Pursuit of Happiness

Often times, we find ourselves trying to answer the question, "what else?" It varies in form but boils down to the same thing: the pursuit of happiness. Unfortunately, the pursuit of happiness is like the American Dream. The manifestation and theory are unequivocal. 

The theory driving the American Dream is themed worship of creation versus the Creator. When we take the emphasis off the Creator and instead worship creation, in a broad spectrum sense, we fail ourselves the American Dream. The dream stays a theory, a wish list, a hyperbole. This demands the constant pursuit of what we cannot attain. Similar to the pursuit of happiness, it is unending and dependent on external circumstances.

These external circumstances differ in form but share a commonality: frugality or fleetingness (Ecc. 1, 3). There is no inner-contentedness when we choose to pursue happiness because the immediate value of that emotion depends on what we cannot control. 

1 John 2:15-17 nails this down when it states, do not be "in this world" but rather "of this world". Some may ask what's the difference. The difference is freeing. When we fail to recognize living in bondage doesn't necessitate actual slavery, we live in bondage to the world. This may be "lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life".

Romans 12:2 also speaks to this pattern. In fact, Paul refers to this as a pattern when he writes, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." The renewing of your mind is a habit; in order to be the most effective, it requires practice. Sometimes this practice may even include glory in our sufferings, but in this we rejoice, for we know that our faith is credited as righteousness (Romans 4:5, 5:3-4). Simultaneously, the Lord calls us to rejoice in our sufferings so that we may share in His Son's glory, being co-heirs with Christ (James 1:2-4; Romans 8:17). In this same way, for how we value physical training, we contend training in godliness as more and inasmuch "we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God" (1 Tim. 4:8, 10).

Therefore, I contend to answer the question "who else" instead of "what else". Ultimately, this means choosing joy versus happiness. The contrast between the two meaning joy is a filling of the Holy Spirit. Its focus is on the literal Creator versus creation. This frees us from the bondage of the world and places a healthy reverence on our Heavenly Father. For if we care about something dearly, how much more does our Father in heaven care about it for us? Whereas the pursuit of happiness values the world, the pursuit of joy values the spirit and assures us of our hope in the future. How much more assuring is it to live in faithful confidence versus passings-by of the daily grind?

Supersize Me?

Several times a year, I find myself on the consumerism side of economics. It always humors me how skillful the sales person is in crafting scenarios and desires that are unnecessary to the buyer. The world flaunts and taunts us with strategies that create a self-serving will in order to convince consumers to purchase products and services they don't need.

"If you upgrade now, we'll throw in..."

"For just $5 more, you can get..."

This past year taught me what it means to lay my time at the throne of God and rely on Him to source it out as He sees fit. It is the gift that keeps on giving as it explores boundaries with other people's lives as much as my own. The more I relentlessly devote this time to God, the more He is able to do with it. It's the only sales-pitch in the world offering assurance and restoration from worldly bondage.

In recent weeks, God has provided me answers to prayers I had only dreamed. The Lord was able to guide my heart in utilizing intentionality to drive those prayers. As soon as I changed my attitude from "Father, God" with a hopeful heart to "Father, God" with a knowing heart, He showed me what assurance looks like. The Lord knit together patterns, conversations and prayers in a way that not only created a tapestry but made it a work of art. As God calls me into a more intimate relationship with Him daily, I pray He guides my heart to more closely mirror His, and in so doing, continues the path He weaves for me.

Give and Get

As the holiday season approaches, I am most thankful for trials. How incredible that the Lord trusts me with adversity? He has come to give me "abundant life" and to use "all things" for my glory so that I might "share in His righteousness" (John 10:10; Romans 8:28; 8:17).

Trials increase my aptitude and trust in the Lord while wooing me closer to His heart. Paul indicates to the Romans that they should take heart in their suffering, as "suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (5:3-4). God ensures us this is not in vain, as those who live according to the spirit will be set free (8:13).

This Thanksgiving, I pray I would sanctify my life to look more Christ-like every day. I seek peace and life that only the spirit offers, for "the mind governed by the flesh is death" (8:6). Attempting to please myself will only lead to death and bondage that cannot be overcome. The difference between joy and happiness when you seek a tangible relationship with the Lord is overwhelming. There are several voids happiness is incapable of filling. Joy is of its own spectrum and is only truly experienced with the Holy Spirit at its core.

When you look around, what do you see? Bitterness, shame, regret, anger, guilt, deception. These are the result of a fallen world. Renew your heart, mind and spirit of these things daily and lean into God's favorable circumstance in these times, for His is the perfect, pleasing will (12:2). His love is the only one that can complete you, for it is given freely and without expectation (Matt. 5:48). It is man's response to Christ's redemption, not the result of human works that fulfills the Lord's design (Eph. 2:8-9).

You are not the center of this world, so look around and be give thanks, even in the midst of difficult times or unshapely circumstances. God will grow you in them, for His characteristics are immutable and uniquely His, just as You are uniquely His child.

#nuggetnurse

Today marks my one-year anniversary as a pediatric nurse. There is no comparison when reflecting on my confidence:  where it is now versus where I started as a new grad.

God has been demonstrative in His graciousness over me in nursing. The opportunity the Lord provides me at Phoenix Children’s enables and strengthens my testimony. The start of my career alone spurs my ability to share my testimony with fellow coworkers, patients and families. I have prayed with and for more patients and families at bedside since becoming a pediatric nurse than I had previously prayed publicly the length of my Christian walk.

As I reflect on my first year, I remember my blessings which lead up to this time frame. I relish in God’s ability to bring my passion for teaching to the forefront of my career. I show gratitude for the ability to work with children and families. Mostly, however, I embark on God’s call over my life:  to be His hands and feet and to make Him my righteousness.

While I look back at year one, here are a few of my favorite memories. #nuggetnurse

12/22/14

Me: "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

Patient: "I wanted to be a teacher or a midwife but what are you called?"

Me: "I'm a nurse."

Patient: "I want to be like you so I want to be a nurse. You made me better. I hope I have to come back to the hospital so I can see you again."  Theeee cutest thing I've ever heard. 

06/24/15

Each day I go to work, I'm blessed by those around me and the families I work with. Being nominated for the Daisy Award really puts into perspective how one conversation can make someone's day. I feel so honored to be recognized as a real nurse, and I'm glad it was for football! I pray God would use me for healing each and every day.

07/07/15

That moment when your toddler rolls out of his room riding his IV pole to blow you a kiss. 

08/12/15

I received a call that there was a need for a nurse in the room. I walked into the room with 3 docs standing around a baby. When I stepped closer and saw nothing wrong, one of the docs looked at me and said, "He started to cry...we panicked."

09/16/15

I was humbled today by a patient I had the opportunity to minister to previously. The first thing she said when I woke her up was that her wish came true because she got her favorite nurse. I love how God works by grace through our works when we pursue Him.

09/26/15

That moment when you are watching the last :23 seconds of the TCU game in your favorite patients' room and as you turn around they say, "Let's just all take a deep breath and calm down."