You Need Only to Be Still.

The last few months have been quite stressful. I may have seemed calm and at ease, but no one saw the struggles I was dealing with on the inside. I almost lost hope. There were times that I did not think I was going to make it. I quickly had to pick my head up, but my big girl panties on and deal with the world. Everyone has "set backs" in their life, some more than others. I often realize that the "set backs" that occur happen for a reason. It was hard for me a first to see the reason, but recently God delievered a greater plan for me. It opened doors for me to start travel nursing, meet new familes, meet new people, and move to Wilmington to start a new life. I can tell you back in May I never thought I would be where I am now. As you saw in my last post I recently moved to Wilmington after completing a travel assignment in Fayetteville, NC. When I came to Wilmington I had applied at New Hanover Regional Medical Center for a position. I did not know if I was going to get the position or not. I embarked on the faith of God and went ahead and moved anyway. I had prayed for a while and knew that this was where I wanted to be, and it was up to Him if it was meant to be. Well, I can officially tell you now I was offered a full time RN position in the PICU at Betty Cameron Women's and Children, which is part of New Hanover Health System. I've been a peds RN for quite sometime. (Okay, more like 4 years. Which to me is a long time :) I worked hard for that degree.) I am completely stoked that God opened this door for me. Intensive care nursing is an aspect I have wanted to embark on for a while, I just wanted to make sure I had a full knowledge base before I took the giant leap.
When I graduated from nursing school, I told my mother that I would NEVER do pediatrics. Better yet while I was in nursing school I told Lauren, Mallori, and Stacey I would never do pediatrics. Well, once again God never fails and he showed me that he had a greater plan. He placed ME in pediatrics, and now has placed ME as an PICU nurse. WOW! Can you say my God is amazing. I always wonder what He is up to and when will I know the answers to many questions. But, he has the perfect time for everything.
In my spare time I have been studying for the GRE, the certified pediatric nurse (CPN) exam, and applying to graduate school. I wanted to be lazy but knew I couldn't, because I needed to get things done.
To all the people that thought I would not be able to make it due to various things that have recently occurred, well here I am. What can you do about it now??? My God had a plan for me and I have prevailed because of Him.
Today, take time to praise Him. You may be in a place in your life and think WHY? But, remember God has a plan for each and everyone of us. We may not understand at the time but he will show us.

 This is the verse I had posted everywhere for me to remember. I found it online. It is perfect.

Enjoy.

8 month "catchup" boom boom and wire style

So I officially have failed at updating a blog regularly right?? Okay, folks please forgive me as I fill you in on the last 7 almost 8 months of my life. Whew! Hold on.
So I completed 2, three month contracts as a travel RN in Cape Fear Valley. When I thought my life was never getting better, I looked ahead and the sun was shinning brighter than ever. As I completed my time at the "Valley" as I will call it I often reflect on the amazing friendships that I made. I never knew God would place such awesome people in my life. Literally, I didn't feel like a "traveler" I felt like a "full time" staff member. As I fell to my knees and needed surgery to remove my appendix, someone was by my side and made me not feel so alone. My last day on my assignment was truly hard. Every turn I made someone was blowing me away with a sweet card or precious gift. I thought, "How did I deserve something?" All I had done was work 6 months with them and help staff them. Quickly, I realized I was MORE than a staff member, I became friends, best friends with some of these people, I made impacts not only in the families I met but the co-workers I worked with and brought smiles, laughter, and cries to their faces. Boom boom and wires: you still complete my speakers by the way :). Below is a photo of my last day with some co-workers. As this photo was taken I quickly shouted, "Please don't post this on Facebook." Oh how quickly it went viral by a certain someone I will leave unnamed ;) Here's to a good laugh:

This truly makes us look dysfunctional. I swear we were not. We worked well together :)
This next was a group of us that ate at Miaybi's in Fayette ville. It was a few our "farewell" dinner. It's a picture of a picture so its not the best quality. But great memories with some wonderful people.

Moving on: I have recently moved permanently to Wilmington, NC. Somewhere I have always wanted to be. God opened a door and I took it with flying colors. I swore once I started travel nursing the next place I moved was going to be permanent. Furthermore, now I sincerely believe it after being in transition for 2 weeks. It took a lot to get this:

When I arrived at my storage unit I was super excited to get everything and get it all situated in the truck. I rushed up to the lock, placed my key in: BOOM the key broke off into the lock. I literally thought, holy hell balls, this is the end of my life. I just drove 5 hours to get my crap and NOW I can't because the lock has half a key broken into it. I quickly called the man who owned the storage unit, he showed up in a dash and basically let me know, "Emily there is nothing we can do until the morning." Right at that second someone stuck a small sharp object into the back of the lock and the other half of the key came falling out. MAGNIFICENT, I thought. Much to my surprise I thought fast and realized all I had was a moving truck, I couldn't just dart over to my moms real fast and get the other key out. I had get into the truck an maneuver it. UGH. Well, the devil was working really hard at that moment, and then the owner said, "You can drop me off at my house, and then drive over to your mom's and get the other key." My mouth fell open. I couldn't believe he was saying this. He didn't know me but for the 6 months that I had my things in his storage unit. So there you have it. The spare was picked up by me driving a little old mans " 1985 Chevy s-10". Bahaha. That truck is 27 years old and I flew threw those country roads obtained that key, packed that ole' moving truck, and I was on my way back to Wilmington. Since that day my progress has improved greatly. Snowflake stopped by to show his support, he didn't get to work like I asked.
Oh, that darn elf.

I quickly wanted to take a break from all the moving chaos. So Mollie and I decided today that it would be best to relax on the beach. It was 74 and sunny. When you live so close why not just park and jump on in the sand. I was able to lay down close my eyes and take in the beauty God blesses me with everyday.
This verse came to mind as I was laying and playing with Mollie in the sun.
"Sing to the Lord, for he has done wonderful things. Make known his praise around the world." Isaiah 12:5

 What a precious gift from God. My little Mollieana. It was a little hard being on the beach without Jack, but her sweet smile and God's ongoing beauty made it so much easier. I know I have mentioned Jack in the blog "officially" yet but I will when I feel the time is right for me.

It is because of him that I am blessed with everything in my life. Everything has is perfect place and time. He placed all the wonderful people I met while I was at the "valley", and he gives me the breathe to breath everyday. I know it was rather lengthy but enjoy. Pray for me daily. I love you all.
I promise to be more regular now that life is getting back to a normal pace :)

Whirlwind on Floor, going Full Throtle

So...it's been a week since I've left my home. It's been a little stressful, but I love it. I spent the weekend at the beach relaxing and chilling, and just taking a moment to take in everything I have seen in the past week.
My first day on the floor, was quite stressful...that's just putting it lightly to be honest. I think I went full throttle that day, I got to experience a little of everything. From, new IV pumps, new monitors, taking care of a Insulin patient when my code doesn't work for the blood sugar monitor, admitting a trauma (which really threw me for a loop), death, their MAK system wouldn't let me admirer meds, and starting new iVs on every patient on the floor at one point in the day. I needed a little beach after that day! I relaxed and had fun, played putt putt, skip-Bo, soaked all the sun in the sky up, and rested!!!
While I laid on the beach Saturday, I began to think about my experiences from Thursday at work. I realized I took all the information possible in and went with it. I have had my share of CPR usage, but quickly realized death was one thing I have never been so close to on the Peds floor. It happens everyday I realize that, but it took me off my feet being my first experience and seeing it first hand. It opened my eyes, made me cry, and think. I consulted a friend after my day, due to the stress I was feeling, as she too said, " it never gets easier". She's been a nurse for 14 years so I'm sure she has had her share of seeing them and being involved. Me not so much, honestly. God places us each here on the earth for a reason, while our days are numbered and we never know when or where, he's right along your side to help you through stressful times and situations.
It made me go back to a few days ago to the verse I posted here on my blog about concentrating on the 'unseen vs. seen' that verse has been engrained in my head. The unseen is eternal, while the seen is temporary. We are temporary here on earth for our Lord He has each of his children here for a reason. To use us each as a source of encouragement and solider for Him in His army.
My devotion tonight was touching with another verse:
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7
Great verse and I give Him, everything from my experiences. He knew what he was doing on my first day on the floor. All the anxiety I had, I had to put my faith in Him, and that he would bring me through it. You know what, he did. He made me so much calmer about my first 'real' death experience. How hard it could have been, but with him by my side he took all the anxiety I had away. How much of a blessing. For so long I struggled with anxiety and depression, my God saw me through the whole experience. He allowed me to go off my medication, and now that I have all my faith in Him, he handles my anxiety in a completely different way, than I ever thought could occur.
Thank you Lord so much for your undying love for me. I am thankful I am a child of yours. As I go forward this week my prayer to God is to, look and see what he is constantly doing and changing in my life, and that I will remain by his side and continue to love him.
Always,
:ema:

This is a picture I took on the beach this weekend: I pondered and prayed as I laid on the quiet beach, and thought, my how awesome is He. Enjoy.

Official at Cape Fear!

So, I have been so wrapped up in getting in this new position it's been a few day! I have had such an awesome time orienting at Cape Fear!! I have made some awesome friends already! As you all know I'm still I'm Peds which is great and there is another girl from my agency who is doing Peds too!!! And guess what her name is Emily! Confusing right, we've been named E squared! I work days though and she works nights! I'm so excited, I work my first actual shift on Thursday! Exciting! Emily and I have both went up to the unit twice just do we could figure out where the heck we were gonna be going! The hospital is a little confusing, because there are Norths, Souths, East, and West! Hahaha it's a pretty confusing place. It's more like a children's floor, rather than a children's hospital, which is what I came from.
I was sent this verse by a friend yesterday and it has been on my heart since I read it, I'll share it with you all.

"For I know the plans I have for yo," says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and hope. Jeremiah 29:11

God knows exactally what he is doing in my life. The doors he closed were blessing and the one he opened has been a wonderful blessing. Mollie is doing well, we are gonna head to the beach this weekend, catch some rays and relax for a while! After this week I would say its much needed. Sitting in a room with computer training has been a little challenging for me, especially since the charting and medication administration is the same as my last place! So hopefully, I will acclimate alright! Here's one of my favorite shots from this week, and the next picture is a family of geese that live in my little pond in my community!! Enjoy.


Always,
:ema:

Concentrating on the Unseen.

Last night I was reading my devotional book and this verse has stuck with me since reading. I'll share it with you all.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18

This hit me because, for so long I have always concentrated on the seen and what is around, and I shouldn't have been because like God says, the seen is temporary. Completely, temporary. My thoughts as I go on throughout my journey are to make a promise to God to concentrate on the 'unseen' and know my love for Him is eternal, and His love for me is eternal. He loves me no matter what. He sees me through and knows my every move before I make it! I love my God. So many times I have walked around without Him by my side, but now my focus is on Him completely. It is because of Him that I have everything. There are times I may not understand what is going on, but He always knows. No matter what. Tomorrow, as I start my first travel position, pray that I remember this verse continually in my heart and make this promise to God daily that I will always focus on the unseen, because the seen is only temporary. He showed me his promise yesterday and I know I used this in my last post! But God is way to awesome to not use it again.


Always,
:ema:

'Bittersweet Goodbyes'

I spent the last week while I was in South Carolina saying my 'goodbyes'. I have some amazing friends lets just say that! It includes everyone I know, even if I didn't get to see you or talk to you before I left. I'll start with this past Sunday and move forward!

This is my good friend Ruth! She is an amazing source of inspiration! She makes me smile! We met at Ruby Tuesdays and had a good time! Laughed, cried, exchanged gifts, and shared some good stories! We had fun! I will always have a special place in my heart for her. She always can make you smile, and was not far behind if you ever needed help! Ruth, if your reading this Thank You for all your support during my time at GHS! You mean so much to me!!!

I lived in a small apartment complex in Easley and while I was there I went through so much. I was stressed with a pending divorce and awful relationship,. As I moved into my new place in Easley I made great friends with my neighbor! Actually, she lived under me! But, however she was completely amazing so I had to take her to dinner! We had a good ole' time at Cracker Barrel! Good laughs, great convos, and listening to Slick Rick on the way home! Karen I love you girl, and appreciate your shoulder and ear during my time in good ole 210-12. Memories made and will never be forgotten!

While I was at GHS I met my best friend! Perfect match! Thru thick and thin she was always there and she accepted me no matter what. We went to lunch and I gave her, her Christmas/birthday/leaving/I love you gift. So hard to tell her goodbye. Jacy out of site does not mean out of mind to me! I love you and thank you for everything you have ever done for me. You have always made me smile, when I was down! And always know how to make a girl laugh. You and your sweet girls mean so much to me!! You have all impacted my life! No matter what 210-12, pools still open ;). It will only be missing me :( so it will not be the same.

I don't have a picture for this one but, as you can imagine how hard it was to say goodbye to my family. They have stuck by my side through everything. My mom and dad are no longer 'just down the road' I'm a 4.5 hours from them. I cry hard as I type this because I miss them so much already. Today my mom and dad did something so large, they brought the rest of my things, and had to turn around and leave right after! That right there is love. So many times in my life I feel like I have been a disappointment to them, but no matter what they love me! Mom and dad thank you so much. I miss you more than you ever know. Skyping and FaceTime is a must in this world now!
Olivia, my sister. Thank you for all your help of getting things together at my old place and packed. You helped out a lot and those 3 boxes in your storage helped too, cause my space is jammed packed!!! I never realized how much I had. I love you.
My other family...grandma, grandpa, Aunt Lee, Uncle Steve, and Cass. I love you guys. When I come into town I want to see your faces! Because, I know you too support and love me so much and I love you that much more!!!
Mollie, geez. I know your a dog but you are my heart and soul. I love every piece of you and would step in front of a car for you. So happy you are able to go along on this journey with me. I know your nerves are all tore up! But remember moms gotta make a living! Haha! I took her to the groomer and we said goodbye! She got her 'summer cut' and I hope she enjoys it! Chuck always does and amazing job and she loves him so we spent Wednesday getting our new do!! I love you Mollieana, sorry for ever making you feel harmed or not loved! You know I love you with all my heart and soul!

Well this is it for this session. I'm a crying mess right now...because I miss my friends and family. I have to remember to be strong and courageous and know my God is right beside me every step of the way. He showed me that today. I cried when I saw this
My God is awesome!!!!

Always,
:ema:

We Made It!!

So we made it!!!! Geezz, it's so freaking nice! I love it! My company hooked me up!!! So living the city life now! Mollie is too, However, slightly confused! We left this morning about 545am blahhh,but took no time to make it to ole' Fayettenam' as I have heard this town referenced too! It's been pretty much non stop since I arrived. I left a day early to get my PALS recertification done...so instantly when we got here I had to leave and take care of that! So now I'm laying around relaxing, Mollie's been trying to figure out where we are. Just gonna be short and sweet I have to get this placed organized, my parents are going to come up today and bring the rest of my items! I can't wait!! Mollie needs her toys and I need my hair straightener! Always :ema: