Today I started packing for my trip. Not a fun experience. Pretty much everything I own is in a box or basket or in some other form of storage. As of right now there are four very large piles in my parents upstairs: stuff for the Philippines, stuff for Boundary Waters, stuff for college, and things that need to be sorted through. I wish someone else could do all the packing for me. On top of the piles i have lists of things that I need to remember. A list for what I have packed, a list for what I need to pack, a list for what I have packed for the Philippines but I also need for Boundary Waters, a list of things I need to buy, a list of things my parents need to do for me once I return. I really hope I am not forgetting anything.
I will end this post with a poem that my dear friend Kadie shared with my latest Boundary Waters group before she left for Romania. I know it does not have much to do with the Philippines but I like it.
Wendel Berry's "The Peace of Wild Things"
When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things,
who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief.
I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars waiting with their light.
For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free
Monday, June 21, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
Thoughts from class
These are assignments that I wrote for my cross-cultural nursing class.
Given the amount of human suffering in the world how do you hold to the Idea of a loving and personal God?
I believe that God is a loving and personal God only to his own people. I also think that God gives his people struggles and trials to strengthen our faith in him. And that he will never give us more than what we can handle. When I think of all the troubles in this life, I think of Hebrews 11. Looking at verses 33-38 one can see all the terrible things that have happen to followers of God. The people of God in the past have hid in desserts, mountains, dens, and caves. But in Hebrews 12:1-2 a reader can see that the people of God are never alone "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith." Jesus is always right beside his people. Is that not a personal God? Once again in Romans 8 we are given a list of things that could separate us from our God. The list includes many things that we see today: tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril or sword. the end of the Romans 8 passage say that nothing "shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." The Bible never promises us an easy life as a Christian. In the book of Revelation we are given this promise that at the end of the world he will completely take away all the pain and suffering in our life. "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, no crying, neither shall there be any more pain for the former things are passed away." Revelation 21:4
Mother Teresa Reflections
Of the selected reading from Mother Teresa the one that affected me the most was the story about the little girl who ate her bread so slowly because she was afraid she would still be hungry when it was gone. I have no clue what it means to be that hungry. I have access to food all the time even when I am not hungry. I have no clue how to live that way. A few months ago I volunteered at the Banquet, the people that I served there came to receive at least one healthy meal that day. I got the opportunity to eat with them. I did not really like the food so it was hard to eat. Afterwards I thought how wrong of me to judge my food that way. I was provided with a healthy meal; I should eat it and not complain. This is an important lesson for me to remember, to be content with what I can get.
Given the amount of human suffering in the world how do you hold to the Idea of a loving and personal God?
I believe that God is a loving and personal God only to his own people. I also think that God gives his people struggles and trials to strengthen our faith in him. And that he will never give us more than what we can handle. When I think of all the troubles in this life, I think of Hebrews 11. Looking at verses 33-38 one can see all the terrible things that have happen to followers of God. The people of God in the past have hid in desserts, mountains, dens, and caves. But in Hebrews 12:1-2 a reader can see that the people of God are never alone "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith." Jesus is always right beside his people. Is that not a personal God? Once again in Romans 8 we are given a list of things that could separate us from our God. The list includes many things that we see today: tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril or sword. the end of the Romans 8 passage say that nothing "shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." The Bible never promises us an easy life as a Christian. In the book of Revelation we are given this promise that at the end of the world he will completely take away all the pain and suffering in our life. "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, no crying, neither shall there be any more pain for the former things are passed away." Revelation 21:4
Mother Teresa Reflections
Of the selected reading from Mother Teresa the one that affected me the most was the story about the little girl who ate her bread so slowly because she was afraid she would still be hungry when it was gone. I have no clue what it means to be that hungry. I have access to food all the time even when I am not hungry. I have no clue how to live that way. A few months ago I volunteered at the Banquet, the people that I served there came to receive at least one healthy meal that day. I got the opportunity to eat with them. I did not really like the food so it was hard to eat. Afterwards I thought how wrong of me to judge my food that way. I was provided with a healthy meal; I should eat it and not complain. This is an important lesson for me to remember, to be content with what I can get.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Beth, Can pigs ride bikes?
Last night while I was taking my babysitting kids on a walk, one asked me this. This question stemmed from watching Charlotte's Web. The questions kids think of, its not why did Charlotte have to die or any other possible thought provoking question but "Can pigs ride bikes?". We live in pig country--there are actually more pigs in our county per capita than people. (ok i really don't know what that pharse means except this pigs>people) The twins should know a thing or two about pigs and that they can ride bikes. I told them No that pigs and not ride bikes because they are made differently than people which brought about the statement--"But pigs have feet to pedal with."
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
School Daze
It's almost here the begining of school again. In fact only 6 more days--not that I'm counting down or anything. :) I am really excited this year. I will make it be a good school year keeping up with my classes and balancing time with the girls. I am half way done with college I can't believe time has gone so fast. What have I learned in the past two years of college?
- Dont get behind-- you can not catch up
- Get enough sleep--this will help you do well in your classes
- Get friends--they can give you a break from homework and can also be helpful with homework
- Try new things--this will expand your horizons and create memories.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
A Bag Full of Love
A Bag Full Of Love
Marybeth Whalen
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
Devotion:
Recently, I received a gift bag filled with the following items: a birthday candle, a page from a calendar, a list of words, a thread, and a picture of a baby. I loved what each item symbolized so much that I wanted to share them with you!
The birthday candle symbolizes that God knew the day you were born. He ordained the circumstances and people who were involved in your birth. He knew what you would look like and who would welcome you. He knew how much you would weigh, what your cry would sound like, and whether you would be bald or have a head full of hair. (Psalm 139:16)
The page from the calendar symbolizes that each of your days was planned before you were even born. He knew how you would spend your days—what your hobbies and interests would be, what your job would be, and who you would share your days with. He knew the days you would spend honoring Him and the days you would wish you could do over. (Psalm 139:2-3)
The list of words (which could be a typewritten list or a page from an old dictionary) symbolizes that God knows every word you say before you even say it. The nice words and not-so-nice words. The angry words and the words of encouragement. The times you should have held your tongue and the times you thought of the right words to say hours too late. He knows the times you have spoken up on His behalf, and He sees the times you were too shy and unsure to speak. (Psalm 139:4)
The thread represents the hairs on your head, which the Bible tells us are numbered. Straight hair or curly hair, red hair or gray hair, real or “bottled” color. God knows every detail of you, His marvelous creation. He counts your freckles, knows the ridges on your fingernails, and sees the blemishes you try to hide. He truly loves you, warts and all. (Matthew 10:30)
Finally, the picture of a baby is to remind you that He knit you together in your mother’s womb. He knows you better than your parents, your spouse, your children or your friends. He knows the parts you don’t show anyone else. He sees the tears no one else sees. He hears the dreams and frustrations no one else hears. He knows you, inside and out. (Psalm 139:13)
The Bible assures us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. I once read that the word “wonderfully” in the Hebrew is “palah,” which means “to distinguish, or to be set apart.” God created each one of us to be unique and distinct in some way. We each have a special destiny only we can fulfill. In a world of comparisons and keeping up with impossible standards, it is so easy to forget that our uniqueness is His gift to us. Too often we see it as a curse.
Psalm 139:14 says “I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” God wants us to praise Him for the way that He made us. He wants us to celebrate the little details He thought of. A friend bought a tee shirt for her little boy that said, “When God Made Me, He Was Just Showing Off.” Oh, that we could all feel His pleasure in us to that extent!
I love that the contents of this bag helps me to focus on God’s love for me - a love that exceeds my limited understanding, a love that goes far beyond skin deep.
Marybeth Whalen
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
Devotion:
Recently, I received a gift bag filled with the following items: a birthday candle, a page from a calendar, a list of words, a thread, and a picture of a baby. I loved what each item symbolized so much that I wanted to share them with you!
The birthday candle symbolizes that God knew the day you were born. He ordained the circumstances and people who were involved in your birth. He knew what you would look like and who would welcome you. He knew how much you would weigh, what your cry would sound like, and whether you would be bald or have a head full of hair. (Psalm 139:16)
The page from the calendar symbolizes that each of your days was planned before you were even born. He knew how you would spend your days—what your hobbies and interests would be, what your job would be, and who you would share your days with. He knew the days you would spend honoring Him and the days you would wish you could do over. (Psalm 139:2-3)
The list of words (which could be a typewritten list or a page from an old dictionary) symbolizes that God knows every word you say before you even say it. The nice words and not-so-nice words. The angry words and the words of encouragement. The times you should have held your tongue and the times you thought of the right words to say hours too late. He knows the times you have spoken up on His behalf, and He sees the times you were too shy and unsure to speak. (Psalm 139:4)
The thread represents the hairs on your head, which the Bible tells us are numbered. Straight hair or curly hair, red hair or gray hair, real or “bottled” color. God knows every detail of you, His marvelous creation. He counts your freckles, knows the ridges on your fingernails, and sees the blemishes you try to hide. He truly loves you, warts and all. (Matthew 10:30)
Finally, the picture of a baby is to remind you that He knit you together in your mother’s womb. He knows you better than your parents, your spouse, your children or your friends. He knows the parts you don’t show anyone else. He sees the tears no one else sees. He hears the dreams and frustrations no one else hears. He knows you, inside and out. (Psalm 139:13)
The Bible assures us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. I once read that the word “wonderfully” in the Hebrew is “palah,” which means “to distinguish, or to be set apart.” God created each one of us to be unique and distinct in some way. We each have a special destiny only we can fulfill. In a world of comparisons and keeping up with impossible standards, it is so easy to forget that our uniqueness is His gift to us. Too often we see it as a curse.
Psalm 139:14 says “I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” God wants us to praise Him for the way that He made us. He wants us to celebrate the little details He thought of. A friend bought a tee shirt for her little boy that said, “When God Made Me, He Was Just Showing Off.” Oh, that we could all feel His pleasure in us to that extent!
I love that the contents of this bag helps me to focus on God’s love for me - a love that exceeds my limited understanding, a love that goes far beyond skin deep.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Being a Teacher
Growing up with my parents I have always had the "teacher" drive: helping them correct papers, learning how to develop lesson plans, creating bulletin boards. But today i really felt like a teacher. My job right now is requiring me to read and edit a document so that the nursing department at Northwestern can be come accredited. As I am reading my teachers' work circle grammar mistakes, misspelled works, and reading need more, I feel like a teacher. Maybe I missed my calling.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Summer 2008
This summer has been a whirl wind of activity for me. Starting in May after school got out I found out that my father was losing his job. Thankfully he was able to get a new one in Edgerton, Minnesota. So my family began the process of packing and moving. I moved in to my new apartment in Orange City, Iowa on July 21, 2008. I have two amazing roommates and we get along great. I am working a lot at the nursing department at NWC and as a CNA at a local nursing. I am looking forward to my vacation to the Boundary Waters during the first week of August. After my vacation school starts again soon and I am really looking forward to seeing my friends again.
Today I was reading a lot of blogs and learning many new things. So I decided to start mine up again. I know I do not write a lot but I will to try change that. My goal is to post at least 3 times a week...Who knows maybe i will be posting everyday :)
Today I was reading a lot of blogs and learning many new things. So I decided to start mine up again. I know I do not write a lot but I will to try change that. My goal is to post at least 3 times a week...Who knows maybe i will be posting everyday :)
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