latest happenings.

it seems lately that i have to remind myself of the things i am thankful for. sad? probably. realistic? most definitely. so starting a day out right (i worked night shift last night), here goes...

1. my Jesus...His love is constant, never-changing, and His forgiveness and grace are amazing and overwhelming.
2. ben. our love continues to grow and mature and i enjoy every moment we're blessed to spend together. sometimes i wonder how on earth i did life without him...he's certainly a gift.
3. Bible study girls. they are a breath of fresh air and i am so thankful God provided 7:45 on sunday evenings.
4. time with family. between ben's sister, cousin, and cousin's wife being here on friday to sunday and my parents staying here monday on their way back to indiana, the weekend was full of loved ones. i couldn't have asked for anything better.
5. stella. she loves ben and i unconditionally every day and more than most people, shows me Christ. silly? maybe, but besides that, she's hysterically quirky and entertaining. despite her bouts with lots of vomiting and diarrhea, we love her. (we figured out what it is though--bones! every time stella eats dog bones, here comes the good ol' v&d. sorry, stell! no more!)
6. today's sunshine. kentucky weather has been so dreary up until the last few days...it's so good to feel the sun on your face.

i feel better already. it's amazing how sitting back and focusing on all the things in life i have to be thankful for changes my perspective immensely. i won't lie--things have been really discouraging and hard at work these past few weeks. i made the transition to night shift and i wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. pacu is crazy at night and there simply aren't enough hands. i'm dreading coming off orientation next week...but i have to believe God will provide. ben has been my biggest encourager, reminding me where to keep my focus and to have some confidence, but i'm weak a lot. i cry before i have to go in, i cry when i leave, i cry when i'm at home just thinking about having to go back. sometimes i wonder if i have what it takes, so i guess we'll just have to wait and see...but if you're reading, please be praying. i need strength that is far beyond my human capability right now.

well, it's time to return some phone calls and do the good ol' dishes. hope you all have a blessed day!

here are just a few pictures from our fun weekend! the first was taken at the henry clay estate here in lexington and the second was taken at keeneland--the horse racing park. ben and i stopped to watch a few on sunday afternoon!

krispy kreme.

at dinner a few nights ago...
ben: "i know it's a bit out of the ordinary and spontaneous, but at midnight tonight we're going to krispy kreme to get donuts! and you're going to eat one!"
me: laughter...lots of laughter.
krispy kreme is our idea of spontaneous and exciting?! ahaha. i must be getting very old.

other than that, not a whole lot of new things to report here...i'm starting to feel more comfortable in my role as a nurse and am learning that i have a LOT more autonomy than i could have imagined i would in nursing school. i'm becoming more assertive which is a definite must and i don't ask nearly as many questions or make nearly as many silly mistakes. yay! when oct. 26th roles around and i come off orientation though, i could use some prayer! i'm already anticipating a sleepless night the night before!

things have also improved greatly in the last few weeks concerning my relationship with the
Lord as well (maybe part of the reason work seems to be going better too, right?). we're connecting again and i'm choosing to put Him first. it's a wonderful thing to be in love with your Savior...i have a long way to go and will always just be a "work in progress", but it's such a great feeling when you know you're making decisions and living your life in a way that honors Him.

ben and i are great...i love him more every single day and sometimes can't believe how blessed i am to spend our life together. i'm nearing some decisions in the way of wedding planning which is a definite plus and i am actually enjoying having a lot of time to plan it, as it's taking a lot of stress out of the mix. still, i can't wait for june 26th to get here! :)