Grace & Humility

Just wanted to share this beautiful story I came across tonight....

About giving and receiving, about living life fully with grace and humility... Even when loss is inevitable.
About letting others help you when times get hard. It's many times the hardest thing to do, admit one needs help. Let others do things for you. But it not only can ease one's pain and heartache, it can help teach an important lesson in life.... To share in the water of grace! Share God's love with each other!

OWH.... Grace from hospital bed...


And as I reflect back over the past 12 months, I came across this little meditation...

"In ALL circumstances, give thanks!" -1 Thessalonians 5:18

In ALL circumstances. In the joy AND the sadness. Give thanks to Jesus always. A Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving to you.

Simple Things

How does that saying go....

"It's the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all."
 ~Laura Ingalls Wilder

Simple things.... what are they? What do they mean? How do they touch us?  Today I went to visit my Uncle Marty in the hospital. If you didn't know, he was diagnosed with Gillian Barre back at the end of July, and he has had a real, long, tough road of healing. He still has a hard and long road ahead of him in recovery, but each day there seems to be a little more progress. His wife and family continue to amaze me with their faith, trust, and hope in God. It really is a beautiful testimony! He is having surgery again tom, please keep him and his family in your prayers.

As we were talking today, about football, holidays coming up, his procedures, and his progress in recovery.... you can tell he is positive, has a good attitude, and oh so faithful and trusting in God, but can't help it that he gets down, frustrated too. I couldn't imagine being in bed, being so helpless, not able to do things for oneself, and making so many little steps, it's hard to see the overall progress when one is in it everyday. I tried to encourage him, that he has made tremendous progress.... yes, the steps are small. Yes, it's little victories such as being able to breath on your own, give a hand squeeze, or give a thumbs up, or even something bigger as a hug! And one of these days, we will be cheering as he walks out of the hospital! Yes, Marty, you will get there! One day at a time.
But what really touched me as we were talking today, was the realization of what is important in life. It's the simple things in life that are extraordinary.  He was telling me, that sometimes his wife and him talk about what they are going to do when he gets out of the hospital/rehab, when he is able to go back home. What would be the first things you would want to do? After being able to only lie in a bed for months? He said, we don't want to do anything fancy, like go to Las Vegas or anything... we just want to be able to go on walks again together. And I want to be able to call and talk to my son every night again. Those.... simple things. Is that anymore real? Anymore humbling?  Especially in our world now, where Black Friday shopping happens earlier and earlier, where having the best of the best is what one's goal may be, where working hard and long hours to get a promotion.... when instead we should be striving to enjoy the simple things instead.  We are all guilty of it. I know I am.
So maybe this Thanksgiving and Advent into Christmas season.... we can all stop and take a moment to appreciate the simple things around us a little more, and be grateful for them. I know I am going to try my hardest to be grateful for those simple things each and everyday!

A Beautiful Ride

Life.... it's not always beautiful, but it's a beautiful ride.

Those lyrics, that entire song's lyrics by Gary Allan, are so true. Sometimes life is just plain hard. No easy way around. Things aren't fair. There are so many times where life doesn't make sense, where one doesn't understand. "But the struggles make you stronger, and the changes make you wise, and happiness has it's own way of taking its sweet time. Life ain't always beautiful, but it's a beautiful ride."  I truly believe these words could reach out to everyone at certain times in their lives.... a death, a heartbreak, a lay off, an illness, family problems, loneliness, unknown direction of what to do next.  The list could go on and on, I'm sure. But what I've said before, in those times, those struggles... that is what makes us who we are. Life, it really is such a precious gift. Another day to live on this earth, to share in God's goodness, to be grateful to Him for all He has given us, placed in our lives... family, friends, situations, etc. To share in the water of grace. It may seem like a long ride many times, but it's really a beautiful ride too.  A quote from Blessed Mother Teresa, one that I have hanging in my home:

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it. Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it. Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it. Life is life, fight for it!

This month has flow by, next week is Thanksgiving already. And there has been many days I've felt overwhelmed. Wondering how I was ever going to get everything done. But as I look back, I might have not gotten everything done, tasks, that I have wanted to each day. That list of 'to dos' that just keeps getting longer and longer... but I do realize that I have kept my days full of things I enjoy doing, and things that meant a lot to others. There has been great times in between stressful times. There was high points and low points, but in the end I am so grateful that God placed these people in my life! What a blessing each of them are. I wanted to share with you some of the things I have been busy with this month. Enjoy the pictures. :) You know I love to capture every moment!  I once heard, one only regrets taking those pictures that were never taken!

My youngest sister, Kara, she is a senior... and my siblings and myself have been following her and her volleyball team throughout their season. It was so fun to travel together to so many of her games, and cheer her on! Even though the trips took up a lot of time, I wouldn't have changed it for anything! So grateful for my flexible schedule so I could cheer her on so much! Her team improved so much throughout the year, and were just so fun to watch!  They were District Champions and made it to the State Tourney... but ended up losing in the first round, which was so sad. But they have to be so proud to have made it there, and if it helps ease any pain, they lost in 4 sets to the team that won the entire thing. Way to go #7!

Another great thing is that I ran my first race since my accident back in May. It was a trail run, which I have never done before, so it was harder than I thought, running those steep hills, through the creeks with ropes to help so you wouldn't fall. But while I was running it, I kept thanking Jesus for letting me be able to run again, for healing me completely. Plus I got a cool t-shirt! ;)

Having fun surprising and celebrating my brother's 30th Birthday!! Happy Happy Birthday Nick! The best brother anyone could ever ask for!! :)

My little friend, Peter, I wrote about him before. I was able to take him and his brother Elliot to the farm for a day to ride in the combine, ride the tractor, ride the horses, and of course their favorite... the four wheeler!! So much space, so much fun.... learning how to run the throttle without knocking anyone off! With lots and lots and lots of giggling of course!! The best sound, and so contagious!! :-)

Then these next pictures... this was a hard day, as so many up and down emotions. As I had a big trauma class all day, had to leave early to get to my sister's state volleyball game on time.. the drive was so full of excitement, as so hopeful they would make it to the final game. However, the game ended up different than we all hoped with lots of sad tears. I wasn't able to stay long after the game, just to give a few hugs, then had to rush back to Omaha, as I was invited to the March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Banquet. On my way back, I was emotional, as I was not ready for my sisters volleyball to be done either, and was questioning why I was trying to do so much. Why I was rushing here and there, and not really getting to really live each moment fully. I almost turned around to go back and be with my family. But I kept driving, and went to the Nursing Banquet. The evening was very nice, and I always feel so good, so proud after anything that's celebrating nursing because it just puts into perspective of why I love so much what I do. There was over 200 nominees of nurses from throughout the state of Nebraska and Southwest Iowa, and 25 awards were given out. I was so so surprised when my name was announced. I was chosen to receive the Patient Advocacy award! Such an honor! Another friend of mine, Heather, she received an award too, and the neat thing is... I was her preceptor when she first graduated. I taught her in her first nursing job. Something small, but it meant a lot to me. It was a very special night! I am so grateful to be part of such an incredible profession! Read more about why I love nursing on my blog titled "Never Just a Nurse."

Then this just last weekend, as the days get shorter and shorter with sunlight. And colder and colder. (I am not a fan of winter at all) I actually think I get a little depressed. I just love the warmth of the sun so much. The glow on my skin. The green grass, green trees, bright flowers. It's just makes me smile! But I am thankful, as we have had an extremely mild fall. The weather has been great, and the leaves on the trees have been so beautiful. My friend, Liz, and I decided to take advantage of the perfect fall day, and go for a little hike. We went to Hitchcock Nature Center near Crescent, IA. And it was so fun, so perfect. We decided to go at the last minute, and you know... so many of those times we don't plan, go on a flip of a dime, end up being some of the best times! And it also made me so so grateful for my friend Liz, as we are in the same stage of life.. have many of the same desires and sorrows and joys. It's those friends who understand completely, those who are there whenever you need them, that God makes sure are with you when you need them most!

A few other times I wanted to share...

Angels Among Us Gala. We love supporting this great cause as they help so many families that are struggling to make ends meet as their child is battling cancer. They helped my friend, Nicole, not lose her house by making the payment each month while her son was fighting for his life. Even though Ryder didn't win his battle, we keep him close to our hearts by sharing the love he taught us by helping other families through this great organization!!

Lastly, I wanted to share memories of a dear friend of mine, Jodi, that recently married her best friend, and in which I got to stand by her side throughout this very special day of hers. All I can say, is that I am so happy for her, and she has taught me so much in never losing faith, trusting in God completely and always. He has the most perfect plan. We just have to trust in His timing, and never give up hope. Beautiful and great things will come to our lives if we just keep believing! 

These are a few of the things I"m so grateful for!! Have a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving next week!! If you are able, try to take a moment and think back over the past year. What are you thankful for? What goodness has Jesus done in your life? Through happiness and sadness. Write it down. And then when things are tough, you can look back and see, God is with me always. He has never forgotten me. I am so blessed! Thank you Jesus for all you have given me and place in my life! Thank you for loving me so very much!!

to be Saints

I have been wanting to blog lately, but I've been so busy, that I have not had any time. Actually, I shouldn't be writing right now, I should be in bed sleeping, as I work the next three days.... but sometimes I just need to let out what is on my heart, mind, soul, and then so much more peace comes upon me. :)

This past week, a couple things have been on my mind a lot, causing me to worry, be anxious, be unsure of what lies ahead with a couple different situations. Then this verse comes to mind,
"Don't be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." ~Philippians 4:6.
I can't go in detail about the situations, but as I have gone through my days, I feel like God is talking to me through by what others say, through things I read, or even a few things that have popped up on my phone.  There have been times where I talk to God and wonder, are You really there? Do You really care? And then I feel terrible, because I am doubting Him, even though I know so much that He is there, He is with me always, He is not forgetting me. On my facebook feed today, a past post I wrote 4 years ago came up, and I felt like it was from God, a little reminder. A reminder from God about not giving up, to trust in His timing, to have faith, and keep believing!! We don't know what God is doing behind the scenes! He is working always, we can't forget that.  This was the facebook post:

".... that faith is exactly what it takes to get through uncertainty. Faith is not necessary when you know how things are going to work out, --that's knowledge.  It's in the time of unknowing that having faith is what sees you through to the other side.  Faith is what gives you strength. Faith is that light in your heart that keeps on shining even when it's all darkness outside.  Now is the time to keep that faith alive!...."

I'm not sure where I found that at, or what was going on in my life at that time. But it spoke to me again. Faith... how can one live without it? God is what gives us that faith. He is the one that shows it to us. Hope... another feeling one must cling to. This came up on my devotion this week:
"I am exhausted from crying for help; my throat is parched. My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my God to help me." ~Psalm 69:3  --- It asked the question, "are you feeling tired of trying so hard? in any aspect of your life, relationships, work, family, emotions?" It reminded me, not to give up on hope--- as "Hope is the purposefulness of your tribulations that God has planned to produce the most beautiful story about you. Be patient, strong, and trust in Him."

Then I was reading my "pink book." My mom got it for all my sisters, and that's what we call it when we want to talk about it to each other. It's called "365 Moments of Peace for a Woman's Heart. Reflections on God's gifts of Love, Hope, and Comfort." It's so great, and I would highly recommend it to you. It has helped me a lot! Short little daily reflections. One day this week, it talked about exactly what was pulling at my heart. About God waiting for the perfect time to work. That until we actually see Him in action, we many feel He has forgotten about us. That in time, we will understand how He has been working. And to not give up on our faith, to stay steadfast and true to Him. God has a plan, the most perfect plan, and He will work all things together for our good in due time.  Like I said, EXACTLY what I was feeling on my heart. There has been so many times, that this pink book, has hit right on of what was going on in my life at the exact time I read it. I strongly believe it's all words from God.

Then the gospel on Sunday was from Matthew 5:1-12.  The Beatitudes. One of my favorite things from the Bible, from Jesus. When I was in Israel, we went to the mountain where Jesus gave the Beatitudes to His disciples. So I always reflect back to that time too, and what we all talked about there. How it's so important to give of ourselves, so others can see the power of God's love in us. To bring the gentleness of God to others. We talked about how wealth can be good, as long as we don't get caught up into it. It can help so many people if used the right way, not being pompous. One's gifts that God gives us needs to be given to others, to share God's graces and generosity with others around us. Bringing others to Jesus, or Jesus to others, is the greatest form of friendship. To share the water of grace. To be saints here on this earth. Jesus is not physically present, so we are his eyes, ears, voice, kindness, compassion, selflessness, love to all those around us.
"Jesus began to teach them, saying: 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.'"
The song we sang at Mass on Sunday had some words of the beatitudes in it, but the chorus, meant the most to me. It's funny how songs lately have seemed to speak to me more at Mass than anything else. Maybe it's the beauty of the music with the words that moves me, I'm not sure, but I am grateful. The chorus went something like this.... "Lead me Lord, Lead me Lord, by the Light of day, to seek and to find the narrow way. Be my way, be my truth, be my light my Lord, and lead me Lord today."

Then today, I like to go to Boys Town 11:40 Mass, as it's soon after I tutor, and only about 20 mins long. It's a nice little way of saying hi to Jesus, and inviting Him into my heart a little more. Anyways, I love the priest too, he's about 90 I think, Fr Cliff Stevens, and he is so smart, he is so full of knowledge. He has the best messages. Today he talked about George Gipp, a Notre Dame football player, that sadly died during his senior year of college. After he passed, the coach Rockne had a saying, "Win one for the Gipper," when times got really tough, and all odds were against them, to just go out and do your best. He also developed seven lessons that football taught him, but we can also relate it to each of our lives. They are skills/graces, but very important and make us humble.  So I wrote them down at church, and wanted to share them with you. I'm sure each of us can relate to them in different ways, in different seasons of our lives.
1. the grace to know when to shut up
2. to know when to turn the other cheek
3. grace to know when to sit on our angry
4. when to walk away
5. grace to admit when we are wrong --- to ask for forgiveness
6. grace for the willing to wait
7. and grace of never giving up --- It took Albert Einstein 3000 failures before he invented the light bulb.

Last thing, I know this post has lots of different thoughts... so here's one more. :)
I read something today that a friend wrote, about being able to use our words to express our emotions. It makes me giggle a little, as I hear Kindergarten and Preschool teachers also tell their students "use your words" to teach them how to let them know what they want, or how they are feeling. But we, adults, are the same way. We can't be afraid to use our words to express our emotions. We shouldn't be ashamed of how we are feeling. Society, social media, etc. tells us that emotions make us weak. However, it's the complete opposite. Emotions make us strong. They make us more human. They make us more alive. It's hard to trust and open up to others at times. But we have to become vulnerable in order to grow deeper with someone, and to be able to trust them. It's so important to share with others our emotions, our joys, our sorrows, our laughs, our cries. That's what makes us who we are, and what makes us full of compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. That's what makes us beautiful -- heart and soul!!