inspiration
-
refinement
there are seasons of life when we walk through storms. i have learned that it is a beautifully messy process in which God refines us. it’s like being thrown into the fire to burn off the impurities only to be pulled out even more beautiful and worthy than before. “Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction.” (Isaiah 48:10). it is so hard to understand suffering and i don’t try to understand the “why” anymore, instead it makes much more sense to ask “what now.” ten years of watching innocent children suffer and die from a terrible disease taught me…
-
writing my story
i’ve had the opportunity to read a few books (pictured below) this summer, something i usually don’t enjoy that much but for some reason, i think god was tugging on my heart to slow down and read. these books have been a complete blessing. they have opened my eyes to how our ordinary can be extraordinary. how my daily steps are writing MY story and it’s an incredible privilege to honor god with every step. these books have sparked a passion in me for writing. i do feel convicted a bit that i chose these books over diving into god’s word on most days but they have inspired and urged…
-
my new best friend, joy, and other stuff
i read this really great book over the weekend by melanie shankle called sparkly green earrings. it’s a memoir by a down to earth, honest, hilarious momma. i loved it. i finished it in two days. that is quite a feat for me as i don’t ever read. i think i was scarred as a child because i struggled with reading comprehension so much and if it weren’t for the patience and expertise of my amazing mother (who just so happened to be a reading recovery teacher), i don’t think i would have ever recovered 🙂 this book was easy to read and i felt as though melanie took my…
-
hugs
have you ever been hugged so tightly and so sincerely that it caught you off guard? one of those hugs where you felt like you were truly needed and that the other person was going to melt into you? that happened to me the other day by the mother of a dear patient of mine. a mother i have known for years as i have known, cared for and been a friend to her son for many years of his cancer journey. this hug happened the week we were saying goodbye to him. she whispered in my ear the most sincere “thank you” and reminded me that her son “loved…
-
art contest
a former coworker of mine, cancer survivor, amazing mom, and most importantly a dear friend introduced me to this ART CONTEST. i love to create but i rarely put my creations on display and have not ever entered an art contest, but this one in particular is right up my alley. this one is the reason why i create. this one is for people walking the cancer journey, either as a patient, family member, friend or caregiver… i was in the midst of creating this piece as i was grieving a loss when she mentioned the contest so here’s my entry. i’m excited that i will get to use this…
-
band of brothers and sisters
i read an article that was floating around on facebook the other day that resonated deeply. it was written by a local pasor, will davis jr, and the quotes in this post are from his article found here: http://www.willdavisjr.com/ this topic hits home. this topic frustrates me because unfortunately, the shortcomings of man have blinded some to truth and have hindered the reputation of the true Christ follower. i’m not a Christian because it’s trendy or because i was raised that way… i am a Christian because first and foremost i believe that Christ is the son of God and that He died on my behalf, gave glory to God to…
-
tuesday reads
i can’t get enough of reading great articles today so i decided to share them in this post. here’s my heart behind desiring to seek wisdom and knowledge; why my heart is thirsty for answers and why i am desperate for advice when it comes to raising children well. i am longing for insight into why i see the things i see. i had no idea that when i got involved in the world of pediatric medicine that my eyes would see young children attempting suicide and begging for attention about it on social media; teenagers hanging themselves to death because, well no one really knows why, maybe because someone…
-
monday monday monday
did you see this mercy ships spotlight on 60 minutes last night? made my heart skip a beat as i have always admired this organization. mercy ships is actually a major reason i became a nurse. i had no idea that healthcare or caring for the sick could look like this- so selfless and merciful- and i strive to make that the core of who i am as a nurse. in other monday news:gracie finally has a fear: the dark! still a daredevil when it comes to jumping off of high surfaces and telling me to go away so she can swim all by herself! but at least she understands…
-
meeting angels
a friend asked the other day that popular question, “if you could hang out with anyone not living anymore who would it be?” i instantly thought of mother teresa. i have always admired her and her service was a huge influence on my career choice.“give your hands to serve and your hearts to love.” mother teresa. it’s so simple, really, and isn’t that why we are here? i would have loved meeting her and walking through the slums of india with her, touching lepers and learning from her completely selfless heart. the next person was someone who owns a very special part of my heart. a former patient of mine,…
-
remembering a special little girl
it’s only appropriate that this entry in written in pink…i don’t even know where to start to attempt to sum up the life of the most amazing 3 year old i’ve ever known. i had the honor and joy of caring for her during illness and later horrific disease that she battled. one would not know the trauma she had to deal with on a daily basis because she often bounced around the hospital with smiles and laughter and hugs…i attribute her incredible attitude, strength, courage, and sheer joy for life to her parents and family members who loved her so well. yesterday, i attended her funeral where hundreds of…