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Thursday, February 25, 2010

Being a Nurse

What God has shown me through being a Nurse:

1) It's not about me. Most nurses put their patient's needs above their own. We don't get lunch hours or bathroom breaks. We don't get to sit down for our "2, fifteen minute breaks" that our employers give us, or leave the building, or go outside for a walk. If something happens when you are trying to eat lunch, go to the bathroom, or just sit down for 2 minutes.... you are expected to run. There is a huge responsibility that goes along with our role as a Nurse.

2) There are so many hurting people in this world. The people that Nurses come in contact with each day, are hurting.. both physically and emotionally. Hospitalization is traumatic... even in a good situation like having a baby. So many people come in to the hospital already hurting from situations and circumstances in their personal lives. Compound those problems with the trauma of being hospitalized and you get people that are hurting.

3) Compassion is the number one motivator for Love. Yes, we get burned out. Yes, we get negative. Yes, we complain at times. Yes, we wonder why we do what we do , but the bottom line is... when it all hits the fan, Nurses feel deeply for the people we take care of. We cry, we hurt, we fight for justice, we love our patients. Love is at the heart of what every Nurse does. Show me a Nurse without love and I'll show you a Nurse who needs to find another profession.

4) Our ministry is what we do. For a long time, I felt that I needed to start some ministry for God. My job as a nurse was just a job, a way to make money. I used to say "How can I make the most amount of money in the least amount of time, so I can go do things for God? ", and being a Nurse allowed me to do that. What I failed to realize was that being a Nurse WAS doing something for God. My ministry is in my work and in the person God made me to be.

My mission field is everywhere around me. I have stopped compartmentalizing God.
When I touch my patient, I touch them with the hand of God.
When I speak to my patient, I speak with the voice of God.
When I help my co-worker, I show them the love of God.
You get the picture....
He's in everything I do.

Artist




charming


artist


beautiful voice


painting that picture


pretty girl


you see things different


strumming your guitar


talented boy


in your element


so smooth


got it all together


writing your heart out


the words keep coming


can't stop the poetry


has to get out


messy on the inside


random disaster


in your art


you are complete



Monday, February 22, 2010


Over the last month, God has really shown me a lot about myself. I have always felt that I am on a journey, and over the past several years, I have realized that this journey is not about getting to a destination, but that life IS a journey. And God is most concerned about what we do on our journey.

Let me clarify.. God is most concerned about what we do... life is just not about me, and about me having the most fun, secure, comfortable time on my journey.. it's not about creating the most fun, secure, and comfortable environment for my kids either. God is most concerned about my character.

Character: the aggregate of feature and traits that form the individual nature of some person or thing.

God is most concerned about my character.

My journey is about developing my character.

AND,

my character is developed through the trials and challenges that I experience along my journey. You see, God gave each of us passions and gifts.

Our passions are what drives us, and our gifts are what equip us.

They equip us to do the work God has planned for us along our journey. Each step we take, he is refining us to do greater things for him. And the coolest part of it is that God gave each of us a unique set of gifts!!

What are you passionate about? What brings tears to your eyes? What brings joy to your heart?

Look there , that's where you'll find your gifts.

Oh, so what has God really shown me about myself lately, and why is God so concerned about what we do? Well, stay tuned, that will be another post.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Bump In The Road

Just when you think things are under control, there's another bump in the road. I guess that's just the way life is. Life is not always good, and not always stable. The stability comes from staying focused on God, no matter what the circumstances. He is so much bigger than all of your issues....

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

It doesn't matter what it is,
even if you got yourself into the situation you're in,
even if you did something bad or hurtful to others,
even if it is something that is out of your control,
because someone hurt you,
or something bad happened that you didn't ask for,
something that is so unfair..... it doesn't matter..... just go to Him..... sit at His feet.... tell Him...

"God, take this anxiety from me....(tell him your situation, tell him you're sorry, tell him your angry, how life is unfair). God I know you say to give all of my worries to you, and I am doing that, thank you for caring for me. Amen."

Then, just sit, and listen.....

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

My Re-occuring Dream

I've had a few dreams in my life that have repeated themselves. When I was young, I used to dream that I was flying in my Nanny's car.She had a Turquoise Ford Falcon, and I remember riding in the back seat. I used to sit on the hump, yeah, we didn't wear seat belts back then. Nanny had cut the seat belts out of her car because they bothered her.

In my dream, we would fly down the street like a space saucer that George Jetson drove. I remember the big oak trees that lined the street she lived on... on Marianna Drive.

From the time I was a young adult, I have had another sort of re-occurring dream about flying. This one is always at the beach. I'm in a car, and the beach is always different
Sometimes, there are huge waves.
Sometimes, the water is calm.
Sometimes, there are cliffs.
Sometimes, it's like the bay, very shallow.
Other times, the water can't be seen, even though it's there far off in the distance.
I only drive by, I never stop to play, I am always looking for something or someone.... it's a very unsettled feeling that I have in my dream. I want to go in the water, and enjoy the sunshine, but I can't stop looking for what is lost....


As I was reading my old journal from several years ago, I found the beginning of a poem that I had started to write.... "The Places in My Dreams"
At my house by the sea,
there you sit on the beach,
waiting for me to come......




D.O.G.

Laying around, relaxing, running and having fun.
They say life is hard, but not for you.
You're carefree and easy, not a worry in your head.
You just want to be close, you're loyal and true.
You never lie and you listen with great intent.
You love me no matter what I do.
You're always by my side, protecting me, loving me.
You're a safe place to be. I find comfort with you.

2001 ~ Me

Friday, February 5, 2010

Difficult Times

Over the past several months, I have struggled through one of the most difficult times in my life. This time has challenged me as a wife, mother, and most importantly a child of God. When times are hard, when you question choices you made, when you truly exam your heart, when you are 100% open to God.... that's where the healing can start to take place.... no matter what the circumstances.

On Thursday, a wise friend told me, "God is not haphazard. His plans are always perfect. I promise you that if you surrender all of this to the Lord, follow His leading, and don't let anyone or anything distract you from your relationship with Him, everything else will fall into place."

That day started today, I opened my Bible, and read Proverbs 3. And heard God speaking every word to me......

Trusting in the Lord
My child, never forget the things I have taught you.
Store my commands in your heart.
2 If you do this, you will live many years,
and your life will be satisfying.
3 Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.
4 Then you will find favor with both God and people,
and you will earn a good reputation.

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.

7 Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8 Then you will have healing for your body
and strength for your bones.

9 Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the best part of everything you produce.
10 Then he will fill your barns with grain,
and your vats will overflow with good wine.

11 My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline,
and don’t be upset when he corrects you.
12 For the Lord corrects those he loves,
just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

13 Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,
the one who gains understanding.
14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver,
and her wages are better than gold.
15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 She offers you long life in her right hand,
and riches and honor in her left.
17 She will guide you down delightful paths;
all her ways are satisfying.
18 Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
happy are those who hold her tightly.

19 By wisdom the Lord founded the earth;
by understanding he created the heavens.
20 By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth,
and the dew settles beneath the night sky.

21 My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment.
Hang on to them,
22 for they will refresh your soul.
They are like jewels on a necklace.
23 They keep you safe on your way,
and your feet will not stumble.
24 You can go to bed without fear;
you will lie down and sleep soundly.
25 You need not be afraid of sudden disaster
or the destruction that comes upon the wicked,
26 for the Lord is your security.
He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.

27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it
when it’s in your power to help them.
28 If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say,
“Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”

29 Don’t plot harm against your neighbor,
for those who live nearby trust you.
30 Don’t pick a fight without reason,
when no one has done you harm.

31 Don’t envy violent people
or copy their ways.
32 Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord,
but he offers his friendship to the godly.

33 The Lord curses the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the upright.

34 The Lord mocks the mockers
but is gracious to the humble.

35 The wise inherit honor,
but fools are put to shame!


Monday, February 1, 2010

Safety or Risky

Gotta watch this.....


Are you a risk taker??? Or do you live it safe?

Tell me about your risks....

I'd love to hear...