Filled with Excitement

Well, here I am! I have successfully completed my first week of college classes! ...all three days. My summer was filled with the excitement and anticipation of college life. I knew that entering into this life filled with the education that would assist me in reaching my future goals would be a transition. I would be surrounded by new faces, met with educational challenges, and left to make my own decisions about the kind of person that I wanted to become. It is definite that all of these components were proven true over the course of this last week. However, there are some things that I had not intended...


Before I arrived at this university, I thought about how my faith life would grow and mature over the course of the next four years. But as I look back, I am realizing that I placed God in the position that I had anticipated Him to be in. I had already thought about what role God was going to play in my life. Do you know the amazing thing about our Lord and Savior? He is not about to let us decide where and how He will work in us. His entire Being is filled with the excitement and anticipation for each and every one of us because He knows the plans for our lives - He writes them!


"However, as it is written: 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.' " ~ 1 Corinthians 2:9

"Do not conform to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing, and perfect will." ~ Romans 12:2


He has a "perfect will" for every single being that He has created. What an extraordinary thought! Already in my first week, I can see that God is planning to work in unpredictable and exciting ways. At first, this realization of unpredictability gave me some timidity and fear. But as I look to Him at all times, I can see that I wouldn't want it any other way. God isn't someone who follows a pattern or acts in the ways we might think. For me, this year is a time for me to step out of the "planning position" and let God take the reins. My role is to work hard, filled with determination, and give all the honor and glory to the One who made it all possible by His exciting, unpredictable plans!

Rhubarb Scones

This is a fantastic summer breakfast idea. Up here in the Midwest, rhubarb is growing rapidly and (at least in my house) sometimes there aren't enough recipes to use it up. I really enjoy cooking with rhubarb because it has almost no carbohydrates and it's so easy to grab out of the garden. These light scones are simply to make and delicious to eat! So without further adieu: 

Rhubarb Scones:

Scone Ingredients:

- 2 large stalks rhubarb, thinly sliced crosswise
- 7 tbsp Splenda (divided)

- 2 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 cup golden flax seed meal
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 6 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped, toasted pecans (optional)

Topping Ingredients:
- 1 tsp Splenda
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, toss together sliced rhubarb with 3 tablespoons of the Splenda. Let sit.

Step 2

3. In a large bowl, combine almond flour, flax seed meal, remaining Splenda, baking powder, and salt. Stir in eggs and melted butter until dough just comes together.
4. Stir in rhubarb mixture and chopped pecans until well distributed.
5. Turn dough out onto prepared baking sheet and form into a rectangle about 1 inch thick (should be about 6 by 8 inches). With a sharp knife, cut into 6 even squares. Then cut each square diagonally into two triangles.
6. Gently lift scones and spread around baking sheet so they have room to rise. Bake 25 to 28 minutes, or until golden brown and just firm to the touch.

Step 5

Step 6

7. In a small bowl, combine Splenda and cinnamon. Lightly sprinkle over hot scones and let sit 15 minutes.

Nutrition Information:Serving Size: 1
Serves: 12
Carbohydrates: 7.6 grams
Fiber: 4.3 grams

I found this recipe from my new favorite blog entitled: All Day I Dream About Food. The writer's recipes are low in carbohydrates and gluten free. I encourage you to check it out! :)

The Imprint of God

In the last month or two, I have been spending quite a bit of time thinking about the people that God places in our lives. The coworkers, fellow students, family members, or perhaps simply acquaintances. I have noticed how God has interwoven many different people to make life interesting. In examining those people whom I have become close too in my life, I feel truly blessed by God for his gift of friendship.

"Every single act of love bears the Imprint of God." 

Without friendships in our lives, there wouldn't be the support system that many of us have grown accustomed to and taken for granted. Whether it be a lifelong best friend that always gives you a hug when it's most needed or a parent taking a moment to listen, these relationships help to make us who we are as people.

"Some blessings - like rainbows after rain or a friend's listening year - are extraordinary gifts waiting to be discovered in an ordinary day." 

Two weeks ago, I returned home from a three-week choir tour around Minnesota with thirty other
individuals. Despite the fact that we are only together for twenty days, this unique choir has the amazing ability to build friendships that are stronger than any others I have ever known. We support each other not only vocally and spiritually as we come together to sing praises to God, but also in every other aspect. There is always someone there to listen, to speak, to laugh, to cry. This was my third year participating in the choir and it was by far the best. Now, all of the singers have parted ways, gone back to their families and friends, but there still remains an incredible bond of friendship and love between us. I doubt if that will change.

"God gives us friends as a sign of His hope for a common bond for all humanity." 

I graduated this past spring. Looking back upon the last four years of high school, I can definitely see the hand of God placing people in my life that have helped me in various ways. Many of these individuals taught me valuable lessons that I will take with me as I continue to journey in life. Some were there to laugh with me at my stupid diabetes jokes and to give a smile when we passed in the hallways. I believe God uses those people just as much as anyone else. Through these people, I have learned not to take friendships for granted. They are extremely precious and unique.

"Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another...If we love one another, God abides in us and His love is perfected in us." ~ 1 John 4:11-12

First Diaversary!

Today marks my 1^st Diaversary! One year ago today, I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.  And what a year it has been. There have been ups and downs, highs and lows … literally … but it has been an amazing year.

I would like to say thank you to my friends. When I was diagnosed with diabetes, immediately I had friends encouraging me and supporting me. There were calls, notes, and visits to let me know that they were thinking of me. But this support wasn’t only at the beginning. It has only grown over the course of this year. On one occasion, I was with some friends late at night and I was acting pretty crazy. This is not unusual for me at all, but this time, it was due to my blood sugar being in the 20’s. I didn’t think I was low, but my friends forced me to check my blood sugar and eat some food. If they weren’t there, I’m not sure what would have happened. They sometimes know me better than I know myself. They are always there to laugh at my diabetes jokes with me and make up some of their own. I feel truly blessed to have such supportive and loving friends as I do. Thanks, guys!

Also, I pass the biggest thank you onto my family. I would not be where I am today without your constant support. From counting carbs in the meals that are cooked to sitting with me in the middle of the night when my blood sugar is low, my family is always there. I really do not know what I would do if I was not surrounded by so much love. Sometimes my family laughs with me when I’m crazy and low and sometimes they cry with me when I’m getting sick of the rollercoaster. But through everything, they are there and always will be. I love you and thank you!   

I have learned to let God have complete control over my life. As much as a might try, there are simply some aspects of diabetes that I am unable to control. But I am able to live peacefully, knowing that God holds me and cares about me. There have been countless times when I have been in a dangerous situation (diabetically) and God has provided His protection. God has taught me so much through having diabetes! I look back upon this last year, only to see diabetes as a blessing in my life. 

He is Risen!

Happy Easter! This is one of my, if not my favorite days of the entire year. I think it's so incredibly special that we have a day to devote to remembering Jesus Christ's sacrifice for each and every one of us and give Him glory. It's also a day to be refreshed by this reminder - refreshed and renewed to glorify Jesus in everything we do.


I love this quote by Max Lucado that I read in my devotions yesterday:
"Take a stroll ... out to the cross where, with the blood, the hand that placed you on the planet wrote the promise, 'God would give up His only Son before He'd give up on you.'"

Just think about this. Every morning when you wake up, God has another day prepared. He knows what  adventures will take place, what struggles you will face, and how you feel through the midst of them. And at the end of the day, no matter how many mistakes you make, He is waiting to remind you that He gave everything for you.

That's Easter! That's the amazing Savior we worship! I cannot help but be overwhelmed with His grace - it surpasses my comprehension. What can I do when He has done it all? God has answered our questions of humility: Take up your cross and follow me. Is that a challenging answer? Yes. But we serve and love a Leader so kind that He has gone ahead of us with His cross and proved that there is  no battle He is unable to win. As we follow Him, He invites us to share in the victory that has already occurred.

My prayer for all of you is that as you worship Jesus Christ on this Easter Sunday, you will hear with excitement the invitation He gives. Let us now go out in the world and share the unbelievable Truth of the gospel with others!

Using Everything

"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.'"   ~ Erma Bombeck

Last fall, I was in the musical, You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, and I played the role of Snoopy. I distinctly remember the last performance we had. All those participating in this show were tired and burnt out by the time Sunday came around. Our voices were getting shot and the energy and emotions were all over the place. It was exciting because it was the last performance, but also sad in a way too. Snoopy's big musical number comes at the end of the show when he (or in my case, she) sings about Suppertime. I recall the moments leading up to this song. I had decided to give it my all. This was the last show, the last time to perform a song I had grown to love, the last time to be Snoopy. I was going to go for it and leave it all on the stage. Looking back, I can see that I did just that. I believe it was the best performance I had ever given and I felt proud of myself. Sure, my throat was a little sore after that, but it didn't matter because I gave it my best and didn't hold back.


A week ago, I attended the Suzuki Association of Minnesota Graduation in the Twin Cities. This graduation is held every year to commend violin students for their achievements during the previous year. As this was my last year a part of this association and I had reached the required levels, I was honored by being chosen  to play a solo along with five others. I was very excited and also nervous. The past weeks have been filled with tedious practice, going over difficult passages time and time again. But when it came time to perform my solo, there was no holding back. To me, this wasn't simply an honor. It was a reflection of twelve years playing my favorite instrument; twelve years with a violin teacher who has supported me, challenged me, and taught me; times of struggle and even physical pain, but, by God's grace, persevering onward. All of these things I thought about as I walked on the stage that day. And I gave it all! At my following lesson, my teacher told me that it was the best I had even played the piece.

This quote by Erma Bombeck really spoke to me. If I was so intent on giving my all for these performances, why am I not even considering the energy I give out to others in the name of Jesus Christ? God is constantly giving us gifts that we can use to bless and encourage others. Are we conserving them for ourselves? Are we holding back and letting pride get in the way of using them? Or perhaps we are simply not listening to how God wants us to use them. Whatever the reason might be, God gives us these things for a purpose. I only had one last musical performance and one chance to play that violin solo. Similarly, we only have one life to live - make the most of it! We need to take advantage of the time we have and the gifts we are given so that when we see God face to face, we can be confident in the knowledge that we didn't hold back. We left it all on the stage called life! That's what we are challenged to do, as Christians. Let's accept that challenge and use everything we have and give God all the glory!

The Big Picture

Last week, my blood sugar numbers were crazy! Most of the time, they were in the 200s and 300s and I couldn't seem to get them down. I was giving myself extra insulin, exercising more, and even eating a little less at mealtimes. But nothing seemed to be working. Fortunately, I didn't have ketone issues with all those high numbers. Even so, I was getting pretty frustrated with what my body was doing.

On top of my diabetes going out of control, I was stressed out with school, violin, and work. Semester finals were coming up and I was getting towards the end of my strength rope. This is usually the point when God does something drastic to regain my attention on what's truly important: Him. Last week was no different. Here's how it went:

Last Wednesday, my supper blood sugar was 300. My nine o' clock reading was 225. I was going to bed and I set my alarm for 3:00 am because every Wednesday I have to get up in the middle of the night to check my number. At around 1:00 am, I woke up to a horrible feeling. I was extremely hot. My body was physically going crazy! An anxious feeling swept over me. Right away, I knew that something was wrong. I checked my blood sugar and it was 43. Quickly, I ate probably about 40 carbs worth of food, trying to get my blood sugar up and calm myself down. Eventually, I fell back asleep and things started to get back to normal.

The next day I thought about the previous night. What if I hadn't woken up? I was really tired; what if I had simply slept through my feelings of low blood sugar? Obviously, if that was the case, I would never have woken up. My family would have had no reason to check on me at one in the morning. I would have died. As scary as this was for me to think about, I learned two very important lessons from this experience:

1. God is always in control. He was the reason I woke up. I can't control everything in my life...I can barely control anything in my life! He has my life and can do with it as He chooses. I know that He will always take care of me and He knows what's best for me.


2. You just never know about life. What if I had died last week. Would these finals have mattered? Would stressing about getting things done have mattered? No. I'm not saying that I'm never going to study again because I might kick the bucket in the middle of the night. I'm saying that this experience taught me to have a new perspective on life. Spend time with family and friends. Enjoy their company. Appreciate every moment. Don't waste time arguing about stupid little things. When I thought about

the conversations I had on Tuesday, there were so many things I regretted. Tell others that you love them and care about them. I look at life and I realize that I'm so blessed to be living in such a beautiful world. Every day I wake up is a new day that God has plans for. It doesn't matter how many days are left, but what we do with them.