"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in my eyes and honored, and I love you. I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life. Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you up. I will say to the north, Give up, and to the south, Do not withhold; bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."
Isaiah 43:1-7
Monday, July 25, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Books
While visiting my brother in New Jersey I started reading The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte, and while they weren't actually written by Charlotte Bronte (who is one of my favorite authors), they mimic her style of writing and I'm loving reading it.
One little passage really struck me: "It seems to me that every experience I have ever had, everything I have ever thought or said or done, and every person I have ever loved, has contributed in some essential way to the human being I am to-day. Had one stroke of the brush touche the canvas in an altered manner, or splashed upon it a darker or lighter colour, I should be a very different person now."
Today at work, I was grunting and complaining about how I often get bored, upset, tired of answering phones every day. I was thinking about how the people who come to community mental health are never happy and I just want to deal with happy people. People who aren't constantly in crisis, people who aren't constantly depressed, people who are just stable, successful, happy.
I cringe at the thought of thinking about that because these are the people who need the most love, and because they haven't found it in their life previously they have turned to get help.
I became grateful for the person that I am. The fact that I am able to deal with people like that, the fact that I was raised in a decent manner with loving parents, the fact that I'm not living off of food stamps. I'm so grateful for the things that a lot of those people never had. So, I'm seeing why people are the way they are, and why I am the way I am. I'm learning that now more than ever that differences are good, and if we were all the same like in the book "The Giver" we would all be plain ole bored.
Then I was watching Numbers today, while I was unpacking and cleaning and Charlie, the mathmatician, said, "Capitalisits are always so surprised when capitalism works!" and I thought about it more and figured that when your brought up in a culture that is so money/material hungry then it's hard to see why anyone would want a capitalist culture. For poor countries whose currency is so messed up, when they are invested in and their countries economy is supplemented, it really does work. However one sad thing about capitalism is that there will always be poor people and there will always be rich people, never one equal class.
When writing and thinking about that I'm reminded of a conversation I had with a friend while I was staying in Maine. We were brainstorming about ideas of serving a missional purpose. We thought about how Christians are always eager to help the poor, because that's what Jesus did. Jesus healed and blessed the helpless on so many occasions. My friend in Maine threw out this idea about how Jesus didn't walk the earth in today's world so we must adjust our missional focus so that if he were to walk the earth today, that we would be doing what he would be doing. So some how we got on this idea how a large precentage of the world's wealth is owned by a small small group of people. We talked about how Christians find it hard to reach out to the extremely rich because they seem to have all the earthly things they could ever need, unlike the poor, they are not physically needy only spiritually needy. We thought about a missional group that focused on rich communities, how would the share the love of God with a group of people that believe they don't need to be blessed because they are successful on their own. I wonder if Jesus likes capitalism. I wonder this because it makes a class distinction. I would like to think he does, because I don't think our country could have made it this far, had He not. I think God puts us all in a place in the world so that His servants can bless us in certain ways so that He can be revealed and worshipped in the process. Had we been a different person in a different place, the action would not have affected us the same way.
One little passage really struck me: "It seems to me that every experience I have ever had, everything I have ever thought or said or done, and every person I have ever loved, has contributed in some essential way to the human being I am to-day. Had one stroke of the brush touche the canvas in an altered manner, or splashed upon it a darker or lighter colour, I should be a very different person now."
Today at work, I was grunting and complaining about how I often get bored, upset, tired of answering phones every day. I was thinking about how the people who come to community mental health are never happy and I just want to deal with happy people. People who aren't constantly in crisis, people who aren't constantly depressed, people who are just stable, successful, happy.
I cringe at the thought of thinking about that because these are the people who need the most love, and because they haven't found it in their life previously they have turned to get help.
I became grateful for the person that I am. The fact that I am able to deal with people like that, the fact that I was raised in a decent manner with loving parents, the fact that I'm not living off of food stamps. I'm so grateful for the things that a lot of those people never had. So, I'm seeing why people are the way they are, and why I am the way I am. I'm learning that now more than ever that differences are good, and if we were all the same like in the book "The Giver" we would all be plain ole bored.
Then I was watching Numbers today, while I was unpacking and cleaning and Charlie, the mathmatician, said, "Capitalisits are always so surprised when capitalism works!" and I thought about it more and figured that when your brought up in a culture that is so money/material hungry then it's hard to see why anyone would want a capitalist culture. For poor countries whose currency is so messed up, when they are invested in and their countries economy is supplemented, it really does work. However one sad thing about capitalism is that there will always be poor people and there will always be rich people, never one equal class.
When writing and thinking about that I'm reminded of a conversation I had with a friend while I was staying in Maine. We were brainstorming about ideas of serving a missional purpose. We thought about how Christians are always eager to help the poor, because that's what Jesus did. Jesus healed and blessed the helpless on so many occasions. My friend in Maine threw out this idea about how Jesus didn't walk the earth in today's world so we must adjust our missional focus so that if he were to walk the earth today, that we would be doing what he would be doing. So some how we got on this idea how a large precentage of the world's wealth is owned by a small small group of people. We talked about how Christians find it hard to reach out to the extremely rich because they seem to have all the earthly things they could ever need, unlike the poor, they are not physically needy only spiritually needy. We thought about a missional group that focused on rich communities, how would the share the love of God with a group of people that believe they don't need to be blessed because they are successful on their own. I wonder if Jesus likes capitalism. I wonder this because it makes a class distinction. I would like to think he does, because I don't think our country could have made it this far, had He not. I think God puts us all in a place in the world so that His servants can bless us in certain ways so that He can be revealed and worshipped in the process. Had we been a different person in a different place, the action would not have affected us the same way.
I went to New Jersey last weekend and this is one of the things I saw.
Friday, June 24, 2011
2 weeks later
I guess my life hasn't been too interesting lately. Today I was orientated on being a volunteer at Mercy Regional Health Center, I'm slowly getting more excited and much less nervous for being in the ER. I throughly enjoyed my day off today. I ran some errands, read outside on the deck, watched some TV, ate dinner with the parents. I'm totally loving the decision not to take classes this summer.
Last week I watched the kids that I sometimes watch. They were so great, a much better experience than the last time.
Now I prepare for my little trip to New Jersey. I'm leaving next Friday, and leaving for 5 days to hang out with my big brother. I hope he shows me a good time in the NorthEast.
I've been working a lot, at least it feels like a lot, but it's not too much. I'm so thankful for a job, that is sometimes a little draining, but most of the time I can handle it.
My read the bible in a year thing is taking me slowly through Proverbs. I'm not getting much out of it, so I'm losing my motivation. However, I get so excited when I see God working in my life. I can't get over it. Seriously my summer could have been so much different than it is right now, but He is totally guiding me, showing me the important things, allowing me to see how my plans aren't always His plans, but His are so so so much better than mine. It's an amazing feeling to know that, although sometimes I feel alone in trying to figure out things, that I'm not actually alone. God cares for me, has a plan for me and daily He impresses his presence on me. Ah, I get so excited when I talk about this. It is so comforting to know that I'm not the only one fighting for me.
This weekend one of my roommates is in town, so we're going to hang out. Possibly I'll get a phone upgrade from Sprint, if they want to work a deal with me. That's about all the plans I have for the weekend. I love lazy days, I especially when they are well deserved. Rest is so beneficial.
-----
Last week I watched the kids that I sometimes watch. They were so great, a much better experience than the last time.
Now I prepare for my little trip to New Jersey. I'm leaving next Friday, and leaving for 5 days to hang out with my big brother. I hope he shows me a good time in the NorthEast.
I've been working a lot, at least it feels like a lot, but it's not too much. I'm so thankful for a job, that is sometimes a little draining, but most of the time I can handle it.
My read the bible in a year thing is taking me slowly through Proverbs. I'm not getting much out of it, so I'm losing my motivation. However, I get so excited when I see God working in my life. I can't get over it. Seriously my summer could have been so much different than it is right now, but He is totally guiding me, showing me the important things, allowing me to see how my plans aren't always His plans, but His are so so so much better than mine. It's an amazing feeling to know that, although sometimes I feel alone in trying to figure out things, that I'm not actually alone. God cares for me, has a plan for me and daily He impresses his presence on me. Ah, I get so excited when I talk about this. It is so comforting to know that I'm not the only one fighting for me.
This weekend one of my roommates is in town, so we're going to hang out. Possibly I'll get a phone upgrade from Sprint, if they want to work a deal with me. That's about all the plans I have for the weekend. I love lazy days, I especially when they are well deserved. Rest is so beneficial.
-----
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Wildlife
Yesterday two swallows began building nest in our gutter. This would be okay if they weren't the type of birds to protect their nest. Every time we would open the front door we would be swarmed by these cute, but freaky, little birds. My dad began by hosing down the gutter, getting rid of their mud nest. They came flying back as my dad was spraying the gutter down. They were not happy birds, my dad sprayed them with water as to avoid getting attacked by these little swallows.
Not but 4 hours later, these two birds stood perched on our porch light. We thought they were just out of sorts and would leave. No. They began building another mud nest on the top of the light. This morning there were three swallows protecting the beginnings of a nest. So, when they were out collecting building materials my dad washed down the porch light, sprayed it with canola oil. The canola oil was a technique we learned about on google, the swallows won't build a nest on a surface on which their mud won't stick. When the birdies came back, they were so confused, probably a little upset.
I love our new house, pretty peaceful and very relaxing. I feel bad, however, that our new home has encroached on the homes of many species. So many hornets, wasps, deer, bunnies, frogs, turtles, birds, giant spiders, and I have yet to see a snake, but I'm sure there's a ton living in the forest behind our back yard.
I hope they can find a new home, just like we did.
Not but 4 hours later, these two birds stood perched on our porch light. We thought they were just out of sorts and would leave. No. They began building another mud nest on the top of the light. This morning there were three swallows protecting the beginnings of a nest. So, when they were out collecting building materials my dad washed down the porch light, sprayed it with canola oil. The canola oil was a technique we learned about on google, the swallows won't build a nest on a surface on which their mud won't stick. When the birdies came back, they were so confused, probably a little upset.
I love our new house, pretty peaceful and very relaxing. I feel bad, however, that our new home has encroached on the homes of many species. So many hornets, wasps, deer, bunnies, frogs, turtles, birds, giant spiders, and I have yet to see a snake, but I'm sure there's a ton living in the forest behind our back yard.
I hope they can find a new home, just like we did.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Workin.
I love working at Pawnee Mental Health for a couple reasons, but the main being that I'm learning exactly how not to parent. For example: when a child throws a shoe at their parent, it should not be ignored and laughed off. For another example: when you're at a doctor's office, your children racing down the hallways back and forth, should not be laughed off and ignored. And for my final example of the day: when you're at a doctor's office and your children are standing on the arm rests of the chair, it should not be ignored.
That was all witnessed in 7.5 hours of work.
Aw, the joys of community mental health.
That was all witnessed in 7.5 hours of work.
Aw, the joys of community mental health.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Mayo Clinic
Tonight I spent about 1.5 hours reading articles, Q&A's, forum, reports, and all that fun stuff on Mayo Clinics website. I want to work for them. I would just have to move and get them to hire me right out of PA school. Let's start crossing our fingers.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Back to Normal
So it looks like I've forgotten all about this blog. It's been several days. I don't really have anything of substance to really write about. I'll give a little update.
I went back to work this week, it feels nice to be back in a normal routine again. I turned in paper work at Mercy Regional Hospital so that I can shadow some Physician's Assistants and so that I can volunteer this summer since I do have lots of extra time. I finally finished watching Scrubs and am glad to say that Netflix has allowed me to move onto a new show Numb3rs. I've only watched the pilot, but it looks pretty cool. I love crime/mystery solving shows. Also, today I bought a plane ticket! I'm going to New Jersey to go visit my brother over 4th of July weekend. I'm so excited to see him and where he lives.
Last weekend I attended two weddings! It was so great to see friends in love and publicly declaring their lives and their love to one person. Marriage is so beautiful and last weekend made me realize one thing. That marriage is not impossible for me. I know that sounds wacky, but last school year I went through this stage where I thought I was never ever going to date/get married/be in love. That was ugly and emotional. I'm glad to say I'm over that sappy part of my life and have found other, more positive, things to put my energy in to.
Also, since I did take a week off of work, I was really worried that come middle of June I would not have enough money to pay all the bills I need to pay, but once again my Great Provider has provided a little nannying job for the middle of June. This will more than make up that week of pay I didn't get. How wonderful is He? So wonderful.
My parents hired The Pond Guys to build a fence for our backyard. Every day Violet and I watch them with excitement as they build the fence. I can't wait to just let her outside so she can run wild, like she did in the old house. Right now they only have the holes dug for the posts to go in, but I'm glad it's finally taking some shape. The progress was slowed a little bit since we've had some storms that caused a great bit of flooding around Manhattan. I'm glad that people aren't blaming my parent's new house area on it, they're mostly blaming the Colbert Hills and Scenic Drive parts of town. The building in these areas diverted water into different paths so that there is a lot of water moving into one creek. When there is more than 3 inches of rain that falls it seems that Wildcat Creek will flood every time. Hopefully some great engineers can get some new paths for this water, because I'm sure it's pretty annoying to be awaken at 4am by fire fighters telling you to evacuate your home because a creek is too full.
Weather is pretty interesting. I think if I wasn't going to be a PA I would be one of two other things. 1. a civil engineer or 2. a meteorologist.
Well, it's lunch time.
I went back to work this week, it feels nice to be back in a normal routine again. I turned in paper work at Mercy Regional Hospital so that I can shadow some Physician's Assistants and so that I can volunteer this summer since I do have lots of extra time. I finally finished watching Scrubs and am glad to say that Netflix has allowed me to move onto a new show Numb3rs. I've only watched the pilot, but it looks pretty cool. I love crime/mystery solving shows. Also, today I bought a plane ticket! I'm going to New Jersey to go visit my brother over 4th of July weekend. I'm so excited to see him and where he lives.
Last weekend I attended two weddings! It was so great to see friends in love and publicly declaring their lives and their love to one person. Marriage is so beautiful and last weekend made me realize one thing. That marriage is not impossible for me. I know that sounds wacky, but last school year I went through this stage where I thought I was never ever going to date/get married/be in love. That was ugly and emotional. I'm glad to say I'm over that sappy part of my life and have found other, more positive, things to put my energy in to.
Also, since I did take a week off of work, I was really worried that come middle of June I would not have enough money to pay all the bills I need to pay, but once again my Great Provider has provided a little nannying job for the middle of June. This will more than make up that week of pay I didn't get. How wonderful is He? So wonderful.
My parents hired The Pond Guys to build a fence for our backyard. Every day Violet and I watch them with excitement as they build the fence. I can't wait to just let her outside so she can run wild, like she did in the old house. Right now they only have the holes dug for the posts to go in, but I'm glad it's finally taking some shape. The progress was slowed a little bit since we've had some storms that caused a great bit of flooding around Manhattan. I'm glad that people aren't blaming my parent's new house area on it, they're mostly blaming the Colbert Hills and Scenic Drive parts of town. The building in these areas diverted water into different paths so that there is a lot of water moving into one creek. When there is more than 3 inches of rain that falls it seems that Wildcat Creek will flood every time. Hopefully some great engineers can get some new paths for this water, because I'm sure it's pretty annoying to be awaken at 4am by fire fighters telling you to evacuate your home because a creek is too full.
Weather is pretty interesting. I think if I wasn't going to be a PA I would be one of two other things. 1. a civil engineer or 2. a meteorologist.
Well, it's lunch time.
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