New Adventure

Well as of this Fall, I have been struggling with stomach issues for over 12 years. This journey hasn't been all flowers and butterflies but it has changed me. My journey reminds me of 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I wouldn't change my journey but after 12 years, it is time to try something new.

For the last few years, I have been on a medication called Ondansetron. This drug is mainly used for cancer patients who undergo Chemo and Radiation, pregnant women to control morning sickness, and for cyclical vomiting patients. I was given it because I fit almost all the characteristics for cyclical vomiting. However, this syndrome is often found in 3-7 year olds and almost everyone grows out of it. Almost everyone, except me. Because I am over the age, they can't label or treat it as cynical  any longer. They continue to give me Ondansetron but have warned me that the long term effects of this drug will damage my throat and stomach.

One of the biggest downfalls to this drug is that it knocks me out. After taking it, you will find me sleeping less than 10 minutes later. Yes, it does its job. However, if I have to take it at 10 am, it ruins my day. After having this happen in front of one of my close friends, she introduced me to oils. She mentioned to me how peppermint has helped her with stomach aches. That is when I started researching.

After reading over 20 testimonies, I decided it was time to try peppermint.  For about a week, I put it on my stomach before bed. Sure enough, I slept great. However, one of the nights I used it, I got really sick. It was discouraging but reassuring at the same time. Often times when trying new remedies your body reacts in different ways. Then I found an oil called DiGize. This helps with stomach aches as well. I also have been reading about citrus fruits, as well as Ginger.

For about a week, I thought about it and decided that if this helps even one night a month, it is worth it. It is one night of sleep that I didn't get last month. I have 10 new remedies on the way to my house. I can't wait to start this new adventure and if you would like to start it with me, just let me know! Everyday is a new beginning, so take a deep breathe and start again.

The One

A year ago I asked Ben on our first date, a simple motorcycle ride. A year later I couldn't be more thankful for him, however he isn't my Prince Charming.

As a young girl I read books and watch movies about meeting the perfect man. He does whatever you ask, he buys you anything you want, spends every moment of everyday with you, and never complains. As a 22 year old, I finally accepted the fact that Prince Charming doesn't exist.

Ben isn't my Prince Charming, he is my boy in old blue jeans. He has taught me patience, made me laugh when I am sad, and loved me on days I don't deserve it. He isn't my Prince Charming, he is the one that God made for me.

And he is the one.

Aren't You Done Yet?

Every few days I am asked the questions "Aren't you done with school?" "Why aren't you graduating on time?" "When do you graduate?" I will try my best to answer these questions and maybe a few others you may have.

After 1 semester at North Central University, I decided I wanted to go to Bethel. In the transferring of schools, Bethel failed to approve my Financial Aid. At that point, I took a semester of college off. This is why I won't be graduating in 4 years.

After the semester off, I went to St. Cloud State and graduated with my Associates Degree. Now I have been at Wilmington University for almost a year. This Summer I will take 4 classes and then in the Fall, I will take 4 more. Technically I only have 6 classes but to take a full load, I have to take 4 each semester because I can't take 6 in a semester. The two classes I will take in the Fall will apply to my Masters Program, when I decide to go back to school.

If everything works out as planned, which I have learned doesn't happen often, I will graduate in December 2015 with a Bachelors Degree. My time as a student has been the most stressful, yet rewarding 4.5 years of my life. Through medical problems, moving across the country, and FAFSA, there hasn't been an easy semester.

Since day one, my family has been by my side cheering me on. I am also thankful for the late night talks with Amanda. Whether I call at 5 am while commuting or midnight to have her read through a paper for me, she has done it without hesitation. I also couldn't have done this without God. Isaiah 58:9 is my life verse and it has applied more than ever when I look back on school, "Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I."

Easter 2015

I absolutely love Easter. Seeing all the kids on Sunday morning in their cute dresses and suits. Looking through pictures on Facebook, I couldn't help but notice how perfect everyones pictures were. Ben and I took a picture and later posted it to Facebook. We may be smiling but this Easter was rough.

The night before Easter I slept a total of maybe 2 hours. I spent a good hour laying on the bathroom floor and another 3 sitting up in bed. My stomach was churning all night. The next morning, I was supposed to be on worship team at church. It was the first Easter service in the new building and everyone was excited for what God had planned. I called my mom in tears and told her that I was sick. I asked what she thought I should do and she told me to give it one hour. In that hour, I was so disappointed. "Why was this happening to me today?" Satan was getting to me somehow and it was killing me. I decided to pray and just think.  I finally came to the conclusion that if I didn't try, I would lay there and think about what  I would be doing at Church if I would have gone. I finally decided, I needed to at least try. After singing in both services, I didn't feel completely healthy but I knew that only one person got me through the morning and it was the same person that I was singing to and worshiping all morning.

Needless to say, I love the picture we took on Easter even though I was feeling sick and Ben's pants were too small. This Easter I have learned that Satan can attack even on the days we celebrate what Jesus did for us on the cross. I also learned that you try on your Easter clothes prior to Easter morning. I hope you were blessed this Easter.

"The greatest day in history, death is beaten, you have rescued me. Sing it out, Jesus is alive! The empty cross, the empty grace, life eternal, you have won the day. Shout it out, Jesus is alive!"

Why I haven't Blogged in 2 Months

It has been two months since I last blogged and it's been far too long. After my last blog, I packed up my car and started the trip back to MN. Since being back, I felt like I have barely had time to breath...

When I got back to MN, I immediately moved into a home with 4 young children. It is definitely different than living with two working adults. Every morning I am greeted by little feet coming in my room, turning on my light, and asking, "Nana, are you awake yet?" They are by far the best wake up call ever. Due to early mornings, most nights end pretty early. I tend to find myself in bed no later then 10pm, which for a full time college student is rare. I wouldn't change a thing about my living situation, it is perfect. 

While still in my Senior year of college, I'm still enrolled in 18 credits and overwhelmed as can be. I try and find a couple of hours here and there to work on school work but with kids asking if they can help, it normal ends up piling up and getting done Sunday, minutes before it is due. Everyday I am learning something new and am getting more and more excited to start a career. 

God has a funny way of opening up doors. Less than a week ago, my school told me that if I complete a 15 week internship, they will give free college credits towards my degree. The key factor was that I had to start it by February 9th or I wouldn't get done in time to start Summer classes, which wouldn't allow me to graduate on time. After a few calls and emails, New Hope Community Church decided they would take me under their wing for 15 weeks. I couldn't be more thankful and excited to start this internship on Monday. 

As these next few weeks approach I ask that you keep me in your prayers. My classes are done in 4 weeks which means finals are just around the corner. Please pray that I don't let the stress of school interfere with my relationships around me. Often times when I'm under a lot of stress, I take my frustrations out on the people I love the most and this is something I, personally, need to work on.  Also please keep my internship in your prayers. I will be working part-time as a PCA in addition to a 20 hour internship. Please pray for time management. Lastly, I have a doctors appointment February 19th. My stomach has been on the fritz these last few weeks and it is making me nervous because it has been almost 2 years since my last major episode. My new meds have been working up until these last few weeks. Please pray that simple tests will show a simple answer.

God is so good. These last two months have been a struggle but God gets me through every trial and through every trial, there is a lesson to be learned. Find joy in every situation. Whether it be a stressful day at work, a misbehaving child, or a broken down car, God will make something good of it, I promise.