I seem to have been a little discouraged sounding as of late, so I wanted to share on a bright day. The grades for my grad classes were posted today and I got an A- in the theory class (that I hated so much) and an A in my assessment class (thanks, hon!)
And, plans are falling together for the MASN conference next week. To be held at the beautiful Crystal Mountain resort, I'm most excited because my husband and my best friend's husband & boys will be joining us--making it kind of a mini "vacation" for all of us. I'm just praying for good weather now! :)
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
grown-up
Do you ever feel like being an adult is an out-of-body experience? There are times, particularly in recent months, where I feel like I’m still about 21 and trying to live the life of a 31 year old. There may have been dramas and such during my college years, but they usually blew over quickly and then supplemented with many fun memories of hanging out with friends and traveling and such.
Now, “drama” is the not the word I would use to describe the stressful events in my life. Words like “pressure” or “anxiety” are ones that better fit the life of an adult. Situations like managing co-workers, family tensions, children, aging parents, aging bodies! All of the above lead to a daily stress level that makes it necessary to actually plan and schedule in times of relaxation, or as I like to call it: decompressing. :)
Life has lulled a little right now with my two grad classes done for the semester and the summer one not starting up for a couple of weeks. The break came just in time for me to gear up for the big state school nurse conference that I plan and is scheduled for May 8 & 9. I do enjoy planning this conference and it’s nice to be able to come home and get stuff done without having to worry about homework.
I’m looking forward to this weekend and fully decompressing from a pressure-filled week. Also remembering James 1:2-4, “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
Now, “drama” is the not the word I would use to describe the stressful events in my life. Words like “pressure” or “anxiety” are ones that better fit the life of an adult. Situations like managing co-workers, family tensions, children, aging parents, aging bodies! All of the above lead to a daily stress level that makes it necessary to actually plan and schedule in times of relaxation, or as I like to call it: decompressing. :)
Life has lulled a little right now with my two grad classes done for the semester and the summer one not starting up for a couple of weeks. The break came just in time for me to gear up for the big state school nurse conference that I plan and is scheduled for May 8 & 9. I do enjoy planning this conference and it’s nice to be able to come home and get stuff done without having to worry about homework.
I’m looking forward to this weekend and fully decompressing from a pressure-filled week. Also remembering James 1:2-4, “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
Friday, April 18, 2008
earthquake?
what's all the fuss? apparently at 5:37am (EST) this morning there was a 5.4 magnitude earthquake in southern Illinois. There were some that awoke to trembling lampshades and closet doors, but before they really could comprehend what was maybe happening, it was over...and now, because it's a slow news day, it's making headlines all over the midwest in the area it was felt. such drama! ;)
on a positive note: I feel I can safely say that spring has sprung here in Michigan! Today is sunny and 75 degrees--it's wonderful!
on a positive note: I feel I can safely say that spring has sprung here in Michigan! Today is sunny and 75 degrees--it's wonderful!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Discouragement & Leadership
I can't take credit for the following meditation--but it is one that means a lot to me. -rjv
Kings 19:9-11 9There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him: "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 10He replied, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too." 11The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by."
Our work can be very challenging. We give everything we have to the business, to our families, and to the building of God’s kingdom in our lives and can still come away exhausted, overwhelmed, endangered, fearful and alone. That’s what happened to Elijah. God had just used him to call down fire from heaven in a spectacular display for divine power. But Elijah’s experience of great triumph was soon replaced by death threats, exhaustion and discouragement. It seemed like too much for him, and it was.
So God intervened. God confronted Elijah about what he was doing away from the assignment God had given him. God removed Elijah from activity for a time so that he could rest and spend time with God. During that time, Elijah experienced again a quiet time of God’s provision, God’s incredible power in wind, earthquake and fire, and God’s instruction about Elijah’s role and his leadership. God’s instruction came not in a loud spectacular way, but in a still, gentle voice.
God’s instruction to Elijah contains lessons for us about the leadership roles we find assigned to us. First, its wrong to think we are alone in the task. God provides others who are pointed in God’s direction, and He expects us to engage them. Part of the leaders role is to accept responsibility for developing a strong team and for succession planning. When we’re listening, He gives clear direction about the roles to be filled and who can fill them.
Circumstances can overwhelm, leaving us disoriented to God and feeling alone. We can get to the point where our focus is no longer on God, but on all there is to do. Let God take you aside so that you can be comforted, encouraged, and can listen for His quiet voice. He will provide exactly who and what you need to prepare you for what comes next.
Kings 19:9-11 9There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him: "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 10He replied, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too." 11The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by."
Our work can be very challenging. We give everything we have to the business, to our families, and to the building of God’s kingdom in our lives and can still come away exhausted, overwhelmed, endangered, fearful and alone. That’s what happened to Elijah. God had just used him to call down fire from heaven in a spectacular display for divine power. But Elijah’s experience of great triumph was soon replaced by death threats, exhaustion and discouragement. It seemed like too much for him, and it was.
So God intervened. God confronted Elijah about what he was doing away from the assignment God had given him. God removed Elijah from activity for a time so that he could rest and spend time with God. During that time, Elijah experienced again a quiet time of God’s provision, God’s incredible power in wind, earthquake and fire, and God’s instruction about Elijah’s role and his leadership. God’s instruction came not in a loud spectacular way, but in a still, gentle voice.
God’s instruction to Elijah contains lessons for us about the leadership roles we find assigned to us. First, its wrong to think we are alone in the task. God provides others who are pointed in God’s direction, and He expects us to engage them. Part of the leaders role is to accept responsibility for developing a strong team and for succession planning. When we’re listening, He gives clear direction about the roles to be filled and who can fill them.
Circumstances can overwhelm, leaving us disoriented to God and feeling alone. We can get to the point where our focus is no longer on God, but on all there is to do. Let God take you aside so that you can be comforted, encouraged, and can listen for His quiet voice. He will provide exactly who and what you need to prepare you for what comes next.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
lazy days
okay, so usually lazy days applies to summer...but this weekend qualifies as well. It really is just a good ending to a nice spring break. Hanging out with my husband & puppy, watching movies, going out for lunch, taking naps...it really is nice.
I probably did not get as much cleaning done as I would like, but the following did get accomplished:
1. Final paper written for nursing theory class.
2. Basement pantry cleaned out & organized with many things brought to Goodwill & Mel Trotter (it always feels like a "weight loss" when you get things out of your house, doesn't it?)
3. Piles of back magazines read & then recycled.
4. Walks with puppy.
5. Piles of laundry washed AND put away! ;)
6. Plenty of relaxation time...
Now Sunday--I always call it my decompression day as I prepare for the upcoming week and all that it will entail...
I probably did not get as much cleaning done as I would like, but the following did get accomplished:
1. Final paper written for nursing theory class.
2. Basement pantry cleaned out & organized with many things brought to Goodwill & Mel Trotter (it always feels like a "weight loss" when you get things out of your house, doesn't it?)
3. Piles of back magazines read & then recycled.
4. Walks with puppy.
5. Piles of laundry washed AND put away! ;)
6. Plenty of relaxation time...
Now Sunday--I always call it my decompression day as I prepare for the upcoming week and all that it will entail...
Thursday, April 3, 2008
spring break!!
I've never been so excited to stay home for 10 days. :) That's 10 days of sleeping in, taking puppy for walks, cleaning/organizing, and just time to breathe.....
I'm sure it will fly by and I'll wonder where the time went, but for now it is a large expanse spread out before me, ready to be filled with whatever activity my heart desires for that day, hour, or minute. It will be wonderful! and, if the weather report stays accurate, it may actually feel like spring around here too!
ahhhhh.... :)
I'm sure it will fly by and I'll wonder where the time went, but for now it is a large expanse spread out before me, ready to be filled with whatever activity my heart desires for that day, hour, or minute. It will be wonderful! and, if the weather report stays accurate, it may actually feel like spring around here too!
ahhhhh.... :)
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
no foolin'
the end is in sight...in less than 48 hours, I will be on spring break!!!
I survived the four performances of our easter drama and last night's praise team rehearsal...now I get a break from church until Sunday! imagine that! ;)
What shall I do with my time you ask? Well, I have one more night of thrilling parent teacher conferences and a couple more exciting days at work...but Friday I plan on getting a massage, and Saturday is play time with one of my "nephews." And homework will also take up some of my time, as my classes are not quite yet done.
Life is good...and that's no foolin'. ;)
I survived the four performances of our easter drama and last night's praise team rehearsal...now I get a break from church until Sunday! imagine that! ;)
What shall I do with my time you ask? Well, I have one more night of thrilling parent teacher conferences and a couple more exciting days at work...but Friday I plan on getting a massage, and Saturday is play time with one of my "nephews." And homework will also take up some of my time, as my classes are not quite yet done.
Life is good...and that's no foolin'. ;)
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