The title of this post states it all. I offically became a nurse on October 20th, 2010 at 2:00 pm. And It has been one of the greatest feelings and accomplishments in my life. It has been a difficult path, but God has been so good to me! And He has blessed me in so many ways that he has provided me a job and I didn't even have to look for it. :)
But I thank the Lord for all of the blessing and strength he has given me this past year. Because with God ALL things are possible!!! :)
Friday, October 22, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
God Will Provide
It has now been over a month since I have graduated the difficulties of nursing school. And no, it wasn't easy. Not like anything in life is ever really easy because in everything we do, we always have to start somewhere. And that somewhere is taking those "baby steps".
Therefore, I feel like I am an infant. I have been brought into the beautiful world of adulthood, I have taken my first breath, I have opened my adolescent eyes to something bigger, something breath-taking. But then I feel that between my adolecent/ beginning adult years have some what clashed together and I don't know how to simply explain it. When people ask me, "What do you do for a living?" I can only say that I am a graduate nurse. I am not a "real" nurse (yet). Well, why?Because I have to pay hundreds of dollars into taking a test that will license me, to prove to this world, that I am capable of taking care of the sick. Now, that's all fine and dandy. But it gets depressing and disappointing.
Because...
(1) I have always been told, that you will ALWAYS have a job. Because this is a field that is needed of workers. Well the disappointing part of the "ALWAYS" statement is that it is false. It is very difficult to find a job. Unless you live in the metroplex, then there is a slight chance of hope that your white tennis shoe might get into the door of nursing. But other than that...nope. You better pray that someone gets fired pretty soon, so you can have their spot. And though this might not be completely accurate, in my world, well...that is how I see it. It is one vicious cycle, and hopefully you are the lucky winner.
(2)I am scared that I will fail my boards.
Now, I believe that God has brought me through this, so I will not fail. Because though every test, clinical, final. And when I was on the verge of failing, My God who is so great, helped me through in many ways that it almost seemed impossible. So, my fear of not passing seems ridiculous. But I am human, I am not perfect. So I get afaid. But all in all my God will provide.
So...pretty mucht there is not much to say. Except that it can be very depressing entering the adult world, But God is faithful and he always waiting to help in every turn, bump and scratch. Because there is that peaceful valley up ahead and I know that I will be able to carry on.
Therefore, I feel like I am an infant. I have been brought into the beautiful world of adulthood, I have taken my first breath, I have opened my adolescent eyes to something bigger, something breath-taking. But then I feel that between my adolecent/ beginning adult years have some what clashed together and I don't know how to simply explain it. When people ask me, "What do you do for a living?" I can only say that I am a graduate nurse. I am not a "real" nurse (yet). Well, why?Because I have to pay hundreds of dollars into taking a test that will license me, to prove to this world, that I am capable of taking care of the sick. Now, that's all fine and dandy. But it gets depressing and disappointing.
Because...
(1) I have always been told, that you will ALWAYS have a job. Because this is a field that is needed of workers. Well the disappointing part of the "ALWAYS" statement is that it is false. It is very difficult to find a job. Unless you live in the metroplex, then there is a slight chance of hope that your white tennis shoe might get into the door of nursing. But other than that...nope. You better pray that someone gets fired pretty soon, so you can have their spot. And though this might not be completely accurate, in my world, well...that is how I see it. It is one vicious cycle, and hopefully you are the lucky winner.
(2)I am scared that I will fail my boards.
Now, I believe that God has brought me through this, so I will not fail. Because though every test, clinical, final. And when I was on the verge of failing, My God who is so great, helped me through in many ways that it almost seemed impossible. So, my fear of not passing seems ridiculous. But I am human, I am not perfect. So I get afaid. But all in all my God will provide.
So...pretty mucht there is not much to say. Except that it can be very depressing entering the adult world, But God is faithful and he always waiting to help in every turn, bump and scratch. Because there is that peaceful valley up ahead and I know that I will be able to carry on.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
The Wise
Proverbs refers to this person as prudent, understanding, discerning, upright, good, and righteous. These are the good guys. This is what Solomon is praying and hoping that his son will become.
"A wise man will hear, and will increase learning: and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels." (Proverbs 1:5) "Give instruction to a wise man, and will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning" (Proverbs 9:9). "The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge" (Proverbs 18:15).
These guys had the best life, by far - hands down. Do a simple survey of a few chapters in proverbs. Richie Rich, Bill Gates, and all of the lottery winners in history never had it this good. God takes care of these people, because they honored Him. These guy's had God's blessing solid direction, and quick discernment. They have an enormous advantage over the other three people groups because they "get it". They see things that these other groups completely miss. They understand. They know.
To the other three people groups, these guy's are just really, really, really, lucky. They would say..."Wow you're lucky!" It's not luck. It's the path of rightousness. It's the road less travled - the path of less resistance. It's the high road, the safe route, the narrow path. It's doing what is right, and it aligns your life on a collison course with God's best blessings.
The Good news - this is not an exclusive group of naturally gifted. No, anyone can be in this group. In fact, anyone from any life stage or social class can be in anyone of these four groups. These descriptions are about the heart quality and core character - not about social status or family income.
How do you get into this group? By asking. God clearly says, "if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given unto him" (James 1:5). If you ask, you can have this wisdom. If you recieve instruction, hear God's word, and accept His truth, you can have this life.
"A wise man will hear, and will increase learning: and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels." (Proverbs 1:5) "Give instruction to a wise man, and will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning" (Proverbs 9:9). "The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge" (Proverbs 18:15).
These guys had the best life, by far - hands down. Do a simple survey of a few chapters in proverbs. Richie Rich, Bill Gates, and all of the lottery winners in history never had it this good. God takes care of these people, because they honored Him. These guy's had God's blessing solid direction, and quick discernment. They have an enormous advantage over the other three people groups because they "get it". They see things that these other groups completely miss. They understand. They know.
To the other three people groups, these guy's are just really, really, really, lucky. They would say..."Wow you're lucky!" It's not luck. It's the path of rightousness. It's the road less travled - the path of less resistance. It's the high road, the safe route, the narrow path. It's doing what is right, and it aligns your life on a collison course with God's best blessings.
The Good news - this is not an exclusive group of naturally gifted. No, anyone can be in this group. In fact, anyone from any life stage or social class can be in anyone of these four groups. These descriptions are about the heart quality and core character - not about social status or family income.
How do you get into this group? By asking. God clearly says, "if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given unto him" (James 1:5). If you ask, you can have this wisdom. If you recieve instruction, hear God's word, and accept His truth, you can have this life.
Monday, August 2, 2010
The Four People-Types of Proverbs
I have been reading this book from Cary Schmidt called Life Quest and when I read this section of the book it touched mt hearts and I wanted to share. Part one will talk about - The Wise.
"The Bible is filled with passages that address these issues of ignorance and rebellion. (Earlier chapters he was discussing about how young adults in our society today feel as though they can be ignorant and rebel.) But none so repeatedly and pointedly as Proverbs. The point of the book of Proverbs is to make stupid people wise and to give rebelious people a second chance before it is too late. This is a book written from a father to a son, and because the Bible is God's word, Proverbs is also a book from your Heavenly Father to you!
Throughout the book, the father (Solomon) is pleading with the son (Rehoboam) to hear his words, receive instruction, and give his heart to the teachings. THis is a father on a a mission. He has seen somethings, made some mistakes, wrecked some lives. He has experienced the price of his own stupidity - his own ignorance and rebellion in many areas, and now he writes his son in pleading tones, hoping that he will avoid the same fate.
Early in Chapter One he writes, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear the instruction of thy father and forsake not the law of my mother" (Proverbs 1: 7-8). Un other words, knowledge (the opposite of ignorance) begins with God! "My son, please hear my instruction and don't forsake it!" Can you hear his passionate panic? Can you feel his fervent fear for his son?...Turn away from ignorance and rebellion that is so popular and accepted in your culture and flee back to the Lord and his plans for your life! Please.
Throughout the book of Proverbs, Solomon repeatdly describes for kinds of people on this planet. He constantly contrasts the way they think, the way they live, and the end that they will find. He begs his son to see his life with the destination in view - to see the end from the beginning, and to live from that perspective. He was of the danger of the wrong path and expounds the blessing of the right path.
You too will be surrounded by those kinds of people. They personify the message of this chapter. You are one of them yourself. What are these four types of people?
1. The wise
2. The simple
3. The fool
4. The scorner
Honestly ask the Lord to show you which catagory you fit into right now. By the way, if you're in a catagory other than the wise, you don't have to stay there."
Part Two...to be continued - The Wise
"The Bible is filled with passages that address these issues of ignorance and rebellion. (Earlier chapters he was discussing about how young adults in our society today feel as though they can be ignorant and rebel.) But none so repeatedly and pointedly as Proverbs. The point of the book of Proverbs is to make stupid people wise and to give rebelious people a second chance before it is too late. This is a book written from a father to a son, and because the Bible is God's word, Proverbs is also a book from your Heavenly Father to you!
Throughout the book, the father (Solomon) is pleading with the son (Rehoboam) to hear his words, receive instruction, and give his heart to the teachings. THis is a father on a a mission. He has seen somethings, made some mistakes, wrecked some lives. He has experienced the price of his own stupidity - his own ignorance and rebellion in many areas, and now he writes his son in pleading tones, hoping that he will avoid the same fate.
Early in Chapter One he writes, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear the instruction of thy father and forsake not the law of my mother" (Proverbs 1: 7-8). Un other words, knowledge (the opposite of ignorance) begins with God! "My son, please hear my instruction and don't forsake it!" Can you hear his passionate panic? Can you feel his fervent fear for his son?...Turn away from ignorance and rebellion that is so popular and accepted in your culture and flee back to the Lord and his plans for your life! Please.
Throughout the book of Proverbs, Solomon repeatdly describes for kinds of people on this planet. He constantly contrasts the way they think, the way they live, and the end that they will find. He begs his son to see his life with the destination in view - to see the end from the beginning, and to live from that perspective. He was of the danger of the wrong path and expounds the blessing of the right path.
You too will be surrounded by those kinds of people. They personify the message of this chapter. You are one of them yourself. What are these four types of people?
1. The wise
2. The simple
3. The fool
4. The scorner
Honestly ask the Lord to show you which catagory you fit into right now. By the way, if you're in a catagory other than the wise, you don't have to stay there."
Part Two...to be continued - The Wise
Saturday, July 31, 2010
For when I am tried and purified, I shall come forth as gold.
The other night, I was in a bit of stuggle and confusion. With only two weeks left till graduation, Instead of being estatic. I found myself feeling as though I was thrown into a sea of sharks. Now that sounds pretty intense or it might not even make any sense, but at that time anything felt like a wave of "struggle".
Since August of last year, I entered into a program in which I didn't think I would make it. They describe it as the Basic Training or Boot Camp for Nursing School. I pretty much scoffed at the thought because, I am Viviana. I can do anything. Though my pride fell and I soon quickly realized, I am Viviana, I cannot do anything without God. I learned that without Him, I will fall, I will struggle, an I will fail. I have lived my life, knowing that through everything no matter what the circumstances maybe - "God is good and He is ALWAYS right." After completeing my fist semester of nursing school, I felt as though I could accomplish everything. I felt as though everything in my world was okay. It wasn't not personally. I put my focus on other things that didn't pertain to school, in which towards the end of that first semester I almost didn't make it. I thank the Lord now that, the hinderence that could have made me drop out of nursing school is not in my life anymore. I enterned my second semester with a whole new attitude of - "I can do ALL things through Christ..." and that He will provide for me every step of the way. Life became simple again, not as easy but it was simple and it was wonderful.
I know now that for some reason God has provided everything He had for me for a special purpose. Because we are here on purpose for a purpose. Though as I felt that I knew what that purpose was for my life, I really don't. And I still don't. I'm trying to figure that out everyday of my life. I can't see the full picture only God can, and for that I'm so blessed that He knows what path I am going to take, and it is my hearts desire that, it will be the path that the Lord wants me to be on. People have failed me many times, but God has never failed me.
But now it's time for me to grow up. I am not that teenage girl anymore who can live life having things just given to her. I am so blessed that my family has helped me through out my life and has given me everything I could ever have (not in a sense of things but of support and love.) I am quickly learning that the life of "adulthood" is not easy and that every choice I make now will affect the rest of my life. And I am so afraid of making the wrong choice. I don't want to fail my God. I want His perfect and only will for my life. And I sit here today afraid of what the future could bring. But I know that he will give me peace in my heart and that I will be doing his will, because that is my only desire. I was reading the book of Ruth, the other night and this verse touched my heart, Ruth had a desire. And I pray that I have the strength she had, and the faith she had to trust that God would give her the life he wanted for her.
Ruth 1:16 says: "And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from the following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge, thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God."
What a perfect example of submission and faith. I know that Ruth didn't know what was going to happen with her life, but she trusted with staying with Naomi would be better for her.
I might not be making any sense, I guess I'm just typing to let everything go. But after August 12th my life will be changed, and with the Lord's help and blessing, his perfect plan will start to unfold, this is just the beginning of my journey and I want it to be pleasing to Him.
God never moves without purpose or plan.
When trying His servant and molding a man.
Give thanks to the Lord though your testing seems long;
In darkness He giveth a song.
O rejoice in the Lord, He makes no mistake,
He knoweth the end of each path that I take,
For when I am tried and purified,
I shall come forth as gold.
I could not see through the shadows ahead;
So I looked at the cross of my Savior instead,
I bowed to the will of the Master that day;
Then peace came and tears fled away.
O rejoice in the Lord, He makes no mistake,
He knoweth the end of each path that I take,
For when I am tried and purified,
I shall come forth as gold.
Now I can see testing comes from above,
God strengthens His children and purges in love.
My Father knows best, and I trust in His care;
Through purging more fruit I will bear.
O rejoice in the Lord, He makes no mistake,
He knoweth the end of each path that I take,
For when I am tried and purified,
I shall come forth as gold.
Since August of last year, I entered into a program in which I didn't think I would make it. They describe it as the Basic Training or Boot Camp for Nursing School. I pretty much scoffed at the thought because, I am Viviana. I can do anything. Though my pride fell and I soon quickly realized, I am Viviana, I cannot do anything without God. I learned that without Him, I will fall, I will struggle, an I will fail. I have lived my life, knowing that through everything no matter what the circumstances maybe - "God is good and He is ALWAYS right." After completeing my fist semester of nursing school, I felt as though I could accomplish everything. I felt as though everything in my world was okay. It wasn't not personally. I put my focus on other things that didn't pertain to school, in which towards the end of that first semester I almost didn't make it. I thank the Lord now that, the hinderence that could have made me drop out of nursing school is not in my life anymore. I enterned my second semester with a whole new attitude of - "I can do ALL things through Christ..." and that He will provide for me every step of the way. Life became simple again, not as easy but it was simple and it was wonderful.
I know now that for some reason God has provided everything He had for me for a special purpose. Because we are here on purpose for a purpose. Though as I felt that I knew what that purpose was for my life, I really don't. And I still don't. I'm trying to figure that out everyday of my life. I can't see the full picture only God can, and for that I'm so blessed that He knows what path I am going to take, and it is my hearts desire that, it will be the path that the Lord wants me to be on. People have failed me many times, but God has never failed me.
But now it's time for me to grow up. I am not that teenage girl anymore who can live life having things just given to her. I am so blessed that my family has helped me through out my life and has given me everything I could ever have (not in a sense of things but of support and love.) I am quickly learning that the life of "adulthood" is not easy and that every choice I make now will affect the rest of my life. And I am so afraid of making the wrong choice. I don't want to fail my God. I want His perfect and only will for my life. And I sit here today afraid of what the future could bring. But I know that he will give me peace in my heart and that I will be doing his will, because that is my only desire. I was reading the book of Ruth, the other night and this verse touched my heart, Ruth had a desire. And I pray that I have the strength she had, and the faith she had to trust that God would give her the life he wanted for her.
Ruth 1:16 says: "And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from the following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge, thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God."
What a perfect example of submission and faith. I know that Ruth didn't know what was going to happen with her life, but she trusted with staying with Naomi would be better for her.
I might not be making any sense, I guess I'm just typing to let everything go. But after August 12th my life will be changed, and with the Lord's help and blessing, his perfect plan will start to unfold, this is just the beginning of my journey and I want it to be pleasing to Him.
God never moves without purpose or plan.
When trying His servant and molding a man.
Give thanks to the Lord though your testing seems long;
In darkness He giveth a song.
O rejoice in the Lord, He makes no mistake,
He knoweth the end of each path that I take,
For when I am tried and purified,
I shall come forth as gold.
I could not see through the shadows ahead;
So I looked at the cross of my Savior instead,
I bowed to the will of the Master that day;
Then peace came and tears fled away.
O rejoice in the Lord, He makes no mistake,
He knoweth the end of each path that I take,
For when I am tried and purified,
I shall come forth as gold.
Now I can see testing comes from above,
God strengthens His children and purges in love.
My Father knows best, and I trust in His care;
Through purging more fruit I will bear.
O rejoice in the Lord, He makes no mistake,
He knoweth the end of each path that I take,
For when I am tried and purified,
I shall come forth as gold.
Monday, June 7, 2010
How deep the Father's Love for us
Perfection: The quality or state of being perfect; a state of completeness and flawlessness
In our lives, we can never gain perfection. In my life I wish I could in some way come close to grasping it, but I fail everytime. We all do. I seem to find myself looking for ways to improve myself, whether it's the way I look, how I do in school, at the hospital, and where I seem to fail so many times more...my walk with the Lord. If there was an easy road to gain perfection, I can't seem to find it. And I never will. The only thing that will bring me close to even cross paths with "perfection" is the holy word. We are to be "Christ-like" and Being in that likeness, and trying to live our lives the way our Savior walked, we come closer to living that way. But in his perfection, I still marvel at the love that he has for us. Because of my Savior, I can live the life I live today. Though I fail him many times, he is still there waiting with arms wide open, and is always willing to bring me back to the place where I belong and that is His will. Though I desire with all my heart to serve my Savior, the one who laid down his life for me, the one who paid my ransom. I never deserved in any way his love and his mercy, And by his wonderful grace, I am saved, and I am forever his. In my life I want to be perfect, not for selfish gains, but to be perfect in the eyes of my Savior and Lord. But knowing that if I delight myself in him and I desire to know more of Him and meditate in his law, he will grant me my desires and though I will never be perfect, my Savior still loves me and he will bless me.
How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocing voice,
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that helf Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I knoww that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast inJesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
In our lives, we can never gain perfection. In my life I wish I could in some way come close to grasping it, but I fail everytime. We all do. I seem to find myself looking for ways to improve myself, whether it's the way I look, how I do in school, at the hospital, and where I seem to fail so many times more...my walk with the Lord. If there was an easy road to gain perfection, I can't seem to find it. And I never will. The only thing that will bring me close to even cross paths with "perfection" is the holy word. We are to be "Christ-like" and Being in that likeness, and trying to live our lives the way our Savior walked, we come closer to living that way. But in his perfection, I still marvel at the love that he has for us. Because of my Savior, I can live the life I live today. Though I fail him many times, he is still there waiting with arms wide open, and is always willing to bring me back to the place where I belong and that is His will. Though I desire with all my heart to serve my Savior, the one who laid down his life for me, the one who paid my ransom. I never deserved in any way his love and his mercy, And by his wonderful grace, I am saved, and I am forever his. In my life I want to be perfect, not for selfish gains, but to be perfect in the eyes of my Savior and Lord. But knowing that if I delight myself in him and I desire to know more of Him and meditate in his law, he will grant me my desires and though I will never be perfect, my Savior still loves me and he will bless me.
How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocing voice,
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that helf Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I knoww that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast inJesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
Saturday, March 13, 2010
As the soft breeze blows, stand still and enjoy every moment around you...
“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalms 37:4
Well it has been another long delay, with six more months left till I graduate, things have been getting a little more hectic in my life. So it's been one pretty crazy rollercoster ride so far. When you are looking into a career, when you don't know when anything could happen at any moment and when you have peoples lives in your hands, it gets a little frightening and frustrating. Because I will stand there at their bed and wonder if this is a lost soul, is it someone who I could be a testimony to, but then they tell us we are not allowed to express our 'beliefs' and that we must be a competent nurse and just do our job. So all I pray is that I can be just a testimony to that person. But then, sometimes I still sit and wonder is this what I'm really meant to do. I'm only 18. But then I have to remind myself that God has placed me here for a reason, and he has brought me this far for a reason and that I know I'm not going to fail because He has great and wonderful plans for me and my future, though I don't know what they are, and that I know there are going to be those times in my life when I don't think I will be able to face those storms, I know that He is good and that if I delight myself in Him, he will give me my desires. That is how wonderful and amazing our God is. :)
Though I am afraid and I get weary He is still there, He is still willing to help me through any circumstances that I face, my God will help me through it all.
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