Being a nurse is not what I do, but it is who I am. Helping people live to their full health potential really floats my boat! What could be more awesome than that! I believe nursing is all encompassing as true nursing deals with ministering not only to the body, but the mind and soul as well! One must inspire in their patient the hope of a better day and attribute worth and value to the one who may be struggling with that very core issue. We are so much more than any disease we may have to fight! If there is any message I feel compelled to share with the hurting in body or soul, it is the message that your life is still worth living in spite of your limitations and challenges!
One of the most graphic pictures of this truth was sealed upon my mind when I was at a mega church in Phoenix 10 years ago. I saw a man in a wheel chair that he controlled with his mouth. He was a quadriplegic due to an accident in which he was crushed in a logging machine inadvertently turned on by his Dad who didn’t know he was in it. He had been an athlete, and now he was totally disabled as a young man. He didn’t give up on life even though that was the temptation, but got rehabilitated and did incredible paintings with his mouth and also did motivational preaching. He got married to a beautiful woman and had a little 3 year old girl that was sitting on his lap in the wheel chair!
I believe two main things achieved this amazing outcome for this man. He had an incredible Christian faith and support system, and he had excellent medical care! His life still had value and meaning!
Nursing and caring for the sick go so well with a Christian world view where we value each life as made is the image of God and worth caring for and saving! The story of the Good Samaritan illustrates beautifully the qualities of compassion, caring and self sacrifice which are synonymous with good nursing! Can we forget the example of Jesus Himself Who spent his life healing and doing good for suffering humanity because He was moved with compassion. Acts 10:38 says "…how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him." Yes, He was the Messiah and Matthew 8:16 states, “ He Himself took our infirmities And bore our sicknesses.” Also, when we do it to the least of these, we are doing it unto Jesus. Matthew 25:37 states, “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’
Wow! Do you see it? The Christian example for dealing with hurting and suffering humanity is to recognize it, to be moved with compassion, and then finally to do something about it! Talk about being pro-active! Contrast this with other world views on suffering. Sins supposedly committed in a past life in a Hindu world view acount for one's present suffering. Only the strong should survive in a Darwinian world view. These ideologies will result in a very different protocol for dealing with the challenges of the infirm and disabled! I believe respect for human life in all its stages and challenges is the only humane and truly human way of giving care!
Ultimately, for me nursing is not so much a profession as it is a high calling to bring dignity, healing and respect to the afflicted and that is what I have to bring to the “proverbial table”! At a time when healthcare is potentially taking a vastly different path to treating the sick, may we be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Lori
Monday, November 16, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Does Noah's Ark Still Exist?
Jesus believed in Noah and the Flood? Do you?
My awesome husband had the distinct honor of doing a presentation on Noah’s Ark to international students at SMU. They were from various countries including Turkey, Kuwait, India, China, Korea, the Ivory Coast, Taiwan, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. Mike was the guest speaker for Chi Alpha, an on campus organization that helps international students integrate into American life, culture and gives them an exposure to Christianity.
It was great to be able to share the story of Noah’s Ark and the Flood with many students who had never before heard the Biblical story. My husband shared documented accounts of a great flood from Chinese, Indian, Hawaiian, Toltec, and Islamic traditions. He really shocked the Chinese students when he had them read the Chinese word for boat which is made up of 3 characters; vessel, people, and 8! There were 8 people recorded on the Ark! The young man from Turkey had relatives who actually lived in a town near Mt. Ararat. When asked if they believed that the Ark was up there, he answered affirmatively!
360 cultures have the story of a great flood in their traditions. The names are different, but the story of 8 people, the 40 days and 40 nights of rain and the rainbow are all very similar!
Over the past 100 years, there have been multiple sightings by various individuals unknown to each other who have described a very similar structure of a large wooden vessel on top of Mt. Ararat. The two big factors that make it very difficult to settle this debate for once and for all are inclement weather and political deterrents to exploration.
So why are we so fascinated with the possibility of proving Noah’s Ark and the Flood as an actual historical occurrence? It would authenticate one of the most told and loved stories of the Bible to be sure, but the ramifications go much deeper than that. One would have to conclude that there is a God in Heaven Who concerns Himself with the affairs of men! It would mean that we live in a moral universe where our actions are weighed in the balance of a Holy God. And that would mean that we desperately need a Savior! Jesus came for all people, and no one country or culture has exclusive claims to Him!
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Revelations 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
Revelations 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.
Do you thirst? Then come to Jesus who is the present “Ark” of safety from the judgment that is to come. For me, my faith does not rest on whether or not the Ark sits on top of Mt. Ararat, but instead on the reliability of God’s Word, the Bible, that has kept me afloat in the storms of life!
Lori
My awesome husband had the distinct honor of doing a presentation on Noah’s Ark to international students at SMU. They were from various countries including Turkey, Kuwait, India, China, Korea, the Ivory Coast, Taiwan, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. Mike was the guest speaker for Chi Alpha, an on campus organization that helps international students integrate into American life, culture and gives them an exposure to Christianity.
It was great to be able to share the story of Noah’s Ark and the Flood with many students who had never before heard the Biblical story. My husband shared documented accounts of a great flood from Chinese, Indian, Hawaiian, Toltec, and Islamic traditions. He really shocked the Chinese students when he had them read the Chinese word for boat which is made up of 3 characters; vessel, people, and 8! There were 8 people recorded on the Ark! The young man from Turkey had relatives who actually lived in a town near Mt. Ararat. When asked if they believed that the Ark was up there, he answered affirmatively!
360 cultures have the story of a great flood in their traditions. The names are different, but the story of 8 people, the 40 days and 40 nights of rain and the rainbow are all very similar!
Over the past 100 years, there have been multiple sightings by various individuals unknown to each other who have described a very similar structure of a large wooden vessel on top of Mt. Ararat. The two big factors that make it very difficult to settle this debate for once and for all are inclement weather and political deterrents to exploration.
So why are we so fascinated with the possibility of proving Noah’s Ark and the Flood as an actual historical occurrence? It would authenticate one of the most told and loved stories of the Bible to be sure, but the ramifications go much deeper than that. One would have to conclude that there is a God in Heaven Who concerns Himself with the affairs of men! It would mean that we live in a moral universe where our actions are weighed in the balance of a Holy God. And that would mean that we desperately need a Savior! Jesus came for all people, and no one country or culture has exclusive claims to Him!
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Revelations 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
Revelations 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.
Do you thirst? Then come to Jesus who is the present “Ark” of safety from the judgment that is to come. For me, my faith does not rest on whether or not the Ark sits on top of Mt. Ararat, but instead on the reliability of God’s Word, the Bible, that has kept me afloat in the storms of life!
Lori
Monday, November 9, 2009
Marriage: Do You Honor Your Husband?
Many women still have in their marriage ceremony that they will love, honor, and respect their husbands, but I fear that with the influence of “women’s liberation”, it is becoming more and more rare to have women genuinely and truly render honor to their husbands. The media and Hollywood want to present women as strong, independent and not needing the strength, wisdom and protection of any man, let alone the man they commit their life to if one even gets themselves to that level of trust, since men are portrayed as the “oppressor” and not worthy of trust.
It is no small step to commit your life to someone in marriage, and one must know as well as possible the character of the person that they are marrying, but I believe the purpose of marriage is to be each others advocate and not each others adversary! I believe marriage should take away the loneliness we experience as human beings and help us through life’s many trials.
Here is my story: My husband became disabled 27 years ago and was wasting away, weighing only 129 pounds at 6 feet tall. He could only be up 5 minutes out of 60 due to severe back pain. He could no longer work, but a definitive diagnosis eluded the doctors, so he did not qualify for any disability for 4 years, until they decided he was fighting some type of arthritis.
With 3 small kids and having been out of my chosen field of nursing for 10 years, I was in quite a predicament! I did get my skills up to speed through a refresher course and I returned to work, but my life was quite hectic. I now had to deal with the pressures of work, 3 little kids, and a sick husband! I had to choose what my overall response would be even though I would “loose it” at times. I chose to love, honor, and respect my husband not for what he could do or earn for me, but for who he was as a person and that had not changed, though our situation certainly had! I would defend him to those that accused him including our own families.
To honor means to ascribe value or worth to someone, to treat them with respect. Men can’t live or thrive without it! A woman needs love and security, but a man needs respect and honor. Many books have been written about these very things including Dr. Laura Scheslinger’s, The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands and Emerson Eggerich’s, Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs.
What is the end of my story? My husband, though still fighting physical challenges, is a very happy and engaging individual. He gives talks on various apologetic issues such as creation versus evolution, the evidence for Noah’s Ark, and the Bible’s literal and historical accuracy, to name a few of the topics he covers. He is not a broken man, in spite of a very long and tough journey in which the markers of success are taken from him. In the neighborhood, he is known by all and very well received. I tease him that he should run for political office!
Our 3 children are now grown and have served as missionaries overseas having started video Bible Schools and helped start an orphanage in India, have cared for AIDS orphans in Africa, and taught in English in China and ethics and morality in Latvia. They all respect and adore their Dad have successfully received the “baton” of our deep Christian faith.
I believe my decision to ascribe honor and respect to my husband, their Dad, made all the difference in the world! Not that I did so always or perfectly, but as a general method of operation, yes! The Bible says in Proverbs 14: 1 that the wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands. Are you your husbands advocate, or are you his adversary?
Lori
It is no small step to commit your life to someone in marriage, and one must know as well as possible the character of the person that they are marrying, but I believe the purpose of marriage is to be each others advocate and not each others adversary! I believe marriage should take away the loneliness we experience as human beings and help us through life’s many trials.
Here is my story: My husband became disabled 27 years ago and was wasting away, weighing only 129 pounds at 6 feet tall. He could only be up 5 minutes out of 60 due to severe back pain. He could no longer work, but a definitive diagnosis eluded the doctors, so he did not qualify for any disability for 4 years, until they decided he was fighting some type of arthritis.
With 3 small kids and having been out of my chosen field of nursing for 10 years, I was in quite a predicament! I did get my skills up to speed through a refresher course and I returned to work, but my life was quite hectic. I now had to deal with the pressures of work, 3 little kids, and a sick husband! I had to choose what my overall response would be even though I would “loose it” at times. I chose to love, honor, and respect my husband not for what he could do or earn for me, but for who he was as a person and that had not changed, though our situation certainly had! I would defend him to those that accused him including our own families.
To honor means to ascribe value or worth to someone, to treat them with respect. Men can’t live or thrive without it! A woman needs love and security, but a man needs respect and honor. Many books have been written about these very things including Dr. Laura Scheslinger’s, The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands and Emerson Eggerich’s, Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs.
What is the end of my story? My husband, though still fighting physical challenges, is a very happy and engaging individual. He gives talks on various apologetic issues such as creation versus evolution, the evidence for Noah’s Ark, and the Bible’s literal and historical accuracy, to name a few of the topics he covers. He is not a broken man, in spite of a very long and tough journey in which the markers of success are taken from him. In the neighborhood, he is known by all and very well received. I tease him that he should run for political office!
Our 3 children are now grown and have served as missionaries overseas having started video Bible Schools and helped start an orphanage in India, have cared for AIDS orphans in Africa, and taught in English in China and ethics and morality in Latvia. They all respect and adore their Dad have successfully received the “baton” of our deep Christian faith.
I believe my decision to ascribe honor and respect to my husband, their Dad, made all the difference in the world! Not that I did so always or perfectly, but as a general method of operation, yes! The Bible says in Proverbs 14: 1 that the wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands. Are you your husbands advocate, or are you his adversary?
Lori
Monday, November 2, 2009
Suicide:Don't Throw Your Life Away!
One of my favorite movies is, "It's a Wonderful Life" starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed. The overriding theme of the movie is that, even with all the struggles, pain and trials, life is a gift from God, not to be snuffed out by our own hand when things get tough! Many would argue that that is a no brainer, but sadly suicide is becoming all too common, not only among teenagers, but in older age groups as well.
I believe there are many reasons for this. One thing that I believe has contributed to a much higher rate of suicide than in times past is the departure from a Christian world view that was allowed in schools when I was growing up. We now teach as fact in the public schools and universities that we "evolved" from lower life forms over billions of years. This leaves one with little cause for feeling like they were created by God with a divine purpose for their life which only they can accomplish! Also, there is often no belief in needing to give an account to a Holy God who gave them life in the first place. Also in such a world view, there are often no moral absolutes other than what the individual comes up with on his own. If things get too tough or miserable, then just "check out". You are in control, the captain of your ship so to speak. This is what Timothy McVeigh believed.
But, even Christians, who believe in the God of the Bible can and have been at risk for severe depression and tragically some have taken their own lives. So what is the solution to this tragedy and the cutting short of God's destiny for one's life? I believe the answer is found in having our identity in Christ and in Christ alone! Anything else is sinking sand! If we are beautiful, that can change with age or an accident. If we are healthy, that can change with an illness. If we are rich, that can change with investments failing. If we have a good marriage, that can change with our spouse betraying us. If we have a good career, what happens if we can no longer practice it or get laid off? If we have a good reputation, what happens if it gets smeared through no fault of our own?
Romans 8 talks about the love of God. It says that neither tribulation, distress, persecution, or famine, or nakedness, peril or sword shall separate us from His love. Also, neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us frome the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. I would say that pretty much covers all the bases!
The greatest gift God has given us besides His Son is the gift of free volition. With that free will, we can accept or reject God's gift of eternal life found only in His Son. I John 5: 11-12 states that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in Jesus. He who has the Son has life, and he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. So, you can choose to endure your trials like a brave soldier knowing your ultimate destiny is heaven, or you can do it your way and make your own way of escape rather than waiting for God's way of escape. I Corinthians 10:13 states that no temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
What I do know is that the devil's greatest power is that of the "lie". If he can convince you that you are no good and that there is no hope, then he has won and you will act accordingly. Instead, endure suffering patiently and commit your soul and life to Him. He can save to the uttermost all that come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them(Hebrews 7:25).
Then, you will find that it truly is a "Wonderful Life"!
Lori
In this article I have addressed the spiritual implications of depression, but depression can be chemically induced or caused and should be medically treated until the person is "out of the woods" and can get through it to see things and life more clearly.
Lori
I believe there are many reasons for this. One thing that I believe has contributed to a much higher rate of suicide than in times past is the departure from a Christian world view that was allowed in schools when I was growing up. We now teach as fact in the public schools and universities that we "evolved" from lower life forms over billions of years. This leaves one with little cause for feeling like they were created by God with a divine purpose for their life which only they can accomplish! Also, there is often no belief in needing to give an account to a Holy God who gave them life in the first place. Also in such a world view, there are often no moral absolutes other than what the individual comes up with on his own. If things get too tough or miserable, then just "check out". You are in control, the captain of your ship so to speak. This is what Timothy McVeigh believed.
But, even Christians, who believe in the God of the Bible can and have been at risk for severe depression and tragically some have taken their own lives. So what is the solution to this tragedy and the cutting short of God's destiny for one's life? I believe the answer is found in having our identity in Christ and in Christ alone! Anything else is sinking sand! If we are beautiful, that can change with age or an accident. If we are healthy, that can change with an illness. If we are rich, that can change with investments failing. If we have a good marriage, that can change with our spouse betraying us. If we have a good career, what happens if we can no longer practice it or get laid off? If we have a good reputation, what happens if it gets smeared through no fault of our own?
Romans 8 talks about the love of God. It says that neither tribulation, distress, persecution, or famine, or nakedness, peril or sword shall separate us from His love. Also, neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us frome the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. I would say that pretty much covers all the bases!
The greatest gift God has given us besides His Son is the gift of free volition. With that free will, we can accept or reject God's gift of eternal life found only in His Son. I John 5: 11-12 states that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in Jesus. He who has the Son has life, and he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. So, you can choose to endure your trials like a brave soldier knowing your ultimate destiny is heaven, or you can do it your way and make your own way of escape rather than waiting for God's way of escape. I Corinthians 10:13 states that no temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
What I do know is that the devil's greatest power is that of the "lie". If he can convince you that you are no good and that there is no hope, then he has won and you will act accordingly. Instead, endure suffering patiently and commit your soul and life to Him. He can save to the uttermost all that come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them(Hebrews 7:25).
Then, you will find that it truly is a "Wonderful Life"!
Lori
In this article I have addressed the spiritual implications of depression, but depression can be chemically induced or caused and should be medically treated until the person is "out of the woods" and can get through it to see things and life more clearly.
Lori
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