Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Friday, July 25, 2008

Shadowfeet

Wanted to share the lyrics to a song that captures so much. Enjoy!

Walking, stumbling on these shadowfeet
Toward home, a land that I've never seen
I am changing Less and less asleep
Made of different stuff than when I began
And I have sensed it all along
Fast approaching is the day

When the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in you, still standing
When the sky rolls up and mountains fall on their knees
When time and space are through I'll be found in you

There's distraction buzzing in my head
Saying in the shadows it's easier to stay
But I've heard rumours of true reality
Whispers of a well-lit way

When the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in you, still standing
When the sky rolls up and mountains fall on their knees
When time and space are through I'll be found in you

You make all things new
When the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in you, still standing
When the sky rolls up and mountains fall on their knees
When time and space are through I'll be found in you
When the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in you, still standing
Every fear and accusation under my feet

When time and space are through I'll be found in you
When time and space are through I'll be found in you
When time and space are through I'll be found in you

-Brooke Fraser

Thursday, July 24, 2008

nursing books and coffee shops

This week was like a glimpse back into the world of nursing school. Up in the spare bedroom, tucked away in the corner, lives my old nursing textbooks. All 100 pounds of them. Seriously, those suckers are huge! I never really thought Id crack them open again, but couldnt stand to part with those books. Maybe its because I spent hundreds of dollars on them. Or maybe, just maybe, I realized that my nursing carear would take me on different paths. Either way, Im thankful for them.

Many ask, "What do you do with all your time?" Initially, Ive felt that I needed to justify my time off by speaking of productivity and purpose. I have never felt such purpose in just being. Its been so good! I can't say it enough. Anyway, this week was a week for coffee shops and nursing books. I've begun the process of switching the brain over to new subjects, new terminology, new drugs, and new procedures. I've figured Id start easing myself into the world of cancer and the 'cell cycle' while I'm praying I never forget all that Ive learned about the amazing world of labor and delivery.

Friday, July 11, 2008

He Is

Well, I don't know if anyone still checks this blog or not. Perhaps its only my sweet friend Rachel. But even if no one reads this, these words must be spoken, rather typed. Over the last 2 months since I've written, I've experienced the living God. I've seen His face, caught glimpses of His heart, heard His voice, experienced His love, and know that He is real, alive, and more than I've ever known or expected Him to be. At times, I find myself simply in awe and wonder at who this amazing God is. Why has He chosen me? Why does He love me? How does He have enough patience for me and my issues? And why is it all for free? Whats the catch here God???? But I've tasted and I've seen the Lord and its wrecked my world. All of the preconceived ideas about who He is.....all the things that the christian world taught me about who He is and the nice little box they gave me to keep Him in.....gone! Blown to pieces! And thanks be to God for that! Because Ive come to experience Him in such a real way. The things of my heart that have kept me from Him, the lies of the enemy, the strongholds of fear, doubt and the mind.....oh that mind! I thank Him for it, but at the same time I long to be free of it at times so as to enter into the secret places of His presence. I testify to who He is. HE IS amazing. HE IS all knowing. HE IS trustworthy. HE IS dependable. HE IS my redeemer. HE IS my sustainer. HE IS the lover of my soul. HE IS the one I long to be like. HE IS my protector. HE IS my father. HE IS my papa. HE IS my friend. HE IS the peace that passes all understanding. HE IS all that I need. HE IS patience at its best. HE IS untainted love. HE IS unconditional. HE IS the healer. HE IS the freedom giver. HE IS the blesser. HE IS the warrior. HE IS the gentle one. HE IS! HE IS! HE IS!

I am a new creation because of Him. I no longer live controlled by the spirits of fear, of rejection, of burden bearing. The realization that I don't need to strive to be in His presence, that I don't need to earn anything, is simply amazing. At times I don't know what to do with myself. So, I simply sit in His presence. I want to soak up everything about Him. At times, I feel lost in worship. I feel like I can't enter in. But what I'm learning is that if He is there, then just sit with him. Just be with him. His presence is like none other.

The concept of God as my father is one that has been in the process for a long time. I've worked through a lot with my own dad. Its amazing how our earthly relationships so easily transfer over to our heavenly ones. But God is showing me so much about who He is and is amazing love for me. Its so totally unconditional. I don't get it. I don't think I ever will. But one thing is for sure. There's no way I'm going to pass it up simply because I don't get it. No one in their right mind would pass up a million dollars just because they couldn't wrap their mind around why someone would just give it away. So I'm taking it Jesus, with a thankful and greatful heart. You are on the move no doubt. You are changing me, making me new. I look at all the newness in my life. I'm back home in Lancaster a new woman. I've seen the work you've done in my life and I'm living it out. I no longer need relationships to define me. I don't need a group to label 'my community.' I don't need an identity in other people. You are my identity. I am free to live and move according to your will for my life. I'm starting a new job aug. 4th. Who would have thought Id ever give up labor and delivery. But I was open and ready to whatever. And now, you've lead me to oncology nursing. My spirit is filled with anticipation of what that will be like, and how you will use me. I'm honored to be in such an awesome position to love, serve, encourage, and bless people in such a difficult situation. I long to understand and move in your healing anointing. But I don't quite understand it yet. But I trust that in your time, as I continue to move in your ways, that you will allow my heart and mind to understand. I simply receive all that you have for me.

Lord, don't let this passion and excitement fade away. I seek your boldness and confidence as I allow the Holy Spirit to move within me. I simply say that I am your hands and feet.

Thank you. My heart is full of gratitude and praise. Be forever honored and lifted high in my life. I love you daddy!