Missing Mt. Hood climbers

Hey everyone. I'm not sure if everyone has heard about the missing Mt. Hood climbers, but if you could pray for them and their families, I would appreciate it. There were three, and one has been found dead, the other two are still out there, three nights since they've been "missing." I worked with one of them for years at Island Lake camp, and just want to get the word out so that we can pray. This is the latest article I found from the Oregonion. http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/12/ground_search_for_missing_mt_h.html

moving forward

Honeslty, there's so much that has happened that I want to share, that I've been dreading writing another post. Well, let's just say I'm learning some incredible things about the Lord's attributes and personality. First of all, He does delight to hear and answer the prayers of His children (which we all know we doubt at times). It's hard to explain the joy when you've been repeating specific prayers, and, right when you need it, the Lord gives you specific answers. Afterwards, when the dust settles, I find myself speechless and, well, happy. Some of you might know how absolutely terrified I am to be doing what I'm doing. I often feel I would be more likely to dock a space shuttle on an orbiting space station than succesfully treat and care for the patients I meet in the ER or on the floor. What I'm trying to say, is that I feel like the Lord has called me to the one profession that terrifies me more than any other. I don't know how many countless hours I've spent thinking of what I would rather be doing and where I would retreat to find comfort and ease. So, this profession makes sense, since it's forcing me to trust and depend on His grace for each day. During my first 8 shifts on my own, I was called in three times, rode on one cardiac ambulance transfer and one pediatric transfer to Spokane, assisted with two intubatutions (one on my first night), flew out my last serious ER patient, and was just asked by my boss to become the Infection Control nurse. AHHHH! I say this to show how His strength is made perfect in our weakness I've never been so weak. I've never felt so helpless as when I transported a young child to Spokane with his dad riding along. The whole time my mind was racing with what I would do if he suddenly deteriorates. It was terrifying. I would take an unstable adult cardiac patient any day over a sick child! Ironically, during school the two areas I had NO interest in was the ER and pediatrics, and now I'm expected to do/know both. Hence the lessons on God's grace and sufficiency. I've learned that my fears (at times debilitating) stem from trusting in myself (which should scare me), but it's really as simple as surrendering to Him and living as an extension, as His hands and feet, not my own. This may sound very elementary to many of you, but it's a totally different thing to learn it in real life, day by day. By His equipping, I'm doing things that I really never thought I could, and the staff (including doctors) have really welcomed me and I've learned most of the ropes. I keep thinking about all the Old Testement stories of Isreal defeating armies exponentially larger than them, because the Lord did it, He gave them the victory against all odds so that He would recieve the glory. I love it! The transition from west to east has been harder than I expected. I think it's a combination of several things. With working nights (which I LOVE) and it being winter, it's always dark and I'm often alone since I'm up so late. Also, I simply miss being around people my own age! I didn't realize how I took everyone for granted until I don't have them anymore. At times I've felt absolutely miserable, but I feel the Lord telling me that this is only a season, it will get lighter and will only last as long as necessary. He is good.

in the begining

Well, I've done it, I FINALLY started a blog (much to Karlyn's dismay, it's only taken me three years or so...) Honestly, I've kind of dreaded it, but since I hate journaling, I think in the long run, it will prove to be helpful to me (even if no one reads it!) Anyways, here's a quick glimpse of life at the moment:
I've been at my new job now since October 6th, and life as a new RN is not a piece of cake. I still feel like a student, and jump a little when I remember I have my own license (those reality checks are too much sometimes...). Anyways, I've found that there are definite seasons in my life when the Lord seems to hide the future and kind of cloud the present, and just asks me to trust. That's it. I have the choice to trust Him or not, and as simple as it sounds, it's so hard! Everyday I think about where I would rather be and miss my previous hospital jobs, but the Spirit reminds me that He is doing a new thing, and I have to be willing to trust and move forward in His strength and wisdom. I know there's abundant peace and joy if I would only let go of my fears and trust. Ahhh! Have you ever felt so completely incapable of doing what He's called you to do, and nothing about your circumstances seem to make sense...? All I hope is that I can glorify and please Him, but sometimes I wonder... Well, one thing is for certain, I'm learning more here than I could've ever imagined. After a year here, my techinical skills should me second to none! I'll let you know how my first shifts go!