how that cool air makes under the covers so warm and cozy- you know the feeling. Where you just can't get out from under the covers. Sure, that's a good excuse. But really, I feel like it's because we are becoming BUMS. lol Any type of self discipline has been a challenge for me lately, even if it's getting up earlier to get the things I need done... and for Ryan and I that was supposed to be exercising together every morning or at least time to make a pot of coffee and enjoy it on our porch together.
Apparently self discipline is not just MY issue, Ryan swears he is on a diet (I think he is making fun of me LOL) but last night while I was doing my workout video (day#2!! wahooo) he was eating burritos and soup and later at 9 pm right when we were getting cozy on the couch, he looks at me with his sweetest poutiest little face and said "Dessert". Seriously!!??!!! But how could I say no, after all he put in a 13 hour day. So at 9:30 he was chowing down on some chocolate pie. Spoiled! But so am I, it's the least I can do for him, he works so hard for us!!
Anyway, self discipline. Am I the only one that struggles with this? Even if it's my constant struggle with healthy eating/exercise to waking up early to get things done to studying before LAST minute... this is something I need to work on.
But some days it just feels good to be a bum... :)
I could blame it on the weather and how the cool air is perfect for sleeping with the windows open, and how that cool air makes under the covers so warm and cozy- you know the feeling. Where you just can't get out from under the covers. Sure, that's a good excuse. But really, I feel like it's because we are becoming BUMS. lol Any type of self discipline has been a challenge for me lately, even if it's getting up earlier to get the things I need done... and for Ryan and I that was supposed to be exercising together every morning or at least time to make a pot of coffee and enjoy it on our porch together.
Apparently self discipline is not just MY issue, Ryan swears he is on a diet (I think he is making fun of me LOL) but last night while I was doing my workout video (day#2!! wahooo) he was eating burritos and soup and later at 9 pm right when we were getting cozy on the couch, he looks at me with his sweetest poutiest little face and said "Dessert". Seriously!!??!!! But how could I say no, after all he put in a 13 hour day. So at 9:30 he was chowing down on some chocolate pie. Spoiled! But so am I, it's the least I can do for him, he works so hard for us!!
Anyway, self discipline. Am I the only one that struggles with this? Even if it's my constant struggle with healthy eating/exercise to waking up early to get things done to studying before LAST minute... this is something I need to work on.
But some days it just feels good to be a bum... :)
Monday, October 24, 2011
Victorious
Ok, so I promised some health posts... well the best I've got is that I bought Jillian Michael's new workout video. It's "Ripped in 30" (riiiiight lol), but I'm really going to try to stick to it for the next 30 days (riiiiight)... No really, I'm going to try! I'm trying to get back into this slowly. This weeks goal: get back on my vitamins and drink my 64oz. of water a day. Sounds tiny, but I'm so inconsistent on both of these and I know they are the basic most important things! I'm also going to focus on eating around 1200 calories a day- the video actually came with a meal plan so we will see.
Ok, enough about that!
I had a wonderful weekend filled with lots of time with friends, date night with the hubby, and a Sunday on our farm cleaning out the garage, mowing, and making our little humble abode look adorable! I feel thankful for the life God has blessed me with, including all the friends and family that make it so great. Not to say there aren't days I want to just pull my hair out, but daily I'm choosing to open my eyes to the blessings that God has given me, even if it's a cup of coffee and worship music on my way to a LONG day of class, instead of focusing on the things that drag me down or bum me out... and not every day do I win.
Mom said a few months ago something that stuck with me. If we THINK defeat we will be defeated but if we THINK victory, we will have victory! A simple concept, sure, but if you put it into practice in life it really works. God has already given us the victory, we just need to claim it! LOL I sound like a name-it-claim-it Christian now, but really!! Something I have found helpful is finding scripture that help me in the areas I struggle and memorizing them and using them as ammo when the bad thoughts/frustrations start trying to steal my joy. For example, I'm always a worry wort, constantly afraid I'm dying or someone around me is (aka: hypochondriac LOL).
But seriously, I had to memorize this verse:
2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
And I have used it time after time in many situations. It's a promise of what I have as a child of God! Something I can use to combat thoughts that the mean ol' devil tries to get me to believe!
So that's my bit of advise for today- think VICTORIOUS thoughts and use some SCRIPTURE to defend your peace, joy, happiness, etc. today :)
Love,
kays
Ok, enough about that!
I had a wonderful weekend filled with lots of time with friends, date night with the hubby, and a Sunday on our farm cleaning out the garage, mowing, and making our little humble abode look adorable! I feel thankful for the life God has blessed me with, including all the friends and family that make it so great. Not to say there aren't days I want to just pull my hair out, but daily I'm choosing to open my eyes to the blessings that God has given me, even if it's a cup of coffee and worship music on my way to a LONG day of class, instead of focusing on the things that drag me down or bum me out... and not every day do I win.
Mom said a few months ago something that stuck with me. If we THINK defeat we will be defeated but if we THINK victory, we will have victory! A simple concept, sure, but if you put it into practice in life it really works. God has already given us the victory, we just need to claim it! LOL I sound like a name-it-claim-it Christian now, but really!! Something I have found helpful is finding scripture that help me in the areas I struggle and memorizing them and using them as ammo when the bad thoughts/frustrations start trying to steal my joy. For example, I'm always a worry wort, constantly afraid I'm dying or someone around me is (aka: hypochondriac LOL).
But seriously, I had to memorize this verse:
2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
And I have used it time after time in many situations. It's a promise of what I have as a child of God! Something I can use to combat thoughts that the mean ol' devil tries to get me to believe!
So that's my bit of advise for today- think VICTORIOUS thoughts and use some SCRIPTURE to defend your peace, joy, happiness, etc. today :)
Love,
kays
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Happy Weight x2
Blaaaaaaaaaaaah! What a week! Nursing school has definitely gotten the best of me lately- just in time for our ONE week without a test... I can't wait to relax and get some much needed "me" time in this coming week! It's off to a good start-- tomorrow lunch with my best friends & Saturday we're having a nursing class fall party for all the girls to bake, have cider & lattes, and just hang out, then one of my best friend's wedding showers... Exciting stuff!
A few posts ago I wrote about the "happy weight" that has snuck up on us..... It seems SO easy to gain & SO hard to get off. Being so busy I've had so much trouble getting back into a consistent exercise program- the eating has been pretty good for the most part, but then there are weekends when we go out or have special occasions... and it's so easy to just grab some of that yummy stuff...
I need some motivation.
I want to get back into a consistent running/workout schedule... but it's sooooo hard!!!
Ryan said that if we start getting up every morning and working out that in 2 weeks it will become habit. It's just SO HARD especially when my bed seems so cozy!! Sooo... MOTIVATE ME PEOPLE!!! I'm going to start tracking my progress on here, maybe that accountability will help. So maybe, just maybe I'll start posting interesting articles on health & exercise that will help us along the way :)
A few posts ago I wrote about the "happy weight" that has snuck up on us..... It seems SO easy to gain & SO hard to get off. Being so busy I've had so much trouble getting back into a consistent exercise program- the eating has been pretty good for the most part, but then there are weekends when we go out or have special occasions... and it's so easy to just grab some of that yummy stuff...
I need some motivation.
I want to get back into a consistent running/workout schedule... but it's sooooo hard!!!
Ryan said that if we start getting up every morning and working out that in 2 weeks it will become habit. It's just SO HARD especially when my bed seems so cozy!! Sooo... MOTIVATE ME PEOPLE!!! I'm going to start tracking my progress on here, maybe that accountability will help. So maybe, just maybe I'll start posting interesting articles on health & exercise that will help us along the way :)
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Iron Sharpens Iron
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17
Proverbs 27:17
Today I was thinking about just how thankful I am for the role models & enouragers in my life. There are a few special people that God has blessed me with that I look up to wholeheartedly. I can say with confidence that as I look to them as an example, it is as if looking to Christ as one because their life is such a reflection. The impact they have on my life is huge.
I was blessed with a very godly heritage of women in my life. I have always called my Meemaw (mom's mom) my angel. If anything is ever wrong at all, we say "call Meemaw to pray". What a testimony that is in itself! I, and my whole family, know that she is a pray warrior that is so close to the Lord. Not only is it just that she'll say a prayer for us, but she BELIEVES IT. Her faith is unlike anyone's I know. She fully trusts on Jesus in every situation and is not shy in doing so. We can be driving down the road and she will just pray out loud over whatever situation is going on, whether its a simple headache or we're talking about something huge that's going on in our lives. Also, she's been a nurse for almost 40 years and has led many many of her patients to the Lord.... another reason I aspire to be like her.
Then there is my Granny- dad's mom. Another tried and true prayer warrior. I have seen her drop to her knees many of times in prayer, and have some wonderful memories of her in the kitchen cooking and singing old gospel songs. The thing that sticks out to me is her love and devotion to her family. Her husband died when he was in his early 30's, leaving her with her 3 young kids. She could have done many things, but she chose to devote her life to loving her family and being faithful in church. I never met my grandpa, but I know the love she had for him. I've seen her cry like it was yesterday that she lost him when talking about him, making his favorite pie, or telling about a dream she had of him. Unconditional love is something she has taught me. She raised her children to be godly parents as well- and for as long as I can remember has been cooking for and serving her family... I've heard her testify in church so many times the verse in Hebrews "He will never leave us nor forsake us" and I know that is the promise that has been her mainstay thru the trials she has faced in her life. I will always take that with me!
Then there is my mom. She has the biggest heart of anyone I know, always worrying about someone besides herself, doing something for someone besides herself. A true servant. She taught me so much growing up, and was my biggest support. I've always enjoyed our conversations sitting around the house or taking a walk- she always listens to my dreams and my concerns and knows how to encourage me. I have never seen a better wife either, and I only hope I can live up to that. Thank goodness I have such a great example of what it is to love your husband, be submissive, and see God's blessings from that. She makes me want to be a better person and I'm so thankful for the way she raised me and loved me, even when I didn't see that she really is my best friend. Her servant heart definitely reflects Christ and her strength in being a Proverbs 31 lady is a huge example to me.
I have a lady that has been "my second mom" as I was at her house almost everday growing up playing with her girls. Pollyanna has set the highest standard of being a homemaker- and I look to her as being such a wonderful mom and wife. She is so thrifty and can make the cutest things. She sews, cooks, decorates, makes handmade cards, knits... I could go on and on! I look up to her so much as she has raised such godly girls and is such a wonderful wife. Another Proverbs 31 lady in action for sure! Now that I have a house and husband of my own, I definitely look to her as a role model and example as she has looked to Lord for knowing how to be such a wonderful person.
Finally, there is one lady that has been so amazing to meet with me over the years for coffee or lunch and has really been a mentor in my life. Her words are so comforting and encouraging, and never condeming. She sets an example of having an intimate relationship with Jesus- spending time with Him daily and the treasures found in His word. I am so appreciative of our friendship- just by talking to her I want to be a better person!!! I would definitely say she is a mentor to me, she prayers for me, sends me little texts of encouragement, and is a wonderful role model in how she lives her life. I'm very thankful for Jennifer Usrey!!
So, it felt good to just write about the ladies in my life that have impacted me, sharpened me, and encouraged me to be a better person simply in the way they live their life. I only pray that someday I can be that kind of example for someone!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Baby Fever
Holy cow, I've come down with baby fever lately!
Ryan probably would like me to start talking about something else besides baby names. LOL Everywhere I look there is a BABY or an adorable pregnant girl. It seems like right now everyone my age is beginning to have the excitement of their first baby/pregnancy...
Naturally, I absolutely CANNOT wait for when Ry & I get to this part of our lives! I know I'm not the only one feeling this way, Ryan has became best buddies with one of the little girls at our church and he just can't get enough of how sweet she is-- it totally melts my heart to watch the two of them playing together-- but I also know that Ry is really looking forward to when he's the one being called "daddy".
Now, if I can just get through school..... then we can talk baby :) Of course, whenever God chooses to bless us we'll be totally happy!
Ryan probably would like me to start talking about something else besides baby names. LOL Everywhere I look there is a BABY or an adorable pregnant girl. It seems like right now everyone my age is beginning to have the excitement of their first baby/pregnancy...
Naturally, I absolutely CANNOT wait for when Ry & I get to this part of our lives! I know I'm not the only one feeling this way, Ryan has became best buddies with one of the little girls at our church and he just can't get enough of how sweet she is-- it totally melts my heart to watch the two of them playing together-- but I also know that Ry is really looking forward to when he's the one being called "daddy".
Now, if I can just get through school..... then we can talk baby :) Of course, whenever God chooses to bless us we'll be totally happy!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Hosanna
Finally my fingers touch a keyboard again :) Ah, I have been dying to blog lately and with a crashed computer that just wasn't happening. I'm visiting mom's today for a walk and some chai tea and thought I'd squeeze in a quick blog! I could go on about the stress/confusion of nursing school but I'd rather talk about the lighter things of life! Like this beautiful weather, my sweet husband, and the life of newlyweds. Of course, I say we are newlyweds- but we are coming up to our TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY! Holy cow! It literally seems like yesterday... It's so cliche, but time really does fly when you are having fun.
The other day I stopped to think about how blessed I really am. I feel like I have this genuine bond with my husband that didn't exist even in our first few months of marriage. Love takes work, but honestly, as we have grown closer as a couple learning each other more and growing closer to the Lord, we seemed to have this sweet appreciation of one another. I love when I look over at my husband and he gives me the sweetest smile and holds me close... it's something that goes deeper than that superficial glance- it's something that God put together, something we couldn't have made on our own, something I'm so thankful for. It's kind of hard to explain- almost something spiritual, knowing God is smiling down on what He has put together. I'm just thankful for 2 years with my best friend and being able to learn more about our roles in this marriage and being more in love & excited today than we were 3 years ago when we were meeting in Branson to go on our first date :)
Ok, ok, enough about the mushy married talk LOL I know I blog about that a lot- it's just that it's been a major adjustment in my life learning to be a WIFE! And, I may be getting excited to CELEBRATE these 2 years on November 7th <3
Anyway, God has been doing something so sweet in my life- something I have needed for going on 3 years. After my dad got hurt, I lost my 3 year old cousin, and then a close friend of ours- anytime a hard time came or something sad, it was like I couldn't even get a tear out. My heart had numbed and was hardened toward the things that used to break it. It frustrated me!! Sometimes I just wanted to cry or genuinely just feel sorry for someone, and even though I knew I should and wanted to, those legit feelings couldn't come about. Lately, things have been slowly seeming to touch me more, and it's almost as I feel my heart softening! Tears have came to my eyes for things that should! For unsaved souls, for children in bad situations, for the Sprit moving in a church service, for the movie Courageous (it's a MUST SEE btw!)... I have just been thanking the Lord for softening my hear to these things again... bc honestly I have wanted that part of me back for so long. After going through some really hard times, I felt callused, but I know for God to use me and to move in me my heart needs to be soft and sensitive to the things of God- things that breaks His heart as well.
I love the song Hosanna by Hillsong... my prayer today are these lyrics:
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 go from nothing to eternity...
The other day I stopped to think about how blessed I really am. I feel like I have this genuine bond with my husband that didn't exist even in our first few months of marriage. Love takes work, but honestly, as we have grown closer as a couple learning each other more and growing closer to the Lord, we seemed to have this sweet appreciation of one another. I love when I look over at my husband and he gives me the sweetest smile and holds me close... it's something that goes deeper than that superficial glance- it's something that God put together, something we couldn't have made on our own, something I'm so thankful for. It's kind of hard to explain- almost something spiritual, knowing God is smiling down on what He has put together. I'm just thankful for 2 years with my best friend and being able to learn more about our roles in this marriage and being more in love & excited today than we were 3 years ago when we were meeting in Branson to go on our first date :)
Ok, ok, enough about the mushy married talk LOL I know I blog about that a lot- it's just that it's been a major adjustment in my life learning to be a WIFE! And, I may be getting excited to CELEBRATE these 2 years on November 7th <3
Anyway, God has been doing something so sweet in my life- something I have needed for going on 3 years. After my dad got hurt, I lost my 3 year old cousin, and then a close friend of ours- anytime a hard time came or something sad, it was like I couldn't even get a tear out. My heart had numbed and was hardened toward the things that used to break it. It frustrated me!! Sometimes I just wanted to cry or genuinely just feel sorry for someone, and even though I knew I should and wanted to, those legit feelings couldn't come about. Lately, things have been slowly seeming to touch me more, and it's almost as I feel my heart softening! Tears have came to my eyes for things that should! For unsaved souls, for children in bad situations, for the Sprit moving in a church service, for the movie Courageous (it's a MUST SEE btw!)... I have just been thanking the Lord for softening my hear to these things again... bc honestly I have wanted that part of me back for so long. After going through some really hard times, I felt callused, but I know for God to use me and to move in me my heart needs to be soft and sensitive to the things of God- things that breaks His heart as well.
I love the song Hosanna by Hillsong... my prayer today are these lyrics:
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 go from nothing to eternity...
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