Monday, January 30, 2012
You + Quirks = Perfection
You: "The nature or character of a person"
The nature or character...who we are...perhaps we could sometimes also consider these to be known as "quirks"? These, quirks or personality traits often define who we are, and yet have you noticed how so many people often dislike them?
We recently had a new admit on our floor, but the strange fact was that the admit was not some 70-80 year old elderly person like normal but rather a 19-20 year old male. When I was first assigned to his section I panicked because to be honest I have always had a hard time connecting with people who are my own age. Now, to be clear and not make the wrong impression, my purpose for trying to be-friend him was not because I wanted to impress him. You have to understand that when people come to my work they tend to be a little down in the gutter and I feel it is my job in life to try and lighten their load by making them smile, laugh, or even by just meeting their needs in a timely manner. So later when I went into his room to get his vitals I felt like someone had stuffed cotton into my head because I was trying to be "cool" or "professional". The whole time it felt awkward and I felt like the conversation was strained. In the end I felt embarrassed, he seemed unimpressed, and I figured he could care less if I ever came back into his room. (Which my thought was: "How could anyone not like this awesome person?!" =P) Therefore, I visited his room as little as possible. Later, I asked one of the nurses if he was always so quiet and uninterested. She told me yes but implied that she had decided to go out of her way to be her 'quirky' self hoping to cheer him up. Now I am a goof...but I tend to like to mellow it down around people I don’t know because I fear people might think I am immature or retarded. But after talking with Roxanne I felt empowered and decided to just be me. Since then I have relaxed and learned to embrace, that once thought to be embarrassing, side of me. It has done wonders and I have noticed our conversations, although short, are now quite enjoyable.
So as I was driving home tonight, thinking about this, I suddenly thought of all my friends. How different they all were and how I loved them all very much for their uniqueness’s. It saddens me to think how many people try and hide their natural side, thinking people will like more if they aren’t themselves. The truth is though that we just need to learn to embrace our quirks and let God shine through them. Trust me you will be surprised at how many people are drawn to you when you aren't even trying.
Something else that crossed my mind as I was driving home was the idea of "clicks". Examples being: the jocks, nerds, band geeks, emo, Goth, cheerleaders, athletes...you get the point! When I thought deeper of what clicks really are and what they do I suddenly felt sad because I realized that people who are in clicks are depriving themselves of growth because they aren’t allowing themselves relationships that are with people different than they are. Yes, someone else's characteristics might seem different...but that isn’t always a bad thing. About 6 years ago I met my really good friend Jordyn in math class. She was a nice girl but I never fathomed the idea of becoming close friends. When I talked with her at school she was nice but sort of had dry humor that I didn’t understand. Thinking back now it makes me laugh because that "quirk" I wasn't so sure about before is now one of the special things I cherish about our friendship. We are very good at creating joy out of dry jokes. But I thank God for opening my eyes to the beauty of those characteristics, because I could have lost the chance to get to know an extremely awesome girl and could have lost an incredible sister in Christ.
So today I just want to encourage people to embrace their quirks and learn to look for different characteristics in other people that we find intriguing. Because, you never know whose day you might brighten; or if the possibility of a lifelong friend is just a few ‘clicks’ from you.
In short: Stand tall. Be proud. Be YOU
.
Verse: "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'" - 1 Samuel 16:7
The nature or character...who we are...perhaps we could sometimes also consider these to be known as "quirks"? These, quirks or personality traits often define who we are, and yet have you noticed how so many people often dislike them?
We recently had a new admit on our floor, but the strange fact was that the admit was not some 70-80 year old elderly person like normal but rather a 19-20 year old male. When I was first assigned to his section I panicked because to be honest I have always had a hard time connecting with people who are my own age. Now, to be clear and not make the wrong impression, my purpose for trying to be-friend him was not because I wanted to impress him. You have to understand that when people come to my work they tend to be a little down in the gutter and I feel it is my job in life to try and lighten their load by making them smile, laugh, or even by just meeting their needs in a timely manner. So later when I went into his room to get his vitals I felt like someone had stuffed cotton into my head because I was trying to be "cool" or "professional". The whole time it felt awkward and I felt like the conversation was strained. In the end I felt embarrassed, he seemed unimpressed, and I figured he could care less if I ever came back into his room. (Which my thought was: "How could anyone not like this awesome person?!" =P) Therefore, I visited his room as little as possible. Later, I asked one of the nurses if he was always so quiet and uninterested. She told me yes but implied that she had decided to go out of her way to be her 'quirky' self hoping to cheer him up. Now I am a goof...but I tend to like to mellow it down around people I don’t know because I fear people might think I am immature or retarded. But after talking with Roxanne I felt empowered and decided to just be me. Since then I have relaxed and learned to embrace, that once thought to be embarrassing, side of me. It has done wonders and I have noticed our conversations, although short, are now quite enjoyable.
So as I was driving home tonight, thinking about this, I suddenly thought of all my friends. How different they all were and how I loved them all very much for their uniqueness’s. It saddens me to think how many people try and hide their natural side, thinking people will like more if they aren’t themselves. The truth is though that we just need to learn to embrace our quirks and let God shine through them. Trust me you will be surprised at how many people are drawn to you when you aren't even trying.
Something else that crossed my mind as I was driving home was the idea of "clicks". Examples being: the jocks, nerds, band geeks, emo, Goth, cheerleaders, athletes...you get the point! When I thought deeper of what clicks really are and what they do I suddenly felt sad because I realized that people who are in clicks are depriving themselves of growth because they aren’t allowing themselves relationships that are with people different than they are. Yes, someone else's characteristics might seem different...but that isn’t always a bad thing. About 6 years ago I met my really good friend Jordyn in math class. She was a nice girl but I never fathomed the idea of becoming close friends. When I talked with her at school she was nice but sort of had dry humor that I didn’t understand. Thinking back now it makes me laugh because that "quirk" I wasn't so sure about before is now one of the special things I cherish about our friendship. We are very good at creating joy out of dry jokes. But I thank God for opening my eyes to the beauty of those characteristics, because I could have lost the chance to get to know an extremely awesome girl and could have lost an incredible sister in Christ.
So today I just want to encourage people to embrace their quirks and learn to look for different characteristics in other people that we find intriguing. Because, you never know whose day you might brighten; or if the possibility of a lifelong friend is just a few ‘clicks’ from you.
In short: Stand tall. Be proud. Be YOU
.
Verse: "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'" - 1 Samuel 16:7
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
It's all about L-O-V-E
Hello All,
Yesterday when I was at work I got called out to the front desk by one of my favorite nurses. When I got there I saw her holding the hands of a resident I had come to know fairly well. The nurse looked at me and said, "Gerald feels like no one loves him. I told him that we love him but that I would get a second opinion. You are my second opinion." With his wife and son-in-law standing behind him I put my hand on his shoulder and said, "Gerald you are very important and we all love you!" Then I leaned forward and gave him a hug, causing him to burst into tears. Holding on to me, he whispered, "I love you too".
At the beginning of last year I came to the realization that religious faith was too complicated to follow. So I metaphorically dropped what I believed altogether and God brought to memory Mark 12:30-31, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’There is no commandment greater than these.” Since then I have been learning how to just love God and love people. And as I do, I realize that I have more of an impact on people than I did trying to debate them and convert them with knowledge. I think it is so beautiful, the simplicity of this small act, but the power and influence that abides with it as well.
So my encouragement today is that you would go the extra mile and love on everyone you meet. Compliment their hair, shoes, smile...whatever. Let God use you to be a vessel in helping them know they are loved. God loves them more than we can comprehend and it is His desire for them to feel His love and hopefully turn to Him.
Blessings,
1 Corinthians 1:26-27 says, "Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong."
Yesterday when I was at work I got called out to the front desk by one of my favorite nurses. When I got there I saw her holding the hands of a resident I had come to know fairly well. The nurse looked at me and said, "Gerald feels like no one loves him. I told him that we love him but that I would get a second opinion. You are my second opinion." With his wife and son-in-law standing behind him I put my hand on his shoulder and said, "Gerald you are very important and we all love you!" Then I leaned forward and gave him a hug, causing him to burst into tears. Holding on to me, he whispered, "I love you too".
At the beginning of last year I came to the realization that religious faith was too complicated to follow. So I metaphorically dropped what I believed altogether and God brought to memory Mark 12:30-31, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’There is no commandment greater than these.” Since then I have been learning how to just love God and love people. And as I do, I realize that I have more of an impact on people than I did trying to debate them and convert them with knowledge. I think it is so beautiful, the simplicity of this small act, but the power and influence that abides with it as well.
So my encouragement today is that you would go the extra mile and love on everyone you meet. Compliment their hair, shoes, smile...whatever. Let God use you to be a vessel in helping them know they are loved. God loves them more than we can comprehend and it is His desire for them to feel His love and hopefully turn to Him.
Blessings,
1 Corinthians 1:26-27 says, "Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong."
Friday, January 13, 2012
Update on Life
Hello Everyone!
I know it has been about FOREVER since my last blog...sorry Daniel =) BUT!! I am here with a few updates on life.
A few months back in October I was blessed with the opportunity to work for Spectrum Health in their Rehab center, which I greatly accepted. My job could not be more ideal for my personality because I get to spend my whole 8 hour shift caring for others needs and listening to their stories and just showing I care. Who wouldn't be excited to be paid for that? It can be a lot of work and somewhat overwhelming, but the response of humility and gratitude that I recieve makes it all worth while. God truly knew what he was doing when he dropped that job in my lap. <3 One of these days I hope to post a few stories from work but I will get to that on another blog day! Aside from that I have been eagerly saving my pennies to go on a trip with Global Awakening to India in February! Everything is coming together beautifully and I can hardly wait to see what God is going to do through me, and also through the people whom we minister to. It is a curious thought but sometimes, (like at my job) we think we are the ones who are helping...but in reality...my patients are the ones who are helping me. They are teaching me to be what 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 says, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth." God is ever so gently rubbing at my crusty shell and creating me to be a better woman.
I could totally side-track right now which is my habit but I will try and stay focused ^_^....aside from work and my India trip I am trying to make time for excercise. I LOVE to RUN! Or be outdoors. I could seriously camp out in the snow for weeks and be completely happy...well...as long as I am warm =P So as of late it has been my hobby to try and get a run in every day. And occassionally go rock climbing at "Inside Moves" on 76th street. The people there are soo nice and will help you push yourself, while also showing you ways to improve. Hopefully I will be able to go at least once a week...now all I need to do is get my mom to start with me and I will be the happiest person alive. =) (I HOPE YOUR READING THIS MOM ;)Although today she did go outside and battle the snow with me for a walk/run! It was soo much fun! I dont really have a way of tying that one in with my verse of love so...I will add...LOVE does what others like to do just for their enjoyment sometimes.
Anyways I think that is all for now,
Blessings to you all this new year and hopefully I can finish the 4 other blogs I have started before the end of this year. =D
Courtney
P.S.- I would like to wish my beautiful friend Joy Besley and her new fiance' Ryan Garvelink Congrats on the exciting news of being engaged! You guys are such an example to the rest of us in how you are keeping your relationship pure before God. Blessings to the both of you as you plan for your wedding!
I know it has been about FOREVER since my last blog...sorry Daniel =) BUT!! I am here with a few updates on life.
A few months back in October I was blessed with the opportunity to work for Spectrum Health in their Rehab center, which I greatly accepted. My job could not be more ideal for my personality because I get to spend my whole 8 hour shift caring for others needs and listening to their stories and just showing I care. Who wouldn't be excited to be paid for that? It can be a lot of work and somewhat overwhelming, but the response of humility and gratitude that I recieve makes it all worth while. God truly knew what he was doing when he dropped that job in my lap. <3 One of these days I hope to post a few stories from work but I will get to that on another blog day! Aside from that I have been eagerly saving my pennies to go on a trip with Global Awakening to India in February! Everything is coming together beautifully and I can hardly wait to see what God is going to do through me, and also through the people whom we minister to. It is a curious thought but sometimes, (like at my job) we think we are the ones who are helping...but in reality...my patients are the ones who are helping me. They are teaching me to be what 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 says, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth." God is ever so gently rubbing at my crusty shell and creating me to be a better woman.
I could totally side-track right now which is my habit but I will try and stay focused ^_^....aside from work and my India trip I am trying to make time for excercise. I LOVE to RUN! Or be outdoors. I could seriously camp out in the snow for weeks and be completely happy...well...as long as I am warm =P So as of late it has been my hobby to try and get a run in every day. And occassionally go rock climbing at "Inside Moves" on 76th street. The people there are soo nice and will help you push yourself, while also showing you ways to improve. Hopefully I will be able to go at least once a week...now all I need to do is get my mom to start with me and I will be the happiest person alive. =) (I HOPE YOUR READING THIS MOM ;)Although today she did go outside and battle the snow with me for a walk/run! It was soo much fun! I dont really have a way of tying that one in with my verse of love so...I will add...LOVE does what others like to do just for their enjoyment sometimes.
Anyways I think that is all for now,
Blessings to you all this new year and hopefully I can finish the 4 other blogs I have started before the end of this year. =D
Courtney
P.S.- I would like to wish my beautiful friend Joy Besley and her new fiance' Ryan Garvelink Congrats on the exciting news of being engaged! You guys are such an example to the rest of us in how you are keeping your relationship pure before God. Blessings to the both of you as you plan for your wedding!
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