Sing for Joy!

I joked with you when you weren't feeling well.
You smiled with your sweet face when I laughed.

You weren't always well, but you fought hard.
We nurses talked about you with affection.
We had respect for your determination.

Your sisters played with your fingers and toes.
Your father looked proudly at you as you smiled.
Your mother held you gently in her arms.
Your family adored you.

I stroked your hair as you lie sweating.
Tears formed in my eyes as you suffered.

I prayed over you as I cared for you.
I prayed - and God answered by taking you home.

Now you are running and jumping in heaven.
You have no pain, you can breathe with ease.
No more struggling, or uncertainty.
You can see brilliant colors, and hear wonderful sounds.
I even bet you are singing.

You will be greatly missed, my little friend... forever.
But your memory, smiles, and determination will last.
Every time I think of you I will smile and be strong.
You showed me why I became a nurse.

So sing for joy, amazing boy!
Can't wait to see you again someday.

No Nurses In Heaven...

"We nurses won’t be necessary, over there in heaven.

The people there are healthy and there isn’t any death.

The pains that we are easing now will all be gone, in glory,

And nurses can take off their shoes and stop to catch their breath.

There won't be any nursing care that we can give in heaven.

We won’t be giving intravenous fluids there, or pills,

Inhabitants of heaven, we shall run and not be weary,

But they won’t be needing nurses, for there won’t be any ills.

We nurses won’t be necessary, over there in heaven.

If we want to serve God as a nurse, this earth’s the only place.

The only time we’re needed is today, while folks are suffering,

For they won’t need any nurses when they see the Savior’s face.”

-Author unknown

This week we celebrated the life of a most beloved man, Irv Mercer, who passed away last week from a heart attack. We feel as if he was taken too soon from us, but it was in God’s perfect timing! My most favorite memory of him was to see him every Sunday in church. He would drive his wonderful wife to church early so she could practice the hymns of the day on the piano, while he would wait out in the car and make funny faces at us when we’d walk by. Later, after the service, when we would lock eyes, he gave me a surprised look, as if he would have never guessed he would see me there. Then, with the most loving smile, would give me a bear hug – pink shirt, pink tie, and big ol’ belly!! =]

He was always one of my biggest supporters through nursing school and when I started a new job at the hospital. Never did he lack a humorous story or uplifting word that would brighten my day. I’m convinced he could make me smile or laugh anytime, no matter what! Which is why our church family considered it a true honor and JOY, to celebrate his life together yesterday. This one man, whose relationship with God was so important to him, led many lives to Christ. His gentle spirit and smiling face were evidence for the joy of the Lord that he retained in his life. Our hearts are heavy with the sadness of not having him here among us. Truthfully, it is going to be very tough not seeing him at church… and not getting my hug. BUT, through Jesus Christ I have the hope of being reunited with Mr. Irv Mercer again in heaven. Oh what a MAGNIFICENT reunion that will be!! I can’t even imagine what joy it will be!

Please continue to pray for the family, especially his wife, as they begin the next few week’s adjustments. I’m praying and believing that the comfort that only comes from Jesus Christ will enfold them at this time.

Until we meet again, Mr. Mercer, I’ll continue working hard at the hospital! You will no longer be asking me to identify and cure your aches and pains (hehe!!), because, guess what – you have none!!!! None of us will have any aches or pains when we join you. So I guess that means I should work as hard as I can while I still have a job!!! :)

“If we want to serve God as a nurse, this earth’s the only place…”

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” --Revelation 21:4

Just Like the Building Blocks From Home...

"Do you have building blocks at home?"
*Yes.*
"Do you connect them with each other?"
*Yes.*
"Well, the doctor wanted us to connect you to a heart monitor so we can watch what your heart is doing. "
*smile*
"I'm just going to connect these cords to the stickers on your belly, just like those building blocks, okay?"
*smiles again* *OKAY!*
I start reaching towards him to connect the ends ------
*SCREAMS!!!!!*

So much for the child psychology approach. The above conversation did, in fact, happen last evening, as I was admitting a young child to our unit. I can't help but laugh as I think back to this "less-than-amusing-encounter-at-the-time" incident at work. This particular child was enthusiastic and very intent to what I was saying as I explained every little procedure, every little detail of what I was doing to him.

However, in a blink of an eye, as soon as I started actually doing something to him, I was met with screams, kicking, and crying. A little kid may look small and helpless - but this one sure had a lot of resistance power stored away under his cute facade.

As I stored this past evening in my "remember-for-future-use" storage bank, it occurred to me that God may have had something a little more in mind for me to learn from this than to wear goggles and a face protector when trying to bulb suction a kicking, screaming child. I was thinking, how often do we do this very same thing to God? Let me explain:

How often do we read scripture, feel empowered and ready to fulfill God's purpose for our lives ---- and then put our Bibles away and suddenly suffer from short term memory loss? For example, we drink in the beautiful, comforting words of James 1:2-3:
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

YES!! I'm going to face trials of many kinds, so that I will be mature and complete, and not lacking anything!!! I then proceed to pray that God would be with me during the trials, and that I would be able to face them and conquer them quickly and easily with His help!!!!! Just like the little child I met last evening, I have put on my smiling face, ready to tackle anything God may have planned.

And then the trial hits.

Where did my faith go?!!? Suddenly, I don't feel strong. I don't feel prepared, and I CERTAINLY decided these trials are too much to face, even if they may make me mature and complete. Before long, I am kicking and struggling to get out - and over my own screams, I cannot hear my heavenly Father's gentle voice repeating His plans, and whispering that He is still right beside me as before.

Proverbs 1:33
"but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm."

Wow! God is imploring us to listen to His voice. He desires for us to focus on the hands that are slowly molding and healing us, instead of the superficial pain we are experiencing. We may even stop asking God to help us grow and heal, because we remember that the process may not be as pleasant and easy as we'd like it to be. Then we wonder why we have become depressed, and feel far from God. Jesus loves it when we ask for faith, healing, and truth. He knows what it will take for us to change... and it may not be a walk in the park. BUT, He also knows the ending. He sees the beauty and richness of our lives when we surrender our lives to Him.

Colossians 2:6-7
"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."

So next time you ask God for faith, or spiritual growth, be prepared to praise him through all circumstances that may come your way - the good, and the not-so-pleasant. Those trials may be the perfect building blocks (yes... like the ones from home!!) to create a new heart, one that serves the Lord unconditionally.

I'm going to go construct a full-body armored suit to wear to work, just in case I have to give that kid another shot. :)

Sleep, Glorious Sleep

I’ve often wondered, how would one survive if they only had 2 ½ hours of sleep, and had to go into work and take care of five precious little ones for twelve hours?? Without falling asleep during vital signs and bath times, I might add. Well, I found the answer yesterday: By God’s Grace.

Time has been a whirlwind these past two weeks. Tis the season for RSV, pneumonia, and the flu to run rampant in our community. So into work I go nearly every day: to meet these giants head on in a battle to save the children!!! (Okay, so that’s the dramatic version of what I do as a nurse.) Every time I clean out a snotty nose, change a dirty diaper, feed a hungry mouth, stroke a tiny hand, I am reminded of how special each and every life is to God, no matter how small. The Bible reminds us to ready our hands to meet daily battles that we will face:

Psalm 144:1 – “Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.”

You can bet I’m tired after such a busy few weeks, but I have to admit – I don’t feel tired when I’m in the midst of the hustle and bustle at the hospital. Again: By God’s Grace, my feet keep walking!

Isaiah 40:31 - “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Right when I get used to moving as fast as a hurricane, God provides those little moments for me to stand still, and admire His exquisite creation. Lord, forgive me when I forget to pray for the little ones who pass through the hospital. The opportunity is SO valuable, and is so ready to be embraced. This could be an encouragement to anyone, in any field. Don’t forget to pray for any person you come in contact with on a daily basis. You could be the ONLY person to pray for them today. THAT is quite a calling. By God’s Grace: we are able to reach out and touch someone today. How exciting!!

Don’t forget to catch up on that sleep – it really is important for your health. (As I have been finding out recently…) Sunday is a day for rest, God certainly knew what He was doing when He created the seventh day. Sleep, Glorious Sleep ---- I was blessed with ten hours of it last night. Now, let’s face this BEAUTIFUL day (which God has given to us) with joy and thanksgiving!!

Dreaming of Spring

I was lying awake last night, listening to the silence. I thought I heard the slightest sound of a cricket, and I strained to hear. Alas, I think it was my imagination. Suddenly, I heard a whole host of summer night sounds as my imagination took over. Ahh, the cool summer night's breeze, the crickets singing me to sleep, an occasional whippoorwill's call, the frog's lonely sounds carrying across the wind, and the curtains waving lazily as the open windows allowed a comforting breeze to pass through them.

By the above paragraph, I am guessing that you can tell I'm ready for spring to arrive! It would be lovely to walk out of the house without putting a dozen and a half layers on... (which makes me look like a puff ball, by the way!)

After all the dreaming about spring, I have to remind myself "to everything there is a season." (Ecclesiastes)

In addition:
Hosea 6:3
"Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.”

Yes, I know, spring is coming!! It's only a matter of time now. This verse from Hosea is very encouraging. We don't have to wait for the overwhelming beauty of springtime to awaken us to God's magnificence. He will reveal himself to us through even the coldest, dreariest winter day. Even though I am still dreaming of the day I can run bear-foot through luscious green grass again, I will praise my Heavenly Father for the snow and miracles of winter as well!

"I'll Race You!"

“I’ll race you!!!” These are words you don’t hear very often in a hospital setting…. however I found myself saying them just yesterday in the hall. The situation: the locked doors to the Pediatric unit had to be badged open for a visitor, and my student nurse and I looked at one another with a gleam in our eyes. She quickly started for the door, and I willingly allowed her the honors this time. (Besides, I had already put in my 6 miles for the day!) We had a good laugh about it later, after I had congratulated her on her win.

Three things really stuck out to me from yesterday’s shift:

(1) Humor and lightheartedness is so very important in our every day lives. Smiles and laughter go a long way – I’ve especially appreciated this recently. Working as a nurse is not sunshine and roses all the time. It’s hard work! A good portion of the time we don’t even get to see the fruits of our labor. I really appreciate the joking and lightheartedness of my co-workers. Humor definitely makes for a more fun work environment!
Proverbs 17:22 - A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

(2) I am actually experiencing having student nurses assigned to me! It was not so very long ago I was one myself, and here I am with my very own! *evil laugh* Just kidding… don’t worry – I take good care of student nurses, it’s all still very vivid in my memory of what it’s like to be one.

(3) I’m getting slow in my old age. I didn’t even care when the student beat me to the doors. In fact, my little legs only carried me two steps in the direction of the doors, and then stopped before giving out. (just kidding… but I did let her get the door this time.) This reminded me of one of my favorite Bible verses:
Isaiah 40:31 - But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Hope everyone had a good work/school week - hope you found some time to laugh and enjoy God's beautiful creation!

P.S. Hope everyone stayed safe in that blizzard we had! Yes, I worked through it, and forged my way home again through it all. Thankfully, God granted me traveling mercies!

Turning the page...

Wow, time to turn over a new page!!

I can't even describe everything that has happened to me since 2007! However, here are a few highlights from 2010:

I finished the most challenging education I will probably experience. I took the most nerve wracking test (the NCLEX for nursing) known to man…. (maybe… haha!) I starting spending more time with the most incredible guy – and found out he was interested in me!! :) That most incredible guy left for Fort Rucker and we continued to share emails. I graduated from college. I started the job of my dreams – an RN in the Pediatric department at the local hospital. By God’s grace, I have gained approval and favor from my supervisors. I have enjoyed watching my siblings grow and blossom. I was involved with many different aspects of my church family. I had the most amazing and fun Christmas with that incredible guy and his family. Most importantly of all, everyone I have been in contact with this year has helped me grow closer to my heavenly Father. In conclusion: Praise GOD from whom all blessings flow.

Time to start this blog up again!! I'll have all sorts of things to share from my nursing experiences, and from any other fun things God sends my way. Looking forward to keeping a blog again.

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." --Psalm 51:10