The Department of State has taken away my passport...
I'm waiting for a new one.
I think this is the biggest blessing in my entire life.
I am so tempted to jump ship right now...and I totally cannot leave the country.
I am passportless.
=)
Grrrr...
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Genuine Love
1 John 4:9-12
In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved,if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.
This past week I was shown genuine love in an unlikely circumstance.
For the sake of not disclosing too much information...but sharing in the graces shown to me...I will briefly give you the story.
I was recently asked out by a young fellow (smart, funny, handsome...) but upon the invitation there was a decline for not one particular reason.
I was expecting a slight awkwardness to follow- however just the opposite occurred.
This young man knows that I am new to the area. He also knows that I have been desiring to get plugged in. So instead of walking away from the entire encounter he took the initiative to e-mail a few people he thought I would enjoy.
As a result of this, I have been called, e-mailed and personally invited to join in fellowship with several people. Each effort of communication was either followed by "so & so gave me your name and thought it would be great if we met...or, _______ _______ encouraged me to give you a call..."
I have been overwhelmed with the demonstration of genuine love this brother in Christ has shown me. I have never felt so loved in my entire life. (Dad, and mom...parenting love is in another category)
What a beautiful thing it is to place pride aside. I have been encouraged and challenged in my own life. This man loves the Lord and it is no quiet matter.
I'm thankful for the men and women the Lord has placed in my life!
I love this hymn- and its been in my mind often this past week.
I hope this encourages you to love deeply and sincerely all in the name of Truth.
Here is Love
Here is love, vast as the ocean,
Lovingkindness as the flood,
When the Prince of Life, our Ransom,
Shed for us His precious blood.
Who His love will not remember?
Who can cease to sing His praise?
He can never be forgotten,
Throughout Heav’n’s eternal days.
On the mount of crucifixion,
Fountains opened deep and wide;
Through the floodgates of God’s mercy
Flowed a vast and gracious tide.
Grace and love, like mighty rivers,
Poured incessant from above,
And Heav’n’s peace and perfect justice
Kissed a guilty world in love.
Let me all Thy love accepting,
Love Thee, ever all my days;
Let me seek Thy kingdom only
And my life be to Thy praise;
Thou alone shalt be my glory,
Nothing in the world I see.
Thou hast cleansed and sanctified me,
Thou Thyself hast set me free.
In Thy truth Thou dost direct me
By Thy Spirit through Thy Word;
And Thy grace my need is meeting,
As I trust in Thee, my Lord.
Of Thy fullness Thou art pouring
Thy great love and power on me,
Without measure, full and boundless,
Drawing out my heart to Thee.
William Rees
In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved,if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.
This past week I was shown genuine love in an unlikely circumstance.
For the sake of not disclosing too much information...but sharing in the graces shown to me...I will briefly give you the story.
I was recently asked out by a young fellow (smart, funny, handsome...) but upon the invitation there was a decline for not one particular reason.
I was expecting a slight awkwardness to follow- however just the opposite occurred.
This young man knows that I am new to the area. He also knows that I have been desiring to get plugged in. So instead of walking away from the entire encounter he took the initiative to e-mail a few people he thought I would enjoy.
As a result of this, I have been called, e-mailed and personally invited to join in fellowship with several people. Each effort of communication was either followed by "so & so gave me your name and thought it would be great if we met...or, _______ _______ encouraged me to give you a call..."
I have been overwhelmed with the demonstration of genuine love this brother in Christ has shown me. I have never felt so loved in my entire life. (Dad, and mom...parenting love is in another category)
What a beautiful thing it is to place pride aside. I have been encouraged and challenged in my own life. This man loves the Lord and it is no quiet matter.
I'm thankful for the men and women the Lord has placed in my life!
I love this hymn- and its been in my mind often this past week.
I hope this encourages you to love deeply and sincerely all in the name of Truth.
Here is Love
Here is love, vast as the ocean,
Lovingkindness as the flood,
When the Prince of Life, our Ransom,
Shed for us His precious blood.
Who His love will not remember?
Who can cease to sing His praise?
He can never be forgotten,
Throughout Heav’n’s eternal days.
On the mount of crucifixion,
Fountains opened deep and wide;
Through the floodgates of God’s mercy
Flowed a vast and gracious tide.
Grace and love, like mighty rivers,
Poured incessant from above,
And Heav’n’s peace and perfect justice
Kissed a guilty world in love.
Let me all Thy love accepting,
Love Thee, ever all my days;
Let me seek Thy kingdom only
And my life be to Thy praise;
Thou alone shalt be my glory,
Nothing in the world I see.
Thou hast cleansed and sanctified me,
Thou Thyself hast set me free.
In Thy truth Thou dost direct me
By Thy Spirit through Thy Word;
And Thy grace my need is meeting,
As I trust in Thee, my Lord.
Of Thy fullness Thou art pouring
Thy great love and power on me,
Without measure, full and boundless,
Drawing out my heart to Thee.
William Rees
TWIN CITIES 2009
Judson and I, along with our dear friend Molly Vesperman are running in the Twin Cities Marathon October 4th, 2009. As I am slowly but steadily gaining mileage for this big exciting day...I am realizing once again the importance of bringing my entire life under strict discipline. =) I need accountability and definitely encouragement. This morning I talked with Judson on the phone...the training seems to be no big deal for him. I think he could run the entire distance right now. Pray for us as we train. That we would be able to do and do it well.
Last October I ran in the Venice Marathon. I didn't do so hot- as was expected d/t lack of training. However I did learn something. TRAINING is essential in all areas of life. This morning I read from Spurgeon's Morning & Evening for June 15th . I want to be like Sarah...in all areas of my life. Because of what Christ has done in me- and continues to do I will run with joy in preparation for this blessed event. =)
Ask me how I'm doing in the training! And if you feel up to it- join me in a run.
=)
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
CE for RN's
Continuing Education is a great thing.
Great- if you know what you should continually educate yourself in.
If you are continually not educating yourself...well then- too bad.
If you are educating continuously...well, way to be.
Continuing education for registered nurses is endless.
In this day & age it seems to be unacceptable to remain as a bedside nurse.
The thought runs along the lines of working for a few years and then returning the academic arena to pursue a masters or doctorate.
I have had the opportunity to drive many hours this week- and as I was driving through good old Charlottseville, VA. home to Thomas Jefferson and his brilliant brain, I become instantaneously overwhelmed with the need to educate. Why is that?
Yesterday I had dinner with two good friends, both whom are nurses and I asked them about their goals in continuing education.
One of the girls is pursuing a masters in teaching- to hopefully be a professor of nursing. Way to be! (Seriously- teaching nursing is not an easy job)
The other girl is simply enjoying life and nursing. She said she didn't want to pursue any more education until she was sure she truly desired what she was in pursuit of. (I summarized and rephrased her words...) Essentially, she is being a wise woman.
Alas- this is where I am sitting. I am not going to pursue any more education until I know for sure that it is an area worth pursuing.
Kapeesh? Kapoosh.
Dad- this is specifically for you. =) This entire post is in honor of Father's day quickly approaching. Do you recognize this picture?
Love you.
Great- if you know what you should continually educate yourself in.
If you are continually not educating yourself...well then- too bad.
If you are educating continuously...well, way to be.
Continuing education for registered nurses is endless.
In this day & age it seems to be unacceptable to remain as a bedside nurse.
The thought runs along the lines of working for a few years and then returning the academic arena to pursue a masters or doctorate.
I have had the opportunity to drive many hours this week- and as I was driving through good old Charlottseville, VA. home to Thomas Jefferson and his brilliant brain, I become instantaneously overwhelmed with the need to educate. Why is that?
Yesterday I had dinner with two good friends, both whom are nurses and I asked them about their goals in continuing education.
One of the girls is pursuing a masters in teaching- to hopefully be a professor of nursing. Way to be! (Seriously- teaching nursing is not an easy job)
The other girl is simply enjoying life and nursing. She said she didn't want to pursue any more education until she was sure she truly desired what she was in pursuit of. (I summarized and rephrased her words...) Essentially, she is being a wise woman.
Alas- this is where I am sitting. I am not going to pursue any more education until I know for sure that it is an area worth pursuing.
Kapeesh? Kapoosh.
Dad- this is specifically for you. =) This entire post is in honor of Father's day quickly approaching. Do you recognize this picture?
Love you.
Healthcare...
Canada's ObamaCare Precedent
I am not impressed with the U.S. health care system.
I do not believe socialized medicine is the answer- nor do I believe it would actually happen. (as I bite my lower lip...)
I do know that Our system of medicaid/health insurance/hmo... blah blah blah has gotten a little out of hand. (that is a large understatement...)
I found this article to be humorous and also deeply true. Humorous because its so pathetically true...
I don't have an answer- perhaps I should. I will work on formulating that now. =)
I am not impressed with the U.S. health care system.
I do not believe socialized medicine is the answer- nor do I believe it would actually happen. (as I bite my lower lip...)
I do know that Our system of medicaid/health insurance/hmo... blah blah blah has gotten a little out of hand. (that is a large understatement...)
I found this article to be humorous and also deeply true. Humorous because its so pathetically true...
I don't have an answer- perhaps I should. I will work on formulating that now. =)
Monday, May 25, 2009
Drunken Men and little babies... =) Go Twins!
It all started with the Brewski's and Twinsters. What started you may ask?
America's past time...beer loving babies...I mean, baseball. =)
Of course- there is much beer to be had, and apparently in Minnesota- babies love the Dome Dogs that only can be served at the Hubert Humphrey Metrodome. It can't get better than this. Or can it!? I will leave that answer up to you.
It was truly an enjoyable evening with Patrick and Molly Vesperman. Judson and I were able to meet up with our friends and head down to Minneapolis for dinner and the game. The Twins took the game with Justin Morneau, Joe Mauer, and Joe Crede bringing in the runs. Couldn't complain about the seats- right above the Twins dugout...a couple rows up- thank you dad & Piper Jaffray.
Joe Mauer took a hit to the hand- check the video- this brought a little heat to the game. And right before he got up to bat a Milwaukee fan took the field- crazy guy- who was quickly escorted and ejected from the Dome.
Patrick- its ok that you like the Brewers...but seriously keep your fans under control.
Overall, a great night of baseball.
Check out the video of Mauer... not bad boy! =)
Joe Mauer
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Power in the Word
Scripture.
The comfort it brings in times of sorrow
The beauty which makes eyes open to the truth of this world
The anger that arises from a Holy God in the response to sin
The joy it gives when others come to see the truth
Thank you Father for your written word.
The comfort it brings in times of sorrow
The beauty which makes eyes open to the truth of this world
The anger that arises from a Holy God in the response to sin
The joy it gives when others come to see the truth
Thank you Father for your written word.
Isaiah 55
"Come, everyone who thirsts,
come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,
and delight yourselves in rich food.
Incline your ear, and come to me;
hear, that your soul may live;
and I will make with you an everlasting covenant,
my steadfast, sure love for David.
Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples,
a leader and commander for the peoples.
Behold, you shall call a nation that you
do not k now,
and a nation that did not know you
shall run to you,
because of the Lord your God, and of
the Holy One of Israel,
for he has glorified you.
"Seek the Lord while he may be found
call upon him while he is near;
let the wicked forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts;
let him return to the Lord, that he may
have compassion on him,
and to our God, for hi will
abundantly pardon.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,
declares the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the
earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
and do not return there but water the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the
sower and bread to the eater,
so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
For you shall go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and the hills before you
shall break forth into singing,
and all the trees of the fields shall clap their hands.
Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress;
instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle;
and it shall make a name for the Lord,
an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off."
"Come, everyone who thirsts,
come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,
and delight yourselves in rich food.
Incline your ear, and come to me;
hear, that your soul may live;
and I will make with you an everlasting covenant,
my steadfast, sure love for David.
Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples,
a leader and commander for the peoples.
Behold, you shall call a nation that you
do not k now,
and a nation that did not know you
shall run to you,
because of the Lord your God, and of
the Holy One of Israel,
for he has glorified you.
"Seek the Lord while he may be found
call upon him while he is near;
let the wicked forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts;
let him return to the Lord, that he may
have compassion on him,
and to our God, for hi will
abundantly pardon.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,
declares the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the
earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
and do not return there but water the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the
sower and bread to the eater,
so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
For you shall go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and the hills before you
shall break forth into singing,
and all the trees of the fields shall clap their hands.
Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress;
instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle;
and it shall make a name for the Lord,
an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off."
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Sad story about a tree.
Oh Minnesota, how I love thee
I read this little article and it made me smile. The small things in life...
Honk Honk!
This also reminded me of the children's book The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.
It is interesting how a tree can be the main subject of literature. A single tree for that matter.
hmmm. =) I like it.
P.S. Happy Mother's Day & Good Morning!
I read this little article and it made me smile. The small things in life...
Honk Honk!
This also reminded me of the children's book The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.
It is interesting how a tree can be the main subject of literature. A single tree for that matter.
hmmm. =) I like it.
P.S. Happy Mother's Day & Good Morning!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
America Abroad...
AmericaAbroadMedia
In the past year I have found this website and their radio broadcasting to really open my eyes and ears to some of the most crucial, current global issues . In the past 6-12 months when the word "crisis" has come up, my train of thought jumps to the current "economic crisis."
Just wanted to remind you that there are very serious "crisis'" occurring every day all over this world. I hope I am not naive to the fact that many of these issues and conflicts are connected with poorly managed money, economic failures and sinful nature. However it is interesting to see what draws mass media attention and causes an outcry to our nation and individuals.
Living in D.C. for the past three months has also been eye-opening. Everyday there are groups of people, many 'groupies' for that matter I'm sure, but none-the-less large groups assembling to protest or petition against some injustice they feel they have experienced. Sometimes I can't help but stop and listen to what groups truly believe are 'injustices' against them.
Just two weeks ago a group of handicapped individuals literally wheeled their wheelchairs across both Independence Ave and Constitution Ave blocking the busiest intersections outside of our nations capitol. As I was running by the group of people I stopped and talked to one woman who had use of both of her legs, and definitely was not handicapped (though that is debatable-forgive me, that was unkind...) and was shouting loudly protesting against President Obama's lack of support for subsidized handicap housing. wow. She explained to me that her dear friends were unable to find affordable housing for handicapped individuals because the government did not mandate it (or enough of it) in their section 8 housing act. aye aye aye- that just opens an entire can of worms...but what was interesting to me is that this woman had devoted her entire life for the cause of this group. As I walked away from her I not only thought of my first apartment post-college that was extremely handicap accessable (shout out VFJ-I'm smiling...) to the point of inconvenience, but also that this was some cause. Interesting, specific, of great inconvenince for the handicap, and extremely unfortunate.
I have much more to say about that entire shenanigan, however I must stop here.
It just really made me think twice about the way I'm just like that woman. The way I live my life or choose not to live my life shouts loudly to the people around me. As a professing Christian I know what my life ought to be professing loudly Jeremiah 9:24, 1 Corinthians 1:31,
2 Corinthians 1:12, Galatians 2:20 and so forth- but, many times, the actuality of what is professed is another story.
I don't know how to write into words where I am going with this thought process or what I am trying to relay, but all I do know is that I want to live for the cause of Christ. Not because Christ needs me to advocate his exsistence or Being, but because he calls me to it. He calls us all to do it. To daily be obedient unto him.
Matthew 10:38-39 states "And whoever does not take his cross and folllow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
Luke 9:23-25 "And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?"
Daily obedience looks different for every human being according to the gifts and talents he has given each one of us. However, if those gifts are not grounded in scripture and have a proper view of Christ and the cross the 'cause' being fought for is in vain. He may well use it under his sovereign rule, but as a believer we miss out on the blessing of obedience. There is great blessing in obedience.
Does this make sense? I think what I'm trying to say is, whether I am working at the bedside as a nurse in the hospital, or overseas advocating on behalf of a sick child, or reading a newspaper, or spending time at the crisis pregnancy center...or wherever and whatever I'm doing, I am ultimately representing Jesus Christ. He desires for ALL to come to know him and trusting in the truth of his word and the facts of the this present world... knowing that perfect justice will one day be achieved or redeemed is a great hope.
I guess I just want to encourage you to continue to fight against injustice but don't lose sight of Perfect Justice. On that note...
In the past year I have found this website and their radio broadcasting to really open my eyes and ears to some of the most crucial, current global issues . In the past 6-12 months when the word "crisis" has come up, my train of thought jumps to the current "economic crisis."
Just wanted to remind you that there are very serious "crisis'" occurring every day all over this world. I hope I am not naive to the fact that many of these issues and conflicts are connected with poorly managed money, economic failures and sinful nature. However it is interesting to see what draws mass media attention and causes an outcry to our nation and individuals.
Living in D.C. for the past three months has also been eye-opening. Everyday there are groups of people, many 'groupies' for that matter I'm sure, but none-the-less large groups assembling to protest or petition against some injustice they feel they have experienced. Sometimes I can't help but stop and listen to what groups truly believe are 'injustices' against them.
Just two weeks ago a group of handicapped individuals literally wheeled their wheelchairs across both Independence Ave and Constitution Ave blocking the busiest intersections outside of our nations capitol. As I was running by the group of people I stopped and talked to one woman who had use of both of her legs, and definitely was not handicapped (though that is debatable-forgive me, that was unkind...) and was shouting loudly protesting against President Obama's lack of support for subsidized handicap housing. wow. She explained to me that her dear friends were unable to find affordable housing for handicapped individuals because the government did not mandate it (or enough of it) in their section 8 housing act. aye aye aye- that just opens an entire can of worms...but what was interesting to me is that this woman had devoted her entire life for the cause of this group. As I walked away from her I not only thought of my first apartment post-college that was extremely handicap accessable (shout out VFJ-I'm smiling...) to the point of inconvenience, but also that this was some cause. Interesting, specific, of great inconvenince for the handicap, and extremely unfortunate.
I have much more to say about that entire shenanigan, however I must stop here.
It just really made me think twice about the way I'm just like that woman. The way I live my life or choose not to live my life shouts loudly to the people around me. As a professing Christian I know what my life ought to be professing loudly Jeremiah 9:24, 1 Corinthians 1:31,
2 Corinthians 1:12, Galatians 2:20 and so forth- but, many times, the actuality of what is professed is another story.
I don't know how to write into words where I am going with this thought process or what I am trying to relay, but all I do know is that I want to live for the cause of Christ. Not because Christ needs me to advocate his exsistence or Being, but because he calls me to it. He calls us all to do it. To daily be obedient unto him.
Matthew 10:38-39 states "And whoever does not take his cross and folllow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
Luke 9:23-25 "And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?"
Daily obedience looks different for every human being according to the gifts and talents he has given each one of us. However, if those gifts are not grounded in scripture and have a proper view of Christ and the cross the 'cause' being fought for is in vain. He may well use it under his sovereign rule, but as a believer we miss out on the blessing of obedience. There is great blessing in obedience.
Does this make sense? I think what I'm trying to say is, whether I am working at the bedside as a nurse in the hospital, or overseas advocating on behalf of a sick child, or reading a newspaper, or spending time at the crisis pregnancy center...or wherever and whatever I'm doing, I am ultimately representing Jesus Christ. He desires for ALL to come to know him and trusting in the truth of his word and the facts of the this present world... knowing that perfect justice will one day be achieved or redeemed is a great hope.
I guess I just want to encourage you to continue to fight against injustice but don't lose sight of Perfect Justice. On that note...
"So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be
revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell
you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim
on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body
but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can
destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for
a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart
from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.
Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge
before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before
men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven."
Matthew 10:26-33
revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell
you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim
on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body
but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can
destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for
a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart
from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.
Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge
before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before
men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven."
Matthew 10:26-33
Power as a believer.
Book suggestion for those interested...
I have found this book to really help me align my thinking with
Biblical truth and the work of the Spirit.
Judson had been asking many questions in the past few months about the role of the Holy Spirit.
There are many people who have controversial opinions and significantly different views on the work and role of the Spirit in a believers life. There are also many books published on this topic.
I have found this book to not only align solidly with scripture but also challenge me to rely on the Spirit within me.
It is worth your time and money to browse these pages!
small sample:
J.I. Packer writes....
The Christian's motto should not be "Let go and let God" but "Trust God and get going!" So if, for instance, you are fighting a bad habit, work out before God a strategy for ensuring that you will not fall victim to it again, ask him to bless your plan, and go out in his strength, ready to say no next time the temptation comes. Or if you are seeking to form a good habit, work out a strategy in the same way, ask God's help, and then try your hardest. But passivity is never the way, and the overtones of passivity in Keswick teaching ("don't struggle with the matter yourself, just hand it over to the Lord") are unbiblical in themselves and hostile to Christian maturity.
Blessings my friends. =) love you
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
