This week marked the end of the 2013 fall semester. My semester of 14 credits has not been an easy one. There were times when I was a bit too stressed or had my priorities mixed up. There were times when I had to drag myself to the computer and textbooks to start studying. Yes, I even procrastinated when I didn’t want to tackle a difficult concept, such as cellular respiration. There were times when I started to dream about the season ahead after finishing my nursing degree and finding my niche, not having to worry about school anymore.

But some of the best advice I was ever given was to enjoy the journey of life. To savor each season as it comes, not looking to the next in hopes that it will be better. It may be better, it may be worse, but that shouldn’t be our focus.

So looking back, this journey toward nursing has been an incredible road so far. Taking microbiology and physiology together helped to give me the “big picture” of how our bodies function on both a systemic and cellular level.

In my biased opinion :), I don’t think there is any topic of study more incredible than that of  God’s creation. There were moments when I just stood in sheer amazement of our Creator as I tried to wrap my mind around the design and order of the way God made us:

“For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.”
~Psalm 139: 13-14

I have learned so much and my passion for health and wellness only continues to grow. I praise God for His direction in my life, yet I want to continue to hold this with an open hand. It’s my prayer that I’ll be in a place where I can most glorify His name. I cannot wait to see what He has in store for me!

This journey has been wonderful in other ways, too. My dear friend, Ryann, and I were able to take our science classes together. Her love for the Lord, combined with her awesome sense of humor, eagerness to serve, and zest for life has blessed me more than I can say. Between classes and bouts of studying, we enjoyed coffee runs to “Pandora” (Panera), deep discussion, hilarious and spontaneous giggle fits, talking through personal struggles, shopping, more studying, and concocting nerdy jokes. It was wonderful to have a godly friend to walk through this with. Sadly, we will now have to part ways in school as Ryann begins a nursing program and I continue with pre-nursing education, but I will never forget our special memories. We’re hoping to end up in the same hospital as nurses someday! :)

Another thing I realized while traveling down the journey of life is that all is grace. Truly. The low points in the semester reminded me of my utter and complete dependency on the Lord and that I can do nothing apart from Him. Each day, each moment, we must look not to the lies of the world, but to our Savior who died that we may be alive and new creations in Christ! He fulfills us and give meaning to our lives. He hems us in, behind and before, and supplies us with the grace we need for each day in this journey we call life. To God alone be the glory!

Hello there! It’s a gorgeous snowy day here in southern Missouri. Hard to believe that just two days ago I was running around outside in the warm, sunny weather with my brothers in shorts, a T-shirt, and bare feet. Now we have several inches of snow. There’s Missouri weather for you, folks! Yesterday was my last day of classes for the semester! Only finals ahead of me now, which I will be studying for over the weekend. Being done with the semester is bittersweet, which I’ll be writing about in a future post.

Now there is a certain Noble tradition which states that all students (including college ones) may take the day off school on the first day of snow. Hence, all of us Noble kids have enjoyed a morning of sledding and doughnut-making. I am continuing my relaxing activities by a bit of afternoon blogging.

I have some pictures to post from our Thanksgiving. And what a lovely Thanksgiving it was! It was so good to see everyone and spend time in fellowship together. Family activities included playing telephone pictionary, foosball tournaments, watching funny videos, walks, outdoor “soccer” with a BOSU ball, conversations, and – of course – enjoying several meals together.

Wesley took these 2 panoramas from the Thanksgiving meal.

Everyone brought dishes to contribute to the feast!

Doing techie stuff.

Family picture!

One of our Thanksgiving traditions is for each person to write down a list of things they are thankful for after dinner and read them aloud over pie. It was such a cup-filling time as we praised God for all He has done and is doing for us.

My 18th birthday happened to be the day after Thanksgiving. Yet another Noble tradition (yes, we have lots of traditions) is that on the eve of a Noble’s 18th birthday, all the teens and young adults dress up in goofy, silly costumes and go out to McDonald’s to buy the Birthday Girl or Boy a happy meal to eat in his last few minutes as a kid. Strange, but true. And SO fun, might I add.

Wacky beach towel capes and goofy headwear are a must!

And goofy pictures….

 The six of us tramping into McDonald’s was a hilarious sight, as you can imagine. As we walked in, we saw one of the manager eye us, start laughing, and mumble to himself, “now I’ve seen it all.”              *Fun times.*

 The next morning everyone was able to stay for brunch. Since Anna’s and my birthdays are so close together, we usually get to celebrate them together.

Grandmother gave us girls each special heirlooms from her childhood. I was SO completely surprised and delighted when I received a Bible that was hers since she was a teen. She carried it in her wedding and Mom carried it in hers. I will treasure it always.

Well, it’s getting dark…and it’s time to start some dinner. Thank you for stopping by! What did you do for Thanksgiving?

Hello dear faithful readers! It’s been a dreary sort of day with some heavy showers. I love the sound of rain pounding on the roof. I have caught a sort of mild cold, but I’m hoping it won’t last long. I am sitting cozily by the fire at home after a long day at classes, the rest of the family out and about. Piles of homework beckon, but they shall have to wait ’till tomorrow. I’d much rather blog. :) So draw up a chair and stay a bit.

As promised in this post, here are some pictures of Austin’s boat. I declare – the creativity of my brothers astounds me. They always have one project or another they’re working on. I took these pictures on a beautiful day last week. It was probably the last day of the year warm enough for shorts, T-shirts, and bare toes! So without further ado, here it is:

 Light enough to be carried on one’s head….

…and stable enough to carry a person on the water.

And here’s Jonathan’s most recent project: a tent with a frame that he constructed himself!

Roomy and large enough for several people.

Creative minds at work. I can’t wait to see what they come up with next!

 Today I read this quote by  Susannah Spurgeon and it encouraged me very much. In moments of quiet and peace, in those of chaos and craziness, in others of pain and struggles – the Lord reigns over all! We have nothing to fear in Jesus. What blessed assurance!

“The soul that has learned the blessed secret of seeing God’s hand in all that concerns it cannot be a prey to fear. It looks beyond all second causes, straight into the heart and will of God, and rests content, because He rules.” ~ Susannah Spurgeon