Pausing to Think

The past few days have been nice. I actually had 3 days off in a row so I took them and headed to the beach to visit my cousin and his fiancee. They had to work while I was there, which gave me a chance to go to the Carolina shores and replay the whirlwind of a month it's been in my head. I was able to enjoy some R&R, and finally finish the spiritually thought provoking book I've been reading since May. :) We had some great fellowship together when they got home, whether it was grabbing ice-cream after dinner or going to watch my cousin play city league softball. It was encouraging and I was once again reminded of the blessing of a close family.

Last week I saw some crazy stuff at work and it scared me, but more so it stirred questions in me. Like, why are infants allowed to be taken home to abusive parents, alcoholics, drug abusers, etc. My heart wants to take the baby and run, but it breaks just as much for the hurting, broken, parents. I have always been kind of a people pleaser, or maybe just really easy to get along with. I have strong opinions mainly about spiritual things and everything else I could care less about most of the time. I want to help people, whether it be to solve all their problems, give them all I have, or whatever else, I am willing to do it. This can often lead me to be self-righteous and prideful especially in my thinking if I'm not careful to check my motives beforehand. To think that anyone needs me or what I have to offer, above Christ in me, is foolish. The bottom line is it's not about me, it's about the work Christ accomplished through the Cross for me and the abundant life He's made available to me. I want people to know that more than anything.

Now I'm back from vacation, and it's back to work I go tomorrow while my gracious parents will be moving me in to my new apartment(dad will put my bed together and mom will probably do some cleaning, etc.). It should be a fun, work-filled week-end!

Overwhelming joys

Well, life as I know it is going just great. When I consider the bigger picture, aside from the common everyday hassles of living in America, I am about as blessed a daughter of a King as any. God has consistently lavished his unconditional love and grace on me through this transitional phase of life even though I have not been as faithful to Him along the way.

I have recently met two really really cool girls to live with for at least the next year which has cut down on my living costs tremendously(so my whiny attitude has gotten better, ie, the last post). I really think they will be wonderful roommates and that mutual edification in our walks with the Lord will be of great priority in our household. That makes me excited.

The hospital is going well, I'm nowhere near starting my full time position strictly on L&D, but I'm learning the ropes of women's services(and boy are they long ropes!) slowly but surely. I have enjoyed every moment thus far. I still feel like I know absolutely nothing. :)

It is very nice to see that this is exactly where the Lord intended on me being, although it's completely different than what I had in mind, to a degree. There is no greater feeling than totally trusting in the Lord and feeling the peace that He gives in return. The Lord is continuing to restore my heart and love for Him as I filter through the unnecessary feelings, emotions, and baggage I've carried for the past year. I have learned not to put so much trust in myself, but rather in God's amazing grace and mercies that are new each day. I am looking for a church now that will continuously point me to the Cross and keep the Gospel at the forefront of every ministry, service, etc. In time, I hope to get involved in missions around the Greenville area as well. I've met some great, encouraging people along the way and hope to meet many more!

I'm eventually going to join a gym, or something...haha.

I am still nowhere near being settled here, but I have a decent jump start and in the midst of a wacky schedule and lots of PB&J's, I am finding my secure source of contentment and foundation in the Word. To God be the glory and praise for the blessings and grace He has lavished on me the past few months.

Hebrews 12:1-2