A Fantatic Friday!

I am back at Harding! This week has been hard in multiple ways, but very healing. Two people I know have passed to go be with God. Mr. Bosco has been a good influence to me and many others, I always remember him from when I was little at church. I have never said this to anyone, but I really look to the relationship he and his wife had as an example to me that I would like to reflect. Also a cousin passed away from a fight with cancer. Shawna seemed like such a joy to all that knew her, unfortunately I did not know her as well due to age and distance (they lived in Kansas City). But I have confidence where they are now, and that's a beautiful thing. It has gotten me thinking about a lot of many things. God's peace, His love, and the place He has for us in heaven. And I think importantly giving it all to God: "I surrender all to you, all to you." This is part of a song that I have heard before by this random youtube guy that sings praise and worship song. I found him a few years ago and kind of forgot about him in the past year. I'm glad I thought of him again!

Other news. I broke down on my way to Harding, just minor car troubles. A fantastic couple helped me! And Kayla passed by and helped me by following me the rest of the way to Searcy! A double blessing. Classes and homework is going well, not too much to do this weekend!! I made a paperbag puppet with Tyler, I was glad to be spontaneous once again. I am uplifted to see all my friends again. It just has been awesome. This week of chapel was amazing for me, we just read Mark. God spoke to me in many ways; of which I would love to discuss, but I do have class soon! But all is well!

Where my Heart Lives

I am home in Rolla! I pulled in early evening on Friday, I missed home very much. The drive from campus was spectacular. I sang (loudly) basically the whole way, and then I prayed. Turning off music and literally talking aloud to God is one of my favorite things about the drive. I really keep on track and am thinking as I go along about what to say next. I feel joy, the true God-given joy that goes beyond comprehension sometimes for me. Before I came home I did make a stop, and Emily and Jeremy's house. That nephew of mine came running and laughing. Again I felt and saw joy from seeing people that I care and love so deeply. God's love has changed my view and the way I love the past couple of week, really days. It's an overwhelming love. I felt it again when I got home to my parents. I was tired by the end of the night (well it was not yet 10 when I made it to my bed). I'm glad for spring break. I'm so on fire and on a spiritual high that I get to see what I do with it while I'm at home. So far it's a lot of talking, really talking with people! My best friend put up with me for a night and we got to talk some. It is a great thing.

But at the same time I miss people. Everyone at Harding! I know it is ridiculous, it has been two days! Break is only a week so it will fly by and I'll be back with all those lovely people that have challenged me, loved me, and have encouraged me in my walk with God. I just hope that they all have a fantastic time as well, and we will meet again soon. So I am happy to be home, my heart is torn, and I'm okay with this. My love is spread everywhere now. From the best friend Tyler that is in New York (please stay safe), Azel who is all the way in Italy, to even Kayla whose only 15 miles away. And who is newly engaged to Joshua!!
Anyways, I'm just saying there is a lot of conflicting emotions for break, but I welcome it gladly.

You're Gonna Need a Bigger Boat

***Mom: Yes I did make a Jaws reference, be proud, you raised a good daughter. I refer to this because it has been raining like crazy for the past couple of hours.
I again send deepest regrets. I have avoided updates on this blog for some time now. Some of you guys have been nagging me about it. So I have decided to stop being apathetic and update! I have only three days left of school before I will be driving home! I cannot believe how fast this semester has flown by. It makes me think of my Grandma Dorothy how always said, "The years fly, but it seems the days go slow." During the days it seems time just inches by, but now that I think about it, I've been here for 9 weeks! Again, I just am in denial that it has been that long. School has been challenging but still very good. Over break I have to do some homework, including shadowing a nurse at the PCRMC for a day. As you all can guess, I'm excited for this. My nursing professor also spoke with me individually about shadowing at a cancer clinic in a nearby town close to Searcy. We shall see what happens. My friends are all well, and it's kind of funny how much I will miss them over break. It's just one week, but that tells you of the bonds I have made. I think of one of my favorite songs....
1. Blessed be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like that to that above.

2. Before our Father's throne
We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one
Our comforts and our cares.

3. We share each other's woes,
Our mutual burdens bear;
And often for each other flows
The sympathizing tear.

4. When we asunder part,
It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again

It is a comforting thought to have such close relationships with people. But don't worry, I do deeply miss all of my Rolla family. The WINGS conference was two weekends ago. I was thrilled to see the group of ladies (and of course George) for that brief amount of time. It did my heart good.

**Just a disclaimer for all of the Rolla people. I will be home ALL week next week, so give me a call and I'm sure I should be able to visit with you all!

Spring Sing practice is fantastic, we are almost completely done learning all the dances to all the numbers. I hope some of you can make it, it will be worth you're time.

Other exciting things I have done recently....

I had the utmost priviledge to watch the Wind Ensemble perform last week, I loved it. Music is amazing.

Two of my friends had birthdays this past weekend. It was a fun and silly time celebrating Bailee and Megan's birthdays. Too many memories!

Yesterday in my nursing class I got to tour the Skills Lab. It's set up as a simulation clinic and hospital ward. The experience was interesting, I got to practice my CNA skills and assess a "patient", a manequin. But it was a simulated dummy that had programming that would give you feedback. I did not know this, and after I introduced myself this dummy started coughing loudly! I was rather confused and (naturally) preceeded to laugh loudly!

I'm still trying to imagine what is going to happen with nursing school and thereafter. It's a beautiful mystery where God will put me.

As always, some updates with pictures!

Spring Sing (we're trying to stage ourselves) emphasis on trying!

Candid Shot!

We normally warm up with awesome games! We did chair races that night!

I can never take a normal photo!

Julie with her new hair color, and Tyler with his new haircut!

Look Jenna there are other people that aspire to be trekkies!

Thoughts on Psalm 16

I felt the need to update again, since I have been doing such a poor job of it lately. For now I will have to keep it brief. In the meantime, verse 2 stuck out to me the most. "I say to the Lord; I have no good apart from you." True goodness is only obtained through God. Today, there are many good things I see from God. New people in my life that I have been able to reach out to have been a very good thing from God. It's amazing to see Him at work; through others and myself.

My Sincere Apology

I have not posted in almost a week! Sorry to leave you all in the dark. And there has been a lot that has gone by. I have integrated into another group of friends. I feel so loved and encouraged!  Valentine's Day was amazing, thanks to all of you who sent me things in the mail. I felt so happy hearing for many of you back home. I do miss you all! Tuesday was an interesting day for me. I got sick. So sick that my friend Tyler had to take me to the Urgent Care. I was given antibiotics for flu-like illness (I tested negative for the actual flu thankfully). I had to wait a while for my perscription to be ready and some of my newer friends took care of me in the mean time. It was so nice of everyone. My fever was above 101 degrees, but luckily I didn't feel so bad. It was funny I got some hugs before I went to bed and they all could feel my body radiating heat. Again thankfully the Lord has given me quick healing! I am almost completely back to normal aside from sounding slightly congested and a small cough. The weather every day this week has been so fantastic. God has blessed campus, everyone seems to be in high spirits recognizing God's blessing. Now to tell you all of my newer friends that have graced my life. My amazing roommate Jessica (who plays the piano so beautifully I have not heard personally another person that compares to her) and seven other friends have welcomed me into their circle! The majority of them are in band and the others are just lovely too. We have met together in the Shores prayer chapel the other night and had talked long about our individual walks with God. I have instantly clicked spiritually with a few of the ones so far.
I need to tell you of Claire. She is a girl from Oiltrough Arkansas and my twin! We do resemble each other outwardly, but also in spirit. We had a heart-to-heart on a Harding swing on Wednesday before church. Another great blessing; and as of today I had the great honor of talking with Michael on my break. We talked of our changes in our faith God has brought to us for the good. It's awesome being a Christian and having others to talk to!
The others are amazing and sweet as well, and I cannot wait to get to know everyone more and more.
I'm working of a project in nursing that I absolutely love! It's about the field of nursing that we potentially would like to work in. I feel a incliniation to work in Oncology. I feel a lot of good work can be done for the patients and family affected by cancer. And hopefully I can be an inspiration as I practice and do the Lord's work. It's very fun getting ready for life!

Sunday afternoon cleaning, with crazy gloves from my Aunt

101 Fever Courtney!

Today....I look and feel much better!

The Lazy Weekend

There has been much activity in this last week of school. On Wednesday, Harding was hit with the famous "snowpocalypse", classes were cancelled that day, and Thursday, and we even had delayed classes on Friday. Yes I did participate in a campus-wide snowball fight on the front lawn. I also napped, and watched a movie. But just in case for the prospect of classes I did hit the books. The time off was very much needed for me. This week was exam week. But instead it turned into Exam Friday. It was just fine though; I retained all that I learned and I'm happy to report....that I passed all of my four exams with flying colors. To be exact flying colors with the letter A written on all of them! So this weekend I am taking a nice break. There still is some homework that is being done...eventually. No, I still will ever be the productive student until the day I graduate. But this morning has been what is called a lazy day. I got to enjoy the Pied Pipers show, and also just hang around with friends. It is nice to just take a nice relaxing break from time to time! And today the weather is fantastic! I am wearing a t-shirt with no jacket and am LOVING it!

Kick it in to Gear

The lovely Kendra and myself!

This week is exam week! I was very productive this weekend studying for all my tests. Today is the calm before the storm. But God has put my mind at ease and I'm ready for this! The weather is very bleak today, as much as I hate to say it I really hope that it does not snow. I'm ready for green and spring. I will just have to be content with how it is now and find joy in that. I again have Spring Sing practice tonight, I am very excited. It is so much fun the hour I have with new friends, dancing and preparing for the show. So yes anyone that is not busy with LTC (which I will deeply miss this year) should consider making a trip down to Searcy Easter weekend for the show. I can tell it will be amazing!

I cannot think of a Creative Title this time...oh well.

It seems that I have established a routine now! It's a good feeling, I like it for the most part. The work load has obviously picked up, but I am still loving each class session. My bible may secretly be my favorite class, I am learning so much about the Bible. And more importantly I am seeing ways God has used me and currently what His plans for me may be. It's an exciting mystery. In Bible we always sing a song or two. Today (I was accompanied by the lovely Joshua Adams, he is down for a visit) we sang "Sing and be Happy". I truly think that the chorus of this song is what we need to do as Christians.
"Sing and you'll be happy today, press along to the goal. Trust in Him who leadth the way, He is keeping your soul. Let the world know where you belong, look to Jesus, and pray. Lift your voice and praise Him in song, Sing and Be Happy Today!"
Isn't that just awesome! This truly makes me happy! Also I this week I am learning other lessons, I love my friends here! They all care honestly for me as I do them. God is good.
Other updates....
My grades are doing really well so far, and studying is conviently done. I love my Harding bed now, I am very used to it. I also auditioned for Vocal Track in Spring Sing....and made it! It's a good day; but it is always a good day when we realize it's a blessing from God.

What I look like as of Saturday, sorry I look goofy, I always do!

The Julies!

The Beauty of the Lord

I am sitting at my lovely desk listening to my roommates music with the window open. It is a fantastic day. The weather is very off for a January day, but a very pleasant gift from God. I had the chance to go to the front lawn and study on a swing. I felt very content rocking and reading about the inner workings of medical dosage calculations. And this is a truthful statement. I also have an assignment in my speech class; and introduction speech about another person in the class. I was partnered with a junior that has travel to many places for mission work. It was really nice to sit down and really get to know a person that I've never met. It made me remind myself that I need to be more like Jesus. Take time and know people because they are loved by God. Everyone's important. So smile at a stranger today and take time to really ask how a person is doing. Show that you care. You will feel better about yourself!
Also I am in the midst of Spring Sing pratice! Regina and Chi Sigs are doing the office, and our pratice was themed wacky tie day! There where many funny ties at pratice!

I know we look a little crazy...but when you try to teach two terribly coordinated people how to dance, it gets really crazy!

Well...

I'm on my three hour break! Yahoo! Luckily I do not have that much to do! I am just thinking I do miss every one of you; but I really miss my nephew Isaac right now! The entertainer.
Also I am doing Spring Sing with Regina and Chi Sigs! It's gonna be great!

My Other Half

My first Monday in short was interesting, as in crazy!! Tyler got way sick, as in he had such bad/crippling pain in his spine that he (sorry to be graphic) threw up and almost passed out a couple of times. No worries I still made it to all of my classes got all i needed done while taking care of the invalid. But extremely glad to report that he is on the mend. It is also Julie Spears' birthday! I am blessed to celebrate birthday with a new friend. I throughly enjoyed my classes today. Psychology is so fascinating to me. My nursing class was great as well.

But this particular post is dedicated to one person and one person only.....my best friend.
Jenna Kay Light
Who is 17...today!!!!!
We're growing up! And I'm not quite sure how I feel about it.

This is my ode to Jenna's 17th birthday: 17 stories about our friendship...order of these stories is irrelavent.

1. Late night pictures....gross but funny!
2. I remember going canoeing at her grandparent's pond. We got stuck.
3. Narnia and the rest of the Texas trip.
4. Flour wars at camp. I don't why.
5. The reactions while visiting after one of her plays.
6. Shopping at Wal-Mart, at 7 in the morning.
7. First car trips together, when I first drove, then when she first drove.
8. The many many movie nights!
9. Endless discussions on which Pride and Prejudice version is better.
10. Water Party
11. All the animals that *almost hit the van. (Disclaimer....the animals always try to hit my car, I don't hit them or swerve)
12. Snuggling at camp when it's 37 degrees.
13. Crying together...it's very theraputic.
14. Every time I invited myself over!
15. Spontaneous adventures! <3
16. Buddah
17. All the amazing birthday parties/sleepover over the years. A-frame house, grape fight, new house, and other ones!

Love you! Happy Birthday Jenna Kay!!!

The New Family

The people of Harding are very open and friendly. The Graves family have so generous with their home and their food. We go a lot to study, relax, chat, and just have a home away from home. Last night we celebrated Julie P's birthday played catch phrase and watched The Sorcerer's Apprentice, which I tolerated with my awesome "thigh buddies" Tanna and Ethan. It was a fantastic evening! Lots of homework and studying have been done this Sunday afternoon, I'm fully caught up (I know that you Mom will love to hear that). I am looking forward to this week!

Have the Happiness of a Child

I wish I knew who did that, it was awesome!

Julie P in action!

Close range Tyler

Tana (fellow nursing major) and sweet Julie P

Blair making a snowangel

Julie Spears and my hair started to freeze!

She was on a mission...for Ethan.

We had people to hit all around us.

Fingers quickly turned cold.

Checking on my van!

It was a fantastic afternoon to play in the snow. Especially with a lot of friends, I love college!

Break...

I'm in between classes right now. It is day 2 of my offical Harding career, and so far it is going fantastic! Campus came alive Sunday and Monday when everyone else came back. I got to be with all my old friends and make so many new friends. Everyone is warm and inviting. My roommate finally came in and I am every excited for everthing we have in store together. I can honestly say that thus far I love my classes. They are all interesting. My math for nurses is going to be very easy for me and I'm excited. Chemistry will be interesting I loved it in high school and hope I remeber a lot to help me along. Today is my first day for my Intro to Nursing class at 2 and I'm thrilled to have it. My bible class in intimidating, Old Testament, but I am very inclined to challenge myself. Hopefully my routine will be established quickly but for now all the craziness is fun and new!! Thanks to everyone praying and remembering me, this is honestly the time of my life!

My new Place

It has been over 24 hours that I have been living in my home away from home. Sears 105 is a cozy little dorm with a lot of unseen space. My last night home was fantastic, dinner with some good friends, best friends over to spend the night (we obviously stayed up too late). I somehow managed to stumble out of bed to get ready, say goodbye to daddy, and then go! The drive was alright, the other girls slept most of the way there while i just sang along with my music. We got to the dorm got everything finalized before we carried the loads of loads to get everything in. It seemed like a LOT of stuff....it is but somehow it all disappeared! The drawers, desk, closet, and cabinet space is real deep. So that was a very pleasant surprise and reassuring to me. It all fit and I had a lot of fun to hang stuff up and get it all ready. I was very tired and hungry when my mom and my sister amanda (who surprised me with coming) took us girls out to chili's. We ate at an odd hour so we got a seat and parking spot very easily, a rarity in searcy arkansas. I then said goodbye to them all. I wasn't real emotional considering how tired I was. But I do miss them lots! It's quite on campus, only the new students and the RA's are here. Despite the lack of entertainment with people, it's nice to ease into this BIG change for me. And with the people that are here now I can actually have one on one, real, conversations with them.

I love my desk

Norman Rockwell calendar. I love Norman Rockwell

One of my favorite Rockwell paintings and other random stuff of mine.

My bed is raised a little it's nice and comfy.

The huge closets on the right bathroom on the left, also very spacious.

It's Great to be at Harding!

Excitement

I type this now with a van loaded up with my things and two of my best friends sitting enjoying last moments together for a time. I leave tomorrow. The day has come very fast, and now I am leaving home for Harding. Thank you to all who have supported me in any way, I deeply appreciate it. I will miss all of you, and look forward to visiting. But for now I am ready to go to my home away from home!

Donation!

My amazing Christmas present that my parents got me was a trip to St. Louis. Not just any measly trip, but one with a purpose of a medical nature. My mom and I went to the Bodies Museum. It's a traveling exhibit all about the human body. And what they use for the museum is actual human bodies. Yes, to most people it is creepy; but it was so interesting to me. Remember, future nurse! It was very uplifting at the same time. God is amazing, just look at ourselves. We are so intricate and delicate but amazingly strong. It is sad how people try so hard to disprove the Lord our Creator. Just look beneath your nose; rather look at your nose! (It is a very interesting organ). I've read this verse many times and since going to the exhibit:
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
(Psalm 139:14)
I ask of you to ponder that from time to time.
Oh and my mom and I asked each other what body part that we would donate to the exhibit.
Mom said her back (she has had some surgeries and most of her lumbar, lower back, region is mostly made of titanium now)
I would donate my chin.
I once was told by a dermatologist that people pay big money for my chin.
Lucky me.

A Reminder from a Friend

My good friend Kayla Ross, a future Nursing Major at Harding (she is a junior), has messaged me today. All that it was, "16 more days!" This of course refers to the amount of days that have to come until she and I will be together at Harding. It is getting very close, I have a lot to do in the meantime.

Also for anyone reading this please remember in your prayers the victims across the midwest that we're affected by the tornados on Friday. Luckily my family were unharmed completely. Unfortunately we know of people that have perished or have had a lot of property damage. God is good, all the time. And He will take care of us all, as He already does.