I just HOPE I grow into a bitter hag.

No one ever says that. I keep thinking "I'm not going to write another post until I have something nice, or inspiring, or encouraging to say". As my silence has proven... not a whole lot to be overjoyed about as of late.

I've always been a big fan of the "fake it until you feel it" motto. And it works...most of the time. But for months, or years, like these- the feelings just don't mesh. And you know, that's OK too. I get scared that if I don't stay positive and find that silver lining, it's just one more step toward "bitter ol' hag" future.  I seriously have nightmares that I am going to wake up- 80 years old, and such a depressing, critical witch that no one will ever want to be around me.

That is right when God reminds me- you can choose to smile, dear one. You can choose to laugh out loud. You can CHOOSE, to TRUST me with the future.

And suddenly, everything feels...just about right.

So instead of being silent, thought I would pass this along- especially to my healthcare buddies. We have ALL charted something wacky at one point or another. Hope it makes you laugh as hard as I did! ( 9 and 18 were my personal favorites!)

HOSPITAL CHART BLOOPERS
(Actual writings from hospital charts)

1.  The patient refused autopsy.

2.  The patient has no previous history of suicides.

3.  Patient has left white blood cells at another hospital.

4.  She has no rigors or shaking chills, but her husband states she was very hot in bed last night.

5.  Patient has chest pain if she lies on her left side for over a year.

6.  On the second day the knee was better and on the third day it disappeared.

7.  The patient is tearful and crying constantly.  She also appears to be depressed.

8.  The patient has been depressed since she began seeing me in 1993.

9.  Discharge status:  Alive but without permission.

10.  Healthy appearing decrepit 69-year old male, mentally alert but forgetful.  

11.  Patient had waffles for breakfast and anorexia for lunch.

12.  She is numb from her toes down.

13.  While in ER, she was examined, x-rated and sent home.

14.  The skin was moist and dry.

15.  Occasional, constant infrequent headaches.

16.  Patient was alert and unresponsive.

17.  Rectal examination revealed a normal size thyroid.

18.  She stated that she had been constipated for most of her life, until she got a divorce.

19.  I saw your patient today, who is still under our car for physical therapy.

20.  Both breasts are equal and reactive to light and accommodation.

21.  Examination of genitalia reveals that he is circus sized.

22.  The lab test indicated abnormal lover function.

23.  Skin:  somewhat pale but present.

24.  The pelvic exam will be done later on the floor.

25.  Patient has two teenage children, but no other abnormalities.

(Pictures are just for fun- my boy had a blast at Winter Formal this last week, and my girl got a very beautiful Christmas present from her honey. Life is full of blessings- I just have to look around and see them.)

" Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

Attitude is attitude!

Remember to pause the music on the right before you hit play!



"...throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy." Ephesians 4:22-24

Man, this guy was an encouragement to me today. No pity parties allowed! Find out more about him at www.lifewithoutlimbs.org

Thank God for fresh starts.

This has been a busy weekend, but in a good way. Isn't it funny when you don't have time to whine and worry about your mental issues- things seem to get better? Nothing is different in my life, I still wish there was no such thing as extended family sometimes, and I am still a brat more often than I would like. But in view of all that God is doing to CHANGE that brat into a woman who pleases Him, it's hard not to see the "forest through the trees". There is a new day coming, and it's always fresh.

Friday night was a perfect example. I was NOT looking forward to the overnighter I had planned with my youth group girls because of all the mess that happened during the week. I felt like relationships were more work than they were worth, why should I bother, and pretty much having a good ol' pity party. I felt ill-prepared to hang out and love on these high-schoolers because of my need for an attitude adjustment and all the worries. Then the girls arrived- and it seriously, took about 10 seconds for me to have a heart change. Thank you, Holy Spirit! This particular group of girls are so awesome, and so much fun to be with- all night I just kept thanking God for the opportunity to be with them, and praying that they would build such binding "Christian sister" relationships with each other, that it would see them through these tough years in miraculous ways. The lessons they are learning as they "bear with one another", love each other and see what being a Christian really means are going to bode well as they become women- with extended families of their own, husbands, children, and friendships that don't always work out just like the movies. God is doing great things in them, and it was an absolute privilege to watch it unfold. I can't wait to see how these beautiful ladies grow! It helped to get to have dinner at Sonic, play some sweet Balderdash and Sardines, go on a Scavenger Hunt and try to paint CR's rock- who could NOT have a blast when Sonic is involved? :)

All in all, it was a great weekend- and I still have Sunday to enjoy! God, be with all of us as we struggle to be more like You. Make us forgiving, and compassionate. Loving and ready always to see you clearly.

"How great is our God,
Sing with me- how great is our God...
And all will see How great is our God.
Name above all names,
You are Worthy of all praise,
and My heart will sing-
how great is our God."

Working hard, living well.

It is so funny how 12 hours can easily demolish my resolve. Yesterday, I was encouraged and determined to work harder and quit whining and this morning all I want to do is cuddle up with my kiddos and do nothing. :) I suppose that has something to do with working the late shift and not getting into bed until 1:30, then getting up at 6 am to feed the beasties.
I watched the movie, River Wild, yesterday and something one of the characters said struck my heart. Meryl Strep is complaining to her mother, "I think my marriage is over, mama....everything has just gotten incredibly HARD." Her mother looked at her and said, "You don't know what hard is, because you give yourself an out...My generation didn't have an out- til death do us part meant something...don't you think that if I gave myself an out, with your father's orneriness and deafness- I wouldn't have taken it years ago?" I loved that, because that is often what I do. "I don't want to go to work, I don't want to trim hooves, I don't want to do the dishes, I don't want to pull weeds, I don't want to get up"....and on and on the list goes. What was really cool, is every scene you see the mother and father together- after 50+ years- they obviously love each other- "hard" was worth it.
I thought of one of my co-workers, who is a single mom, works full time, raising two teenagers who give her such a hard time alone- and I realized, she doesn't HAVE an out. Her rent won't get paid whether she works or not, she doesn't have someone to back her when it is time to discipline, and even more, she doesn't have faith in the one true God who died to save her. And I do, so what am I complaining about? My marriage isn't perfect, but it is worth it. My job might be tiring, but it is the best job I can imagine, I have so much to be thankful for, and so little to quit about. If I put half of the energy I do in complaining, into serving my husband and family in any way they need, I would get a lot more done and enjoy life so much more.
Thank you, God, for reminding me yet again to have a merry heart and be grateful in all things. Working hard is a good thing, and to the benefit of all- including myself. Help me to remember that.
So I am going to head to church, attending a meeting, and go to work tonight with a light heart- trusting that I don't NEED an out, because God will give me the strength I need. :)