Christi Joy's photostream on Flickr.
I am going to be putting my pictures on Flickr because it is hard to upload a lot of photos in blogger. I hope you enjoy them! :-)
New blog!
11 years ago
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Friday, June 1, 2012
Happy Birthday Amy
I love you, sissy.
Gary's 2 1/2 birthday, May 29th 2007
Siteman Cancer Center-Barnes Jewish Hospital-Tile wall of personalized tiles painted by family, patients, and friends
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Coldplay - Paradise (Peponi) African Style (Piano/Cello) Cover - The Pia...
This is the best cover ever. The Piano Guys are amazing, but with this guy they are awesome.
Bruno Mars - Just the Way You Are (Piano Cover) ThePianoGuys
Ok, this isn't my favorite song with the lyrics... but Piano Guys makes it beautiful. Enjoy!
A Pathophysiology Lesson Just for You
Only in a pathophysiology class taught by Dr. Janice Williams would you be tested over a Biblical world view of homeostasis. I was informed earlier this evening that at the end of each of her tests she gives an essay question over Biblical world view. For our first test we have to give a Biblical world view over homeostasis. So before I get into my Biblical world view of homestasis, I will give a physiology lesson on what homeostasis is and how it's carried out in your body.
This is called the HPA (Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal) axis. In the very middle of your brain there is this little thing called the hypothalamus. One of the many jobs of the hypothalamus is to monitor your internal and external environment. When your body is sent into stress mode, or your hypothalamus senses a stressors, such as a lion chasing you, it quickly jumps into action. Attached to this amazing structure is the pituitary gland. This gland has two parts-an anterior and an exterior portion. When the hypothalamus senses a stressor it secretes a hormone called Corticotropic Releasing Hormone. This hormone acts on the Anterior Pituitary gland and tells it to release Adrenocorticotropic hormone. While this is happening, the hypothalamus triggers the sympatheic nervous system (fight or flight, people! Fight or FLIGHT!) to kick into action. This action of the SNS, triggers the Adrenal Medulla to secrete three hormones: epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. These things cause your heart rate and blood pressure to increase my constricting your blood vessels. And as the Anterior Pituitary gland releases Adrenocorticotropic hormone, the Adrenal Cortex (not the Medulla) is stimulated to secrete 3 of it's own hormones: glucocorticoids, mineralcorticoids, and testosterone. These things make energy so you either fight or flee from your stressor and increase your blood pressure because of the water retention they cause. And while all of this is happening in your body, your posterior pituitary gland is secreting oxytocin (which is calming hormone... I think) and antidiuretic hormone, which will inhibit you from secreting fluid. These all work together so that you can overcome the stressor you are facing.
It's a pretty epic axis, if I do say so myself. And all of this was created by one Maker. This amazing capability to adapt to changes and then return to homeostasis is only a tiny fragment of what our bodies can do.
And then I was asked to discuss an example of a Biblical world view of homeostasis. Here is my interpretation of what homeostasis is.
When I think of a biblical world view of homeostasis, these verses come to mind.
“My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him, God is a refuge for us. Selah” (King James Version, Psalm 62:5-8).
The vicissitudes of life are often overwhelming and discouraging. There is never a point in our lives when we are at a complete stasis. The flow in and out of dynamism is constant. Many times this dynamism is caused by ungodly desires and worldly distractions that keep us from a stasis that rests in God alone. But like the hypothalamus monitors the internal and external environment of the body, God monitors our lives. He is constantly watching and ready to pull us back to Him whenever He wills. He will never give us more than we can handle and will always be faithful.
”No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (English Standard Version, 1 Corinthians 10:13).
And through these times when we are in dynamism, or a lack of homeostasis, God in all His brilliancy, teaches us vital lessons. They may injure us physically and emotionally or seem pointless in our eyes; they are frightening and we may think they stretch us to the furthest point possible. But God has overcome all of these dynamic events in our lives and He is always faithful. John 16:33 says, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (King James Version).
Pathophysiology class is amazing. It's super hard, but definitely worth every second of the study time and frustration it may cause. I hear so many people say they could never be a nurse. It's either too hard or they have no passion to do that with their life. But for me, nursing is the perfect occupation. I could never do anything else. I am so blessed to be able to go to class every day and study the most amazing thing God created, His people. I get to assess them and by using critical thinking, help them return to a holistic homeostasis. I get to serve them and help them overcome their trials. God knew what He was doing when he instilled this desire in me so many years ago. He knew how much it would benefit my life and how much He would allow me to grow through it. I pray that this may be the same in your life. You're probably not going through nursing school, but you do have your own perfect occupation out there and God knows what it is. "Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your life before Him. God is a refuge for us".
This is called the HPA (Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal) axis. In the very middle of your brain there is this little thing called the hypothalamus. One of the many jobs of the hypothalamus is to monitor your internal and external environment. When your body is sent into stress mode, or your hypothalamus senses a stressors, such as a lion chasing you, it quickly jumps into action. Attached to this amazing structure is the pituitary gland. This gland has two parts-an anterior and an exterior portion. When the hypothalamus senses a stressor it secretes a hormone called Corticotropic Releasing Hormone. This hormone acts on the Anterior Pituitary gland and tells it to release Adrenocorticotropic hormone. While this is happening, the hypothalamus triggers the sympatheic nervous system (fight or flight, people! Fight or FLIGHT!) to kick into action. This action of the SNS, triggers the Adrenal Medulla to secrete three hormones: epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. These things cause your heart rate and blood pressure to increase my constricting your blood vessels. And as the Anterior Pituitary gland releases Adrenocorticotropic hormone, the Adrenal Cortex (not the Medulla) is stimulated to secrete 3 of it's own hormones: glucocorticoids, mineralcorticoids, and testosterone. These things make energy so you either fight or flee from your stressor and increase your blood pressure because of the water retention they cause. And while all of this is happening in your body, your posterior pituitary gland is secreting oxytocin (which is calming hormone... I think) and antidiuretic hormone, which will inhibit you from secreting fluid. These all work together so that you can overcome the stressor you are facing.
It's a pretty epic axis, if I do say so myself. And all of this was created by one Maker. This amazing capability to adapt to changes and then return to homeostasis is only a tiny fragment of what our bodies can do.
And then I was asked to discuss an example of a Biblical world view of homeostasis. Here is my interpretation of what homeostasis is.
When I think of a biblical world view of homeostasis, these verses come to mind.
“My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him, God is a refuge for us. Selah” (King James Version, Psalm 62:5-8).
The vicissitudes of life are often overwhelming and discouraging. There is never a point in our lives when we are at a complete stasis. The flow in and out of dynamism is constant. Many times this dynamism is caused by ungodly desires and worldly distractions that keep us from a stasis that rests in God alone. But like the hypothalamus monitors the internal and external environment of the body, God monitors our lives. He is constantly watching and ready to pull us back to Him whenever He wills. He will never give us more than we can handle and will always be faithful.
”No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (English Standard Version, 1 Corinthians 10:13).
And through these times when we are in dynamism, or a lack of homeostasis, God in all His brilliancy, teaches us vital lessons. They may injure us physically and emotionally or seem pointless in our eyes; they are frightening and we may think they stretch us to the furthest point possible. But God has overcome all of these dynamic events in our lives and He is always faithful. John 16:33 says, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (King James Version).
Pathophysiology class is amazing. It's super hard, but definitely worth every second of the study time and frustration it may cause. I hear so many people say they could never be a nurse. It's either too hard or they have no passion to do that with their life. But for me, nursing is the perfect occupation. I could never do anything else. I am so blessed to be able to go to class every day and study the most amazing thing God created, His people. I get to assess them and by using critical thinking, help them return to a holistic homeostasis. I get to serve them and help them overcome their trials. God knew what He was doing when he instilled this desire in me so many years ago. He knew how much it would benefit my life and how much He would allow me to grow through it. I pray that this may be the same in your life. You're probably not going through nursing school, but you do have your own perfect occupation out there and God knows what it is. "Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your life before Him. God is a refuge for us".
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Things Nursing Students Say
After huffing and puffing from climbing five flights of stairs and running across campus, it was asked of a nursing student what was wrong with them. They responded, "I didn't want to waste time walking, so I ran..."
Also, this is a great song. :-)
Here is the one with lyrics.
And for your edification and delight (a phrase borrowed from Dr. Hayden Head) the lyrics to the song. :-)
"Chase That Intro" Lecrae
Uh, Started with hangin’ posters on my bedroom walls
To battle rappin’ for status up in the school halls
Just call me double sushi, thought I was to raw
And hip hop was my home I had my shoes off
6’3” in high school, well skip a hoop dream
If I don’t blow up then maybe, I’ll try the school thing
I went to college to do my family a favor
But I couldn’t pick a major cause I wanted to be major
I tried sellin work, but it didn’t work
So I worked, shopping center clerk, finna go berzerk
Lunch Break , see my writing 16’s over Micky D’s
Skippin class, makin beats over 60 keys
And I love that,that even though I’m just chasing
Selfish Ambition couldn’t tell your boy nothing
Watch out all you rappers’ cause they finna let ‘Crae in
But I was sleepin’ on the Son like Days Inn
(bridge)
Ay you can have the money
And you can have the fame
But me I want the Glory
I’m livin for the Name
See life is just a picture
I see outside the frame
Im livin for a kingdom that I ain’t never seen
(chorus)
And imma chase that
Imma imma chase that
Found the key to life and best believe that imma play that (Glory)
Imma chase that
Imma imma chase that (glory)
Imma chase that
Imma imma chase that
Ugh
I remember chasin the green feelin blue
Only check I’m countin is the mic check, one two
All I wanted was the money and the fame and the new
Somebody on my arm when I walk inside the room
All I wanted was doom
The same kind Alexander the Great felt, when the Earth ran out of room
He conquered all he could, but yet he’s feelin’ consumed
By this never ending quest for glory he couldn’t fuel
Like a typical fool, I would go hard
Shootin for the moon
But there only one Son , no Co-star
Chasin glory I shouldn’t own
Instead of livin to make His name known
I’m runnin after his throne
I thought bein on TV, where every body could see me
Was nothing short of the easiest way I could see to please me
I’ll never be who I used to desperately want to be
I’m to worried bout the Lord getting credit instead of me
(bridge)
Ay you can have the money
And you can have the fame
But me I want the Glory
I’m livin for the Name
See life is just a picture
I see outside the frame
Im livin for a kingdom that I ain’t never seen
(chorus)
And imma chase that (Glory)
Imma imma chase that
Found the key to life and best believe that imma play that (Glory)
Imma chase that
Imma imma chase that (glory)
Imma chase that
Imma imma chase that
I use to wanna do it big
When you’re only focused on yourself that’s small
And they, they use to tell me as a kid
That I could do anything that I want except fall
And now that I recall
I was chasing my goals
And everytime I caught em they multiplied into mo’
I never even thought about whether the Lord approved
Call it selfish ambition
I call it, I'm makin moves
But history repeats itself
Evil’s what it is
Cause Lucifer was cast away for doing what I did
Created by the God who spoke the Earth into existence
Instead of chasing the Father’s glory he was chasin his
He lies to us all
Told Adam he could ball
“Why you followin’ God when could go get it all?”
I’ll tell you whats better, or better yet worse
Chasin your own glory by doin the Lord’s work
So holla if it hurts
But we were made for greater
Our greatest satisfaction is making His Name famous
So if we’re never named among the greatest, (or) they don’t critically acclaim us
Aint nothing to be ashamed of
We gave it up for the Savior
Imma chase that
Imma imma chase that
And the Lord’s goodness
You should-you should taste that
And you aint livin’ till you livin’ for his name, yeah (glory)
Imma chase that
Imma imma chase that
Also, this is a great song. :-)
Here is the one with lyrics.
And for your edification and delight (a phrase borrowed from Dr. Hayden Head) the lyrics to the song. :-)
"Chase That Intro" Lecrae
Uh, Started with hangin’ posters on my bedroom walls
To battle rappin’ for status up in the school halls
Just call me double sushi, thought I was to raw
And hip hop was my home I had my shoes off
6’3” in high school, well skip a hoop dream
If I don’t blow up then maybe, I’ll try the school thing
I went to college to do my family a favor
But I couldn’t pick a major cause I wanted to be major
I tried sellin work, but it didn’t work
So I worked, shopping center clerk, finna go berzerk
Lunch Break , see my writing 16’s over Micky D’s
Skippin class, makin beats over 60 keys
And I love that,that even though I’m just chasing
Selfish Ambition couldn’t tell your boy nothing
Watch out all you rappers’ cause they finna let ‘Crae in
But I was sleepin’ on the Son like Days Inn
(bridge)
Ay you can have the money
And you can have the fame
But me I want the Glory
I’m livin for the Name
See life is just a picture
I see outside the frame
Im livin for a kingdom that I ain’t never seen
(chorus)
And imma chase that
Imma imma chase that
Found the key to life and best believe that imma play that (Glory)
Imma chase that
Imma imma chase that (glory)
Imma chase that
Imma imma chase that
Ugh
I remember chasin the green feelin blue
Only check I’m countin is the mic check, one two
All I wanted was the money and the fame and the new
Somebody on my arm when I walk inside the room
All I wanted was doom
The same kind Alexander the Great felt, when the Earth ran out of room
He conquered all he could, but yet he’s feelin’ consumed
By this never ending quest for glory he couldn’t fuel
Like a typical fool, I would go hard
Shootin for the moon
But there only one Son , no Co-star
Chasin glory I shouldn’t own
Instead of livin to make His name known
I’m runnin after his throne
I thought bein on TV, where every body could see me
Was nothing short of the easiest way I could see to please me
I’ll never be who I used to desperately want to be
I’m to worried bout the Lord getting credit instead of me
(bridge)
Ay you can have the money
And you can have the fame
But me I want the Glory
I’m livin for the Name
See life is just a picture
I see outside the frame
Im livin for a kingdom that I ain’t never seen
(chorus)
And imma chase that (Glory)
Imma imma chase that
Found the key to life and best believe that imma play that (Glory)
Imma chase that
Imma imma chase that (glory)
Imma chase that
Imma imma chase that
I use to wanna do it big
When you’re only focused on yourself that’s small
And they, they use to tell me as a kid
That I could do anything that I want except fall
And now that I recall
I was chasing my goals
And everytime I caught em they multiplied into mo’
I never even thought about whether the Lord approved
Call it selfish ambition
I call it, I'm makin moves
But history repeats itself
Evil’s what it is
Cause Lucifer was cast away for doing what I did
Created by the God who spoke the Earth into existence
Instead of chasing the Father’s glory he was chasin his
He lies to us all
Told Adam he could ball
“Why you followin’ God when could go get it all?”
I’ll tell you whats better, or better yet worse
Chasin your own glory by doin the Lord’s work
So holla if it hurts
But we were made for greater
Our greatest satisfaction is making His Name famous
So if we’re never named among the greatest, (or) they don’t critically acclaim us
Aint nothing to be ashamed of
We gave it up for the Savior
Imma chase that
Imma imma chase that
And the Lord’s goodness
You should-you should taste that
And you aint livin’ till you livin’ for his name, yeah (glory)
Imma chase that
Imma imma chase that
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Luke 12:15-21 "Don't Waste Your Life"
And if you had a hard time understanding the words to this song like me, here are the lyrics.
Lyrics to Don't Waste Your Life :
(feat. Cam & Dwayne Tryumf)
[Hook: Cam]
Don't wanna waste my life
[Verse 1: LeCrae]
I know a lot of people out there scared they gone die
Couple of em thinking they'll be livin in the sky
But while I'm here livin man I gotta ask why, what am here fo I gotta figure out
Waste my life
No I gotta make it count
If Christ is real then what am I gone do about
All of the things in Luke 12:15 down to 21
You really oughta go and check it out
Paul said if Christ ain't resurrect then we wasted our lives
Well that implies that our life's built around Jesus being alive
Everyday I'm living tryin show the world why
Christ is more than everything you'll ever try
Better than pretty women and sinning and living to get a minute of any women and men that you admire
Ain't no lie
We created for Him
Outta the dust he made us for Him
Elects us and he saves us for Him
Jesus comes and raises for Him
Magnify the Father why bother with something lesser
He made us so we could bless Him and to the world we confess him
Resurrects him
So I know I got life
Matter fact better man I know I got Christ
If you don't' see His ways in my days and nights
You can hit my brakes you can stop my lights
Man I lost my rights
I lost my life
Forget the money cars and toss that ice
The cost is Christ
And they could never offer me anything on the planet that'll cost that price.
[Verse 2: Dwayne Tryumph]
Armed and dangerous
So the devil jus can't handle us
Christian youth them a stand wid us
Livin' n driven
Given a vision
Fullfillin the commission he handed us
London to Los Angeles
Da rap evangelist
Ma daddy wouldn't abandon us
"I gotta back pack fulla tracts plus I keep a Johnny Mac"
So are you ready to jam with us
So let's go, gimme the word an let's go
Persecution let's go
Tribulation let's go
Across the nation let's go
Procrastination bes go
Hung on the cross in the cold
Died for da young and the old
Can't say you never know
Heaven knows
How many souls are going to hell or to heaven so we gotta go in and get em
Whaaaaat!
[Verse 3: LeCrae]
Suffer
Yeah do it for Christ if you trying to figure what to do with your life
If you making money hope you doing it right because the money is Gods you better steward it right
Stay focused if you ain't got no ride
Your life ain't wrapped up in what you drive
The clothes you wear the job you work
The color your skin naw we Christian first
People living life for a job
Make a lil money start living for a car
Get em a house a wife kids and a dog
When they retire they living high on the hog
But guess what they didn't ever really live at all
To live is Christ yeah that's Paul I recall
To die is gain so for Christ we give it all
He's the treasure you'll find in the mall
Your money your singleness marriage talent and time
They were loaned to you to show the world that Christ is Divine
That's why it's Christ in my rhymes
That's why it's Christ all the time
My whole world is built around him He's the life in my lines
I refused to waste my life
He's too true ta chase
That ice
Heres my gifts and time cause I'm constantly trying to be used to praise the Christ
If he's truly raised to life
Then this news should change your life
And by his grace you can put your faith in place that rules your days and nights.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Light Reading?
So I'm reading my book, Did I Kiss Marriage Goodbye? again. I wasn't going to read much of it tonight. I went to the chapel to play piano and pulled out my book of "Pride and Prejudice" music. It made me want to watch the movie. But then I thought about how I would most likely be desiring a relationship like that by the end of it, so I decided to dig deeper into what I thought was slightly depressing. But like I said yesterday, I think God is trying to tell me something. I got to a point in the book talking about the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30. I'll let you find it in your Bible.
This is the part that stuck out to me in the book.
"The third servant had a low view of his master--and perhaps even of what he had received in comparison to the other servants. So he made no effort to multiply his talent. An extended season of singleness can present a similar temptation. We can think that God has given us very little. So we do nothing with it. Despising the 'one talent' of singleness, we don't invest it to have something to show when He returns. We don't try to multiply what He's bestowed; we ungratefully just put it in a hole in the ground and sit down and have a pity party" (McCulley, 2004).
While I was playing piano I started thinking of all of the things that would be happening within the next three months. At the of January I'm going on a leadership retreat for a weekend. I'm kind of nervous about it. I don't see myself as a very good leader. As I started thinking about this more and more, I came to the conclusion that my communication skills are majorly lacking. I am so awkward with people simply because I don't want to talk. I'm not a talker and never have been. And when I find myself talking, it seems to be over useless things that I care nothing for. But I think I decided that you don't have to be a talker to be a good leader. You do need to have good communication skills, however, as your team will rely on you to instruct them. How are you to do that if you don't communicate well? God has blessed people with the ability to communicate and talk fluently, but just because I might not have received that talent like those around me have, I shouldn't "burry it in the ground" and wallow in my insecurity.
Anyway, if God has planted some epic leadership style inside of, I'm hoping this retreat will water it so that it will grow into something glorifying to Him and that I will use it to fulfill His purpose for my life. Who knows, maybe my communication skills will sprout too.
And just because, here is the song I was trying to play tonight.
I need to practice...a lot.
This is the part that stuck out to me in the book.
"The third servant had a low view of his master--and perhaps even of what he had received in comparison to the other servants. So he made no effort to multiply his talent. An extended season of singleness can present a similar temptation. We can think that God has given us very little. So we do nothing with it. Despising the 'one talent' of singleness, we don't invest it to have something to show when He returns. We don't try to multiply what He's bestowed; we ungratefully just put it in a hole in the ground and sit down and have a pity party" (McCulley, 2004).
While I was playing piano I started thinking of all of the things that would be happening within the next three months. At the of January I'm going on a leadership retreat for a weekend. I'm kind of nervous about it. I don't see myself as a very good leader. As I started thinking about this more and more, I came to the conclusion that my communication skills are majorly lacking. I am so awkward with people simply because I don't want to talk. I'm not a talker and never have been. And when I find myself talking, it seems to be over useless things that I care nothing for. But I think I decided that you don't have to be a talker to be a good leader. You do need to have good communication skills, however, as your team will rely on you to instruct them. How are you to do that if you don't communicate well? God has blessed people with the ability to communicate and talk fluently, but just because I might not have received that talent like those around me have, I shouldn't "burry it in the ground" and wallow in my insecurity.
Anyway, if God has planted some epic leadership style inside of, I'm hoping this retreat will water it so that it will grow into something glorifying to Him and that I will use it to fulfill His purpose for my life. Who knows, maybe my communication skills will sprout too.
And just because, here is the song I was trying to play tonight.
I need to practice...a lot.
Monday, January 2, 2012
The Gift of Singleness
I am back at school for my two work weeks before the semester starts on January 17th. I've decided that I'm going to spend these two weeks reading books and catching up on things I've been putting off for a while, like reading a daily devotional.
This last week I've been reading a book on the Philippines for my trip in April. So tonight after my movie ended I decided I should start reading another book. This book is called, Did I Kiss Marriage Goodbye? Trusting God with a Hope Deferred. It's by Carolyn McCulley. I'm not exactly struggling with this topic right now, but I am struggling with being content with where I'm at in life. Over the break I realized how I had forgotten what it was like to be content because of my busy semester.
Anyway, a couple of things stuck out me as I read.
"Without the context and the eternal purpose of the church, singleness can seem like the waiting room of adulthood"(McCulley, 2004).
"I've often heard married people say to singles that we won't get married until we're content in our singleness, but I humbly submit this is error. I'm sure that it is offered by well-meaning couples who want to see their single friends happy and content in God's provision, but it creates a work-based mentality to receiving gifts, which can lead to condemnation. The Lord doesn't require that we attain a particular state before He grants a gift. We can't earn any particular spiritual gift any more than we can earn our salvation. It's all of grace. However, we should humbly listen to our friends and receive their input about cultivating contentment; we just shouldn't attach it to the expectation of a blessing" (McCulley, 2004).
It is so true. I think God is trying to tell me something. Yesterday our Pastor taught on patience in things with life. A verse from Hebrews continues to stick out at me.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Hebrews 12:1
In my mind I am ready to be done with nursing school. But then I peek into my Pathophysiology book and I see how much I don't know about medicine. I have so much to learn, but I pray that I will seek it all with patience.
On my desk I have a scratch peice of paper with names of random songs I have heard over the last semester. I saw it tonight as I was putting away my books and this song was at the bottom of the list.
Happy 2012, friends. May you strive to glorify God in all that you do.
This last week I've been reading a book on the Philippines for my trip in April. So tonight after my movie ended I decided I should start reading another book. This book is called, Did I Kiss Marriage Goodbye? Trusting God with a Hope Deferred. It's by Carolyn McCulley. I'm not exactly struggling with this topic right now, but I am struggling with being content with where I'm at in life. Over the break I realized how I had forgotten what it was like to be content because of my busy semester.
Anyway, a couple of things stuck out me as I read.
"Without the context and the eternal purpose of the church, singleness can seem like the waiting room of adulthood"(McCulley, 2004).
"I've often heard married people say to singles that we won't get married until we're content in our singleness, but I humbly submit this is error. I'm sure that it is offered by well-meaning couples who want to see their single friends happy and content in God's provision, but it creates a work-based mentality to receiving gifts, which can lead to condemnation. The Lord doesn't require that we attain a particular state before He grants a gift. We can't earn any particular spiritual gift any more than we can earn our salvation. It's all of grace. However, we should humbly listen to our friends and receive their input about cultivating contentment; we just shouldn't attach it to the expectation of a blessing" (McCulley, 2004).
It is so true. I think God is trying to tell me something. Yesterday our Pastor taught on patience in things with life. A verse from Hebrews continues to stick out at me.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Hebrews 12:1
In my mind I am ready to be done with nursing school. But then I peek into my Pathophysiology book and I see how much I don't know about medicine. I have so much to learn, but I pray that I will seek it all with patience.
On my desk I have a scratch peice of paper with names of random songs I have heard over the last semester. I saw it tonight as I was putting away my books and this song was at the bottom of the list.
Happy 2012, friends. May you strive to glorify God in all that you do.
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