{Meant to Be}

Over the past few weeks I have been thinking about what God's will might be for my life. Through much reflection, prayer, and time spent in God's word I have been able to gain some understanding of this new chaos for me.

"For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his purpose." 
Philippians 2:13 

I have come to realize God's will for my life is not necessarily just in the years to come, and the big decisions I will be making as graduation approaches. But instead, it is being lived out on a daily basis.Whether it be helping someone out around me, or simply smiling as I pass by a stranger. Every moment has been sculpted by God for his plan. I am able to see the power of his will for my life in every moment.

While I was job searching I prayed earnestly that God would lead me in the direction he needed me. I want to continue to pursue his love and be able to share that love with his people. 

After many prayers I officially accepted a job offer as an Registered Nurse in Rochester, MN at St. Mary's Hospital on their Neurology/Neurosurgery unit.

I will be working with patients post-surgery and I can't wait to be able to care for my patients as Christ would want them cared for. Just the thought of helping them brings a smile to my face :) 

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

-Deuteronomy 31:6

This verse has been strengthening to me as I go through these exciting yet frightening changes. It's difficult to wrap my mind around the idea that I am packing up all my belongings and moving permanently to a location to work and not just attend school.
With the acceptance of the job I feel God has been using this as a way for me to draw closer to him. Although I am nervous about the move and meeting people, I take comfort knowing that God will never leave me. He is my one sure foundation and comfort when everything is new and frightening. 

I feel extremely blessed to have spent the last 4 years at St. Scholastica being a part of many activities and organizations. I have met so many amazing people that have had such a big impact on me. Knowing that everything was a part of God's plan to get me where I am today and where I will be going continues to encourage me in my faith walk.

As I stated earlier I am following God's will for my life. Moment by moment, day by day. It's an exciting and crazy ride and I am comforted knowing that God is in control of it all. 

{A Powerful Reminder}

4 weeks until graduation and it seems as if time is just picking up speed. I feel blessed to be where I am at in my life and for the season in my life that is drawing to a close for me. 

Through these past couple weeks there have been many moments where planning for the future and not knowing where God may want me has caused me to feel overwhelmed. 

I feel incredibly blessed to have a Mom who is strong in her faith who supports me and is encouraging of God's plan for my life. I feel like through stress and the business life brings Satan tries to drag me down and leave me feeling defeated.

Hearing this song is such a powerful reminder of who I am and what really matters. The opening lyrics to the song: 

If my heart is overwhelmed
And I cannot hear Your voice
I hold on to what is true
Though I cannot see

If the storms of life they come
And the road ahead gets steep
I will lift these hands in faith
I will believe

These words and chords ring through my heart. Gently  I feel the Holy Spirit come to life again as I hold onto the truth I know and the identity that I have in Christ is what really matters in this world. 

Constant connection and prayer with God is the only thing that makes things seem bearable to me at this time in my life. As I have submitted applications to jobs I am in prayer and trusting that God will place me exactly where he wants me. I'm not concerned about not being good enough but rather where God needs me to make a difference in his kingdom. I  know I have the ability to care for patients, and the exciting thing about my faith right now is a reminder that God already knows which patients will one day cross paths with me and I'll be able to care for! I'm ready to reach out to people, and he has the perfect patients and people written into his plan. I am not sure where it will be but I know where ever it is God will be also. And in that I find great comfort. 

As graduation draws near and decisions are needing to be made it's amazing to know what really matters and who I can run to!