Hello friends! I am excited to tell you that Nelle's Notes has moved and be revamped to a new site! It's called fromtheyellowchair.wordpress.com. It was time for a change and a fresh start. Since I just graduated from college, I thought this would be the most appropriate time to start a new blog! Hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Blessings to you all! I hope you subscribe to From the Yellow Chair on the right hand corner of the site! That way you will be able to receive updates via email! Thank you for being a part of my life and listening to my life stories and words of perseverance! Blessings to you all!

Love,
Mal


I PASSED!
Thank you Jesus for His success!

I can only do this with Him!
I can officially say that I am graduating!

Praise the Lord!


Yesterday, I had the privilege to say the opening prayer at my school's baccalaureate. It was a bitter sweet moment because I have yet to know my outcome of a very important test tomorrow, but I knew I needed to follow through with this. I am having faith that the Lord will have His way and that whatever the outcome may be, it will be in His hands. I have studied all that I can and taken as many practice tests that I could. It is up to the Lord! So here is my final prayer for the seniors and for this week as I go into some crucial exams...

Lord,

The journey you have brought each one of us on is more than we could have ever imagined. As the class of 2011, we have shared a multitude of laughs, a handful of tears, and an overabundance of memories. David said in Psalms 118:5&14 that “In my distress, I prayed to the Lord and the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.” Just like you were David’s strength and you gave him victory, I know you have and will do the same for each one of the seniors who will walk across the stage next Saturday and receive their future blessing. Lord, I thank you for being our guide and for allowing Oklahoma Wesleyan University to bless each of us in a way that is individually designed for each person. God, this is where we continue our journey. This is not a stopping point for us but just another step into the plan you have etched out for each us. For blessed are those who believe when there is no evidence of an answer to prayer – who trust beyond hope when all means have failed. Beloved Father, you have never failed to act but in goodness and love. Your love has always prevailed. I pray we hold fast to our faith and stand fast in your word. I pray we live for today. We live to honor You and let You lead. I pray that your blessing will be upon each of the graduating seniors and that there impact will forever plant seeds in the people who follow after.







I call her mom.
Mommy
Madre
Momingo

Happy Mother’s day to all the Mom’s out there! A special shout out of LOVE to my mom, Marcelle!!!
She is one of my best friends and greatest role models/inspiration! I love her and love who she is!
Some things she has taught me through out the years…
 
Make sure your outfit matches (this includes your shoes)
Always try to look your best… you never know who you will run into.
It’s always good to start your day with a little mocha mocha and feet up by the fireplace.
Always find a good deal! My mom is the best bargain finder!
Do your best and accept what happens… because everything happens for a reason.
It’s ok to plan ahead.
You can use your rear view mirror to help you drive.
Always put 10% of your money towards tithes and part to savings.
Never go to Hobby Lobby with the guys. What could be a 2 hour trip may only end up being 5 minutes.
You have to try on every pair of sunglasses and pair of shoes you love… go for Comfort!
Be hospitable to everyone. Serve those you care for and give to those in need.
Lead others and God will Lead You!
And most important… to LOVE Jesus, LOVE Family, and LOVE Others…


Life is not like this...
More like this often times...

Lord, please get me through these tests.
All you.


Thanks Dad!
(This is a tribute to David Wilkerson who passed away last week in a car accident; His family is in our prayers!)

WHEN ALL MEANS FAIL

To believe when all means fail is exceedingly pleasing to God and is most acceptable. Jesus said to Thomas, “You have believed because you have seen, but blessed are those that do believe and have not seen” (John 20:29).
Blessed are those who believe when there is no evidence of an answer to prayer—who trust beyond hope when all means have failed.
Someone has come to the place of hopelessness—the end of hope—the end of all means. A loved one is facing death and doctors give no hope. Death seems inevitable. Hope is gone. The miracle prayed for is not happening.
That is when Satan’s hordes come to attack your mind with fear, anger, overwhelming questions: “Where is your God now? You prayed until you had no tears left. You fasted. You stood on promises. You trusted.”
Blasphemous thoughts will be injected into your mind: “Prayer failed. Faith failed. Don’t quit on God—just do not trust him anymore. It doesn’t pay!”
Even questioning God’s existence will be injected into your mind. These have been the devices of Satan for centuries. Some of the godliest men and women who ever lived were under such demonic attacks.
To those going through the valley and shadow of death, hear this word: Weeping will last through some dark, awful nights—and in that darkness you will soon hear the Father whisper, “I am with you. I cannot tell you why right now, but one day it will all make sense. You will see it was all part of my plan. It was no accident. It was no failure on your part. Hold fast. Let me embrace you in your hour of pain.”
Beloved, God has never failed to act but in goodness and love. When all means fail—his love prevails. Hold fast to your faith. Stand fast in his Word. There is no other hope in this world.
POSTED BY DAVID WILKERSON


Today is Resurrection Sunday which means today He is Risen!
I am so thankful that Jesus died on the cross for my sins and your sins!
What is so awesome is that if we were the only human soul on earth... He would have still died for our sins and rose again three days later!
I am thankful. Thankful in deed.
Sad that I could not be with my family where the weather is sunny and peaceful, but am thankful for where I am at and where the Lord is leading me!

Here are a few Easter thoughts from around the web....


What Really Happened at the Cross

The Day Between Days



In honor of Earth day, I thought it would be most appropriate to recognize some of my favorite Guerrilla Gardening fascinations.

Guerrilla Gardening: A more subversive form of urban gardening, guerilla gardening is a way of adding plants to public spaces that don’t technically belong to the gardener such as a vacant lot, median, beside a highway, or in little strips of dirt. (courtesy of EcoLife)


The following photos are from across the World Wide Web and WebUrbanist.
 
 


#32 on my Wist List.... "Go Guerrilla Gardening..."


This week's This n That is a day late and so I apologize. I was spending yesterday in a research symposium with nursing students from all over the state. I watched in attentiveness as senior nursing students just like me presented his or her professional research proposals. But enough about nursing for today. Here our my favorite This n That's for this week. I chose things that are great for entertaining and I hope in the near future they will be a part of my lovely home collection! (Slowly but surely, I am blessed with gathering special treasures for my own future home).

I just love this little serving tray. It has so much etsy/elegant personality and would be great for a book club or a birthday party.
When I walked into Pier1 the other day, I fell in LOVE with this serving tray. It fits perfectly four dishes and could be great for any gathering. I love that it could be used indoors or outdoors and have a very simple clean feel to it. I would enjoy using it for a coffee table decor. You could put a candle in it with a few magazines! How cute would that be!?!
A few months ago, I had seen one of these shelves with my mom and loved it! The only thing it was black. I really like the white look here and could be accented with so many different things. What's great is this one is even on sale right now!
All photos are courtesy of Pier1


There is this one little coffee shop that I have recently been coming to more often than normal. It is not the same as my first and favorite coffee shop, but it will do. I sit here and soak up every minute I can of the free Wi-Fi they provide and read my favorite blogs and take my daily ATIs (that is not my number one choice of things to do).

I look forward to the day where I can read blogs, practice my DYIs that I have placed into a book in which I will do after school, and have all my exams (including my NCLEX) complete. I look forward to the dark washed bermuda jean shorts and loose white v-necks that are worn while driving with the windows down and my aviators on.

But for now, I will study.
My book of 1500 pages sits beside me and I vigorously try to get through the entire book within a few short days.
I have my neon orange notecards with all my lab values connected to my hip and my cell phone close by.

I'm ready to be done.
I feel as if I have been burnt out with school.
It's been a long time and I am ready for a break.

But for now, I will get back to my final two exams I need to study for.
And then my one main exam.... NCLEX


As of today, for school this is what remains...

- 3 Exams (Leadership, Med-Surg, and Predictor)
- Final part of a CQI paper
- Edits to graded care plan
- 1-2 clinicals for critical care (I really am not sure how many left)
- 1 field trip  (Dialysis Center)
- Simulcast

We are so close.
So close to finishing our last semester of college.
I am so excited.

I just have to keep reminding myself that I can do this
I have done what I can
Now, it's in His hands


I love old things... "vintage" you may say. Isn't this book so fun? I love the color and illustration! 




I'm a camera girl and when I came across these air fresheners, I just got so happy. What a creative way to express your photography side in your car!
So how about those penguin paper clips?


To all the nurses...
We Can Do It!

Exam Schedule:
Critical Care Exam - Neuro - April 12, 2011 PASSED
Leadership ATI - April 19, 2011 PASSED
Med-Surg ATI - April 26, 2011
Predictor - May 3, 2011


To Be Continued...

As I am getting older (hmm...), I am enjoying the part of it where I get to decorate my living spaces and make it suitable to who I am. Right now, I am working on my room. Now, it is a work in progress because I am being very picky, but when I find pieces I really like... I keep my eye on them (if you know what I mean).

So when I saw these in the store, I knew they would be perfect for flour, sugar, and rice! I am finding out more and more that I am a very natural person when it comes to kitchenware. My mom got me the most amazing spice jars for an early Christmas gift last year, and these would go so perfectly with those jars. I also think they are great because they are made out of recycled glass!

I have really been into cooking lately and wouldn't it be delightful to have all your friends and family recipes all tied together in one book... that is... the tasty ones :)

I love pillows! Currently on my bed I have some pretty awesome ones. I have been looking for a yellow one, and found this one today and just really really love it! Yes, it is just a slip cover for a pillow, but hey what better way than to be customizable!

This chair... yes this simple vintage yellow chair would be PERFECT in my bedroom. You see, I have been looking for a yellow chair for a very long long time, and when I walked into the youth center of the church I currently attend and saw this chair... I may have gotten really excited... A little too excited. This was it... the chair I had been looking for. So now I'm on the hunt again :)




1 I will praise the Lord at all times.
      I will constantly speak his praises.
 2 I will boast only in the Lord;
      let all who are helpless take heart.
 3 Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness;
      let us exalt his name together.
 4 I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.
      He freed me from all my fears.
 5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
      no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
 6 In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened;
      he saved me from all my troubles.
 7 For the angel of the Lord is a guard;
      he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
 8 Taste and see that the Lord is good.
      Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
 9 Fear the Lord, you his godly people,
      for those who fear him will have all they need.
 10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry,
      but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.
 11 Come, my children, and listen to me,
      and I will teach you to fear the Lord.
 12 Does anyone want to live a life
      that is long and prosperous?
 13 Then keep your tongue from speaking evil
      and your lips from telling lies!
 14 Turn away from evil and do good.
      Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
 15 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right;
      his ears are open to their cries for help.
 16 But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil;
      he will erase their memory from the earth.
 17 The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.
      He rescues them from all their troubles.
 18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
      he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
 19 The righteous person faces many troubles,
      but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.
 20 For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous;
      not one of them is broken!
 21 Calamity will surely overtake the wicked,
      and those who hate the righteous will be punished.
 22 But the Lord will redeem those who serve him.
      No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned

Sometimes we just need to be an encouragement to others. Praying for answers. Hoping for the best. Just being there. As I am finishing up my last few weeks of nursing school, I am getting excited for what is ahead and just trying to focus on what is right in front of me. I wake up knowing that there is security as long as I can follow through and be successful at what is given to me. It is so close. Someone told me this week this simple thought...

"We can prepare, study, and do all that we know we can... but there comes a point when we just have to let God do the rest. There is no studying that is going to accomplish what the Lord has for us. If he wants us at a certain point, He will pull us through."

Yes, I have heard this before, but for some reason it just soaked in a lot more this time around. It was good to be open and share my heart and know that people who have just met me are praying and believing. I have the best support out there.
The best parents.
The best family.
The best friend.
The best Heavenly Father.

What more could I ask for?! Why dwell on where the next penny will come from... where the next answer to the question on the exam will be remembered... where the next activity will be due to piles of studying...

I know I am where I am suppose to be.
I love where I am.
Who surrounds me.
The presence of Joy.

God is good.
Therefore it is good.




Today I will go barefoot.
Will you?


 These people did.
4.5.11


A day where you go without shoes... the entire day.
It is a challenge I pose to all my lovely readers.
It will change the way you think about shoes.
Support the cause and make a difference.
Wrap up the day with prayer.
Praying for those who are less fortunate.
Pray for a way you can help those in need.
One Day Without Shoes.
A day to bring awareness... unity... and a chance to make a difference.


Today at 9:10am, I received the phone call that I had been offered the RN position on the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. I am so thankful and blessed that the Lord has opened this door up. I am thankful for those who interviewed me and asked me tough questions.

Now I am on to continue finishing strong through out this last semester.
Focusing on each individual exam.
Each ATI.
Because I am going to pass.
I am going to graduate.

The Lord is good!

As my dad would say, "Go God!"


Thursday's This n That has just not happened in such a very long time. I thought I would do a quick Tuesday shout out so that...

A. Tuesday gets some special attention especially since it is a day, for me, that is full of classes and studying
B. Writing on my blog is always a stress reliever

So here are a few of my favorites from around the web today.

I feel as if this show which airs on TLC will not only be entertaining, but I also feel as if it is a beneficial show. It may go along with some of my other favorite shows: American Picker & Pawn Stars
I feel like furniture is one of those things that you invest in and buy every 10 years or so (if it'll last). Wouldn't this chair be simply marvelous in a earthy living room with a simple couch and coffee table? Great investment here... Someday!
Could someone PLEASE make me one of these coffee tables?! It's called a plank table and I would LOVE to have one of these in my house someday for my living room. Durable. Universal. Awesome.
Here's my philosophy on these... wouldn't these be awesome pillows? For one thing, part of the proceeds go to the disaster relief in Japan and the second thing is these would be Beautiful pillows. 


Courtesy of http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/
I love this idea.


I had my first real world interview today.
It is crazy to think that I am interviewing for something I have dreamed about doing for such a long time.
I'm suppose to be a nurse and the interview I had today was just for that.
I interviewed for a position in the Cardiac ICU.
I am determined.
Dedicated.
And... passionately pursuing what I have been called to do.

I thank the Lord for what He has done so far and what He is continuing to do. My journey is far from over and I am looking forward to each day that I learn and grow.

Graduation is just a few short weeks away. The thought of that is so very exciting. However, there is much to do before that grand day. Exams, ATIs, reading page after page of material for nursing classes, soaking in the last hours of my final clinicals, and just living life. I am still going strong for the 10k that will be in May and I am enjoying building a community from the local church that I have been attending since December.

Each day I choose to wake up and make TODAY a great day. I will continue to persevere and not quit. This can be done. So close... I am so close.


Today was a very exciting day in my nursing world!
I passed two exams.
Two very difficult exams in which the Lord got me through and allowed me to pass!
Now we are on to the next exam and prepping for that final goal: NCLEX

I can do this. Believe. Trust.


As soon as I blinked it was March. January and February are both gone for forever for the year of 2011. Can you believe that we are at that point where we are halfway through a semester of school (my last semester) and looking forward to bigger and better things!? These past few weeks have been crazy in school.

This is my routine for school.
I wake up.
Drive to school.
Go to class.
Review for ATIs.
Take an ATI.
Prep for Critical Care.
Take a Critical Care exam.
Lecture.
Done with classes.
Drive back home.
Start studying for the test I have the following week.
Every Tuesday. This is my schedule.

Somehow I have squeezed in running aka prepping for a 10K that I will be running in Colorado with my best friend. I am almost enjoying awesome clinicals and an externship that I love. Overall, life is crazy, but I still am enjoying it.

I enjoy that when I am here away from school it is so positive and so encouraging (Did I just sound like K-Love the radio station?). I enjoy when I am at my place it is relaxing and I can be focused on my homework and gain restful sleep.

I.am.almost.done.


I.CAN.DO.THIS!


I look forward to the day when I do not have to be reading these.

...and these are why I have not been blogging as much.



Today is Valentines Day.
Are you sharing it with the people you love?
I feel like this is a holiday that can be celebrated on everyday.
So why don't we do just that?
Why don't we tell the ones we love "I love you" more...
Why don't we show the ones we love that we love them more...
Speak words of encouragement...
Joy...
Patience...

Love someone today and everyday...
Love them BIG
REAL BIG!!!



Since this is the "Love Month", I thought it would be fun to showcase some creative ideas for that special someone in your life.

I don't know what there is not to LOVE about this watch. Its creative and quirky for that special artsy friend.
Or how about that vintage turned modern friend who is in the health care world? Wouldn't this be great to have in a bathroom or a hallway for emergencies? I know I would enjoy this fun first-aid kit.

What about that business minded friend who just needs a little boost of creativity? This book is loaded with great ideas for the freelance business man or woman!
Finally, for that friend who loves old photos (particularly polaroids), you can get him or her these awesome polaroid frames that hang on your wall. I mean, since they don't make polaroid film anymore, you can make instant photos from these frames!


How to get to work when you are a Nurse
So as I am getting ready to graduate in May, it is important to have a plan of action when there are 12 inches of snow on the ground and your car is stuck.

I mean, nurses still have to work. Doctors still have to work. If you work at a hospital at all, you still have to work. So my roommate is trying to figure out how to get to work tonight. And of course... we can not get our cars out of the snow.

Here are the facts...

1. It is important to invest in a shovel (Especially when you don't have one and your car is covered in snow)
2. Snow drifts are not your friend unless you are a sled
3. The temperature outside would be a beneficiary. However, when there are a 12 inches of snow on the ground it is slightly difficult for snow to melt.


*UPDATE*
Jena and I just spent the last hour and a half shoveling the two feet drift of snow from behind her car. We started with our hands (because we do not own a shovel). Then one of our dear friends let us borrow their shovel. So we used that along with some racquetball rackets I had in the back of my car. We shoveled. We scooped. We pushed snow. Finally...

WE WERE FREE!

We drove the car (well Jena did) passed the four wheel drive trucks, passed the two year old who was in the practically in the middle of the road (no worries... we did not hit the child), and passed the entrance gates to freedom. Of course we walked back on 81st street from QT. It was awesome. We were not going to let a little snow stop us from accomplishing what we went out for. Woohoo!

What a great day!


Everyone expresses him or herself differently.
Some write letters.
Some paint.
Some express through effortless movements of dance.
and others... use words.



The Polaroids will always be near and dear to me. :)

How do you express yourself to the ones you care most about? Why don't you start of the new month with telling someone you care about that you love them!? (Go ahead! I promise, it won't be scary.)


Snow day anybody?


As I was doing some browsing on one of my favorite sites, Etsy, I came across some of my lovely Thursday wonders. Here are a few of my favorite...
Um, Can someone please show me how to make one of these? I am now on the hunt for an old dresser drawer or whatever this is made from. 
One of my favorite watch companies comes directly from Etsy. I absolutely love all of their watches. This particular one caught my eye because I feel as if it portrays the perfect artist watch. I love it.
If any of you have known me long enough, you know that the number five follows me everywhere. So I thought it would be most appropriate to have this in my creative spot in my house someday. Slowly but surely I am finding the perfect pieces for that corner of creativity.
I am excited to say that my favorite painting of all times is now back up for sale on Etsy. This means I have the opportunity to invest into it finally and use it for decor in my room. I am so pumped. The story behind this painting is that the artist painted completely from coffee! Yes, you heard me right... coffee! How amazing is that! To see more of Emma's artwork go here


So I have recently joined a community group through the church I have been attending here. I have only been going for a short time now, but have really enjoyed each time. When we walked up to the door of the house this week there was a sign that read: CoGro Here! Please come on in! It was not until later that my best friend and I realized it was short for Community Group and it has just kind of stuck ever since. Each week we are given questions, scripture, and words to ponder. This week our focus is on dealing with our current circumstances. Here is some of the study! I hope you are challenged by it as I am!

What does contentment mean to you?
For me, contentment means being satisfied at where you are in life, at who you are, and at plan that you have established for yourself. Contentment is definitely one of those areas I continue to learn and grow in. The Lord likes to work on this area in my life. :)


Circle the areas where you have felt discontentment in the last week:
The weather
Your mode of transportation 
Your dating life 
Your town
The way others treated you
Your living conditions
Your clothes
Your family life
Your physical appearance
Your health
The peculiarities of others
Your school                    

Think about these questions and apply them to your live and where you are in contentment!
-Can a person find contentment in prosperity if they have never learned contentment in poverty?
-Can a person find contentment driving a new car if they’ve never driven an old car?
-Can a person find contentment dating someone if they’ve never found contentment being single? 

-Thinking back to the things you’ve been discontent about lately – why were you so disappointed? Did you have expectations that were not met?  -Did someone/something break your trust?
-How much of your discontentment is about the physical aspects of life and yourself?

-Why is waiting so hard? This question really stuck out to me because I think a lot of the time we can say a lot of things to say why waiting is hard and give the typical answers, but often times we forget to place this question into reality. Waiting is just plain hard. It is an area where we are tried, taught discipline, show off our weakest and our greatest moments, and just plain challenged. Waiting is hard because we often time do not find peace and contentment at where we are at in life. As humans, we seem to never be satisfied.


"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners." Romans 5:3-6


This is my challenge to you...
How are you going to change your attitude and be content at where you are right now. I mean, stop. Stop what you are doing and just ask yourself, "How can I be content?" What are ways that your friends around you can help you to achieve this goal of contentment? What makes waiting hard for you? How can you change this?





So lately I have been thinking a lot about the 5-K I ran in November...

I have been thinking how exciting it was to cross the finish line.
To train.
To teach myself discipline.

Well it has been almost two months since the 5-K and I am really missing the determination and discipline I had during my run. So it has been getting me thinking about running a half-marathon. I know that sounds extremely crazy, but there was something about watching all the half-marathon/marathon runners starting off their race and then seeing them finish that just started a spark inside of me. Now, I am definitely not the MOST talented runner in the world. In fact, I am far from that. However, I feel anyone can do ANYTHING if they set their mind to it.

"I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

So I got to thinking... of course I can run a Half-Marathon. I just do not know where to start. You see, I graduate in about 108 days and well I would love to run one by that point and maybe potentially starting seeing a personal trainer.

However, there are a few dilemmas in the way...
1. Finances - Personal Trainers are not free. I have always wanted to get connected with one so they could teach me tangible steps towards daily improvement of my health and fitness.
2. Where to run the Half-Marathon - This one is not quite as difficult as the first, but still. There are so many options of where you could run a half-marathon. Do I run in one local, or do I travel somewhere to run in one... (which would increase the motivation to pull it off!)
3. Running the Whole Thing - I have this theory in my head... The hare may have been the fastest, but the Tortoise always won. My mom gave each of us kids a book during Christmas, and it has just been a motto of mine to follow through with the saying in that book. Running the whole thing would be a step all in itself. I think with a little determination and encouragement it is all possible.

Now I know I have listed some dilemmas here, but here is my thought behind all of this... God is so much BIGGER than all of this. He is a God who provides (who has consecutively showed me this the past month). He is a GOD of encouragement and strength (so when I am weak He will always be strong). And He is a God of perseverance (in those moments where I just feel like I couldn't run any longer, He will get me through.

I said all this to say... I am going to start doing some research... I am going to start seeing where to begin and continue to pray and ask the Lord what/where/when He exactly wants me to fulfill this. Remember... our plans are not always His. And in more ways than not, our plans sometimes just get in the way of the big spectrum of things.

I know I can do this. I know I can.
So the step begins here...

Let's see where this goes...



"I am going to make everything around me beautiful. That will be my life." Elsie de Wolfe

What an amazing quote!








Just a beautiful saying I found HERE - Thank you Anna Spiro for having a great blog!