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| Seriously, bad bad bad nurses... lol... so bad... |
Pray. Listen.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Study Do's. Study Don'ts.
Ok, so nursing has taught me:
1. How to study
2. How not to study
So before I begin on that, I want to encourage anyone who is getting into the nursing field to really try developing studying methods before coming; it will benefit you so very much. I never really studied at the college I went to, then again, my major was film and screenwriting, and you can't really put a grade to art. I will argue that untill the day I die lol. Anyways, I had to learn the hard way and am still learning how to study, so here is some advice that I can pass along. Hope this proves to be a blessing.
Do's
1.a. Pray and do devotionals!!! Seek God first friends, the rest will fall into place. Martin Luther once said that when he had his busiest day, he prayed twice as long. Apply.
1. b. Remember, this can be done.
1. c. Expect it to be rough (ie, expect to study 8 hrs/day on non-clinical days)
1.d. Refer to 1a + b
2. NEVER procrastinate
3. Go to every study group you can
4. Study the material before going to study group so you can bring up questions
5. ASK QUESTIONS!!!!
6. Take amazing notes!
7. Google Images is your friend - print off pictures of body organs and explain in your own words what in the world is going on - pathophys woooo!
8. Give yourself about 30min-1hr after class to _____(insert fun activity)___ and then get studying
9. Study for only 2 - 2.5 hr blocks -- after that, your brain only picks up certain amounts of the material
10. Teach someone! You retain almost 90% (I think lol) when you teach another the material
11. Make a calendar/schedule now!
12. Don't freak out. You do your best, God does the rest (which in retrospect is most of it).
13. Make an FB class page -- that way you can share advice and notes with your classmates.
14. Realize that it's not about memorizing -- it's about understanding and applying in different ways critically.
15. Eat, rest, and exercise well. This will help you study so so much. You'll find yourself with more energy and drive to keep going.
16. Have fun with the material. The wackier the study method, the easier to memorize. I knew someone who made his medication list and characteristics into a rap. He earned the highest marks in the class.
there's more, but I'll insert later...
Don'ts
1. Assume the material can be put off for another day -- this isn't choir practice, this is nursing. On that note, don't assume period.
2. Get involved in too many extracurricular activities -- you will get burnt out. Believe.
3. Not study techniques before clinical - if you don't refresh, it will be hard to assess. :3
4. Wear Prada to class -- Seriously... that's all I'm saying. This will affect the studying of others as they wonder what you were thinking.
5. Not make friends. Your classmates are your 3rd family (1.real, 2. church), get to know them. They will help you.
6. Not eat before studying (your brain needs fuel). Oo! don't not eat after surgery too. --Dude, eat or you will faint. No joke. Then you'll prob bust a bone or your eye may fall on a syringe (what kinda hospital?) and then you'll be next for surgery. Word.
7. Pull all nighters. They don't work too well here; too many details to understand.
8. Study for hours on end. Study in blocks, help yourself out.
9. Not wash your uniform after clinical. The hospital is the most infected place in the world, do you really want to bring that to your home where there are kids or where you eat your food? Think about it.
10. Not read the notes. Read, highlight, re-write, bullet point, doodle on those notes!
11. Exercise, eat, rest in the same place that you study. Your mind needs to be around a different environment when you are giving it a break.
12. Take hour long breaks. This will be a temptation. Get a partner to keep you focused.
13. Get arrogant. Don't do it... say no to drugs.
14. Study with the tv on... Your brain can't handle that chaos.
15. Think that this advice is foolish. It's not, it's realistic. Not even exaggerating.
Ok, I know that some were a little like, wha? but believe me, they all affect your studying.
Remember friends, what you do in your free time affects your study time, and your study time determines how well you will do. Do your best. Believe me when I say sometimes it stinks to have to do our best, but certain times in life require us to flex those muscles, grind those teeth, and get done what needs to get done. It's called being a responsible adult. God bless you, will be praying for you. If you would like to add any advice that you feel is relative or if you have a specific prayer request, please, drop a note =)
1. How to study
2. How not to study
 |
| If only... If only... |
So before I begin on that, I want to encourage anyone who is getting into the nursing field to really try developing studying methods before coming; it will benefit you so very much. I never really studied at the college I went to, then again, my major was film and screenwriting, and you can't really put a grade to art. I will argue that untill the day I die lol. Anyways, I had to learn the hard way and am still learning how to study, so here is some advice that I can pass along. Hope this proves to be a blessing.
Do's
1.a. Pray and do devotionals!!! Seek God first friends, the rest will fall into place. Martin Luther once said that when he had his busiest day, he prayed twice as long. Apply.
1. b. Remember, this can be done.
1. c. Expect it to be rough (ie, expect to study 8 hrs/day on non-clinical days)
1.d. Refer to 1a + b
2. NEVER procrastinate
3. Go to every study group you can
4. Study the material before going to study group so you can bring up questions
5. ASK QUESTIONS!!!!
6. Take amazing notes!
7. Google Images is your friend - print off pictures of body organs and explain in your own words what in the world is going on - pathophys woooo!
8. Give yourself about 30min-1hr after class to _____(insert fun activity)___ and then get studying
9. Study for only 2 - 2.5 hr blocks -- after that, your brain only picks up certain amounts of the material
10. Teach someone! You retain almost 90% (I think lol) when you teach another the material
11. Make a calendar/schedule now!
12. Don't freak out. You do your best, God does the rest (which in retrospect is most of it).
13. Make an FB class page -- that way you can share advice and notes with your classmates.
14. Realize that it's not about memorizing -- it's about understanding and applying in different ways critically.
15. Eat, rest, and exercise well. This will help you study so so much. You'll find yourself with more energy and drive to keep going.
16. Have fun with the material. The wackier the study method, the easier to memorize. I knew someone who made his medication list and characteristics into a rap. He earned the highest marks in the class.
there's more, but I'll insert later...
Don'ts
1. Assume the material can be put off for another day -- this isn't choir practice, this is nursing. On that note, don't assume period.
2. Get involved in too many extracurricular activities -- you will get burnt out. Believe.
3. Not study techniques before clinical - if you don't refresh, it will be hard to assess. :3
4. Wear Prada to class -- Seriously... that's all I'm saying. This will affect the studying of others as they wonder what you were thinking.
5. Not make friends. Your classmates are your 3rd family (1.real, 2. church), get to know them. They will help you.
6. Not eat before studying (your brain needs fuel). Oo! don't not eat after surgery too. --Dude, eat or you will faint. No joke. Then you'll prob bust a bone or your eye may fall on a syringe (what kinda hospital?) and then you'll be next for surgery. Word.
7. Pull all nighters. They don't work too well here; too many details to understand.
8. Study for hours on end. Study in blocks, help yourself out.
9. Not wash your uniform after clinical. The hospital is the most infected place in the world, do you really want to bring that to your home where there are kids or where you eat your food? Think about it.
10. Not read the notes. Read, highlight, re-write, bullet point, doodle on those notes!
11. Exercise, eat, rest in the same place that you study. Your mind needs to be around a different environment when you are giving it a break.
12. Take hour long breaks. This will be a temptation. Get a partner to keep you focused.
13. Get arrogant. Don't do it... say no to drugs.
14. Study with the tv on... Your brain can't handle that chaos.
15. Think that this advice is foolish. It's not, it's realistic. Not even exaggerating.
Ok, I know that some were a little like, wha? but believe me, they all affect your studying.
Remember friends, what you do in your free time affects your study time, and your study time determines how well you will do. Do your best. Believe me when I say sometimes it stinks to have to do our best, but certain times in life require us to flex those muscles, grind those teeth, and get done what needs to get done. It's called being a responsible adult. God bless you, will be praying for you. If you would like to add any advice that you feel is relative or if you have a specific prayer request, please, drop a note =)
Monday, September 9, 2013
Vegan Recipe - Banana Wraps (Banana Burritos)
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| some good looking bananas |
Ingredients:
Banana, wheat tortilla, peanut butter (or almond butter), granola, and honey
Prep:
Take a wheat tortilla, and spread peanut butter on it.
Add the granola (be generous)
Place the banana on top, then drizzle honey on it (not too much)
Wrap like a burrito or an eclair...
Now you can either eat it like that or put it in the fridge to eat in like 15 minutes. Totally up to you. I personally like them cold, others like them room temp. Some like them hot.... hmmmm....
Nursing Life - By God's Grace
So, I realized that I haven't posted much about being a nursing student on this blog. My bad. LoL.
Honestly, its still shock value to me that I am actually in nursing school and on my way to being a medical professional. This career was always something that I wanted to avoid, but now that God has led me here, He's been working on my anxiety.
My number one advice for anyone entering into the nursing field is this: pray and listen. This is the title of the blog, and its been my slogan in all my decision makings so to say. When facing a difficulty (and nursing school is definitely difficult), I pray constantly. I pray about my study habits, my charting, my papers, my exams (you bet my exams), and about my conduct with my classmates and patients. And prayer is what? Anyone? 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3 "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and keep you from evil." Prayer is speaking to God on behalf of your life and His ability to be there for you and guide you. Now if you are having a direct conversation with God, then half of our part is listening. So pray to God, tell Him whats really going on in your life (He already knows so feel free to be honest), and then wait for Him to show you His will. Could be through a person, His word, a strong impression, providence.
I'll be honest, I'm not the best nursing student; I'm still learning how to study, I'm afraid of more than half of the hospital equipment, and its rare when I know exactly what to do. However, we serve an awesome God, who has shown us again how He can make leaders out of the biggest wimps, servants out of the most arrogant, and skillful workers out of those with lack of talent.
So leave it to God- pray and listen.
Honestly, its still shock value to me that I am actually in nursing school and on my way to being a medical professional. This career was always something that I wanted to avoid, but now that God has led me here, He's been working on my anxiety.
My number one advice for anyone entering into the nursing field is this: pray and listen. This is the title of the blog, and its been my slogan in all my decision makings so to say. When facing a difficulty (and nursing school is definitely difficult), I pray constantly. I pray about my study habits, my charting, my papers, my exams (you bet my exams), and about my conduct with my classmates and patients. And prayer is what? Anyone? 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3 "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and keep you from evil." Prayer is speaking to God on behalf of your life and His ability to be there for you and guide you. Now if you are having a direct conversation with God, then half of our part is listening. So pray to God, tell Him whats really going on in your life (He already knows so feel free to be honest), and then wait for Him to show you His will. Could be through a person, His word, a strong impression, providence.
I'll be honest, I'm not the best nursing student; I'm still learning how to study, I'm afraid of more than half of the hospital equipment, and its rare when I know exactly what to do. However, we serve an awesome God, who has shown us again how He can make leaders out of the biggest wimps, servants out of the most arrogant, and skillful workers out of those with lack of talent.
So leave it to God- pray and listen.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Canvassing Experience: The Odd Day
Canvassing Experience from Summer of 2012
So, day started off on a very hot foot. Our leader dropped me off on a stretch of houses facing a mountain. However, that mountain was not doing its job because the Sun was hitting me like nothing else, and the road was going up hill. Needless to say, I wasn't thrilled, but I set out anyways.
Well, first couple of houses, no one was home. I kept getting rejected and the Sun was blazing over me like nobody's business and I was beginning to feel my frustration spike. I hate hot weather; desert weather, humidity, Sun with no clouds = can't emotionally or physically do it. So you can imagine that on top of being rejected at doors, and I felt anger growing inside of me and resentment towards God. I felt like the Devil was whispering to me, "Curse God." Now I didn't actually hear anything, but that thought came to my mind.
And I praise God because as soon as that thought came I shut if off, took a breath and said "Lord, I'm really frustrated right now, but I'm going to praise Your name anyways because there is a blessing on this street." I then started singing a hymn (my favorite being "Do Lord" during canvassing). Honestly, if it wasn't for the grace and strength of God I would not have been able to do that.
So there I was, singing away my frustration, that Sun still on me, when at the very next house I meet a woman and her son climbing into a car. So I made my way quickly to them, smile on my face, and introduced myself. The woman was visibly upset about something, the son who was standing next to her looked miserable as well, and so I gave her the book Peace Above the Storm - a Steps to Christ Devotional. For about a minute they just stared at the book. They then suddenly opened up about their bird who had died that they had loved so much and they were shocked that the cover of the book actually had a bird on it. They then told me that they knew I was a canvasser because they had been canvassed last year. They then started telling me how much they love God, that He had sent me to show them these books and give them comfort, and it was just so beautiful to see their happiness. They introduced me to the father of the home and ended up buying three books!!! The most beautiful part about it though, was that I was able to pray for them and see God soothe this family.
That's not all though. The very next door, I knock on the door and chihuahuas suddenly go running out and I join the owner, a young girl, in trying to catch them. Little buggers... for stubby feet they're freakishly fast... So that was odd, but afterwards, the young woman started talking to me and I described to her the books. Her father, in the background, was anxious in me leaving, but she told me to wait because she was going to ask her mother. Next thing I know, I'm in the house canvassing to a woman on bedrest from having surgery. I introduced myself and showed her the books, and she ended up buying three! Very nice family, and I pray that the husband gives God a chance to be a apart of his life and show him how much He loves him.
Thats not all though lol. I was finished with that street so was moved to another one some blocks down - a much shadier street (by the grace of God!!!). First house, woman ends up buying Peace in Spanish which was an interesting conversation. But a couple of houses over, I meet a family (mother, two daughters and their two kids) drinking horchata on the lawn. Next thing I know, I'm drinking horchata and eating peaches with them as I'm listening to their stories and showing them the books. They told me how their husbands were atheists and how they were looking for a church to attend in the area that could give them and their husbands Bible studies. I invited them to one, and they ending up getting five books. I prayed with them and will continue to pray for them, their beautiful families, and their willing hearts.
In the evening, events went by really quickly that were just...odd. Firstly, I was offered chips that turned out to be lard (thank God I had politely declined), I ended up telling them I was vegan and they offered me tomatoes, but not really lol. Odd. I met a woman who used to be Adventist and ended up buying I believe Peace from me in quarters. And then the last house was just WEIRD. Last house of the night, and it was an older Hispanic woman who didn't want to buy books. Which was fine, so I asked if I could have a glass of water or water bottle instead. I was running that day, so Priscilla was thirsty haha. Anyways, she comes back with a glass of water that smelled like garlic (not judging) and had lukewarm water in it. Hmm. Well, needless to say I was thankful. I took a drink -- not complaining but that water was so gross - and I forced myself to take a few more sips out of politeness and then moved to give the glass back to her. With the most serious face and blunt tone, she said, "Finish it." ... O.o ... *awkward silence* ...So I ended like really forcing myself to drink the remainder of the water, and in my head I'm like "if there's a roofie in here, unlikely, the team is just across the street..." I gave the glass to her and she nodded, dismissing me to leave. So I slowly left, very confused at what just happened. Suddenly, her son just parked in the driveway, and I was able to talk to him and show him the books. He was super nice. Next thing I know he buys a cookbook and children's book! Wow!
Praise God!!! We all ended up shouting goal into the walkie talkies at the end of the night and our team leader was going to treat us to some Naked juice or Jamba, but they were all closed so we ended up getting stuff at a Latino food market.... It was an odd day, but full of amazing blessings and I had my dried mangos as a treat. =)
So, day started off on a very hot foot. Our leader dropped me off on a stretch of houses facing a mountain. However, that mountain was not doing its job because the Sun was hitting me like nothing else, and the road was going up hill. Needless to say, I wasn't thrilled, but I set out anyways.
Well, first couple of houses, no one was home. I kept getting rejected and the Sun was blazing over me like nobody's business and I was beginning to feel my frustration spike. I hate hot weather; desert weather, humidity, Sun with no clouds = can't emotionally or physically do it. So you can imagine that on top of being rejected at doors, and I felt anger growing inside of me and resentment towards God. I felt like the Devil was whispering to me, "Curse God." Now I didn't actually hear anything, but that thought came to my mind.
And I praise God because as soon as that thought came I shut if off, took a breath and said "Lord, I'm really frustrated right now, but I'm going to praise Your name anyways because there is a blessing on this street." I then started singing a hymn (my favorite being "Do Lord" during canvassing). Honestly, if it wasn't for the grace and strength of God I would not have been able to do that.
So there I was, singing away my frustration, that Sun still on me, when at the very next house I meet a woman and her son climbing into a car. So I made my way quickly to them, smile on my face, and introduced myself. The woman was visibly upset about something, the son who was standing next to her looked miserable as well, and so I gave her the book Peace Above the Storm - a Steps to Christ Devotional. For about a minute they just stared at the book. They then suddenly opened up about their bird who had died that they had loved so much and they were shocked that the cover of the book actually had a bird on it. They then told me that they knew I was a canvasser because they had been canvassed last year. They then started telling me how much they love God, that He had sent me to show them these books and give them comfort, and it was just so beautiful to see their happiness. They introduced me to the father of the home and ended up buying three books!!! The most beautiful part about it though, was that I was able to pray for them and see God soothe this family.
That's not all though. The very next door, I knock on the door and chihuahuas suddenly go running out and I join the owner, a young girl, in trying to catch them. Little buggers... for stubby feet they're freakishly fast... So that was odd, but afterwards, the young woman started talking to me and I described to her the books. Her father, in the background, was anxious in me leaving, but she told me to wait because she was going to ask her mother. Next thing I know, I'm in the house canvassing to a woman on bedrest from having surgery. I introduced myself and showed her the books, and she ended up buying three! Very nice family, and I pray that the husband gives God a chance to be a apart of his life and show him how much He loves him.
Thats not all though lol. I was finished with that street so was moved to another one some blocks down - a much shadier street (by the grace of God!!!). First house, woman ends up buying Peace in Spanish which was an interesting conversation. But a couple of houses over, I meet a family (mother, two daughters and their two kids) drinking horchata on the lawn. Next thing I know, I'm drinking horchata and eating peaches with them as I'm listening to their stories and showing them the books. They told me how their husbands were atheists and how they were looking for a church to attend in the area that could give them and their husbands Bible studies. I invited them to one, and they ending up getting five books. I prayed with them and will continue to pray for them, their beautiful families, and their willing hearts.
In the evening, events went by really quickly that were just...odd. Firstly, I was offered chips that turned out to be lard (thank God I had politely declined), I ended up telling them I was vegan and they offered me tomatoes, but not really lol. Odd. I met a woman who used to be Adventist and ended up buying I believe Peace from me in quarters. And then the last house was just WEIRD. Last house of the night, and it was an older Hispanic woman who didn't want to buy books. Which was fine, so I asked if I could have a glass of water or water bottle instead. I was running that day, so Priscilla was thirsty haha. Anyways, she comes back with a glass of water that smelled like garlic (not judging) and had lukewarm water in it. Hmm. Well, needless to say I was thankful. I took a drink -- not complaining but that water was so gross - and I forced myself to take a few more sips out of politeness and then moved to give the glass back to her. With the most serious face and blunt tone, she said, "Finish it." ... O.o ... *awkward silence* ...So I ended like really forcing myself to drink the remainder of the water, and in my head I'm like "if there's a roofie in here, unlikely, the team is just across the street..." I gave the glass to her and she nodded, dismissing me to leave. So I slowly left, very confused at what just happened. Suddenly, her son just parked in the driveway, and I was able to talk to him and show him the books. He was super nice. Next thing I know he buys a cookbook and children's book! Wow!
Praise God!!! We all ended up shouting goal into the walkie talkies at the end of the night and our team leader was going to treat us to some Naked juice or Jamba, but they were all closed so we ended up getting stuff at a Latino food market.... It was an odd day, but full of amazing blessings and I had my dried mangos as a treat. =)
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Hope
I haven't written a poem/prose (not to be confused with a song) in a long long time. Mainly for spiritual reasons, but I wanted to wait until I felt that it would be glorifying God and not myself. So, this is the first poem/prose I've written in a long time, its honest, it doesn't rhyme (sorry folks), and I pray that God is glorified and sin is recognized. I love all of you. God bless.
-Hannah
Today, I'm going to be as transparent as possible.... today, this week, this month, has been one of spiritual struggle as I see the way I used to be contend with who I am today in Christ... More often than not, I have lost the battle against my "old man" and I have no one to blame but myself.
Today, I'm going to be as transparent as possible.... I believe in a risen Savior who commands me to be transformed by the renewing of my mind. If He has commanded me to change, then it is He who has already given me the strength and the will to do so. I have but to surrender that will, that control which I so desperately think I have.
Today, I'm going to be as transparent as possible.... there's a part of me that doesn't want to let go of the world, and its the part of me that leads to behaving shamefully, thinking horribly, and desiring aggressively. To use other words would not show the true face of what lies in store for us when we do as we wilt.
Today, I'm going to be as transparent as possible.... I hate where my old life would lead me, as desperate as apart of me craves to go back, I hate knowing that that's not me. It is some manifestation of media, influence, confusion, and temptation mixed in one deceitfully beautiful package. Try as I might to lie to myself, I know that I would never be satisfied by that life, if you would call it that.
Today, I'm going to be as transparent as possible.... Honestly, all I want is to be gone from this sinful world, full of lies, full of selfishness and cruelty, and have my Redeemer come in the clouds to take me home. I desire nothing else than to see the face of my Heavenly Father and hold on in tight embrace to my Savior Jesus Christ. I long for Heaven, I long to be with my Lord. I long to love them more than I love anything else, and it still would not be what they deserve.
Today, I'm going to be as transparent as possible.... I no longer want to battle. I want to surrender. By God's grace, by God's strength, by God's love alone will I do so. Because though I long for Heaven, like Enoch, the Lord can put a love in my heart for solely Him now, and keep Heaven on my mind today and everyday.
Praise God, for He is giver and completer of Hope. So, to be transparent, I have nothing to fear as I surrender it all to Him.
-Hannah
Today, I'm going to be as transparent as possible.... today, this week, this month, has been one of spiritual struggle as I see the way I used to be contend with who I am today in Christ... More often than not, I have lost the battle against my "old man" and I have no one to blame but myself.
Today, I'm going to be as transparent as possible.... I believe in a risen Savior who commands me to be transformed by the renewing of my mind. If He has commanded me to change, then it is He who has already given me the strength and the will to do so. I have but to surrender that will, that control which I so desperately think I have.
Today, I'm going to be as transparent as possible.... there's a part of me that doesn't want to let go of the world, and its the part of me that leads to behaving shamefully, thinking horribly, and desiring aggressively. To use other words would not show the true face of what lies in store for us when we do as we wilt.
Today, I'm going to be as transparent as possible.... I hate where my old life would lead me, as desperate as apart of me craves to go back, I hate knowing that that's not me. It is some manifestation of media, influence, confusion, and temptation mixed in one deceitfully beautiful package. Try as I might to lie to myself, I know that I would never be satisfied by that life, if you would call it that.
Today, I'm going to be as transparent as possible.... Honestly, all I want is to be gone from this sinful world, full of lies, full of selfishness and cruelty, and have my Redeemer come in the clouds to take me home. I desire nothing else than to see the face of my Heavenly Father and hold on in tight embrace to my Savior Jesus Christ. I long for Heaven, I long to be with my Lord. I long to love them more than I love anything else, and it still would not be what they deserve.
Today, I'm going to be as transparent as possible.... I no longer want to battle. I want to surrender. By God's grace, by God's strength, by God's love alone will I do so. Because though I long for Heaven, like Enoch, the Lord can put a love in my heart for solely Him now, and keep Heaven on my mind today and everyday.
Praise God, for He is giver and completer of Hope. So, to be transparent, I have nothing to fear as I surrender it all to Him.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Heavenly Song - "Wedding Day" by Acappella
This song always brings me to tears, its just such a lovely song of the hope that we have in Christ Jesus. Can't wait to see you there.
ps I'm a deep believer in prayer and the power of it, and if anyone has a prayer request, let me know. I would be honored to pray for you and anything that is going on in your life.
Wedding Day
ps I'm a deep believer in prayer and the power of it, and if anyone has a prayer request, let me know. I would be honored to pray for you and anything that is going on in your life.
Wedding Day
Grace.Faith.Works.
So many times, we become confused with what the Bible says and certain terminology that is used over and over yet is failed to be explained good and properly. So today, we're going to talk about being Saved by Grace, Saved by Faith, or Saved by Works. As a Seventh-Day Adventist Christian, I cannot help but be saddened when I hear people who are not SDA say that we are a cult that solely believe in works. I cannot express how further from the truth that can be. As an SDA, we are taught to follow what the Bible says, and that is that we are saved by grace (praise God!), but that faith and works do play a vital part in our approach to that grace and our relationship with God. As you go through this study, I pray that you have not only a better understanding of my church and where it stands, but more importantly, on what God teaches in His lovely Bible.
Salvation/ Growing in Christ
- The first step to understanding salvation, is understanding redemption
- 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 There are two concepts: one, is this concept of Christ taking on our sin and the work God is doing for us, and secondly, this concept of dying to self
God’s Part
- Romans 3:21-26 For all have sinned, but notice that last part – there is redemption
- So the question remains: what is redemption?
- 1 Peter 2:21, 22; Gal. 1:4; 4:4-7- through His sufferings, we are made whole, we are made part of the genealogy of God!!! Do you see that? Now what does that mean?
- Illustration: I am the daughter of M and R – physically, I look like both of them, mainly my mom. In character, however, I’ve taken the loud social traits of my dad, and the artistic introverted side of my mom, and I battle with myself everyday, but that’s the character that I have through them. Now understand what God is saying is that like His Son, we can be heirs of His! So, putting traits and inheritance together, God’s character can be manifested in us.
- Sanctification: Hebrews 13:20-21 It is God’s will to begin a good work in you -- God is giving us grace by His Son – sanctify means to make holy. So when we are redeemed, giving our lives to Christ, He begins a sanctifying process in you.
- God is a true forgiver isn't He!
- Hebrews 8:7-12 God wants to make a covenant, a bond, a promise with us. Physical Israel wouldn’t do it, now God is looking at His spiritual Israel and saying I will write My character on your hearts and minds – the Law = the Character – sanctification is having the character of God
- Jesus – going to learn about His work in the Sanctuary later – reconciled us through His sufferings! – John 16:8-11, Col 1:13,14 Helps us to see our need for a Savior and for a relationship with God unaffected by the world around us. Does that make sense?
- So that we can begin to establish our characters with God
- Holy Spirit – 1 Peter 1:22, 1 John 3:24, Romans 8:14-17
- Through the Spirit we are born again and sanctified; the Spirit renews our minds, writes God's law of love in our hearts, and we are given the power to live a holy life.
- The Holy Spirit is like our care giver, until Jesus comes He is here interceding in our hearts to give God our entire being, and be servants one to another
- Us – in Romans 3:24, we saw that we were saved by the grace of God,
- This faith – Galatians 3:26– saved by faith (faith is the activator of the grace)
- Illustration: Blender and power chord – I am into natural medicines and I know that the shake I would make with the blender would make me feel better, make me feel healthier, lighter, save my body in a sense – but if I don’t turn that blender on, what happens? Nothing. Same thing here. God gives us that grace, but if we don’t believe Him, then your basically calling Him a liar, and pretty much saying that He can’t help you. So God’s grace is given to those who believe (who have faith) in that saving grace. If I don’t believe that Christ’s grace can save me, will it? No, because I’m doubting that God can have an active part in my life. Now where does works fit into all this?
- Works -- Romans 10:17; James 2:18,20,26
- we are not saved by works, but what we do directly affects us, and gives a reflection of faith.
- When you read a great book, you have a reaction and you tell people about. Reading God’s love letter and the best reaction is what we see in our lives – do, say, feel, etc.
- When I began to believe in the saving grace of God and realized just how much I love Him, I couldn’t help making changes in my life that glorified Him and not me. I went from eating meat to going vegan so I can be healthy and glorify God through my health (it was a slow, careful process though), I truly started to keep the Ten Commandments which God does ask us to keep if we love Him, and I began to dress more modestly because I wanted to respect my body and how I presented it to others. Plus, music, movies, don’t really care for anymore, because (for the most part) they do not glorify my Father in Heaven. Now do all those things save me, NO! We’re not saved by digestion, or by fashion, but what I do affects my faith and my relationship with God.
- By giving up meat and go towards a vegan diet, I have faith that Christ is going to provide for my nutrition, sustenance, etc - God cares about your body and your health, but we'll go over that later. My faith grows in knowing my God supplies my physical needs
- What about entertainment. In letting them go, I have faith that God will satisfy me beyond what media or culture can offer. Honestly though, to think that the entertainment industry doesn't affect your spiritual walk is putting yourself on dangerous ground. I know so many people that have a hard time even thinking about picking up and reading their Bible's because its not as exciting as movies or music. Honestly, it won't be as exciting unless you get to know Jesus and what Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit are doing for you right now.
- World and Me: We’ll go over more on this later– hit on relationships, music, movies, entertainment, words, dress, everything that we know what God has in store for us – which is ten times better than anything we can want
- Phillipians 3:7-14 – Paul counted everything dung that had to do with his life before Christ. Nothing in this life is worth anything more than a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.
- End Justified – Titus 3:1-7 through the Trinity we can have the victory
1 Thess 5:23
Can we allow God to sanctify us wholly and make us heirs of His kingdom? We
battle against flesh and blood but in Luke 17 God says He will guide in
treading on serpents so nothing can harm us, and we can take on divine nature.
Can we start walking by faith in grace?
Friday, March 1, 2013
Our God is Greater
Honestly, my music preference of choice is not the popular praise songs that we hear most often, only because I feel that they are too repetitious and should seriously try to give a little more to the listener, but something about the lyrics in the song "Our God is Greater" really sparks a note in my heart and in my mind, especially the chorus. Our God is Greater than anything, anyone, any obstacle, any enemy, any distractions, even our own desires and what we consider right and wrong. God is greater than all. That I just think is so powerful, i feel like leaving blank there: Our God is Greater than ____(blank)____ and if you could think of some great things to put into that blank that applies to you and you feel like sharing, then leave a comment. =) God bless friends..
CAPO 4
.
VERSE 1:
Em C G
Water you turned into wine
Em C G
opened the eyes of the blind
Am
there’s no one like you
D
none like you
VERSE 2:
Em C G
Into the darkness you shine
Em C G
out of the ashes we rise
Am
there is no one like you
D
none like you
CHORUS:
Em
Our God is greater
C
Our God is stronger
G D
God you are higher than any other
Em
Our God is Healer
C
Awesome in power
G D
Our God, Our God
Em
and if our God is for us
C
then who could ever stop us
G
and if our God is with us
D
then what could stand against
Em
Our God is greater
C
Our God is stronger
G D
God you are higher than any other
Em
Our God is Healer
C
Awesome in power
G D
Our God, Our God
CAPO 4
.
VERSE 1:
Em C G
Water you turned into wine
Em C G
opened the eyes of the blind
Am
there’s no one like you
D
none like you
VERSE 2:
Em C G
Into the darkness you shine
Em C G
out of the ashes we rise
Am
there is no one like you
D
none like you
CHORUS:
Em
Our God is greater
C
Our God is stronger
G D
God you are higher than any other
Em
Our God is Healer
C
Awesome in power
G D
Our God, Our God
Em
and if our God is for us
C
then who could ever stop us
G
and if our God is with us
D
then what could stand against
Em
Our God is greater
C
Our God is stronger
G D
God you are higher than any other
Em
Our God is Healer
C
Awesome in power
G D
Our God, Our God
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Ancient Words by Michael W. Smith
This is one of my all time favorite songs, especially when there's a harmony involved. Awesome song. The words are very powerful. The Lord truly used Mr Michael W. Smith to write such beautiful words to glorify the word of our Father in Heaven.
Link to instrumental: HERE
Ancient Words Lyrics
(1)Holy words,long preserved,
for our work in this world,
they resound with God's own heart,
oh let the ancient words impart.
(2)Words of life, words of hope,
give us strength, help us cope,
in this world where e're we roam,
ancient words will guide us home.
Chorus:
Ancient words, ever true
changing me and changing you,
we have come with open hearts,
oh let the ancient words impart.
(3)Holy words of our faith,
handed down to this age,
came to us through sacrifice,
oh heed the faithful words of Christ.
(4)Holy words long preserved,
for our work in this world,
they resound with God's own heart,
oh let the ancient words impart.
Repeat chorus:x4
(5)we have come with open hearts
oh let the ancient words impart.
Link to instrumental: HERE
Ancient Words Lyrics
(1)Holy words,long preserved,
for our work in this world,
they resound with God's own heart,
oh let the ancient words impart.
(2)Words of life, words of hope,
give us strength, help us cope,
in this world where e're we roam,
ancient words will guide us home.
Chorus:
Ancient words, ever true
changing me and changing you,
we have come with open hearts,
oh let the ancient words impart.
(3)Holy words of our faith,
handed down to this age,
came to us through sacrifice,
oh heed the faithful words of Christ.
(4)Holy words long preserved,
for our work in this world,
they resound with God's own heart,
oh let the ancient words impart.
Repeat chorus:x4
(5)we have come with open hearts
oh let the ancient words impart.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
A Bible Study on the Godhead
I do believe that the Trinity is one of the most complicated Bible Study subjects to do because we can never fully know about the Godhead. But I've heard a couple of good sermons, and have done Bible studies with myself and others and would like to present my findings with everyone. =) One of the sermons I listened to was by Peter Gregory and can be found here and it was a blessing to my understanding. This Bible study has been heavily influenced by the verses presented in that sermon. May God bless you, please pray before reading, and Enjoy.
The Godhead
- Some believe that there is one God playing multiple roles
- Metamorphing God/shapeshifter – sounds Pagan
- Some believe that there are three, but God the Father is supreme
- Say that the Holy Spirit is a product of the Father and Son, which isn’t Biblical
- Matthew 28:19 The great commission, Father, Son, Holy Ghost, so if the mission was to show others these three beings, we better get to know them personally right?
- To explain the Trinity perfectly would take around three hours, if that can be done at all, so bear with me
Three Ways to Explain Trinity
– Character, Job, Unity
- Genesis 1:26, “us” and “our” Since before our beginning, we see this multiplicity
- Godhead – is referred to in the Bible 3 times, and means Divine Being/ True Deity
- Acts 17:29 ( Romans 1:20, Col 2:9 look at later)
- So there is a body of Gods here right? So is God one, or many? Many
- we see many, so then we must understand them seperately. let's see if the Bible actually does that for us
Character
- Exodus 6:3 - Almighty /Self Existing
- No beginning or end, isn’t sustained by means related to us
- Isaiah 40:28 Creator
- Note the way that He describes Himself as “everlasting God, creator”
- So He cannot be created because He is the creator, goes with self existing.
- 1 John 4:8 God is love
- Everlasting, all powerful, self-sustaining, creator and is love. This is essential, you either have love or hate, 50/50 is not ok, and be sustaining and creating. Hate destroys, love creates and so HAS to be in order to self exist and create
- If I hated my best friend – I would cut things off with her. End of relationship. 00Take a marriage, when you’re in love you want to get married – creation. God calls himself a creator, by default, He is a God of love, by default, a creator. See the ring. But can love be fulfilled with just one?
- No. Ecc. 4:9,11-12 two is better than one, three is better than two
- So if He was by Himself could He fulfill love? No, because love always gives. And if there was no one to love but self, and you cancel yourself out. And then stop existing. So in order for Him to love, then there has to be another present in order to love.
- Need more than one in order to love
- Daniel 9:14 God is righteous (self existing, almighty, love)
- God is not a sinful person as we are. That would be like serving a human king who has flaws, makes poor judgments (no offense to David and Solomon), but they are not perfect, so God is righteous.
- In order for God to be righteous, there has to be at least three
- Proverbs 12:17 – so what is related to righteousness? Truth
- Jesus says I am the way the truth and the life
- All three can say that about themselves, they all say that they are truth, and so they are all righteous
- So how can someone, by Himself, testify himself to be the truth and to say that whatever they say is truth – you cannot prove yourself, however, God can because He is not only God, but because everything is justified in that He has witnesses. A witness can be one or two, but according to the Bible, one witness is not enough
- Isaiah 43:9 in order to say something is truth, you need witnesses, lets find out how many you need tho
- Deu 17:6 so one witnesses is not enough, you need at least two
- Matthew 18:16 in order to establish truth, righteousness, a word, need at least two/three witnesses
- So you have one, then two witnesses to back you up
- So God can’t go ahead and say, I am the God who wants the best for you, and us believe Him unless He has proof or witnesses of that. Henceforth, the two other members of the Godhead serve as a witness for that .
- So does the Bible say that they work as witnesses for each other?
- 1 John 5:7, Matthew 3:16 (at Jesus’ baptism, all there for baptism)
- So thru the character of God, do you see the importance of the Three – love, witness
WORK Seperately
- They are the same in being and character, consider that they all have slightly different roles…. God the Father is the giver, God the Son the gift, God the Holy Spirit helps you to experience the gift
- God the Father - Giver
§
Ephesians 4:6
– God the Father is above all
§
1 Chronicles 29:12
– God the Father has all power.
- Matthew 7:11, James 1:17, 0now are there any characters in the Bible that represent God? Abraham (Father of every nation) in Hebrews 11:17. John 3:16
- Jesus – the Gift
- John 1:14, 17:5 Is our Creator, OT Isaiah 48:12-13, Job 38:4-7, Isaiah 48:16
- He is and has been our mediator since the fall/ Reveal to us the character of God
- Colossians 1:12-14, 17
- John 4:10 (he refers to himself as the gift), Rom 5:17, 6:23
§
Luke 24:38-39
- The Holy Spirit – Experience. Giver/ Understand Helper
·
Such an active body of the Godhead – Gen 1 He is
moving
·
John
16:13 – Holy Spirit
speaks, and hears / Luke 12:12 – Holy Spirit teaches.
·
Acts
8:26, 29 – Spirit
speaks. Distinctly speaks.
·
John
14:25
The gift of the Holy Spirit is also a gift, but it is the gift to understand the gift
·
Ephesians
5:18 – a language that you need to
experience it by being filed with it, in other words, what is being filled in
us? Rom 5:5
So he helps us to be filled with the love of God, and when we’re
connected with that then amazing things happen
·
Mark
13:11
His role is to also enable us to speak – Acts 2
·
Rom
8:1 enables us to walk in God’s spirit,
not after our own flesh
·
Gal
5:25 helps us to bear fruit
o
He
convicts hearts. He intercedes Romans 8- In summary. The Holy Spirit gives us communication with God.
HOW THEY WORK TOGETHER
·
What about One
God one Glory? God is usually referring
to “Lord”, so when we obey God, we are not saying one God being, it means we
only need to obey one voice because they are in perfect unison – they do not
contradict one another – not chaotic
o
Deuteronomy
6:4
they are one in obedience
·
Godhead
worked together for our salvation.
o
Jesus, son of God Redeemer, born of the
Spirit, Sent by the Father.
·
2 Corinthians 13:13-14
o
Role
of Each
·
Philippians 2:1-2
o
God
is our example of unity.
Can we choose today to accept that the Trinity is Father Son and Holy Ghost,
all of whom love us, want to save us, and have a relationship with us?
The Ministry of Healing Page 1-42
One of the books I am reading, which is quickly becoming my favorite is The Ministry of Healing. If you are a Christian, no matter what denomination, if you believe in Jesus, get this book. I especially recommend this for those going into the health field. You see more how Jesus valued health in all forms while also how we can help each other be healthier with lifestyle. Most of the conditions we see in patients today are due to lifestyle choices, and if as (future) healthcare providers could understand more about keeping the body clean and stable, then we could more accurately and less hypocritically aid a patient in doing the same thing. You can acquire yourself a copy Here for about $2-5 and be blessed by the beauty in that book. I decided to share some of my thoughts to a portion of the book here below. Enjoy and God bless.
Reaction to Ministry of Healing 1-42
What I truly
appreciated about the reading was the sheer and beautiful focus that it had on
Jesus. His ministry here on Earth was so pure and powerful and I enjoyed
immensely how Ellen White described the way that He interacted with those
around Him. His attention to the poor and to those that may not have the most
or the brightest attention thrust upon them were to Him as precious as anyone
else, and when I read the excerpt, all I could truly see was that Jesus knew
how to love other people. That is such an incredible fact. In addition, His
manner was one that drew others to Him. White says, in page 23, “His
instruction was so direct, His illustrations were so appropriate, His words so
sympathetic and cheerful, that His Hearers were charmed.” Is that not how we
should be drawing people as well – in being joyful, sympathetic, full of love,
and confident in what our Father has promised that we draw all men to Jesus?
Since it is in fact His light that should be shining through us, I think that
would make perfect sense.
One other
thing that I found so essential that we can learn from Jesus is the communion
that He had with His Father. White describes how even though He knew that
people needed to be ministered, He did not neglect that necessary and desired
time with God the Father. Amidst school and the hustle and bustle of life, it
seems extremely important to never lose sight of the fact that we need to keep
prayer with God consistent. This is something that I struggle with because I’m
always running around, but Jesus was so much more busier and more popular that
I am yet He found it prayer important. I enjoyed the reading.
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