Update and Christmas

It has definitely been too long, and my mother reminded me of that enough this week to make me update! For anyone out there reading, sorry for the long overdue post.  


My semester ended up okay- finals were killer, but I survived. Now all I can do is think about how I have to do it all over again.  I just completed med-surg, pharm and OB and next semester I will have med-surg, pharm and a pain management class.  This will consist of 12 more clinicals, 12 more profiles (that are about 10-20 pages each), 8 more 6 am tests and many projects.  Honestly I'm just ready for it to start so that it can be closer to being over!  After next semester I will take one class in June, and 3 classes next fall.  Then I'll be done !!!! (for a little while at least lol, I don't know that I'll ever really be done)


Jason is still working at Liberty and Jersey Mikes on nights that I have to study or write profiles.  Some people ask how this year as been and can't believe that I am in nursing school and married, but it's been fine! We were talking yesterday in the car and although our life is not ideal right now, and we are kind of in survival mode, we both know this is not forever and we enjoy the time we do have together right now, and will be thankful when life is a little more consistent. 


Christmas....
My entire family was in Miami at Ashley and Ryan's house this year for Christmas.  The weather was GREAT compared to what we left in Virginia.  We were able to see sweet Grace sing with the children's choir at the Christmas Eve service, Kaylyn dedicated at church on Sunday and had fun just playing with those sweet kiddos.  Sunday after church Dad took Jason fishing, unfortunately Ryan had to fly that day so he didn't get to go.  I think they had a great time, he has been talking nonstop about it!  Not only did he get to learn how to fish, and catch BIG fish, he got to spend some great time with my Dad and I love that! Hopefully next time Ryan will get to go. Jason also got to fly with Ryan while we were there.  I know he is grateful for that experience and being able to see Ryan do his thing! 


After a few delays yesterday we are finally home.  I slept through both flights yesterday, fell asleep last night at 7 and woke up today at about 9:30.  I guess you can say I was worn out! I have all kinds of pictures  that I will update with a little later.  I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! 


More on our Journey later, 
Heather 

BAD bloggers...

We have been BUSY these last two weeks wrapping up the summer and getting ready for the school year.  You know everyone is back in Lynchburg when you have to search for a parking spot at night !!! Jason and i have had a great weekend! Friday he was able to come to the LCA football game with me.  It was a great night for the team, as they won against a local public high school, and the varsity girls did a great job cheering! Friday night football is just exciting! Saturday we both worked at 4, so until then we just hung out and played some games that we got for wedding presents.  This is the best entertainment we have without cable!   It really was fun to just be together! Today we went to church, got things done around the house and just got back from the movies.  This weekend was a great end to the summer! 

Tomorrow 

I start school again, nervous maybe, excited definitely.  I keep telling myself the faster it starts the faster its over.  Really I am just looking forward to learning everything, and being able to care for my patients to the best of my ability.  i know the Lord has great things in store, and I am just trusting in his plan for my life. 

A verse that I am clinging to this year-

Psalm 61:2

When my heart is overwhelmed; 

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

More on our journey next time,

Heather 

Jason's Birthday in Pictures & New Job

Happy Birthday Jason!

Jason's Birthday was on Sunday, but the celebration started on Saturday with his Mom and Rick in Charlottesville at The Melting Pot.  This is the 2nd year in a row that we have gone to the Melting Pot for his birthday! Sure missed my parents being able to be there too! 

Jasons mom Maggie, and stepdad Rick.

Present from his Mom and Rick!

Opening presents after church on Sunday.

He's a mess!!! 

We got to rest on Sunday which was great for a change, and then went to see Step-up in 3-D.  We love 3-D movies so it was great! 

Jason's New Job

Jason started his new job yesterday and thinks he is really going to like it! It seems like there are some great godly men working there.  We could not be more thankful for the opportunity.  I am definitely proud of him and the best part is that we actually got to have dinner together last night!!! First time in forever!!!! Hopefully I can talk Jason in to posting about everything- His side of the story- this weekend! 

More on our journey next time!

Heather 

Happy Birthday

Happy birthday Daddy Dew! 

 Ron, thank you for supporting Jason and I and loving and encouraging my husband daily.  You are a great dad! Hope you have an AWESOME day! 

We love you! 

Jason and Heather 

A Great Wedding Present

We received some AWESOME wedding gifts, however I would like to share one of our FAVORITES.  

...The Keurig B60...

Most days start with a cup of coffee- today: french vanilla, 

 and end with a Chai latte. Even Jason has been drinking the Chai!

More on my walk with the Lord:

This story was in the devotional yesterday.  Beth writes: "Imagine you've been living in an old RV so small you can't stand up straight.  There's clutter everywhere.  The lavatory smells, but you've gotten used to it.  Now imagine that you've been offered a brand-new home on a solid foundation with big closets and wide-open spaces.  You rev up the motor of the old RV and plow it right into the new living room.  A new place to call home! You settle back in your RV seat, take a deep breath and poise yourself to feel something fresh.  

But that breath tasted a lot like that old lavatory.  

In order to "overcome" the pit that you are in you must be totally free from it.  Many times people think that a new job, or new boyfriend, or anything new will solve their "pit problem", however they find that they have just carried that pit with them.  

Today Beth Moore had some great things to say about the pit, and how to recognize that you are in that place. 

You're in a pit when...

You feel stuck. You feel you can only have a kicking and screaming fit or submit.

You can't stand up.  You feel ineffective and utterly powerless against the enemy's attack.

You've lost vision.  The darkness impairs your sight. 

The pit you are in can cause you to feel ineffective against the enemy, and can ultimately cause the same feelings about the world itself.  The Lord has called us to proclaim his gospel to the world so that all might hear and be saved.  This can pose a problem when all they see is the pit you are in yourself. 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17

More on our journey next time! 

Heather 

THE beginning

This is our first real try at blogging so hang on and enjoy the ride. While talking about our blog last night Jason and I are excited to keep everyone update with our crazy life!  This is a great way that we can document this time in our lives, and one day look back at the journey God has taken us on.  We are also excited to share the how the Lord is working in our lives individually and together as a couple.  This will be a good way to keep us accountable, and hopefully encourage all of the readers out there. - stay tuned for Jason's blogs-

Post Wedding Update:

It has officially been THREE weeks since the wedding and we have been staying busy! The honeymoon was all we could have ever asked for.  We had a great time relaxing and eating- that's what you are supposed to do on a cruise right? I plan to upload some of our pictures from the honeymoon when I have the time.  We got back to Lynchburg on the 18th and I had just enough time to change gears and get ready for cheerleading camp.  I left for camp -Charlotte, North Carolina- that Tuesday the 20th at 6:30 a.m. Although it was hard to leave Jason, it was a great time for the girls of bonding, and learning about the Lord.  I am constantly reminded of how hard high school can be, yet these girls have a great opportunity to reach their school for Christ.  Be praying for them as this school year starts! 


Jason found out that he got a job at Liberty University and he starts next Monday August 9th.  Although we were very thankful for the jobs that Jason has had, we are thrilled to start a new phase of his working life at Liberty. Jason has been applying for jobs at Liberty for the past year, and although we would have liked for one of those to work out much sooner than this, we will have a new appreciation for his job having gone through this year. His new job will give us benefits, which is a huge blessing because the hotel would not, and will start paying for my school in the Spring. (I know my parents are excited about this part) Jason also wants to start his masters at Liberty and they will pay for this as well. He will continue to work at Jersey Mikes on the weekends, and a couple of times a week.  ( the days I will be in full study or profile mode) This will give us a little extra money, and give me some study time free from all distractions (yes my husband is a distraction lol). 


My Time with the Lord Recently:

I want to start by stating that I am a person just like you, full of flaws, and I do not claim to be perfect or to know everything. This is just my journey, learning about my Creator and my attempt at becoming more like Him.

I recently started a new study called "Get Out of that Pit" by Beth Moore and have had a great time of reflection on my life.  I want to start by saying that we serve a mighty God who is there through every stage of our lives, and I am so thankful for this! A lot was sacrificed when it came to planning the wedding, and unfortunately this included the time I got to spend with the Lord.  When I was able to take a few minutes, I was inevitably distracted by all that I had to do.  I cannot wait to dive back in, and learn more about my creator.  

Psalm 40- NIV

I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.³ He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. ⁴ Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. ⁵ Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.⁶ Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but my ears you have pierced burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. Then I said, "Here I am, I have come— it is written about me in the scroll.⁸ I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart." ⁹ I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, as you know, O LORD.¹⁰ I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly.¹¹ Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD; may your love and your truth always protect me.¹² For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me.¹³ Be pleased, O LORD, to save me; O LORD, come quickly to help me. ¹⁴ May all who seek to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace.  ¹⁵ May those who say to me, "Aha! Aha!" be appalled at their own shame¹⁶ But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, "The LORD be exalted! ¹⁷ Yet I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; O my God, do not delay.

It is interesting to think about how different "pits" may look in each of our lives.  Although they may be different, the God of the universe is there to show you the way out, and continually love you through the process. Beth puts it this way- 

"We will define pit this way: a pit is an early grave that Satan digs for you in hopes he can bury you alive.  Should you fall into it, make no mistake; he cannot make you stay.  Ironically, neither will God make you leave.  Like it or not, some things are simply up to us." 

WOW Beth continually talks about how the bible tells us to be content in our lives, but that a the pit is one place that we should not be content.  God has provided us with everything we should need to find freedom from "the pit", however, it requires us taking the initiative.  It is important that we not allow ourselves to be "comfortable" in the pit.  This can ultimately lead to "the pit being so close that you can't even see it"  This can be the case when people become complacent about their life, or have been in the "pit" so long that it has become their reality- a very dangerous place.  In order to effectively reach the world for Christ we must be "pit free." This requires action on our part to grow and learn about our Lord and then to finally understand how our lives must change to then be "free".  Galatians 5:1 says " It is for freedom that Christ has set us free." I am excited to see how the Lord reveals Himself and His truths to me throughout this study.  


Sorry for the long post : ) Stay tuned for more of our Journey! 


Heather & Jason