So I know I just posted a tearjerker video the other day, but you'll forgive me for posting one more, right?
Because I just can't help but share this.
It's from a local church here in Franklin, Fellowship Bible, and a couple of my friends on Facebook shared it. Grab a Kleenex.
I'll be honest and say that there have been times in my life that my greatest fear is having a child with special needs. It stems from my own selfishness and pride, but it's so scary to think that the rest of my life would be devoted to caring for another person. But seeing this obliterates that fear. God is using Ryan in my life. God is using Ryan in so many lives.
Thank you, Jesus, for Ryan. For his courage, his humility, his joy.
He is one beautiful person, and You knew exactly what You were doing when You created him.
Ryan.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
It's time for another sewing night!
We'll be making this cute little wristlet (it measures approximately 9" x 5").
If you have access to a sewing machine and know how to thread it and sew a straight line, that's all you need to know! This one does involve a zipper, but it'll be easy to learn how to put it in. And you can get creative with what colors and fabrics you want to use for the outside and the inside lining.
Please email me if you're planning to come so I can email you back with specifics (like directions and how much fabric to buy).
Hope to hear from you guys soon!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Today was my first day of my last semester of nursing school. I was handed a full list of to-do's, a bulging schedule, and OB and trauma clinicals that I cannot wait for. I want this semester to really count. It's going to be intense, but I want to remember that while I am still a student, I am also some patient's nurse. I can't forget that. I'm not just "playing nurse"; I'm doing it.
I know this sounds cliché, but I want so badly to keep the most important things the most important things.
Less whining.
Less Pinterest: filling my mind and my computer screen with so many material things that I
Less stressing out about not having perfect grades, a perfect bank account, a perfect cooking schedule, a perfect attitude... you get the idea.
More prayer: not just the "I need you to come through for me on this test, God" kind of prayer. The "I need you every moment of every day because life without you is meaningless and impossible" kind of prayer.
More breakfasts in bed (i.e. our New Years' Eve tradition above). More quality time with Shawn when we turn off our cell phones and computers and go grab coffee.
More passion for the things that really matter... the orphans and widows that are so close to God's heart, and the lavish giving of ourselves that we are called to as God's children. I feel a burning desire in my heart for these things, and I know they come straight from the Lord.
So 2012, I'm ready for you.
I can't wait to see what you have in store.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
If I could recommend only one book for you to read this year, it would be One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are
by Ann Voskamp. It was one of my favorites from last year, and quotes like the one above have helped me to savor life just a little bit more. I can always use encouragement to be content, and this beautiful book helped me to do just that. I can't think of a better way to start this year than by being reminded over and over to give thanks for it.
2011: Year in Review.
It's 2012! Hard to believe, isn't it? As I look back on what 2011 held, I am so grateful. Signs of God's goodness and faithfulness to us are so evident as I read about our life in 2011. Here are just a few highlights of the year. Happy New Year, friends!
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Hosted a sleepover
Celebrated our 3rd anniversary in St. Louis
Celebrated our 3rd anniversary in St. Louis
What am I looking forward to in 2012?
Graduating from nursing school
Whatever adventure the Lord has for us...
Whatever adventure the Lord has for us...
What about you? Any dreams/hopes/resolutions for the new year?