c 1985 I blew it.  This is one event that I wish I could do over.  You see, I was working night shift in a med/surg unit at Ephrata Hospital, and it was crazy busy!  Those of you who are nurses know the kind of shift I mean-- Lots of pain meds to give, blood to hang, bedpans to empty, orders to take off, new admissions... and then there was Mr. Omar.  Ringing his bell. Calling for the nurse.  Ringing his  bell. Calling for the nurse.  Ringing his bell... you get the idea.  And what was it Mr. Omar wanted?  Little things.. a drink of water, covers adjusted, a different pillow, and so on...  He was alert but weak and couldn't really take care of his own needs. I was exasperated and annoyed.  I didn't have time for him.  Sigh-- I did the bare minimum while hardly speaking to him as I fulfilled his requests and then bustled to my next task.  

When I came in the next night for my shift, I was hit by a sledge hammer. (figuratively, of course) Mr. Omar had died that day in the morning a few hours after I had left the hospital. My eyes were suddenly opened as I  realized why Mr. Omar had been ringing his bell constantly--  He was alone.  He was afraid.  He knew he was dying.  He needed a caring person to be by his side; to hold his hand and pray with him; someone to speak gently to him and assure him.  God had put me in that place to be that person. Overwhelmed with my "to do" list, I failed to see the truth that was right in front of me. In the chaos of my tasks,  I failed to center in Jesus and in the peace that transcends all else.  I believe without a doubt that had I been more centered, I would have given those drinks of water with more kindness and gentleness; I would have brought an extra blanket and held his hand for a minute or two.  I would have thought to call the chaplain.  I would have fluffed his pillow and asked him if he wanted me to recite the 23rd Psalm with him before I went back out to the nurses' station. If I was writing this with pen and paper, it would be smudged because I still cry a little when I reflect on that night. 

I became a better nurse; one more focused and centered in our Lord. I learned to look beyond the physical needs.  I've asked for Jesus to forgive me, and I know he has, but I am so sorry, Mr. Omar.  I hope one day to apologize to him in person. 

We enter Holy Week as Sunday signifies the final week of Lent. Please join us as our worship service this Sunday will move from loud hosannas and palm branches to the scriptures of passion and pain. Classes-9 AM. Church Service- 10:15 AM.

Additional services this week to which you are ALL invited: 

• Maundy Thursday Love Feast: 6:15 PM
• Good Friday Service: 7 PM
• Early Easter Sunday Service: 8:15 AM
• Easter Breakfast: 9 AM
• Easter Celebration: 10:15 AM

There will be no communique next Friday. 

Food items of any form are being gathered to share with The Factory Ministries.   

There is a box under the mailboxes for either new or slightly used, clean adult sneakers to share with residents of the Philadelphia Nursing Home. Questions about the shoes may be directed to Korinne Wenger or me. 

Prayer for today: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; God's mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in God." Lamentations 3:22-24

Lord God, fill us with a renewed awareness of your presence in our lives. Jesus, Jesus, draw us to you as we face the tough times and heartbreaks in life assuring us that you are on the journey with us; remind us to pause and be centered in You as we relate to each other. Spirit of the living God, guide us with wisdom and equip us with the needed tools to do the work of reconciliation for which we are called. Thanks and praise to you, forgiving and gentle God! Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, here on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name.  AMEN 

 

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too! 

Love and Light,
Carol

Ridgeview Mennonite Church

"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference! Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend." jd

With tornadoes, war, unexpected death, and pain all around, I had a welcome chortle as a delivery from the UPS guy awakened the memory of a story a former co-worker shared with me. I'm a few weeks late to acknowledge Nurse's Week, however I'll take this moment to honor the character, determination, and strength of these women and men that floods not only their professional days but also their home lives.

Ruth is an RN about 20 years older than I who joined the pediatric staff when I was still working as an RN  at a small, neighborhood hospital. Being responsible to orient and instruct her, I was at first doubtful about her abilities as she had been working as an administrator at a senior care facility for a number of years.
But Ruth was sharp, determined, very spunky, assertive, organized, and kind; important qualities for a good nurse, and she soon mastered her new role.

Back to the UPS story. Ruth said a young man in those UPS browns we all know so well, brought a package to her home. Ignoring the "beware" sign, he opened the porch door and was bitten in the upper thigh by her dog. Ruth was able to quickly grab the dog and put him inside. She said the UPS man was shaken but claimed he was OK and eager to leave. Ruth, in concern for him, said she wanted to examine his wound before he left.  In order to see the bite, though, Mr. UPS would have to drop those nice brown shorts.

"Lady," he said, "I can't do that. I'm not wearing anything under these shorts."

Do you think this deterred an RN with many years of nursing administration and hospital work experience? Of course not!

Grabbing a towel, Ruth handed it to him and said, "That's okay. Hold this in front of you and drop those drawers. I'm a nurse; I've seen it all."

And yep, he did! I don't remember at all the seriousness of the bite, but oh, did I have a good laugh as she told her tale!
I've had the honor and joy to work with many amazing nurses over the years. Thank one today, won't you?
(This has nothing to do with Sunday's service!) ha!

This week Brother Mick is on a much deserved holiday, and Brother Nelson remains on sabbatical. Jack Suderman, Secretary of the Peace Commission of the Mennonite World Conference (MWC), will be sharing a message he is calling "Peace, a Living Experience" from Psalm 33 and James 3:17-4:1.
I've never met Jack, but his biography indicates a wide expanse of cultural experiences in his life. I look forward to hearing and learning.

I suspect our numbers will be down on Sunday, so you are encouraged to sit in the front half of the sanctuary. Also, we may have tourists, so be sure to wear your smiling faces and be ready to explain the differences between Amish and Mennonite. :)

I'm feeling very sad for our dear Brother Paul and Sister Mary as their grandson Dan Mast was killed in a construction accident on Tuesday.  As you may recall, their grandson Craig died of cancer not so very long ago.  Please pray for their family.
sad, sad, sigh

Hearing from Christle, Mark, Brandon, and Taylor at youth group on Wednesday was great!  Thanks for sharing your university experiences and learnings!

A prayer for today: We wait in hope for you, Lord. You are our help and our shield. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you. (Psalm 33:20, 22)
Lord, we confess that our lack of trust and our fear of the unknown causes us to strike out at others. Mercy, Lord! We cry to you for mercy and grace. Lord, we seek your shelter and comfort.  Remind us that never will you leave us nor forsake us though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the seas. Remind us that nothing can separate us from your love. Hold our hands. Guide us. Help us to help each other.  Help us to be kind to one another.  Help your love to flow through us spilling over like gentle rain on the parched earth to our enemies and neighbors. Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name. Amen. 

Without question or doubt, you are LOVED by GOD, and I love you too! 

Need to talk?  Contact me! 

Love and Light, 

Carol

http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference! Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend." jd

A Comedy of Errors; Funny but Not

It's time for a hospital story. You may remember this one from a few years ago.

c 1986 (The old days) "There's something wrong with Aunt Gertie!" A distressed couple ran to the nurses' station directly across from Aunt Gertie's room.  The unit was a general medical-surgical unit, and the day was a typical "IV's, medicine, bedpans, dressing changes, no time for the nurses to pee" kind of day.  Aunt Gertie was not my patient, but now we were all on alert.

An experienced RN scurried into the room, only to rush right back out, calling to the staff,
"Call the code!"  She ran for the crash cart.

Ehhhhh! This is NOT procedure!  She should have called the code from the room and started CPR!  I rushed into Aunt Gertie's room.  The woman in the bed closest to the door was reclining with the head of her bed at about a 45 degree angle. Her mouth was slightly open, eyes staring and unseeing, and her color ashen. I began to lower the head of her bed as I grabbed her wrist to check her pulse. Surprisingly, her skin was warm, and her pulse was strong.  "Are you OK?" I asked.

The woman responded, "I'm fine, but I think my roommate is having problems. I'm blind though, so I can't see what's happening." 
Yikes! Laugh or Cry?! I quickly moved to the bed on the other side of the curtain and began caring for Aunt Gertie.

Even though I haven't worked as an RN for many years, I still have the occasional stress dream of something going wrong on the nursing unit, but this event was no somnolent nightmare but like coca-cola, the real thing!

I never confronted the first responder in this situation as she was my boss, but I've sometimes wondered if it was fear or shock that caused her to act outside of the protocol.

The text for Brother Mick's message is John 5:1-13 where Jesus asks the sick man at the poolside if he wants to be healed. Mick will explore with us the man's response. "When confronted by what we might do or could do or perhaps even should do, we fall quickly back to a position of defensiveness on why we can't. How much of our spiritual growth or discipleship practices are hindered by our own actions or attitudes?"

Some of you college students have finished for the year while others of you are pushing toward the finish line. Either way, I'm praying for you and look forward to catching up with you soon. I plan to join you in the Upper Room. :)

The hummingbirds are here, and I heard an oriole this morning. YAY! Is anyone interested in enjoying a cup of coffee with me on my deck as the hummingbirds zip past our heads like light sabers?

A prayer for today: 
Creator God, be gracious to us and bless us and make your face shine upon us. May your ways be known on earth; your salvation among all nations.  Grant us courage to bear witness of your incredible grace and love to all the ends of the earth. Grant clarity and discipline to our friends still studying and taking exams. Grant healing and hope to those of us who are ill and lonely. Provide new understandings of you as we experience different cultures and locations.  Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God. Here, on earth, as it is in heaven. In Jesus name. Amen. 

Without question or doubt, you are LOVED by GOD, and I love you too! 

Need to talk?  Contact me! 

Love and Light, 

Carol

http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference! Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend." jd

"But I think I'm killing her!" 

Before nursing clinical simulation centers included a lifelike "SimMan" on which to practice, the students themselves served as the dummies.  My friend Beth and I practiced venapuncture (putting needles into veins), bed baths, and went so far as having to set up an enema, thankfully without turning on the water, on each other.  However, for all the poking, prodding, and exposed body parts, inserting nasogastric tubes on each other was like being in a horror scene from Dr. Franklin's Island. http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Franklins-Island-Readers-Circle/dp/0440237815

An "NG" tube is a plastic flexible straw-like tube that goes in through the nose and extends to the stomach, its purpose being to either suck out contents of the upper gastrointestinal tract or as a sliding board to put things into the stomach.  As you insert it, you have to be very careful not to enter the airway and lungs which could result in, ummm, death.  Beth "dropped" one into me without too much difficulty if you consider uncontrollable gagging, eyewatering, and a sensation like fingers down a chalkboard not difficult.  Poor Beth, though, whether it was my ineptness or a crooked passageway, I couldn't get that #%*! tube inserted.  She was in obvious distress while my professor stood over my shoulder barking instructions. My eyes began to blur and my hands shake as I imagined the headline, "Nursing Student Kills Best Friend During Clinical Simulation;" the professor pushed me aside and finished the drill. Sigh.

Difficult stuff, yet necessary and even lifesaving.  During my years as an RN in a hospital setting, I inserted NG tubes successfully yet never without recalling my initial learning experience.  During my "Pinning Ceremony" at Goshen College http://www.goshen.edu/  one of the speakers said, "You now have the tools and have learned how to be a nurse, but it is up to you to become one."   An understanding of the truth in this statement developed in the years following my graduation.

"If Walls Could Talk" is what Brother Mick is calling his message this week focusing on Joshua 24 and Ephesians 6:10-20.  How are we applying our faith and belief in our daily lives?  Are we walking the talk? We may know how to be a believer, but are we putting our head knowledge into daily practice? You can listen to sermons online (after the event) at  http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/sermons/index.php.  The worship service begins at 9:30am as we continue until after Labor Day with our summer schedule.

Craig, we continue to pray for you, as you face the challenges of each day.  You continue to inspire and bless me with the wisdom and attitude with which you live.
Check out Craig's blog at http://cas-ementions.blogspot.com/  You can also read about Craig's health journey on Caring Bridge at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/craigstoltzfus

College Students, I am praying for you.
Travis, blessings as you begin your new job and settle into life in sunny CA.
Teachers, I am praying for you too. :)
Awwww! Alana and Michael have a new kitty! :)
Ed and Kaylee, Ashlea and Bryan, Jul and Tyler-- wedding days fast approacheth!  Joy and Blessings!

Prayer for today:  Creator God, we praise you. You hear us when we call for help, and in you we take refuge. You never leave us nor forsake us. Lord, I ask that our college students would have a greater awareness of you as they adjust to their schedules, new people and places, classes, and dorm-life. Help them to maintain discipline in their studies. Thank your for their sharp minds and help them to be good stewards of the knowledge they acquire.  Bless the teachers among us with patience, gentleness, and kindness; grant them the ability to share their lessons with a clarity and an excitement that draws students into the learning. Thank you for Craig and bless his days with energy, joy, and healing and his nights with peace, comfort, and rest; guide the surgical and oncological teams in treatments and procedures. Creator God, you have shown us how to live; grant us courage to follow your will and way.  Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name. AMEN.  

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too! 

Love and Light, carol

Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference!  Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend. "  jd

Healer of Our Every Ill

It's been a while since I've told a hospital story, so here goes.  My patient was a 16 year old boy I'll call David who had lost 30 pounds in 2 months time.  David described how initially he had sharp pain and flu-like symptoms for a couple of weeks but seemed to improve slightly. Pounds began to fall from him like leaves on a November tree. He was an athlete and no longer had the energy to participate in the many activities he loved or an appetite to eat his mom's good PA Dutch cooking.  The diagnostic tests revealed some sort of mass in his abdomen which the surgeon attempted to aspirate and got nothing--not a good sign.  Could it be that this teenager had a cancerous tumor?  Feeling overwhelmed with the possibilities, the medical staff at the small provincial  hospital at which I was working decided to transfer David to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) for surgery. I rode along in the ambulance to monitor David and keep him company.  We all anxiously awaited news of David's surgery and prognosis. The surgeon himself called with the news; David's appendix had been perforated several months before but had encapsulated preventing a full blown infection.  Why wasn't there pus on the initial aspiration?  No one knows, but the CHOP surgeon said that the surgery was very complicated, and that it was a blessing David was at the Philadelphia hospital with their additional resources.  David returned to us post operatively, and we all rejoiced with God's healing touch.

God provides healing in various ways; the body's own system, medicine, and yes, miraculous healing.  The scripture for Sunday is Mark 1:40-45, a passage in which Jesus heals and cleanses a man with leprosy. http://bible.oremus.org/  Perhaps even more significant for us than the physical healing, is the example Jesus provides us of touching and loving one who was broken and an outcast.  Brother Mick's message is called "Only Skin Deep," and I hope you will be able to join us.

The Upper Room will be open, and I look forward to conversing with you.

On Wednesday night at 6:15 we are having a family Valentine Dinner with Forest Hills Mennonite Church providing entertainment.  Bring a friend or your honey and join us!

My prayer for you today: As the deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. Creator, fill us with your living waters. Today is a new day of possibilities. Your mercy and your grace cover us as You keep watch and care for us.  We commit our plans, our relationships, and our work to You, and seek Your wisdom and guidance in each minute.  Let us be light to those walking in darkness; let us be hope to those in despair; let us be peace to those in conflict; let us be You, Jesus, to each other. Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Breakfast anyone?
Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too.
Love and Light,
Carol

Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe because it does make a difference! Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend!" JD

“If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it."

Children's Hospital National Medical Center, Washington DC  
  (Hospital stories 2 weeks in a row....)

0730 couldn't come soon enough.  I had worked a double shift as a "child care technician," a position created for nursing students in a baccalaureate program, and I was exhausted.  It was now 0720, that's 7:20am for those of you who don't follow 24 hour clock time; I'd recorded my report for the next shift and was counting the minutes to head down to the bus stop. 

"Maybe I should check my kiddos one more time before I leave," I muttered to myself.  Some of my little ones were awake and playing and some still sleeping. 18 month old James was the last of my little patients to check.  I peaked into his room, and there he was standing in his crib, smiling broadly, and covered with blood from his IV which he had apparently ripped out, and coated in what must have been incredibly explosive diarrhea. Seriously, how could such a little guy have excrement covering every inch of himself and the crib and the floor???? and he was so happy....  SIGH.   I  could sneak out of his room and no one would know I saw this spectacle; James couldn't tell anyone. I really, really needed to sleep. Surely no one would blame me if they knew what kind of night I'd had and how pooped (bad pun intended) I was.  Choices to make; character in question. I took a deep breath of hallway air and entered the room.  "Oh, James!" 


This week's message is entitled "Wax On, Wax Off," and Brother Mick will be sharing from the passage in Matthew 16:21-28 where Peter wants to prevent Jesus from facing death, and like we often try to do, keep Jesus clean and pure where all is happy and sweet rather than understanding Jesus is going to step into the muck where most of us are wallowing. Jesus certainly had loving arms around a sweet albeit stinky little boy named James, and Jesus invites us to join him  in entering the stuff of life.


As I was sitting in my office this week and the walls began to tremble and my desk to vibrate, once I realized I was not having some sort of "spell," the verse came to mind from Isaiah 54:10 "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you"  Now many are facing the effects of Hurricane Irene; let's remember God is our refuge and strength even as we fill buckets to flush toilets and boil potatoes to eat.


A fellowship meal follows the service on Sunday allowing us to spend some time in appreciation for Jeff and Cindy, as Jeff concludes his time as minister of music at Ridgeview.   God continues to use his servant Jeff in creative and amazing ways with his acting and musical gifts.  I am very hopeful that Jeff's words to us might be, "You've not seen the last of me!"  For those of you who enjoy piano music check out Jeff's website for his "In The Midst"  cd as well as his engagements.  I'm not sure if he has the cd available in digital format or not, but get a cup of tea, close your eyes, and be blessed as joy and peace flow from the dulcet sounds of the piano. We love you, Jeffrey!  http://jeffraught.com/

Monday  7pm at Ridgeview there is an affordable housing meeting with Robert Thomas, president of Tabor Community Services, to continue the discussion about housing issues in our area.  All are welcome to attend.


Some of you are teachers and back at school or going soon.  May you be filled with Spirit fruit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, as you touch young hearts and minds.


College students, I am praying for you as you transition with roommates, classes, sports, food, professors, environment, schedules.....

My prayer for you today:  

God of Hope, in a world that is ever changing and at times hurtful, you are present and enter the muck with us providing healing and hope.  You've revealed your true love for us through Jesus, claiming us as your children! Fill each reader with an awareness of your love; be it on a cognitive level or an emotional one; be it through a coworker today or a roommate; be it in the reading of this prayer or the perusal of the newspaper.  You are omnificent and omnipotent, Creator and Almighty, yet made yourself a servant of love and have shown us a new way and a new hope.  Come Kingdom of God.  Be done, will of God.  Here on earth, as it is in heaven.  AMEN

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too.  Never hesitate to contact me!

love and light,

carol

"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference!  Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend. "  jd

With thee is the fountain of life; in thy light do we see light. Psalms 36:9

"Carol, I need you to go help out on Station 2," the nursing supervisor said. 
I had just sent my only patient, 7 year old Sally sufficiently recovered from her asthma attack, home. 
Station 2 was a general medical/surgical unit with big people rather than my usual infants, children, and teens.  I didn't mind going to help, although I was hoping I would not have an assignment of patients.
"Whew! Glad you're here!" Chris, the evening charge nurse exclaimed.  "207 is driving us all nuts.  He's confused, belligerent, and destined to fall."
"OK, " I said and did a quick perusal of his chart--Samuel Roberts, 87 years old, Congestive Heart Failure.
"You have to stay in bed; you're in the hospital, " the nursing assistant was saying sternly to the old man when I entered the room. 
"Hi, Ellen, I can stay with him now."
"Thanks, I haven't taken any of my 8pm vitals yet.  Have fun!"  she said with a wry smile, hastening off to complete her many tasks.
The old man was stretched out in the hospital bed with one of his long legs trying to find the spaces in the side rails, attempting to escape.
 "Hey, there!  Where are you going?" I asked our captive. 
"I've got to get home to Elsie," he replied in a surprisingly clear and strong voice.  
 Realizing the continued attempts of reorientation had failed, and that I was set to be here for awhile, I tried a new tactic; distraction.  
"Mr. Roberts, what happened to your toes?"  With his big, puffy feet battling with the rails it was easy to see he was missing several toes on each foot.  I pulled up a chair beside him and took hold of his hand, partly to keep him from picking at his IV line and partly to provide a human touch.
"Frostbite in the war," he said without missing a beat. And just that quickly the history lesson began.  Prompted by questions, Mr. Roberts began to tell me about his life. His parents died in the influenza pandemic of 1918; he was raised by an aunt and uncle.  He ate pigs' brains and other animal parts during the Great Depression that certainly have never crossed my palate. He had been drafted in WWII. He and Elsie never had children...The evening passed quickly, and I wish I had taken notes because the details are now fuzzy.  
When I entered room 207, Mr. Roberts was a number and a label. When I left at 11pm that night, a transformation had occurred within me as divine light enveloped that room.   In my world of nursing, it was really easy to be conformed by expectations in the "to do" list and not truly see people even though it is the caring of humankind that draws many of us to nursing in the first place.  Today in your encounters, take a second look at people and see them as the masterpieces of the Creator.
"Do not be conformed to this world,^* but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.^*   Romans 12:2 
At times it seems transformation is something too lofty to attain; perhaps it is as simple as truly seeing.


View From the Grove

 This week Brother Mick will be sharing from Romans 12 albeit a different direction than I took you.  This is a passage with much to chew on-- certainly not baby food! The title of the message is "Reasonable Worship," and we'll be contemplating how our powers of reason tie in with worship.  Worship will be down in the grove beginning at 9:30am;  ahh, I love the outside service, but, alas!,  I won't be there!  We'll be heading to Harrisonburg where the daughters will check into their college dorms and begin soccer preseason training. 
Sarah and Laura have also headed to their colleges, and Travis, Dustin, and Brandon will be close behind.


Check out the progress on enclosing the Upstairs Room! :) 
Mennonite Disaster Service will soon be announcing the project locations for this fall.  Stay tuned to find out the where and when.  Perhaps you can be a part of a team rebuilding homes and hope. http://mds.mennonite.net/
The "Ingathering" for August is paper supplies for The Factory Ministries.


My prayer for you today:  Creator God, you are the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.  Thank you for your presence with us; never do you leave us or forsake us.  Transform us to your likeness that your will would be done, here on earth as it is in heaven.  Come Kingdom of God.  Be done will of God, on earth as it is in heaven.  In Jesus name.   AMEN


Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too! 
Love and Light,
carol
http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

 *Names and identifying details have been changed.

"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference!  Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend. " JD

I Shall Not Want

Room 249 was dark and drear; the hospital decor of 20+ years ago when hospital rooms were typically less like a spirited painter's palate and more like tombstone shades of grey. I was working on a general medical/surgical unit in a friendly provencial hospital where the evening supervisor's mantra, "You will NOT have overtime" started each shift. The woman in 249 (I'll call her "Elsa") suffered severe rheumatoid arthritis and had multiple areas of skin breakdown.  She was a sweet and gentle person who, in spite of her crippled body whose very bones you could feel separate when you lifted her, rarely complained.  Her care often required several of us working together, and even with all the caution we could muster, any movement resulted in extreme pain for her. 


After completing Elsa's nighttime regimen as tenderly as we could, the other RN and I said our goodnights and prepared to leave the room. "Would you girls say the 23rd Psalm with me before you leave?" Elsa asked in her quiet, husky voice. Both of us stopped in our tracks, went to either side of Elsa and held her knobby hands.  "Of course."   We both were glad we had this beautiful canticle committed to memory. Together, with Elsa's quavering voice joining ours, we recited this hymn.  For the first time, I understood....

The retelling of this incident causes a swell of emotion within me as I'm reminded of how the three of us experienced God's comforting presence through the words of a psalm and a circle of believers. Elsa could have said the words independently, and she probably did, but her invitation for us to join her in this song and prayer invited comfort and peace to that dreary room granting me the experience of our Creator in a new and beautiful way.

 

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,^*

   I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
   your rod and your staff—
   they comfort me.

The early church, as recounted in the Acts of the Apostles, seemed to integrate her understanding of God as shepherd in very tangible ways.  Brother Mick will lead us in examining the texts, Psalm 23 and Acts 2: 42-47. How does the individuality of our culture today affect our perception and practice of God's shepherding?   As a number of our young people will be baptized this Sunday, this is an especially pertinent situation to ponder.

This weekend Ridgeview will be bustling with junior highers as they are led by Infuzion, a team of people committed to "spiritually impact the students of this generation for Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God..." They are also providing resourcing for adults from 5-8pm on Saturday, so if you'd like to come, just come!  Supper is provided. 

Julie's knee surgery yesterday went well, and she is happy to report permission for "weight-bearing as tolerated."  Yay!

In the Upper Room on Sunday at 9am, Steve and Val Kauffman will be sharing some of their life journey.

My prayer for you (and me)  today:  Shepherding God, in your presence we are offered rest and provision.  Open and available, you invite us to your fold.  Let your church be so caring and invitational! 

Thank you for these young people. I pray that you would reveal yourself to them in new and tangible ways.  Thank you that Julie's surgery went well. Thank you for the beauty of your creation.

 I bring my irritation and frustration with the very technology that allows this communication, and lay it at your feet.  I desire to have a grateful heart, not a grumbling one, yet I am feeling grumpy with my lost work and the delay to post this message. 

I pray for our broken and hurting world.  Help us to be ambassadors of your peace and hope rather than carriers of strife and despair.  Come Kingdom of God.  Be done, will of God, here on earth as it is in heaven.  In the name of Jesus.  AMEN

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too!  Feel free to contact me.

love and light, carol

http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference!  Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend. "

"Call the Code!"

 Good morning, All!

    "There's something wrong with Aunt Gertie!"  a distressed couple said as they came out of the hospital room.  The unit was a general med-surg floor, and I was working day shift.  Aunt Gertie was not my patient, and another nurse went quickly into the room. That nurse came flying back out of the room and yelled, "Call the code!" and went running for the crash cart.  Ehhhh!  The nurse who finds a patient in cardiac arrest is supposed to call the code from the patient's room and begin CPR! At least that was the procedure 25 years ago when this occurred.  I rushed into the room to begin the process. 
     Aunt Gertie was lying with her mouth slightly open, eyes wide open, and her color ashen.  She did not react at all to my entrance.  I began to put her bed in a flat position while checking her pulse at the same time. Much to my shock her skin was warm, her pulse was strong, and the woman in the bed said, "I'm just fine. It's my roommate who's having trouble."  This woman was blind and ill, so just looked like death had visited her.... :/  (Sounds like a hospital sitcom episode.... one of those not really funny but funny!)

     We can know all the correct procedures and get "A's" on our exams, but unless we apply our knowledge in real life, it doesn't really matter! 

     This week Brother Mick is preaching "From Learning to Loving" with scriptures from Matthew 5:38-48, Levitcus 19:1-2, 9-18; and Psalm 119: 33-40.  We are to be holy as God is holy, set apart for a purpose, a purpose that is described in these passages.

You can read the passages from this site. http://bible.oremus.org/ 

     Last Sunday the College and Careers class had a delicious breakfast and will again be meeting in the upstairs room although sans pancakes. :)    If you haven't joined the Ridgeview Mennonite Young Adults fb group yet, do so today! Julie posted some great photos from last week's breakfast.

     Let's all tell Laura Glick to "Break a leg!" as she has her acting debut tonight in "Fashion," a student directed play.  Laura plays the butler and gets to make lots of those delightful faces for which she is famous at Ridgeview!  I wish I could be there, Laura.  Can't wait to hear about it. :)

     Blessings to Kristin Lapp as she marries Ryan Ebersole tomorrow. :)

     My prayer for you today:  Creator God, you are the beauty that surrounds us.  You are the wisdom that is within us.  You are the light, and hope,and joy that fills us.  No matter our circumstances, we are called by you to be your children; to follow you, Jesus,  to find rest, healing, guidance, and wholeness through the power of your Holy Spirit.  Bless Laura; help her to remember her lines and the nuances of her role.  Bless Nate; help him to remember your love for him as well as the love of your people for him.  Bless Zach; remind him of the love and hope that is You.  Bless Kristin and Ryan as they begin their lives as a married couple.  Lord, use us to pour out your healing and hope on a world that is so in so much pain and despair. Come Kingdom of God.  Be done will of God; here on earth as it is in heaven.  AMEN

     Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too!

love and light,

Carol

     "Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference!  Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend. "  jd