Climbing Mountains...Running the Race

So I thought I should probably describe my title for you guys cause it seems kinda random. Well, I've been reading this little book that my mom got me called God Always Has a Plan B. It's full of just quotes and advice from people and Bible verses. One that struck me was this:

"Things aren't always as easy as we would like. But if you keep on keeping on, you can make it. Every road has an end; every mountain has its peak. If you can just cold on and keep climbing, knowing that God is aware of how we're straining, He will bring us over and up the mountains."

As all of you know, I tend to freak out a little bit when things get tough, especially school because that's the focus right now in my life. I'm trying to change that. I really am, by trusting God with everything in my life and leaving it up to Him and His great plans He has in store for me. It's hard though, because I still have my freak out moments when I fall asleep and don't wake up when I want to so I can't get that last bit of studying in. I know that this doesn't please God because I get so preoccupied with it that I almost always end up doing worse on the test or whatever, and I skip my quiet times to do the studying I think I should be doing. I have faith that God will help me get through the hard times in my life and He's rejoicing with me when things seem easy. I know I'm still going to struggle with climbing those mountains in my life and running the race set before me, but I have to trust in the Lord to help me through it and know that it's instilling perseverance in me to make me a better person.

So if you see me starting to freak out about tests or quizzes or getting everything done, just remind me that God is with me and that this too shall pass. I know I'll probably need a little encouragement next semester as I take the final HESI to graduate and the NCLEX exam!

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Fall Family Fun

The last two weekends I've had the opportunity to visit my family and what a wonderful time it's been! On fall break I got to see Mom, Dad, and Nate in Maryville and go home to the farm. I love my home and my house and can't imagine my life without growing up in the Ville. To some it seems boring with weird rituals, weird people, and many don't understand my love for the Bearcats, but I love just about everything about my hometown. It's home and I love it and my family.

This weekend I went to the small town of Warner, Oklahoma and visited another major part of my family. I got to see my grandpa (Papa), uncle Ray, aunt Sharah, and my cousin Staci. I really love going down there. They all are just so grounded and really understand what's important in life. They don't worry about the petty things down there and don't judge people near as much as I do sometimes. Everyone is their neighbor down there and they do what they can to help them out and support them in their struggles. They take joy in the simple things and in working for what they have. I don't think enough people in this world really take pride in that and work for what they have. That is one thing that I'm so glad my entire family has instilled in me. Not only my Oklahoma family, but also my immediate family. It may come from the hard-working farmers I have in my family, but we are proud to have what we do and we know it's all a blessing from God. My grandpa, aunt, and uncle are all such great Christians and I am always fed spiritually just by being around them and seeing their good examples. This weekend was no different. Papa, Sharah, and Raymond are so encouraging to me to do well and continue to strive to be better. They believe in me soo much and are always supporting me in my schoolwork, work with the youth, and so much more. They know I can succeed, even before I do and they remind me of that and calm my fears. I just love them so much and I'm so blessed to have such a supportive family!!