Just a little Update!

I just want to share with you an update.
It is only three days away and I will be flying (for the first time ever) to Peru to serve those in need and show the love of Christ.

I have day dreamed, prayed and prayed for this opportunity. I have spent many conversations with God of why He won't just send me?
But all in His timing............

So you can imagin the excitement!
However,  don't think I haven't been through some emotional, spiritual, physical hardships over the past few months - even the recent past weeks.

Emotional- I have went through being homesick and thinking of leaving my girls and my bestfriend (yes my husband) behind. FOR 11 DAYS!

“If any man come to Me and hate not his father and mother, and wife and children, and brethren and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.

Spiritually- Honestly I been in dark time, hurt feelings, bitterness, dry spot, sadness, loneliness!

"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit."

Physically- okay I'm just going open up here so you see how awesome our God is!

I have struggled with fear due to stomach issues since my gallbladder surgery about 8mths ago- fear! I'm sure there are some who know what I'm talking about here! Weakness- yes and the devil knew it, almost stopped me from going!
Then recently a kidney stone that I had had for years but it decided to move 2 weeks before my trip!
2 days after Lithotripsy for that kidney stone- I came down with Strep throat! 102 fever for 5days- iv fluids ,one shot, 3 rounds of antibiotics!
Not to mention in the past 8 mths I broke out with shingles an then a rash from head to toe also resulting in a shot and medication! Ugh!

But let me tell you! Through this down time of fever and sore throat that the devil wanted to use to discourage me (and he almost did) God turned around for the good!

This gave me down time I needed to relize I'm not alone (due to some good friends), time to read scripture, time to pray and ask Him to forgive me,  for me to forgive others, time to just cry cry cry and give all to Him that I had been trying to fix myself for months!-  HE Gave me  a clean heart before I leave. Healed the brokeness, the bitterness, sadness, loneliness  in me so I am prepared for the work He has set before me.

Ladies, we have a awesome God!
And I know through prayers from my family, my friends, my church family

I have a peace emotionally,  spiritually,  physically like I have not had for the past 8mths!

I can not thank you all enough for the prayers and support and encouragement

I ask for continuing those prayers for the next  two weeks!
But most of all I ask you to please pray that hearts are being opened and that we can show the love of Christ to all meet all along the way.

That Quick.

So all the tears, prayers, heartbreak, joys we have finally reach and have overcome graduation 2016.

I must admit I was ready for it to be here, but the day after I was wallowing in emotions. That Quick. It was over that quick.

How time has flown.

Best advise I could give a mother of young children other than keep on Praying is :
- Slow Down
Slow down and enjoy the each stage you and your child go through. Slow down and enjoy each event.

But enough emotions and let me rejoice for this new chapter in my life. In my daughters life. Looking forward to the future. New decision, new experiences, new friends, new moments to treasurer.

Starting with her new car, we where very blessed with. Knowing God had his hand in that whole process.  Amazing to look back and see how He had been shutting doors and opening others.

I know there are many more doors to close and open, but I pray we as family and for with her, as young adult, will seek God's guidance as we each stand in front of each door.

To Him First

It's been almost 5 mths since I posted last about how this year would have so many changes.

And boy was I right!

We have faced challenges, fears, new beginnings- leaving the old facing the new. We have laughed and cried. We have grown physically, emotionally and spiritually. We have faced anger, hurt feelings, new friendships and the learning of true friends. We have learned when to stay and when to walk away, even when it hurts.

Learning to let go is the hardest
Learning to let God have my children and step out of HIS way - can also be so hard

But remembering to love no matter how good or bad a decision is. Remembering to forgive because * I too*, have to be forgiven daily. Remembering we each have our own special calling to what God has planned for our future.

It's not about you!
It's not about me!

So who am I to stand in another's way just because of what I think or because of what I feel.

Words recently I received from a close pastors wife that has been right where I am right today with her children and feelings that I have experienced as a mother of Senior, mother of a young woman......

"All the Bible studies in the world will never make up for missed prayer time... It's in those secret, quiet moments with God that He whispers the most profound things."

Prayer....

This is my focus .
How serious it is to take every single feeling, thought, concern, fear, person, place, situation and words you say-

Too Him First.
Too Him First.

Best thing I'm Learning is truly seeking Him in those secret quiet moments.
He is a true friend to lean on, cry too, giver of comfort and protection and wisdom.

Just the start of 2016

This year of 2016 beholds so many changes, new experiences and exciting times.
Today was a big day for us. Today my 1st born had her last senior pictures done. It was a fun day.
So yes, this means that in about 5mths she will be graduating.
In 7mths she will be 18 yrs old.
In 6 mths I will be leaving for Cajamarca Peru. My very 1st mission trip.
11 days of seeking and tending to others needs.

My Nurses Prayer for 2016

Dear Lord,

Help me remember always why I became a nurse. That Your kind and healing hands may be  seen through me. That they may come to know You, for I am only a willing vessel Lord,
willing to be used.

Amen.

What or Who is molding us?

As I was reading today on my lunch break, there was a question that really caught my attention.

"What is molding you?"

I have spent some time pondering this. So, I'm asking...

What or who is molding us.....

The world?
Or
The bible?

Are we being molded by:

John, David, Peter or Paul?

Or by

Fox, facebook, twitter  or blog?

Not saying social media is bad, there some things about it I love.
But, we as Christians, have to keep in mind, that those who do not know Christ, are watching, listening and learning by those around them- meaning us! So, are you being molded by His word so that we can be that example to others?

You see, we as Christians have Christ to follow, to listen to, learn from, pray too.

But others, they just have you...

Until they surrender to Christ themselves.

So what or who is molding you today?
What or who is taking priority in your life?

Philippines 4:7-9

Philippians 4:7-9King James Version (KJV)

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

A Good Read

For months I have been struggling to just read even one of the MANY books I own. I can't just pick one up and go. I have to feel it. It has to be something I'm interested in or on a topic I am struggling with or needs to reach into my heart and grab a hold.
And since nursing school has been over this past July have I have not been able to find that one book that I just can't put down. Until now.......

I am so excited to finally get to read this. I had been wanting it for awhile but just wouldn't send the money to get it. But
now I am glad I did. Just got started and I so can connect to it.

So I now you are probly waiting for the title, right?

"Women Living Well"

And here is just a sneak peak...

"The Bible is revolutionary, life-changing, extraordinary, eye-opening, jaw-dropping, and downright amazing. It is filled with romance, tragedy, heroes, good, and evil. There is suspense, drama, wisdom, and comfort. As you read, you will weep and you will jump for joy. Yet we women are too often drawn away by novels, self-help books, cookbooks, magazines, and social media. These are a poor substitute for the Bible and a relationship with God. Other reading materials steal our time away from the one book that is most extraordinary on the planet—the Bible. Those books and magazines are inviting and enjoyable—and don’t get me wrong: you may just see me reading one on the beach—but they lack the power of God’s voice. It’s only in the Bible that we find direct words from God. There is no other place in this world where we can get a direct message from God, so why do we neglect reading Scripture? Don’t we want to hear God’s voice?"

-by Courtney Joseph

So I encourage you to read it and share it and I would love to hear what you think about it, how it may touch you and your life as a women, mother, wife, friend, child of God.

Off here I go,  to pick it back up,
just had to share
"a good read"
   with you!

All my love and prayers sweet ones,

Katie