St. Ignatius said, "Go forth and set the world on fire". Each one of us is fueled by the Holy Spirit, the presence of God living and working in our souls. It is the voice in the back of your head that tells you what you should be doing. It is the voice in your heart that pulls you in the right direction. It is the fire of joy that we are each called to share with those around us: to spread the fire of love to the world. What are the gifts you've been given? How can you use those talents and abilities to better the world around you? Find what both benefits the world and brings you the most joy at the same time. It is in this position that you can best utilize what you have been given and glorify God.
In leaving this place I've called home for four years I feel ready. I have been given tools to help navigate life: faith, love, and cura personalis.
Faith. It is my faith that powers my life and guides what I do. I want my life to be in service of others and in service of God. "Whatever you did for the least of these you did unto me" (Matthew 24:36). In walking by faith I know God will put me where I am supposed to be and there is an immense freedom in letting Him be in control. This is easier said than done, but the times I feel most at peace are directly related to the times I give control to God and trust He has a plan for me. Someone once told me to imagine the best thing I could imagine. Then, she said, can you fathom that whatever God has in store will make you 1,000 times happier? In the hardest times I have to remember that God always works in my best interest. Whether I can see it or not, I have faith He will show me in His time the reason for everything.
Love. Love for life, love for others, love for God. Love is another kind of joy that fills one's heart. God created us to be in community with one another and to live a life filled with love. Love is not lust. It is sacrifice, kindness, fellowship, support, and compassion. God is love. Love is laying down your life as Christ did for us. The greatest commandment God gave us is to "love the Lord God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-39). What does that mean? To me, finding love in life is finding God in all things and people and committing my life to be one of service to God. If I strive to treat each person I meet with the same compassion I wish to receive, I am sharing the love of Christ. This life is not about me, it is for a greater purpose. I am here to be an instrument of God's love.
Cura Personalis. Latin for "care of the person". This concept refers to the whole person and finding a balance of caring for one's mind, body, and spirit. A wise mentor taught me not to "glorify busyness", but to focus my energy in places that fuel me and move away from the situations that drain me. I am much more successful and consistent in areas where I focused energy and am not spread thin. Busyness can pull me away from where God is calling me because I don't have time to listen. I am entering into a quiet two months where I will focus on music and the art of writing and recording. That is where God is calling me right now.For the time being, this is what will fuel my mind and spirit.
So as I set out with a nursing degree and a song in my heart I aim to let my life express love, find God in all things, trust that God will put me where I'm supposed to be, and care for my mind, body and spirit. In following these steps I can be the best "me" and more effectively set the world on fire.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Learning How to Serve
God,
You have blessed me in so many ways, one of the greatest being my education here at Regis University. I am graduating in less than two weeks with my BSN, and as of today have finished my college career. Wow...four years ago I never would have believed that this is where I would be in life...four years ago I would have thought I'd be graduating with my education degree and still be an athlete. Instead I am a nursing major and songwriter. I proudly carry BSN after my name, and in about a month will display RN as well. This is the gift of education. I have the privilege to serve through my major, to serve through my work. Regis has taught me the value in being a "woman in service of others". I have been gifted with this knowledge not just to heal through my profession, but to be the hands and feet of Christ in my daily work and through my thoughts and actions.
Last week I finished my community health rotation, where I taught health education lessons to 3rd-8th graders. In teaching a nutrition lesson a young boy raised his hand in concern, expressing that his mom could not afford to buy the "healthy" food, so how could he live a healthy lifestyle when he ate fast food nearly every night? My heart went out to this boy who was so genuine with his question while the implications of the subject made me wonder what life at home was like. I explained how there are ways to make healthier choices in such a situation, and the boy seemed satisfied. He was so engaged in the lesson and concerned for his health, and I was touched by his sincerity. I walked out of that lesson wondering if that one lesson impacted his perception of health and food decisions. Could one lesson possibly make the difference in a child's health outcomes because they have a new awareness of how to care for themselves despite circumstances? Could education reap positive outcomes in the face of vulnerable situations?
It is amazing to think about the impact I can have in the role as a nurse. This is a privilege and not something to take lightly. As I graduate and head out into the world the options are endless. Where is God going to place me? How can I make the greatest impact for Him through the gifts and abilities He has given me? I am excited to see where I end up. For now I am letting go. I will write, sing, pass my licensing exam, and see where I can make the biggest impact for the kingdom and glorify God.
"Be strong in the Lord and never give up hope. You're gonna do great things, I already know. God's got His hand on you so, don't live life in fear. Forgive and forget but don't forget why you're here. Take your time and pray. These are the words I would say" -Sidewalk Prophets
You have blessed me in so many ways, one of the greatest being my education here at Regis University. I am graduating in less than two weeks with my BSN, and as of today have finished my college career. Wow...four years ago I never would have believed that this is where I would be in life...four years ago I would have thought I'd be graduating with my education degree and still be an athlete. Instead I am a nursing major and songwriter. I proudly carry BSN after my name, and in about a month will display RN as well. This is the gift of education. I have the privilege to serve through my major, to serve through my work. Regis has taught me the value in being a "woman in service of others". I have been gifted with this knowledge not just to heal through my profession, but to be the hands and feet of Christ in my daily work and through my thoughts and actions.
Last week I finished my community health rotation, where I taught health education lessons to 3rd-8th graders. In teaching a nutrition lesson a young boy raised his hand in concern, expressing that his mom could not afford to buy the "healthy" food, so how could he live a healthy lifestyle when he ate fast food nearly every night? My heart went out to this boy who was so genuine with his question while the implications of the subject made me wonder what life at home was like. I explained how there are ways to make healthier choices in such a situation, and the boy seemed satisfied. He was so engaged in the lesson and concerned for his health, and I was touched by his sincerity. I walked out of that lesson wondering if that one lesson impacted his perception of health and food decisions. Could one lesson possibly make the difference in a child's health outcomes because they have a new awareness of how to care for themselves despite circumstances? Could education reap positive outcomes in the face of vulnerable situations?
It is amazing to think about the impact I can have in the role as a nurse. This is a privilege and not something to take lightly. As I graduate and head out into the world the options are endless. Where is God going to place me? How can I make the greatest impact for Him through the gifts and abilities He has given me? I am excited to see where I end up. For now I am letting go. I will write, sing, pass my licensing exam, and see where I can make the biggest impact for the kingdom and glorify God.
"Be strong in the Lord and never give up hope. You're gonna do great things, I already know. God's got His hand on you so, don't live life in fear. Forgive and forget but don't forget why you're here. Take your time and pray. These are the words I would say" -Sidewalk Prophets
Monday, April 14, 2014
A Change in the Path
Three months ago I was so convinced Nashville was where I was supposed to be and now I'm not so sure. As doors continue to open in Colorado I feel more and more at home here and have a strong desire to stay. Music opportunities are opening up and I plan to record my demo CD in May. I will graduate with my BSN in only 20 days and it is exciting and yet terrifying at the same time to step out into the world. Whatever is out there for me, I know God will guide my path.
"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference".
As I seek job opportunities, who knows where I will end up. Whenever God closes one door, He opens a window. Faith is a beautiful thing. It allows for a joy to enter the soul that frees it to be satisfied with just being. Allows one to let go and let God. The future is unknown and there is a huge part of me that wants to grasp on to something steady and unmoving. God is my constant. Life will change, jobs will come and go, but faith will remain. I pray that as the path unfolds ahead of me in the next few weeks that God grants me the grace to put one foot in front of the other and follow the light that He provides to light the way. I always try to remember that whatever God has in mind is far greater than what my own plans can imagine.
In walking through Holy week I will strive to "do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God" -Micah 6:8
"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference".
As I seek job opportunities, who knows where I will end up. Whenever God closes one door, He opens a window. Faith is a beautiful thing. It allows for a joy to enter the soul that frees it to be satisfied with just being. Allows one to let go and let God. The future is unknown and there is a huge part of me that wants to grasp on to something steady and unmoving. God is my constant. Life will change, jobs will come and go, but faith will remain. I pray that as the path unfolds ahead of me in the next few weeks that God grants me the grace to put one foot in front of the other and follow the light that He provides to light the way. I always try to remember that whatever God has in mind is far greater than what my own plans can imagine.
In walking through Holy week I will strive to "do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God" -Micah 6:8
Monday, January 13, 2014
Step One: Scope Out the Path
I just returned from a visit to Nashville, Tennessee! I was hosted by a lovely family who was gracious enough to show me around and take time out of their busy lives to make me feel so at home. Loving that southern hospitality! I toured the city, scoped out some living spaces, and thoroughly enjoyed how nice everyone there is!! I had no sense of direction since there were no mountains to orient myself, but became more and more familiar with the roads each day. God is calling me. I don't know why I'm supposed to go there, but I am. I am excited to see the road he has planned for me and anxious to embark on this crazy new journey! I have my application in to Vanderbilt hospital and hope to be hired as a nurse in the Emergency Department there. I am praying a lot. This journey is going to require a lot of hard work, openness, faith, and I am going to be very vulnerable at times. I know God has my back, and I will smile, sing, and live life to the fullest. I aim to maximize joy in my life and everywhere I go! Here are some beautiful words my mom shared with me from a reflection book:
I am with you and for you. When you decide on a course of action that is in line with My will, nothing in heaven or on earth can stop you. You may encounter many obstacles as you move toward your goal, but don’t be discouraged—never give up! With My help, you can overcome any obstacle. Do not expect an easy path as you journey hand in hand with Me, but do remember that I, your very-present Helper, am omnipotent.
Much, much stress results from your wanting to make things happen before their times have come. One of the main ways I assert My sovereignty is in the timing of events. If you want to stay close to Me and do things My way, ask Me to show you the path forward moment by moment. Instead of dashing headlong toward your goal, let Me set the pace. Slow down, and enjoy the journey in My Presence.
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
—Romans 8:31
God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling.
—Psalm 46:1–3 nkjv
“For nothing is impossible with God.”
—Luke 1:37
I am with you and for you. When you decide on a course of action that is in line with My will, nothing in heaven or on earth can stop you. You may encounter many obstacles as you move toward your goal, but don’t be discouraged—never give up! With My help, you can overcome any obstacle. Do not expect an easy path as you journey hand in hand with Me, but do remember that I, your very-present Helper, am omnipotent.
Much, much stress results from your wanting to make things happen before their times have come. One of the main ways I assert My sovereignty is in the timing of events. If you want to stay close to Me and do things My way, ask Me to show you the path forward moment by moment. Instead of dashing headlong toward your goal, let Me set the pace. Slow down, and enjoy the journey in My Presence.
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
—Romans 8:31
God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling.
—Psalm 46:1–3 nkjv
“For nothing is impossible with God.”
—Luke 1:37
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