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."