I like this photo!
This was Dan jumping on volcanic rock in Oregon. This was the hardest hike of my life, but I have such great memories from that trip. Grant, let's do it again!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Another Big Snow Storm
My quote of the day:
"If I wanted to spend time in weather like this, I'd live in Wisconsin and be close to family!"
So this is our 3rd or 4th snow storm and I am tired of snow. Cincinnatians tend to panic when we are going to get a dusting. Back in Nov or Dec, we had a dusting and 100 cars went into the ditch. That said, you can never trust what the news people say because they always panic and it is never as bad as they say.
Well, the past storms have been bad here. We have very few plows and they do not know how to drive them, so even on the busiest of streets (MLK for example) it is full of snow. Very scary to think of emergency vehicles driving in this and can't even drive on a safe road to the hospital.
Thankfully, this was the second time I was in classes, so they let us out early. I couldn't believe how bad MLK was, but was thankful to have made it up the hill by the college of nursing. I got to Riddle Rd. (the street where I live) and Dan called and told me it was closed (because we live on a hill). There was a car in the middle of the road and I was going around him and this pizza delivery guy ran out in front of me. I was so mad and honked and he flipped me off. I was shocked.
Dan walked up the hill, so I picked him up, complained about the roads, pizza delivery guy, and the fact that our road was closed. He got in the driver's seat and drove to Brueggers.
Now, news about DAN:
My husband went to the gym last night and came home, showered and then complained that he didn't have peripheral vision in his left eye. I freaked out and got his blood pressure (90/70) and did a full neuro exam. He was ok, but I was still worried.
I had him take aspirin, later kicking myself because if he had a brain bleed (subarachnoid hemorrhage) he would have bled more and caused more damage...that is if there is any damage. Anyway, he lied down and slept. I was hoping I wouldn't regret not taking him to University Hospital, but I knew they wouldn't see him. A 31 yo healthy male with vision changes. Yeah right, we'd be there for hours and they would say he's fine or not even see us and be sent home at 3 in the morning.
Well, Dan went to the Doctor's office today and they scheduled him for an MRI tomorrow. I feel better about that.
"If I wanted to spend time in weather like this, I'd live in Wisconsin and be close to family!"
So this is our 3rd or 4th snow storm and I am tired of snow. Cincinnatians tend to panic when we are going to get a dusting. Back in Nov or Dec, we had a dusting and 100 cars went into the ditch. That said, you can never trust what the news people say because they always panic and it is never as bad as they say.
Well, the past storms have been bad here. We have very few plows and they do not know how to drive them, so even on the busiest of streets (MLK for example) it is full of snow. Very scary to think of emergency vehicles driving in this and can't even drive on a safe road to the hospital.
Thankfully, this was the second time I was in classes, so they let us out early. I couldn't believe how bad MLK was, but was thankful to have made it up the hill by the college of nursing. I got to Riddle Rd. (the street where I live) and Dan called and told me it was closed (because we live on a hill). There was a car in the middle of the road and I was going around him and this pizza delivery guy ran out in front of me. I was so mad and honked and he flipped me off. I was shocked.
Dan walked up the hill, so I picked him up, complained about the roads, pizza delivery guy, and the fact that our road was closed. He got in the driver's seat and drove to Brueggers.
Now, news about DAN:
My husband went to the gym last night and came home, showered and then complained that he didn't have peripheral vision in his left eye. I freaked out and got his blood pressure (90/70) and did a full neuro exam. He was ok, but I was still worried.
I had him take aspirin, later kicking myself because if he had a brain bleed (subarachnoid hemorrhage) he would have bled more and caused more damage...that is if there is any damage. Anyway, he lied down and slept. I was hoping I wouldn't regret not taking him to University Hospital, but I knew they wouldn't see him. A 31 yo healthy male with vision changes. Yeah right, we'd be there for hours and they would say he's fine or not even see us and be sent home at 3 in the morning.
Well, Dan went to the Doctor's office today and they scheduled him for an MRI tomorrow. I feel better about that.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Saturday Nights Part 3
Tonight was AWESOME!!! Despite all our failures and falling short of God's glory, His mercy is always flowing and we had a great service. We were all supporting one another and enjoying the company. The music was fantastic!! I was so excited. I wanted to jump out from behind the piano and stand with my hands raised. Wow...everyone loved it. Thank you Lord for looking past our failures and blessing us with your presence!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Saturday Nights Part 2
Last time I wrote, I was so excited about the Saturday night services we have at church. I am still excited, but our little group is getting hit so hard spiritually. I am thankful that my work and personal life have been going well, besides the neighbor kids above us who stress me out a lot, but many of our group members are dealing with huge stressors in their lives.
Though some attacks are taken out on me during our music practices and during the service (a person whining and then posting on facebook during practice), I have tried to keep the verse Eph 6:12 "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" in the forefront of my mind and just pray for our entire group and the individuals who are hurting me.
I have told some of those who are hurting that we are there for them and praying for them, but also asked them if they could pray for our group as well. It's easy to get caught up in our own self and wallow in that mess, so I think knowing that we need each other and must pray for others, helps us turn the focus outward too.
My main prayer is that we would see Jesus' face through all this.
My biggest hurt was a member who blogged about how music practice is so far from Christianity or loving one another. I couldn't agree more. I hate organizing a music practice and talking about the technical aspects of worship music. It is much easier to do it by myself, but that is IMPOSSIBLE to do with a group of people who have different backgrounds, music styles, etc. We need to practice. I would hope that he'd get out of his inward focus or self-righteous attitude and actually try to work as a team instead of bringing down the group and ruin the whole purpose of our being together.
This brings me to a topic that I blogged about sometime last year. The idea of complaining. These Christians who decide they hate everything about Christianity and relentlessly complain and never do anything about it annoy me. What's the point. I guess it is good to be thinking. I know I went through that phase, but there comes a time to move on; grow up! I hate to quote Ghandi, but really, "be the change you want to see in the world". If you want people in the church to love more, then stop complaining about it and love them more. If you want people to be in community together, then ask about their lives. Stop being pissed off that people don't pursue your every need and whine on a blog about how nobody cares about you and everything is superficial. Maybe stay and talk to people after a practice or service instead of bolting out the door to blog about how people are not acting like the "Church" and are just playing church.
Well, I'll get off my soap box. I am always failing at being a Christian, but I am so thankful for God's grace in my life and the huge blessings that he has given to Dan and me. We see God in so many aspects of our life and He continuously draws us nearer to Him. There are huge parts of me that want to be mad and crush the things that people say and do, but I know that I must keep my mouth shut (to their face at least) unless it becomes out of line and love them.
What does love look like? I believe it varies with each person and situation, but that is another topic. For now I will TRY and not take these things personally and will carry on with the amazing ministry that God has provided! I am excited and I will not let people's flesh or evil steal that from me!
1 Pet 5:5-11 "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen."
Though some attacks are taken out on me during our music practices and during the service (a person whining and then posting on facebook during practice), I have tried to keep the verse Eph 6:12 "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" in the forefront of my mind and just pray for our entire group and the individuals who are hurting me.
I have told some of those who are hurting that we are there for them and praying for them, but also asked them if they could pray for our group as well. It's easy to get caught up in our own self and wallow in that mess, so I think knowing that we need each other and must pray for others, helps us turn the focus outward too.
My main prayer is that we would see Jesus' face through all this.
My biggest hurt was a member who blogged about how music practice is so far from Christianity or loving one another. I couldn't agree more. I hate organizing a music practice and talking about the technical aspects of worship music. It is much easier to do it by myself, but that is IMPOSSIBLE to do with a group of people who have different backgrounds, music styles, etc. We need to practice. I would hope that he'd get out of his inward focus or self-righteous attitude and actually try to work as a team instead of bringing down the group and ruin the whole purpose of our being together.
This brings me to a topic that I blogged about sometime last year. The idea of complaining. These Christians who decide they hate everything about Christianity and relentlessly complain and never do anything about it annoy me. What's the point. I guess it is good to be thinking. I know I went through that phase, but there comes a time to move on; grow up! I hate to quote Ghandi, but really, "be the change you want to see in the world". If you want people in the church to love more, then stop complaining about it and love them more. If you want people to be in community together, then ask about their lives. Stop being pissed off that people don't pursue your every need and whine on a blog about how nobody cares about you and everything is superficial. Maybe stay and talk to people after a practice or service instead of bolting out the door to blog about how people are not acting like the "Church" and are just playing church.
Well, I'll get off my soap box. I am always failing at being a Christian, but I am so thankful for God's grace in my life and the huge blessings that he has given to Dan and me. We see God in so many aspects of our life and He continuously draws us nearer to Him. There are huge parts of me that want to be mad and crush the things that people say and do, but I know that I must keep my mouth shut (to their face at least) unless it becomes out of line and love them.
What does love look like? I believe it varies with each person and situation, but that is another topic. For now I will TRY and not take these things personally and will carry on with the amazing ministry that God has provided! I am excited and I will not let people's flesh or evil steal that from me!
1 Pet 5:5-11 "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen."
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Saturday Nights
My church started a new contemporary church service on Saturday nights. There has been a group of 15-20 people who have been coming, but I couldn't be more pleased with where God is leading us. Our church on Sundays used to be about 15 people for 3 or so years and we were a tight family who were there for one another. When we got a surge of people (60 or so), we lost that small group family. Now I view this Saturday service as a chance to gain that small group feel back. We can share with one another, encourage and pray for one another, and ultimately grow together as Christians. God is moving in everyone's life there and we are able to share all the amazing things that God is doing. It's great, though many are going through a lot of painful events. Overall, it is a great ministry to be involved in and I'm thankful that I have the opportunity to go each Saturday (until my work schedule doesn't allow me to).
Sunday, January 24, 2010
A Sweet Fairwell
When I started on the Burn Unit, I had two patients who really touched my heart. I already talked about one of them, but the other was a middle-age man who suffered burns to his entire body as well. He was in the hospital for over a month and was so sweet and kind-hearted. I got to meet his wife and learned a lot of burn care on him. He was patient with me and I enjoyed the days that I got to take care of him.
This past Friday I was on the unit reading policies and heard he was going home. I asked the nurses to notify me when he'd be leaving and I got to hug him and his wife (who were both in tears) and say good-bye. It was so wonderful to see how he progressed through his stay on our unit. I wish him the best and hope for a speedy recovery.
I love my job!
This past Friday I was on the unit reading policies and heard he was going home. I asked the nurses to notify me when he'd be leaving and I got to hug him and his wife (who were both in tears) and say good-bye. It was so wonderful to see how he progressed through his stay on our unit. I wish him the best and hope for a speedy recovery.
I love my job!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
1st Patient
Some people never ever forget their first patient in nursing school. I can say that I'll never forget my first patient as a real nurse.
Patient 1 is a teenage boy who was in an accident that caused him to have his whole body burned up to his neck. He had to have both legs amputated and multiple surgeries. He will be on our unit for a long time getting stable and will then go to a rehab center. When I worked 6 out of 7 days after returning from our lovely trip to San Antonio, I had him 4 of those days.
My patient was a great kid! I bonded with him quickly and he said I was one of his favorite nurses. He was so sweet and the toughest patient I had ever encountered. He refused pain medicine because he didn't want to sleep through any of the visits that he had with family and friends, so he bared the pain to socialize.
He later found out about his legs, but I was never able to talk to him because he had so many visitors. I told him at the end of the day that I was actually jealous of his friends and wished we could have talked more. He said the same, but that he really enjoyed his friends' visits.
One evening after a difficult day, I heard Mark Schultz's "He's My Son" and bawled all the way home. I pray that this kid sees God's purpose in his life and will live to his fullest potential. He as already touched so many lives with this tragic accident.
One day I told him "you have no idea how many people's lives you've affected in a positive way!" He said, "really?" His friends were in the room and said, "oh yeah, we don't party and drive anymore!" He said, "I guess it'll be more than I'll ever know, huh?" I replied, "more than you'll ever know!" I get goose bumps thinking about his life. It is a hell of a lesson that he had to go through when everyone makes stupid decisions in life. I pray that his friends never forget this moment.
Patient 1 is a teenage boy who was in an accident that caused him to have his whole body burned up to his neck. He had to have both legs amputated and multiple surgeries. He will be on our unit for a long time getting stable and will then go to a rehab center. When I worked 6 out of 7 days after returning from our lovely trip to San Antonio, I had him 4 of those days.
My patient was a great kid! I bonded with him quickly and he said I was one of his favorite nurses. He was so sweet and the toughest patient I had ever encountered. He refused pain medicine because he didn't want to sleep through any of the visits that he had with family and friends, so he bared the pain to socialize.
He later found out about his legs, but I was never able to talk to him because he had so many visitors. I told him at the end of the day that I was actually jealous of his friends and wished we could have talked more. He said the same, but that he really enjoyed his friends' visits.
One evening after a difficult day, I heard Mark Schultz's "He's My Son" and bawled all the way home. I pray that this kid sees God's purpose in his life and will live to his fullest potential. He as already touched so many lives with this tragic accident.
One day I told him "you have no idea how many people's lives you've affected in a positive way!" He said, "really?" His friends were in the room and said, "oh yeah, we don't party and drive anymore!" He said, "I guess it'll be more than I'll ever know, huh?" I replied, "more than you'll ever know!" I get goose bumps thinking about his life. It is a hell of a lesson that he had to go through when everyone makes stupid decisions in life. I pray that his friends never forget this moment.
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