An End in Sight

Three years ago I was at Providence Christian College in California saying many tearful goodbyes. It was so hard to say goodbye to the amazing friends that God had given me during the amazing journey I was blessed to have while in California. I grew up so much, I learned so much and I changed while I was out there. God was working hard to show me who He wanted me to be, and He is still working. That day full of tears was such a hard day to accept- why have something so great that wasn't where God wanted me to be anymore? I was going to be a nurse? I don't know if I can make it through nursing school, is He sure He knows what He's doing? Trust. Not an easy concept for me, but three years ago I boarded that plane in California, and for the first time I was not looking for a return flight ticket in the fall. It was hard, but now, I understand.
I am 15 days away from graduating as a nurse- me? A nurse? God really did know what he was doing. I have loved every minute of becoming a nurse. The papers, the projects, the sleepless nights studying one body system after another for the past three years and now I am only 15 days away from the end. It's amazing. I remember when I started thinking about going into nursing and I was bound and determined to go to Dordt. God again had different plans. NCC became part of my life for the past 3 years and I remember thinking three more years? On top of the two that I had completed at Providence? Doesn't sound like something I want to do- who wants to be in school for 5 or more years? But it has all been in God's plan and has unfolded each day.
I'm going to be a nurse. I'm going to have the opportunity to show my love for caring for people. I'm going to be able to put the knowledge that has been stuffed into my head the past 3 years into action. I'm going to be advocates for those who are unable to speak for themselves. In God's timing and by His amazing will I am becoming the woman He intends for me to be.
What a comfort, I have no control over everything. Which is a good thing, because if it was in my control I would be such a mess. My comforting verse all through nursing school, the busy times, the stressful situations, the days that I didn't think I could get to the end is found in Matthew 6:24 which reminded me everyday-

""Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." 

One day at a time, one test at a time, one project at a time, one early morning at a time and I will get to the end- that is what I told myself everyday and now.... 15 days to go. God is good!

 The amazing thing is that God is just getting started with me, there is so much for me to learn, so many mistakes will be made, frustrations will confront me, hard times will be confronted but in all things God is in control. God. Not me. Amazing. I am not perfect, nor will I ever be. My prayer everyday is that God forgives me for each and every time I mess up- big or little. That is my prayer, this is my comfort- I know he does!


God, give me the strength and the endurance to make it to the end. In all I do, help me to glorify you, for you alone deserve all the glory, praise and honor.

Blessed

I can't believe that I am 23. Yikes- that number is getting closer to 25, and then 30 and then.... yup- you get the point. I had a great day, I was surprised with a big bouquet of flowers from my parents waiting for me in the morning- always a fun surprise! My brothers came home with a big bunch of balloons- which is pretty awesome from them!
And then there was my evening out with my friends. I love that we are getting so close to the end of the school year, and everything is winding down meaning I have more time to have a life and to see those and hang out with my family and friends that mean so much to me. I had never been to Chili's so that was where the group opted to go- and the guys convinced the poor waitress to sing "Happy Birthday" to me- which they never do at Chili's as a duet with one other waitress she somehow convinced to sing with her- I think she was more embarrassed than me!
Thanks to my friends- it was a fun night. =] I'm blessed to have you in my life.
Thanks to my family- for the love you give me everyday, not just my birthday!
And the fun doesn't stop- tonight we are going out to celebrate mine and David's birthday together- this time we are heading to Buffalo Wild wings, should be fun.

Looking back, I remember the fun times in California on my birthdays that were spent out there. I miss my friends there, its hard when life moves on and we are separated by hundreds of miles. Here's to you two- I miss you all the time.

                                                

 I miss you both- and everyone else. Looking at this pictures brings back so many memories and laughs.

What a random post! =] Hopefully the rain will stop soon and summer will be here quickly. According to my countdown, there are only 22 days until graduation- those better go fast! Can't wait for summer!