PERSONAL | five bits of advice that future Izzy wants to share with past Izzy about freshman year of nursing school

Thursday, May 24, 2018
The future, looks brighter than it's ever been
Now that I have fixed my eyes on You
Now anything, anything is possible
In Your hands, there's nothing I can't do

- Austin French -


Hey everyone! Wow, it's been a while since I've posted something on here...

Just wanted to share a few things God has taught me over the last few months during my first year of nursing school. If I could go back to last year and give my little naive self some advice from the future, these are the things I would tell her...hopefully it encourages you! 

Dear 2017 Izzy, some advice:

1. Instinctively, you're going to start triage-ing your life, and you need to remember that studying your Savior is 100% more important than studying for exams.

Unfortunately, this was the hardest one for you to wrap your head around. Having deadlines and test dates made you push your pursuit of a closer relationship with Christ to the back burner throughout the first couple of weeks of your second semester (which you might think is really weird, because usually you and Jesus are pretty tight after New Years. *Surprise, surprise, Izzy!*--you are a weak human). That time without Him was NOT OKAY. Thankfully His grace is so abundant, and He ever-so-gently guided you back (jk, it was more like a brick to the face!). Lesson to be learned: you've got time for Him. And He has time for you, too. Nothing going on in your life right now AT ALL is as important as spending some time talking to Him and seeking His will for your life. So, use that hour drive every morning and evening to pray, pray, pray. Worship can happen anywhere and anytime, so just do it. Also, Bible apps are awesome. Whip out your phone between classes, and get in the Word. You'll be surprised how often it's exactly what you need in that moment. Don't worry--you'll have time to study, too.

2. Find that balance between spending time with family and friends and meeting new people and also spending time alone. Trust me, there's a balance. 

Initially, you are going to seclude yourself because you are in nursing school and it is freaking hard and you'll be stressed to the max. And you'll be concerned that you shouldn't try to make new friends because that will only slow you down. That, dear Izzy, is not true. People matter; this life isn't all about you! Keep up with family and the friends you have--pray for them, spend quality time together, and build new relationships. And seek out new friends and people to study with, and share Christ by word and deed. You were not put in this place to wallow in selfishness. Now, that being said, keep your priority and focus on Jesus, and remember that He is your Great and Best Friend. The people around you are human; they make mistakes. So don't have high expectations, just be encouraging and lift them up. And it's okay to not talk to everyone 24/7/365. Make some time to be still, too. Just let God use you as a vessel and a witness for Him, because He will do that--even in small ways. 

3. Celebrate the little accomplishments.

There is going to be so much that you are going to learn in the next year. Each and every little thing, from pharm calculations to nasogastric tube insertion to birthing babies, it's all cause for celebration. Give. God. The. Glory. He is going to bring you through so much, and you can't do it without Him. So, get excited and give it all back to Him. And also go get some ice cream ;)

4. Speaking of ice cream, try to be a little bit healthy.

Let me tell you right now, you can't live off vending machine Doritos and three 20-oz Yetis of coffee per day. You've tried, and failed. Eat salads, because deep down you know you love them, drink more water, and work out. The campus wellness center is there for a reason. You'll actually study better if you are on the move. Better studying + keeping the "freshman 15" off = win win. Set a good example for your patients! 

5. Let go of your pride. 

Yeah, this applies to your whole life, 'cause ya struggle, girl. But with regards to school, it is okay to not have a 4.0 GPA. Grades don't define you, your identity in Christ does, and if you are doing your best, that is all that matters. You are there to learn and grow, not to show how smart you are, or show the whole world that homeschoolers are the best (even though they kinda are lol). God is going to teach you humility--embrace it, and try not to make it harder than it has to be. You picked a profession where pride can be a stumbling block for your patients' safety, health, and well-being. Be on the alert, stay humble, and pray lots.

You are gonna be just fine!
Love, 2018 Izzy [who is currently enjoying summer break ;)]

"So let us know, let us press on to know the LORD.
His going forth is as certain as the dawn;
And He will come to us like rain,
Like the spring rain watering the earth."

- Hosea 6:3 - 

The End

FEATURED | the blue sky tag

Friday, November 3, 2017
You may not see
The silver lining,
But there's a big blue sky waiting right
Behind the clouds.

- Brad Paisley -



Happy November!!!

Guys, I am so excited...I've been nominated for a blogging tag *squeals* (I've had this blog for several years and today I finally feel like a real blogger 😉)

The Blue Sky Tag

Rules:

  • Thank the person who tagged you. THANK YOU CASSIA!!! 😍
  • Answer their 11 questions (or however many they gave you..in my case 8) . 
  • Tag 11 people (I'm only doing 4)
  • Give them 11 new questions.


Cassia's questions: 

Q: Are you an extrovert or an introvert?
A: Somewhere in between...I think I lean more toward extrovert when I'm in the checkout line at Walmart, and introvert when actually meeting new people in a social setting. 

Q: Favorite social media?
A: It's gonna have to be a tie between VSCO and Pinterest. 

Q: What is your dream job?
A: I hope to be registered nurse working with the sick, needy, and vulnerable. Ultimately whatever door God opens for me (also would love to be a homeschool mom 😊).

Q: If you knew today was your last day of life, how would you spend it? 
A: Looking for ways to spread the gospel to those around me, and tap dancing on bubble wrap.  

Q: What's your middle name? 
A: Faith.

Q: If you could spend a day in someone else's shoes, who would it be and why? 
A: Assuming time-travel is an option, I would like to spend a day in Amy Carmichael's shoes. What a privilege it would be to live a day sold out to Christ as she did, as His hands and feet to the poor of India! 

Q: Tea or coffee
A: Hands-down, indefinitely, and forever: Coffee ☕

Q: What's your favorite food? 
A: Pizza, tacos, popcorn, anything from Chick-Fil-A, anything with rice...if it's bad for you, it's probably my favorite 😳


I nominate (drum roll please....)
Sarah
Julia 
Hailey
Savannah


My questions:

1. What's your go-to movie genre?
2. If you could take an all-expenses paid vacation right now, where would you go?
3. Favorite board game?
4. If you could only read the works of one author for the rest of your life, who would it be? 
5. Pancakes or waffles?
6. Favorite Youtube channel? 
7. If you inherited 1 million dollars, what would you spend/invest/donate it on/in/to first?
8. If you had to have only one pair of shoes, what would they be?
9. In what school subject did/do you manifest yourself as the genius that you are? 
10. What made you decide to be a blogger?
11. Couch or recliner?

PHOTOGRAPHY | day 20: a portrait

Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Shine
Let it shine before all men
Let'em see good works, and then
Let 'em glorify the Lord

- Newsboys -


Day #20: a portrait

Thus ends the September Photography Challenge; thanks for looking! 😊