A License to Learn

As Daylon often encouraged me before I took my LPN licensing exam last February, "Focus on getting through, don't worry if you feel like you don't know it all because honestly like many things in life that nursing exam really represents a license to learn." And Daylon was right, the past 10 months I have spent working as an LPN I have learned more then I ever imagined!

The things I have learned from a Nursing perspective about life, people, pain (physical and emotional), communication, time management, flexibility, medication and love. All these things I that I have come into contact with over the past 10 months I believe are preparing me for the future, but also are equipping me for life right now. I love my job as a Nurse and working with our U.S. Military Veterans! I have loved learning more about wound care, administering injections, how to work quickly and efficiently in emergencies, and simply learning the art of listening. I feel honored and humbled at the opportunity to serve the Lord in this capacity. Yet there are many nights where I felt inadequate and speechless, but it is in those moments that I am reminded it is not about me or how "well" I feel I am able to communicate, but rather about the Lord shining His Love through me to the Veterans who are broken and desperate for some type of Hope.

The stories of the Veterans I have grown to know and care for are quite diverse and fascinating. I am continually amazed at the ways of the Lord how He has touched many of them throughout their lives. For many of the men and women I am in contact with have had seeds of the Gospel planted in their lives from childhood on. I thank God for each opportunity He gives me to share about the Love and Hope of Christ. Most of the time it seems that I am simply here to encourage what HE has begun in their hearts. I think what really touches me the most about working in the type of facility that I am at is having an opportunity to instill a sense of Value and Joy in Jesus' Name into people who for the most part are at a very lonely and broken season of Life. I see the Lord's hand upon their Lives and I am humbled to witness the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.

Everyday is different from the next. There is much turmoil and emotional weight that sometimes rests upon my heart at the end of the night. There are stories of victory and deep sadness. Please pray for the continued softening of the Veteran's hearts at the VA SORCC. Pray for the strengthening of each of the Veterans in mind and body to receive Jesus as LORD of their life and to overcome the trials of this world, that they may find rest in the peace of Jesus Christ.

May the Joy and Peace of the Lord be upon you today,
Victoria Lawrence

"Live fully, Laugh often, and LOVE Always." - (From a sweet "DaySpring" Card)

Capturing the Highlights of 2009

Life, as I know it right now, is full of learning, growing, and preparing. Over that past eight months I have been working full time, learning to fly a small single engine arcraft, Cessna 172, became an Auntie twice, became a happy renter, and have been learning a LOT about LIFE! It took me a while to adjust to the different work schedule, but I am adapting and realizing I can function past 9 pm and still make sense! (For those who were around me when I was in school will remember my notorious nature for my "slower Vicky Moments" that routinely occurred past 9pm!) In all seriousness though, the Lord truly has given me the strength and stanima necessary for working late at night! :) Let me try to summarize the Highlights & Lowlights since May 2009:
May - Has become what I consider to be, "The most challenging & heartbreaking" month I have yet to experience in Life. It marked the beginning of a new season and the ending of another. I began to understand the feeling of Pain and saddness. On May 11th, 2009 I started working as a Nurse for the first time and excited for the future possibilties. On May 23rd, 2009 a friend, who was closer to my heart than what I ever realized, was suddenly ushered Home to fully Live in the presence of our Lord and Savior. Thus, a "future possibility" was taken, with not time to even say "Good-bye."

June - Worked (finished orientation mid June), found out both my older sisters were pregnant and DUE on the SAME day! This month is really a blurr, I don't think I did much, but worked. Asked the Lord why Daylon? He said, "Trust Me."
July - Worked, lived at Home (Butte Falls, OR.) Thought about family/friends and how to love others more and questions like: what really counts in life? Began researching used cars :). Contemplated leaving Oregon and asked the Lord for a new Adventure/location to go. He said "Wait on Me." August - Worked, (settled down into the routine of the job), lived at Home, travelled to Canada for a close friend's Wedding. Missed Daylon a lot. Wanted to Go anywhere, needed a renewed sense of purpose/adventure and to simply start living life to it's fullest. Desided to begin Learning to Fly and earn a Private Pilot Certificate. Asked the Lord, "Am I making the right decision? Or am I crazy!" He opened the doors and said, "Yes, but My Ways are Higher than your ways." September - Worked (began really Thanking the Lord for the opportunities to share about Him at work and realizing I am right where He wants me right now.) Continued the search for a new car (became a frequent browser on Craig's List). Turned 23 years old! Began feeling self consummed, desiring to be more involved in other's lives not just wrapped up in mine.

October - Worked. Began split "Day's Off" in order to take a ground school class for Flying. Finally found car to buy, bought it! Realized I worry way to much about things of this Earth. Prayed for wisdom and thankfullness.

November - Worked, began learning a new area at work -- more challenging and stressful. Mom and Dad celebrated their 30 year Wedding Anniversary! Moved to Eagle Point with two other Nurses (really sweet girls)! Began my First Flying lesson with my instructor!

December - Merry Christmas! My Sisters both 8 months pregnant, my brothers both became Commercial Helicopter Pilots, my Mom and Dad feeling the loneliness and joy of totally having the house to themselves, with the exception of the dogs (after 25 + years of having kids in the house). My Best Friend, Aubrey Fox gave birth to a Beautiful second little Boy on Christmas Day! Worked, it was busdy but I was thankful to be there. Logged almost 8 hours of Flying time (as a Student Pilot) and loving every minute of it! Oh, and another suprise I began "dating", more or less began more intentionally developing a deeper friendship with a wonderful guy named Matt! He said, "Prepare to Go."
And now it is the end of January 2010 :) and Life is moving into a new Season I feel like. On January 5th at 1:01 pm my little Nephew Jackson Luke Charapich was born in Whidbey Island Naval Hospital in Washington State. On January 7th at 3:27 am my little Neice Halle Louise Wilson was born in Glenwood Springs, CO. I am an Aunt! Andrew, my oldest brother was called back to the U.S. Army for at minimum 400 days and is to report in South Carolina on Jan. 31st. Will is still living and working on becoming a Certified Helicopter Instructor in Bend, OR., my Dad has officially retired from working at our home Church for the past 12 years and will now be a full time Grandpa and "self employeed" and busier than ever! Finally my Mom is simply loving being a Grandma, and teaching a little too! :) The Lord has blessed my family so much this year, we are thankful and glorify Him as He is the giver of all things!

One more thing to note, I have been granted 1 month of Leave of Absence from my work to go and be a Camp Nurse in Alaska from Mid June to Mid July! It is the same camp that Daylon flew for a couple summers ago. The camp is called Kako Retreat Center and is located in Russian Mission, Alaska about 375 miles NW of Anchorage. Words cannot express how excited I am for this opportunity to go to Kako, to serve as their Camp Nurse, and fly in the Bush! It is truly a Dream come true! The weeks go by, I know I am "lighter" and feel more at Peace, yet still I miss Daylon so much and look forward to one of those "Daylon hugs" again someday, they are the kind that make you feel so loved and genuinely cared for. I am desiring more now to continue to live, like Daylon lived, with no regrets and with great love for others. I desire to Live more boldly and purposefully in light of Eternity, yet content to LIVE right where He places me. I long to love and know my Father more, which is something that I have been really convicted about this summer. I asked myself, "Do I love and long to see my Lord and Savior, as I long so much to see my dear friend Daylon again?" The Joy does come in the Morning though, as I am realizing. God is Soveriegn and Faithful to continue to complete the work that He began, until it is completed. For today my story continues, and more than ever I am compelled to Live out those Dreams that He has placed in my heart, and to think of everyday Life as the Greatest Adventure. May He use us for His Glory -- in the seasons of our deepest Pain and in the seasons of our greatest Joy.

In Christ Alone,
Nurse Vicky :)

On Saturday, May 23rd, 2009 my home phone rang. It was my Dad on the line. A minute passed my throat tightend. "What is wrong Pop?" I said with increasing desparation and bewilderment? What he said to me next changed my life forever. He said, "Vicky, Daylon Harrington has been killed in an airplane crash."

^Summer 2008 - "The Dream He Lived"
Daylon, otherwise known as "Day" was 25 years old. He loved the LORD with all his heart and sought to share the love and hope of Jesus Christ everywhere he went. Daylon was a wonderful pilot, who loved flying and dreaming of flying into remote areas to bring encrouagement and hope to the people. His love for the LORD was made visible through his love and thoughtfulness toward all those around him. He was always smiling and eager for spontaneous adventures. I admired him in so many ways, as a best friend, for the way he dreamed and lived, for his selfless leadership, for how he adored his family, and as man recklessly abandoned to truly live for Jesus Christ. The world will be a darker place without Daylon as Heaven just got a lot brighter. On the other hand we who have been touched by the Light of Christ that beamed, like a torch in the night, through Daylon's tender touch and ingiting encouragement will be spread all around this world. I know for a fact I will never be the same again -- my life is not the same. Daylon always told me, "It's the little things in life Vicky..." so "...don't worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, or what you will wear. For life is more than food and the body is more than clothing." (Luke 12:22-23) This is one thing I learned from him, to LIVE Life, to LOVE Family, and to Focus upon the upward calling of Christ Jesus no matter the cost.

^Sunriver - Springbreak 2009

Daylon had a passion for serving others and for sharing, through word and deed, the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He knew for an absolute fact where was going after he died. The reality of Heaven is more real than the breath in our bodies and I whole heartily believe that Daylon is praising His Maker, His Pilot, the Lord who is sitting on the Throne in Heaven right this very minute. It was Daylon's goal (and mine too), to share the Hope of Eternal Life with those who have not heard. If you are reading this and do not know with absolute certainty where you will go after you die, just simply call upon the Name of the LORD and believe, by Faith, that Jesus is the SON of GOD who was Born of a virgin, Lived a perfect life, Died to save us from His wrath and from our sins, then Rose again on the third day, and is now Alive in Heaven sitting upon His Throne! This is the Truth of the Gospel.

Until the Day when we see Him again may we LIVE and FLY, as Daylon did, with reckless abandonment for Jesus Christ, the Risen Lord. To Him be the Glory forever.

"Aub & Day Best of Buds"

PBI Three Hills 2006 "Dancing at Prairie?!?"

Three Hills, AB. 2006 -"Let's Fly Day!" >

^Summer 2008 - "Determined to Win!"

Daylon -- I love you.

"Lift up your eyes on high and see who had created these stars, the One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, Not one of them is missing...Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power....Those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary." Isaiah 40:26 & 28-31

Mother's Day, The Garden, & A New Job

I thank God for my mom! How fortunate my family is to have a mom like her! We had a great "Mother's Day" weekend together -- the boys came down and we played "Settlers of Catan", worked in the yard, hiked the Lower Table Rock, and went out for Mexican food :)!

I am discovering that I LOVE Gardening! Cultivating the ground, sewing vegetable seeds, and watering the plants. Another reason why I believe I find so much joy and satisfaction from working in our Garden is because I am reminded of the ways the Lord works in our lives. The Garden is a place I can go to think, to relax, and to pray. The Garden is looking great and I anticipate a bountiful crop this year, but for the time being I must water and allow time for the seedlings to grow.

On May 11th I officially became a Federal employee at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center & Clinics in White City, Oregon. I am working in a small 16 bed Infirmary/Treatment Room serving approx. 400 U.S. military veterans. I am thankful to have this job opportunity at this time "...serving those who have served us [our Country]." The environment is friendly and community orientated. It is my desire to cultivate a Christ like love for those whom I come into contact with (both coworkers and Veterans) at the facility. I would very much appreciate your prayers for wisdom as I step into this new season and how I can best serve the broken and wandering souls in the Name of Jesus.

May the Lord's abundant Grace and Blessing be poured out upon you today and during whatever season YOU are in right now. One thing I have learned lately is to listen...listen for the birds who sound the hopeful call that the Sun is Rising and the Day is Dawning. May your Joy be made full.

Simper Fidelis (Always Faithful),

Victoria P. Lawrence

PRAIRIE - April 2009

Graduation & Friends at Prairie Bible Institute - Three Hills, Alberta, Canada

^ The Pseudo-Fam (well almost everyone) At Grad!

^Keren & Sarah

^Sarah & Victoria at Grad (Together Again!!!)

^Happy Graduation to the Grads at the Massey's house! (Happy Birthday to Jordan too!)

^Lunch with George & Ruth Foxall - The Foxalls are retired Missionaries who served in Nigeria, Africa for 40 years (Ruth worked as a Nurse while George trained future leaders through Bible school education). I have been richly blessed, time and again, by the Foxall's loving friendship, delicious meals, and Godly mentorship.

^Marji Krahn & Me at Grad - Another sweet reunion with a dear Friend

^Tea & Desserts at the Mission with Nursing Buddies :)

- A Beautiful day out on the Prairies -

^One childhood memory I have from living in a small community out on the Prairies in Alberta is climbing atop the big round hay bails and rolling them in the fields. When I saw these two lone hay bails out in this field near the old Catholic church I said, "Keren lets try to roll the hay bails!" She said, "Vicky those things weigh a ton (literally)!!!" Being the good friend that she is, she agreed to help! So we climbed on top of the one ton hay bails and pushed with all our might, but those bails were not going to roll. We huffed and puffed and laughed until our energy was drained, but it was worth trying! That afternoon we drove around the countryside looking at old barns and churches, I was once again reminded of the beauty of the Alberta Prairies and her vast open sky!

Overlooking Calgary, Alberta...Goodbye for now "O' Canada "

A New Season

Life is an adventure especially when the Creator of the Universe is the Guide. I seems like after nine months of resting and preparing for the next place God will take me things are starting to move. It is like knowing Spring is fast approaching because the wildflowers are budding. As of February 9th I became a Licensed Practical Nurse! This came to me as quite a shock, but as I am learning God's ways and plan is higher than mine -- so I praise Him for the success and the ability to pass the licensing exam. Throughout February I applied and waited to hear back from several different jobs all over the world you might say. As my mom put it, "I laid out several different fleeces." Yes, they were answered in suprising ways.
In the Fall of 2008 I applied to attend a Midwifery school in the Philippines. My heart was set on this plan, I thought it would be a perfect fit for me. But as it turned out, and I am very thankful now, this was not the case. By mid March I received one of the most encouraging letters from the Director telling me that although they really liked my application I was not accepted to the school for this coming Fall term. God is so good though, because the month prior to this letter I believe He had been preparing my heart for this news. He was telling me that all things are made Beautiful in His time, and now was not the time to go midwifery school in the Philippines. I was also planning on possibly going to Angola, Africa for three months to work in a hospital over the summer, but that door has also closed, but I believe will be open in the future. Then there was Alaska. I would love to go to this wild American land someday. So I thought way not apply for some jobs up there! I did but nothing came about, so again maybe at a later time in my life. The door that God opened up for me is one door that I never seriously considered to be a viable option, especially with our economy the way it is right now. But my God is bigger then our economy! On March 13th I had my first interview at the Southern Oregon VA Rehabilitation Center for an LPN position in their Infirmary. I had no idea they were even hiring! I was overjoyed and a bit fearful for an interview then when they called me and offered me the job (unofficially) I knew this was a God thing! As far as I know I will be starting in May. It seems like a new chapter in my life. I am excited to see how God will use this time, as I know it will be challenging I am ready. Until then I will continue working at the Sugar Pine Company Cafe in Butte Falls and what a treat and joy it is to work there! I love the people, my coworkers and boss -- God is Good!

I will end with this verse from Ephesians, a passage that has become more tangible to me in over the past several years. As Paul prays this it is my desire too for you and me:

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the Glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." (Eph. 3:20-21)

No matter what kind of season you are in right now I promise you that Jesus Christ is guiding you and knows, better than anyone, the blessed joys and torment of trials that life brings us. May you rest in HIM and may His Word rightly fill you with a great knowledge of HIS LOVE FOR YOU.

In His Service Always,
Victoria Lawrence

The Melody of Nature: Wild Turkeys & More

Have you ever witnessed the moments at dawn in the country when everything is still and quiet. It is like the creation in waiting for the first ray of the sun to shine before playing the music of the woods. This Fall I have had the opportunity of witnessing moments like this. Sitting on a hillside near my home overlooking the range of mountains surrounding the Rogue Valley, I found myself more in awe of the beauty of my Creator and Lord as I watched the melody of the morning unfold before my eyes. The funny thing is though I was turkey hunting! There I sat crouched up next to an oak tree with my cameo jacket on, binoculars around my neck, and holding a double barrel 12 gauge Shotgun in my hands. In fact, one particular morning I went out I was sitting next to the tree and as the sun came up I began to hear the turkeys gawbling back and forth. Soon one flew above me from the roosting tree to the field behind me. Before I knew it there were about 20-30 wild turkeys flying like bombers over me into the field to feed for the morning. I couldn't believe what was happening, so I tucked my head down so they wouldn't see me as they flew by! Unfortunately I couldn't get close enough to get a good enough shot at one, but I saw some big ones and hopefully next time I will get enough to get one! I laughed thinking to my self, "here I am waiting hoping to shoot a wild turkey, while soaking up the beauty of God's handiwork in creation! I can definitely say though that if I take home a turkey this season or not the times of quietness and eager anticipation out in His creation in the early mornings have been well worth it.
Going back to my first thought of the moments before the sun comes up and all the earth is still, I feel as though this in a sense is where my life is at right now. I am waiting in eager anticipation for what may come in the future (as the time of waiting seems long, I know that in eternity's time it is a mere blink of an eye that this time here will be). Like the Christmas song says about the night when Christ was born, "Silent night Holy night, all is calm and all is bright..." I wonder if the hours before Christ was born if the world was still and quiet? Then at the right appointed time the Saviour and Lord of this world became flesh -- Emmanuel, God with us. The biggest adventure of Mary and Joseph's life began, but it was only after the still and quiet night that the Son was born. I guess you could maybe say the best things come with time and moments of quietness.

A friend recently encouraged me to look at Philippians 4:6, as I explained how I am waiting to take the NCLEX (Nursing Board Exam). When I looked it up I was not surprised to read this verse that I clung to during many moments in my life. It says this, "Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving present your requests to God, and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and mind in Christ Jesus."
One final thought. As I was reading in our living room the other day I came across this thought from Oswald Chambers in his devotional book, My Utmost for His Highest. It is so fitting for this time that I am working and involved in the community of Butte Falls. It is my prayer.

Chambers writes on December 2nd, "I am called to live in perfect relation to God so that my life produces a longing after God in other lives, not admiration for myself."

I wish everyone a very MERRY CHRISTMAS! I pray that this season of being with family and friends will be filled with warm and joyful fellowship as we celebrate the greatest gift of all -- Jesus Christ.

In the Joy of our Lord and Savior,

Victoria