In the chaos, In confusion I know, You're sovereign still...

None But Jesus

In the quiet
In the stillness
I know, that you are God
In the secret
Of your presence
There I am restored
When you call I wont refuse
Each new day again I’ll choose
There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring him praise
In the chaos
In confusion, I know
You’re sovereign still
In the moment
Of my weakness
You give, me grace to do your will
So when you call I won’t delay
This my song, through all my days
There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring him praise
All my delight is in you Lord
All of my hope, all of my strength
All my delight is in you Lord
Forevermore
There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring him praise

by Hillsong

Today was my second day of NP clinical…so I had the opportunity to spend all day at the LaFayette Community Health Clinic shadowing and assisting a Nurse Practitioner. The patient population at this site is very diverse- which I love, as it gives me the opportunity to see a wide array of conditions and treatments. Today, we had a particularly high percentage of pediatric patients.
True to my character, I loved every child that came in and throughly enjoyed interacting with the children and their parents. At one point in the middle of the day, I found myself thinking- I love taking care of kids- I would gladly see kids all day! When my preceptor gave me the option of which patient to see, I always chose the pediatric patients over the adults in the room next door! This afternoon, as I was documenting exams and writing charts, I was again thinking about how much I enjoyed pediatrics, and the thought crossed my mind that I probably really would have enjoyed the Pediatric NP program.
This evening at theVault, I was talking to one of the girls who is in medical school at Upstate- and ended up telling her about my experience today. And how I was realizing just how much I enjoyed working with children. A little later, the service started, and then Eric began speaking about Vision. It was a great message…and at one point, he was brought out the importance of Prophesy and presbytery, as catalyzing factors for following our vision. As he spoke, I was reminded of a prophet who spoke at Richville Christian Fellowship several years ago- who prophesied over me. Two of the main things he said- were that I had 'missions feet,' and that I would go into the world, and love on kids! I haven't thought of that prophetic word in a long time... but as Eric spoke, I was reminded of the word, and also of the encounters I had today with children.
God is so faithful, and creative! There have been so many times recently where I have been awed by the creativity of God…and the way He gently reminds me that He is God, and He is in control!

Today was my second day of NP clinical…so I had the opportunity to spend all day at the LaFayette Community Health Clinic shadowing and assisting a Nurse Practitioner. The patient population at this site is very diverse- which I love, as it gives me the opportunity to see a wide array of conditions and treatments. Today, we had a particularly high percentage of pediatric patients.
True to my character, I loved every child that came in and throughly enjoyed interacting with the children and their parents. At one point in the middle of the day, I found myself thinking- I love taking care of kids- I would gladly see kids all day! When my preceptor gave me the option of which patient to see, I always chose the pediatric patients over the adults in the room next door! This afternoon, as I was documenting exams and writing charts, I was again thinking about how much I enjoyed pediatrics, and the thought crossed my mind that I probably really would have enjoyed the Pediatric NP program.
This evening at theVault, I was talking to one of the girls who is in medical school at Upstate- and ended up telling her about my experience today. And how I was realizing just how much I enjoyed working with children. A little later, the service started, and then Eric began speaking about Vision. It was a great message…and at one point, he was brought out the importance of Prophesy and presbytery, as catalyzing factors for following our vision. As he spoke, I was reminded of a prophet who spoke at Richville Christian Fellowship several years ago- who prophesied over me. Two of the main things he said- were that I had 'missions feet,' and that I would go into the world, and love on kids! I haven't thought of that prophetic word in a long time... but as Eric spoke, I was reminded of the word, and also of the encounters I had today with children.
God is so faithful, and creative! There have been so many times recently where I have been awed by the creativity of God…and the way He gently reminds me that He is God, and He is in control!

January 18
Four years ago today, after 91 years of life, my Grandfather passed from life on earth to life in eternity. I remember the phone call, my dad’s reaction to the news, and the tears and sadness that followed. My heart ached, knowing that he was gone, and yet there was a celebration of life, as he had lived a full life and had succeeded in so many things.
Now four years ago, I live in his house, and daily am reminded that he is not here. The past few days, and especially today, as I was reflecting on the anniversary of his death, my heart had a different ache. I wish I had known him. I wish I had had the opportunity to build a relationship with him, like I have with Grandma. I wish I had spent time with him, and made memories that would last forever. As these thoughts rushed through my mind, there was a twinge of regret. But then, I realized the opportunity I have now, to get to know my Grandmother, to build a relationship, and make memories that I will never forget. And not only with my Grandmother, but with all those around me. I have the opportunity to cherish each moment, and make it one that counts- both now and for eternity!
…and so, although I was unsure how to bring the subject up to my Grandmother, I decided to make sure she knew that I loved her, and that I cherished the relationship I have with her! Yesterday, I stopped on my way back here, and got her Chocolate Covered Pretzels-She loved them! And this evening, I stopped to get her flowers. As I walked through the floral department, I realized that throughout the day, the picture of the perfect bouquet had formed in my mind- and I would settle for nothing less! I walked through the whole department, and looked at every arrangement..until at last, I found the perfect one! As soon as I gave it to her, her eyes lit up, and I knew she loved it. She immediately displayed it in the living room- and commented on it repeatedly throughout the evening. And each time, I was reminded just how incredible an opportunity I have… and each time, I cherished the moments I have with her little more.

Safe
To the one who's dreams are falling all apart

And all you're left with is a tired and broken heart

I can tell by your eyes you think your on your own

But you're not alone

Have you heard of the One who can calm the raging seas

Gives sight to the blind, pull the lame up to their feet?

With a love so strong He'll never let you go

No, you're not alone

You will be safe in His arms

You will be safe in His arms

'Cause the hands that hold the world

Are holding your heart

This is the promise He made

He will be with You always

When everything is falling apart

You will be safe in His arms

Did you know that the voice that brings the dead to life

Is the very same voice that calls you now to rise?

So hear Him now, He's calling you home

You will never be alone

You will be safe in His arms

You will be safe in His arms

'Cause the hands that hold the world

Are holding your heart.

This is the promise He made

He will be with You always

When everything is falling apart

You will be safe in His arms

These are the hands that built the mountains

The hands that calm the seas

These are the arms that hold the heavens

They are holding you and me

These are hands that healed the leper

Pulled the lame up to their feet

These are the arms that were nailed to a cross

To break our chains and set us free

You will be safe in His arms

You will be safe in His arms

The hands that hold the world

Are holding your heart

This is the promise He made

He will be with You always

When everything is falling apart

You will be safe in His arms, safe in His arms

Safe in His arms

You will be safe, you will be safe

When everything is falling apart

You will be safe in His arms
-Phil Wickham

Sometimes…things just don’t feel like they are moving forward the way they are supposed to. Sometimes… things just don’t turn out the way we think they will, or should! But thankfully…He is always with us, He is always faithful, and we are always safe in His arms!

It’s hard to believe that it has been a whole year since the beautiful nation of Haiti was struck with one of history’s most devastating natural disasters! …I will never forget the brokenness I felt as I heard of the pain and suffering that the people of Haiti were experiencing. Although I was relieved that none of my personal friends were killed during the earthquake, it was crushing to know that so many people, so many family members of the people I care so much about, had been hurt and lost.
This song captures the thoughts, the feelings, and the hearts of so many…in such a beautiful way!

Are You Listening?
(I was hungry...You fed me. Naked...you clothed me. They will know us by our love. )

Can't imagine how it felt as you lay there Through the dark, through the heat, through the cold. With your friend, by your side Held his hand and watched him die And you cried as you prayed for his soul.

I can't imagine how it felt as you stood there Through the winds that would just not go away. Kiss my wife. Tell my son, 'My work on Earth is done.' You're the One that can still hear them say...

Is there anybody out there listening? And does anybody know my name? No, my friend we were not there, But we're here and we care... And yes, we feel your pain. And yes, we feel your pain.

I can't imagine how you felt as you sat there, Trying to hide the fear upon your face. As the Earth begins to cry And you ask the preacher, 'Why?' Tonight, we can hear the children say... Hear them say...

Is there anybody out there listening? And does anybody know my name? No, my friend we were not there But we're are here and we care And yes, we feel your pain.

And does anybody out there know me? (Do you know me?) Can you stop the clock, make this go away? (Make it go away) No, that cross you cannot bare But God can and He cares And yes, HE feels your pain. And yes, HE feels your pain.

He's been anybody see, Because my faith has gotten weak. Don't know how much more I can take Hear my heart and please don't deny.

Is there anybody out there listening? And does anybody know my name? Oh, my friend we were not there But we're here and we care And yes, we feel your pain.

Is there anybody out there listening? (Does anybody know?) Does anybody know my name? (Does anyone know my name?) Oh, my friend we were not there But I'm right here and I care And yes, (yes) we feel (i feel) your pain.

Does anybody out there know me? (Do you know me?) Then stop the clock and make this go away. (You can make this go away) No, that cross I cannot bare But He can and He cares. Yes, He feels your pain. Ooo...and yes, He feels your pain. Yes, He feels your pain. (Thank you, Jesus)

(The clock is ticking. We hear you. Oh my, oh my. We see you.) He's got the whole world in His hands. He's got the whole world in His hands. (You and me sister. You and me brother. My, my...) Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah Ooo, yeah, yeah yeah, yeah.

-Kirk Franklin & Friends

Everything I need

There’s no doubt about it…life is full of challenges! But I must admit, I love how God sometimes just smothers me in grace, and allows me to walk through the day undeterred! Today was one of those days! I wasn’t totally sure what I was scheduled to do at work…but as the first hour of my morning progressed, things changed drastically! From a “good” day, to a busy day, to a crazy day! My prayer on my way to work this morning was, “God, let my life be a witness and testimony of who You are. And may every word that I speak be edifying and uplifting.”
I was sincere when I prayed it…but as I saw my day, as I had it planned, quickly being changed, I wondered if I would be able to walk out the desire in real life! I remembered other days that turned crazy…and how hard it was to keep going, let alone be edifying to those around me! The day progressed…and although things were a bit crazy, God’s grace was so much greater!
Although I’m not one to wish my life away…I did find myself wishing it was 4pm, when it was only 3:05! But an hour and a half later…when I 4 pm had come and gone and I’d missed it… as I sat at a computer working my way through a list of phone calls, I suddenly realized that I was singing! I was glad no one was bothered by my singing…but I was struck with the irony of the situation- hours of a stressful work day, and here I sat, singing while I was charting! I couldn’t help but smile to myself, and thank God for his incredible faithfulness.
And so tonight… I have a thankful heart. Thankful for a faithful God, and thankful for the gift of joy! Thankful for the ability, and opportunity, to smile and sing, despite the chaos around me! Thankful for a job, for an incredible set of co-workers, and the friends they have become! Thankful for the opportunity to learn, to go to school, and to help others in need. And most of all, thankful for Jesus…thankful that He loves me not matter what, thankful that He is ever faithful, and thankful that He is everything I need!