Welcome back to another long overdue blog update, I am so excited you made it here today.

Since so much has changed since we last spoke I figured todays post would be a great opportunity to reintroduce myself to y’all and share a little bit about whats going on in life.

First, if you stumbled upon this blog and now you’re thinking…

“why am I even here”

Let me start off by telling you that I believe you’re here for a purpose. Whether it be for prayer or encouragement or just to have a good time. I can’t tell you exactly what it is but I can and I will pray that God may help you figure it out.

My faith is something that I rely heavily on. I’d like to be able to tell you that I have always put God first in my life and I walk a straight line but… then I would be lying to y’all and to myself.

Life is hard, too hard to go through it alone. I started this blog in the hopes that it would be an inspiration. An inspiration to make the most of this life and live it in good health and good spirits; which, is literally what In Fine Fettle stands for (incase you were wondering).

Like I mentioned, I have made a lot of mistakes over the years, some with consequences hurting me a little more than others but i’ve made a lot of growth over the years too.

There are two things I believe strongly in….

1. Vulnerability always = Relatability
2. Your misery becomes your ministry

I wanted this blog to be a place that I could be completely real and open with you guys because to share my failures is to share my story which in-turn shares the love, patience and faithfulness of my God.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

As a number 8 on the enneagram, sometimes being open and vulnerable with people can be scary. One of my biggest fear is to be seen as weak so to share about my failures, my struggles, and my weaknesses is sometimes a daunting task.

So why did I start a blog to do just that?

Because I know the benefit it has on people and has had over myself.

My prayer is whomever comes to this blog they may find a source of hope and comfort in knowing that they are not alone in their struggles. And as for benefitting myself, God has used this blog to help me practice my own vulnerability and prove to me that his strength is made perfect in my weaknesses.

So, although I hope this blog is an encouragement and blessing to you and all who read, in a weird way its been a blessing to me as well.

Okay, now that I have gotten so carried away for those of you that are new and for those of you that may “seasoned” around here by now and maybe haven’t heard… my name is Claire, author of In Fine Fettle and full-time registered ER nurse in downtown Detroit, Michigan.

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I am originally from Ohio but recently (39 days exact lol) I moved into a small 2 bedroom home in Michigan.

This is the first time that I have ever lived by myself let alone in a different state. Packing, moving, unpacking and decorating has been a full-time job in and of itself but I wouldn’t change anything for the world.

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My last few blog posts were about graduating college back in December and studying to pass my boards (the NCLEX)… it was a long road but I am happy to announce that we made it to the other side.

Im pretty much feeling like I still don’t know anything every day I go to work. I promised I would be open and honest… the transition phase from classroom to floor nursing has been discouraging and challenging at times but I overall I do love my job and I’m so excited to see the growth over these next few months.

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There is a meme going around that says, “I knew they said your first year of nursing would be difficult but man, I didn’t know it was going to be a world pandemic.”

Not even 2 months in yet but here we are…

I wasn’t going to talk Corona (Covid-19) on here today but due to the amount of distress and fear it has created amongst our society I feel it would be silly not to.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isiah 41:10

I know some of you are not working right now and might be wondering how you’re going to pay for next months rent… or buy food. I know some of you have some more time on your hands and now you’re thinking about all the Corona symptoms you might have or get.

I know that it is easier said than done but child, fear not. This battle we are facing is so much more than just a virus, it’s a battle for your soul. The enemy will throw all that he can to cause you to stumble, fear, hurt and put you into distress. Now is not the time to let him win…

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:58

Stand firm, your Father’s got this.

When you start feeling worry or doubt sink in… MOVE. Go for a walk, dance in the kitchen, pull up a little at-home workout on youtube or use the one I have below.

Use this time to take care of yourself.

Stay safe, love and prayers going out to each one of you.

xoxo

Claire Idelle