What Do You Say?

Today at work a patient wanted to talk about death. He is in physical pain. He is tired of fighting. The machine I hook him to three times a week is keeping him alive. He is struggling with the final decision whether this is how he wants to continue on or not. He loves his family and they love him. He is scared. To be honest, I was scared. What do you say? What would God want me to say? What is the RIGHT response?

I have been there before, during, and after death. I have been the nurse on night shift providing "comfort measures". I have been the nurse making the 3am call to the family to say, "you better come now". I have been the nurse who holds a daughter up as she walks in the room to see her mother taking her last few breaths. I have helped the mortician lay a body in the velvet blanket for transport. I understand the process of death.

I couldn't find the right words to say today. I did tell him I would pray for him. I hope as my faith in God grows I will be able to become bolder...then I could have prayed with him today.

Hope

1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a]have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we[c] also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:1-5

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that in due time he may exalt you. Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you. Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experience of suffering is required of your brotherhood throughout the world. After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you. {1 Pet 5:6-10 RSV}

Prayer For The Day

Prayer for the Day:

Dear Lord,
So far today,
God, I've done alright.
I haven't gossiped,
haven't lost my temper,
haven't been greedy,
grumpy, nasty, selfish,
or over-indulgent.
But in a few minutes, God,
I'm going to get out of bed, and
from then on I'm probably going
to need a lot more help.

Thank You. Amen
-Author Unknown

Is Your Hut Burning?

Is Your Hut Burning?

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and everyday he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger. "God, how could you do this to me!" he cried.

Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad. But we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering. Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground --- it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God.

-Author Unknown

Church Drama - When God Ran

I think this would be neat to be a part of.

Superbowl Sunday

Last night, Stacey had his color guard staff over for a mexican dinner. They are a great bunch and are doing a good job with the students at Monroe Central. Makenna and Keaton really enjoy them too. I even got to play with the baby! It was a fun evening.

Family Night

Last night was a family night at our house. My brother was in town for the weekend and spent the evening with us. Grandma Sue came over to visit too. We even made hot fudge sundaes! Everyone had a good time and it was really nice to spend some time with Uncle Wyatt.