February 23, 2012

A Little "Me" Time

Salutations!

The stresses of my week are finally over! Yay!! :) Well, I'm just going to be talking randomly tonight. Just whatever comes to mind...

I was thinking earlier today how I really am an old-fashioned girl. I mean, when I really think about it. I love writing letters (how common is that nowadays?!); I love old black and white movies; I'm all about the old jewelry; I love getting lost in a book; I love old fashioned dates; I love taking walks along a river or anything; I like the good old natural way to get in shape (exercise); I love a guy offering me his arm (there has only been one guy that has done that for me without even knowing I liked it); I love hugs from behind; I like 90's music...I mean, I could go on. But that is really me...

I was also thinking that I really like drive in movies. I'm so sad they don't really have them anymore, because they would be so awesome! Especially on a summer night. I also really love just sitting and talking for hours on end about anything and everything. I love talking about life. There is a park in Colorado pretty close to my house called Daniel's Park. It is absolutely beautiful, and you can see gorgeous city views. It is the best place to stargaze, talk, and just enjoy people's company. I miss those Colorado hills and mountain views. Also, there is this wonderful park by my house and it is so perfect to go there at night and walk around and talk. I just love that time of night where the sun is setting and nobody is outside but it's just light enough. There is a sculpture of a big rock being held up by two hands. It's so fun to sit up there and do nothing and just wait for dusk to come.
Westland Park

I have also thought about this today...I really want a mountain house when I'm older. I mean, granted, if it works with my profession. But I have family friends who live in Pagosa Springs, and they have one, and it is literally my favorite place to go. They have a beautiful deck to watch the stars and watch the deer down in the valley below. It is incredible, and hiking is only a few minutes away. I don't know why, but I'm in such a night mood right now. Maybe that's because it is my favorite time to take a walk and contemplate life. I do that a lot.

These things are completely random, but you get to learn a little more about what I enjoy doing and why my heart is in Colorado. I love Texas, and it's definitely a part of me now, but Colorado will always have the majority of my heart. I'm sorry for those of you who are fiercely loyal to Texas... :P you will have to just learn how to love me haha. Well, for those of you who have read this, thanks for reading, and I love you all! Have a wonderful weekend.
View at Daniel's Park - literally. With random people, but that's beside the point.





"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent of praiseworthy - think about such things."
-Philippians 4:8

February 21, 2012

Rediscovered Blessings out of Stress

Hello everybody! :)


Well, this week is very stressful for me. You know those days that you realize you have so much more to do than you originally realized? Well, this is one of those WEEKS for me. And yes, I'm writing this blog post while I take a break studying for my history test. Things are still pretty chaotic - at home and here at school. Lord help me. Seriously. But, even through all this, God really has a way of showing He cares. I heard something tonight that made me smile. God yearns for you. He yearns for me, He yearns for you. That is just so powerful. Think about it...the God of the universe who can do anything yearns for you. What a powerful love. And awesome :)


He has put so many great people in my life who encourage me every single day up here at TCU. I know He is working in my life, because I would be in much worse shape right now if He wasn't. I'm very proud of my friends Allana and Ashley being successful in applying for RA stuff! :) And I'm VERY excited I'll be able to room with them next semester at least. I'm also super excited for my friends Catherine and Austin for getting RA!! :) Also, my friend Andrea has just been so awesome lately. She is unlike any other girl I've ever met, and so positive, and just adorable all around! I don't know how to describe it. She just is encouraging and happy and it is very contagious. I just love her to death as I do the rest of all my girls :). I saw Laura today (I just love her so incredibly much), I've mentioned her before, but it was encouraging to know that she noticed I hadn't blogged in awhile! Yay for people actually reading about my endeavors!


God has been working in mysterious ways in my life for the past couple weeks. I mean some prayers have been answered, but some questions have to be answered, and I'm working my way to verifying that it's what God has planned for me. I don't know, but I just have the strongest conviction that God is working. He always is, but sometimes you can just feel it. I've had a few of those moments lately where my heart is just bursting with joy/love towards someone and I just feel so fiercely loyal. I don't know, haha that probably sounds odd, but I can't deny it. I'm a very loyal person at heart, and some of the people here just have a profound effect on me. I just know God placed them in my life with intent. Hopefully it's vice versa as well! I always have been blessed. I am so thankful for that feeling this week when I need it most. I don't deal with stress too well, and I don't even realize I get cranky, and that feeling this week, a super stressful week, is a God - given gift.


Well, this is short lived, but I have to get back to studying. Oh, the life of a nursing major/honors student. You understand me.  Please continue to pray for my family. We need a whole heck of a lot right now. God's got everything in the palm of His hand. You guys are awesome, thanks for reading. :)










"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of met; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end."
-Ecclesiastes 3:11

February 15, 2012

Randomness!

Hello Everybody!

"I'm tryin' to put it all back together; I've got a story and I'm tryin' to tell everybody;
I've got the kerosene and the desire;
I'm trying to start a flame in the heart of the night;
Oh, you gotta fire and it's burnin' in the rain,
thought that it went out but it's burnin' all the same..."
-Heartbeat, The Fray

Haha that was random, but I absolutely love this song and have been listening to it almost nonstop! You should go listen to it. How was your Valentine's Day? Mine was great :) I got a few valentines from some friends, and let me tell you, they made my day!! Friendship is a wonderful thing to celebrate!

So, I can't guarantee a whole lot of blog posts this next week. I have a paper, and two tests next week. Great. I already had a test today that seemed slightly difficult. It could have gone either way... but just a warning. I have good news though! For those of you who know that I am taking Anatomy and Physiology I and II this summer, I get to come home to take it!! So, I will be in good old Colorado, just taking summer school. That's annoying saying summer school because I always think of summer school as a weird thing, and I never thought of myself doing it. Oh well, if I want that nursing degree in four years, it has to happen! But, I won't have a summer full of doing nothing though, I'll be taking classes, and maybe working when I can fit it in. But I'll be home, so yay! :)

Anyway, yesterday I saw this video that was absolutely wonderful. It's God's love letter to His children. It's for everyone, and it is in letter form, but it is all supported by biblical evidence. It was so great. The link is below.


So, if you had a horrible Valentine's Day or are feeling dejected, just remember, no love can compete with God's love!!!

Also, just to let everybody know, if you ever read anything on my blog or have an issue that you would like to talk to me about, please feel free to get in touch with me! Even though I discuss my problems and thoughts on this blog, I am here to talk with you too! Anyway, in nutrition yesterday, we were talking about diabetes. So, while learning about myself in class (more like confirming what I already knew) I actually did learn something. I knew type 1 was more rare than type 2, but out of all the diagnosed cases of diabetes in the US, only 5-10% of cases are type 1 and 90-95% of cases are type 2. So, in conclusion, I'm a pretty rare thing! :P haha, but it is so true. Diabetes is more common nowadays, but I always hope people realize that it is one of the most difficult things to live with, and so many aspects go into taking care of yourself. It is not a routine thing, it's new day after day.


So, my Les Miserables DVD came in the other day. I'm hoping to watch it this weekend if my tests and paper don't dominate too much, which they should if I really think about. But there is always time for Les Miserables! Always. That brings me to something else...I have been shopping online for quite a few things. It needs to stop haha. I have never had a problem with it before, but now, I just find awesome stuff that I just really want! Just the other day I bought a necklace charm that has to do with Gone With the Wind. It is obviously worth the money, and it wasn't expensive, but what the heck?! I'm not even a huge fan of shopping anyway, and all of a sudden I'm always looking online. It just needs to stop.

Those are all the thoughts I have for today. Thanks for reading. And...I found this very amusing...







"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity."
-Proverbs 17:17


February 13, 2012

A Bigger Definition of Love

Hello Everyone!


Wow, it has been awhile since I have blogged. Sorry, it's been pretty hectic in my world. First off, I'd like to thank all of you who have been praying and have been there for me. My friend Zach has been sending me texts that really do help me throughout the day. Those that have given me random hugs have made things better, and seeing my family this weekend really helped. I missed seeing my sister, but seeing my mom was great! :)


Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. I don't hate the holiday, but it is certainly not my favorite. Sometimes it gets old seeing all the pink and red teddy bears and it's hard to keep my self control with all the chocolate around. If you're a girl, you know what I'm talking about. Guys...a word of advice... the teddy bear and chocolate is cute and everything, and the girls appreciate it, but some of us just want to spend time with you. Dinner is lovely, don't stop that, but the cheesy stuff gets a little mundane. I love stuffed animals myself, but if it's not too cold, going on a walk or watching your girl's favorite movie with her is a gesture much appreciated. Flowers are always a good idea, but maybe do something creative with the flowers. Like a dozen roses, have her find one rose at a time and then meet her at the end with you, yourself, and you. She won't be able to wait to get to you! Haha. Anyway, I know I'd like that stuff. If you girls are reading this and want something more elaborate...really?! Give the guy a break. There is already pressure on the guy it just being Valentine's Day. Just be happy to be with each other.


For those who see this holiday as Single's Awareness Day instead of Valentines Day, stop it!
hahaha so funny (I can relate)
 It is Valentines Day. You have plenty of people that you can show your love to. Friends, parents, siblings. The best way to get out of the love funk that you can be in is to give something to somebody else. It's the quickest way to make yourself happy! Bring joy to someone else's life! Stop being sorry that you don't have a boyfriend/girlfriend. Don't worry, I'm guilty of that too, but I try to remember that it's way bigger than my life. There are so many who are worthy of getting recognized on Valentines Day! So, challenge of tomorrow: tell somebody who isn't your significant other that you appreciate them!


Anyway, I've got a few busy, busy weeks ahead of me. Tests, papers, and getting over my cold! But, the biggest thing to remember is that God has everything under control...literally. My mom got me a very cute coffee mug that has part of 1 Corinthians 13:7 on it..."Love endures all things." In the context of Valentines Day and my relationship with God, His love really does endure all things. Everything that I've done, thought, and silently cursed...God loves me through it and even gives me forgiveness. That's the kind of love I'm talking about. Have a blessed week everyone, and Happy Valentines Day! I love all of you! :) Especially missing my twin this week...


Thanks for reading.


















"...neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
-Romans 8:39

February 7, 2012

Laughter is the Best Medicine

Hello Everybody!

So, I was reading my Nutrition textbook this afternoon, and I was reading about my own disease. What the heck. Weirdest feeling ever. For those of you who don't know, I'm a type 1 diabetic. Anyway, I was reading about it and I was still taking notes over it until I realized that I could tell somebody all the book was telling me in my sleep. So, I stopped taking notes. It was just such a weird feeling reading about myself hahaha! Then I got to thinking. So much emphasis is on type 2 diabetics nowadays, I wonder what people think when I tell them I'm diabetic. I mean, I almost feel like the type 1 crew is being forgotten!! What the heck?! Now, I know they aren't, but it was a weird thought and is relevant in society today!

Thanks all of you for your prayers and support. We all have times where we need support. My friend Laura came up to me today and gave me a hug on my way to class! :) It made my day better for sure. I'll always appreciate random hugs! :)

Since it is almost the middle of the week, I feel like a lot of us could use a little pick-me-up. I certainly do. So, here are some pictures that are bound to put a smile on your face! :)









What I look like when I go get cookies at the bluu :)

Bad day at work?





Haha hope those gave you guys a laugh! They definitely gave me one. Hope your weeks are going well.







"Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you."
-Psalm 9:10


February 5, 2012

Life's Headshots

Hey guys!


First of all, I'd like to start off this post by thanking those of you who have been there for me these past couple of days. It's been rough. Of course, I won't go into detail, but I'll just sum up by saying some things have been going on at home and it has made me significantly upset - to the point of not being able to hold back tears. I've been fighting them today as well. But I just want to thank those who have helped me and have been praying for my family. You guys know who you are, and I am thanking you from the bottom of my heart.


God has placed me in the right place here at TCU. I'm thankful for the people He has brought into my life and how He has been developing my faith. I played in a dodgeball tournament with some girls yesterday morning. Let me just tell you that it was so much fun! And we weren't playing with the soft, plush balls that you think of - you know, the balls you played with in middle school. They were legit dodgeballs. AND headshots were allowed. Say goodbye to the good old days when you were out if you threw a headshot and were successful in hitting your target. But it was super fun! We lost, of course, but we had some valient efforts! I had a few good hits and catches as we all did! Our first game was against a group of girls with legs twice as long as mine, all of them. So, you know, running to get the dodgeballs was a failure since they took, oh, I don't know, 3 steps and they were already there! Anyway, the second team was a guy team. They are scary when they throw balls aimed straight at your head! I heard some of them hit the wall behind us and cringed when I thought that could've been me! Anyway, it was very fun! There was a group of firefighters there playing, and it made me think of my dad. I texted him and told him the firefighters came in second and that I had been rooting for them! He texted me and said, "Cool! Go firefighters!", and then proceeded to tell me about the 18 inches of snow he got at his house. So, that was my Saturday.



I hope you guys have had a great weekend and a good start to the week. I'm still pretty upset with some stuff, so sorry if I seem distracted, but if you see me around, feel free to stop me and give me a hug :) every little thing will help. I will be okay, it's not me I worry about...I just wish I could be physically home to help and be supportive. It's hard being all the way over here when I feel like I should be home. God has got all of it in the palm of His hand, thank goodness. However, a few hugs wouldn't hurt. :)


Thanks for reading.








"For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer."
-2 Corinthians 1:5-6

February 3, 2012

Thoughts Re-visited

Hello all!


Well...I'm having another one of those days...it started yesterday actually. Maybe I'm PMSing, or maybe I'm just feeling a little sad. I don't know what it is. Actually, that's a lie. I think I may know what it is. Once again, I'm struggling with my most prominent weaknesses. I'm trying not to feel this way, and trying to focus more on my relationship with God, but it gets hard sometimes! I also feel weird talking to people about this because I feel like an idiot sometimes! I'm sure somebody in your lifetime has asked you a question to the effect of "What is wrong with me?! What do I do wrong?!" I have, and not just by other people. I ask myself that quite a bit haha. See, it's even weird talking about it here, on my blog, when I know at least a few people are reading it. I guess it's because I just feel like it's not right for me to have these thoughts because I know they are misplaced. They shouldn't be there, I've got God loving me. Nothing can compare to that, right? I mean, sure, hugs can make things better, and smiles, but I the feeling won't go away some days. Sometimes two days in succession, like these last two. I smile and laugh with every appearance of being alright and feel like a different person on the inside. Fake it until you make it, yes? I know, I hate that phrase too!


Anyway, I finished the Mark of the Lion series, and let me tell you that it is absolutely wonderful! They are beautifully written books and I recommend them to anyone! I'm actually sort of sad that I have no other books to read! What am I going to do with my life?! Haha, oh the sad stories of my life :P you'll have to get used to them.


Well, short blog post, but I don't feel like writing a whole lot tonight. Oh, I have a favor to ask as well! Just send up a few quick prayers for my twin back home for me please? She's going through some stuff, and I hope to help her talk it out or something, but she probably needs more than just my help. Thanks guys, hope you have a wonderful weekend! Keepin' it real.












"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."
-Proverbs 31:30

February 1, 2012

My Career Ahead

Let's get right into it...


I had my survey of nursing class this afternoon. We had a lecture then we watched a video on the development of nursing during the Civil War, then WWII and so forth... Anyway, to get to my point. I am SO excited to finally be able to call myself a nurse. Granted, I've got a ways to go, but it's not diminishing my excitement. First reason why this is good: looks like I chose the right major! Second reason why it's good: I can love those who so desperately need support. Throughout my life I tend to do little things that show people I love them. I don't really tell them openly, even though I guess I should more often. I do it through action mostly. I say it if it's necessary, but I either do something or have a private conversation with them, just listening, letting them vent or talk something out. It also gives me an opportunity to show Christ. Talk helps with people who are not believers, but it's usually the actions that makes them wonder what is so different. I just can't tell you how excited I am to improve lives around me, not just with medicine, but mental support as well, and do it with the serving, loving, and humble nature that God requires of us. I'm not saying I'll be the epitome of that, but it certainly gives me the opportunity. It's amazing how a touch, gesture, or kind word can make a world of difference.


I'm sure I'll encounter some difficulties. I'm sure I'll experience tragedies I'd rather not deal with, but it gives me an even bigger chance to pray over the patients or family, silently and to myself, if necessary. One nurse in the video was talking about a hard day she had at work as she had to comfort a woman who lost her son. After class, I heard these two girls behind me talking, and one of them said, "I know! I was watching that and was like, wow our lives are going to be depressing seeing all that pain and sickness!" I don't see how that is. Giving love, care, and support to people who need it so much will bring so much joy into my life. Sure, situations will be tragic and it will be hard to hold back tears, but with my support system behind me, always (God and beautiful promises), I will be able to give that support. Hopefully those patients or families will feel it in a time of need. I just can't wait. :) I can't wait to give hope, as much as I have received it.








"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
-Philippians 4:6-7 

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