Dancing with my Dad

I heard a song today, "dancing with my Dad". It was like the song writer had looked into my life and wrote my memories into a song. Some of my most precious memories was dancing with Dad, from twirling around as a little girl to dancing in the Father/ daughter dance at the end of year school ball at Cloudland.  The last time, I was in year 6 and the dance was the Pride of Erin. My favourite of the dances. We got about half way through the dance and Dad had to pull out to sit, he was sick, but had made such an effort to come, determine to try and dance with me. I cried and cried that night, I think I somehow knew it would be our last dance. My early memories, I would watch my Dad dance with my Mum around the lounge, while a little embarrassed to witness such intimacy, I saw great love. My Dad would love to take my Mum out to dinner and dancing. Mum would look stunning in a gown and heels, dad in his suit. He would say he had the best looking girl on his arm and then he would twirl her around to get a look from her back. He would then give a wolf whistle and mum would give him a kiss. Dad loved to whistle, he did this because he couldn't sing, but he would try sometimes, when mum was playing his favourite songs on the piano.
The day Dad died our would collapsed, he was our anchor, and strength of our family.

Nursing reflection

30 years ago this week, I was walking into the Mater School of Nursing to begin my training and forge out a career in nursing.  I was young and very green around the gills, but full of enthusiasm to want to be a nurse.  A lot of this desire came from helping to ‘nurse’ my Dad while he was so sick at home, and from long hours waiting in the PAH to see him for only a few minutes.  Now I know what Dad needed most was good quality palliative care, but there wasn’t much of it around in the 1970’s. Palliative care was being told that you needed to go to Mt Olivet because there wasn’t any more doctors could do to help you.  It’s no wonder so many people were frightened of the place, and many still are.

Nursing has certainly changed in the last 30 years, technology advances, university training, specialties evolving and more emphasis placed on research, quality, evidence based, best practice guidelines.  Shorter admissions, with advances in all areas of medicine contribute to the fast pace of hospital wards these days.  Mostly all positive changes, though I sometimes feel that we have lost a part of the care of humanity, that comes with spending those few more minutes, hours, days with patients.  The connection, knowing what is important to patients can get lost in the busyness of life on the ward; the discharge planning begins at admission, so we are looking to get people out on time.  Again good management, good use of scarce resources and important outcomes/targets are met.  But what is the patients experience of this ?  Great for surgical patients, but oncology and palliative care, I’m not always sure? 

I set out on a nursing career to make a difference.  It has been rewarding in many ways.  Each day can bring something new; you are continually learning, and meeting new people from all walks of life, for illness doesn’t discriminate.  I am inspired by many of those I have cared for, and by their families.  I have laughed, cried and held many hands.  I have shared my knowledge, my skills, and my heart.  I have had the privilege of caring for thousands of patients, yet my hope is that each one felt they had been cared for individually.    I’m not always sure I have, but it is my prayer.

In 30 years I have grown from a young timid nurse to a confident palliative care nurse.  It has been quite a transition, and quite a journey to get to this point.  I have been grateful to many mentors who have encouraged me, educated me and inspired me to press on to achieve my goals and reach my potential.  While I have gained a few pounds, a few grey hairs, arthritic knees and back, I would choose nursing again.  While I have the energy, the enthusiasm, and the heart, I will continue to work and care for the patients and families that come across my path and hopefully mentor other nurses to for fill their own future goals.

Not quite ready for retirement just yet, though some days it is very appealing! 

A Christmas Reflection 2012

A Christmas Reflection

This year it was a little harder to leave work on Christmas Eve, for most of my patients it is their last Christmas they will celebrate with loved ones.  For a lot of children it will be the last one they have with one of their parents.

It reminded me of the last Christmas I spent with my Dad.  I can still recall some memories of the day.  It was 35 years ago, I was 12 years old and my brother, Rod was 8.  We woke up early, probably around 6.30, the house was quiet, as we went downstairs and sat down in the lounge, in front of our little Christmas tree.  We knew better not to disturb our parents.  Dad had been sick for so long, and so we had learnt to be extra quiet, and patient.  We quietly, planned out which presents we would open and in what order.  It was a lean year, hospital bills and limited income meant presents were down to 4 each.  We knew one was clothes, we always had one with clothes.  One was a board game we were sure of that, one was usually something we had asked for, and then there was a gift from our Aunty Joan.

After sitting quietly for what seemed like ages, we thought maybe we should make a little noise, so they knew we were waiting, after all it was Christmas Day.  So we began shaking the boxes, which we suspected had our games in.  Mum did emerge, and we asked her if we could open the presents.  But she said no, she said we could have some breakfast while we waited for Dad to get up.  There was such a routine for Dad getting up, he had very advanced illness and had become quite frail.  He shuffled to the bathroom, and then there was the insulin and blood sugar testing to be done, and he needed something to eat.

Rod and I continue to sit in the lounge room.  We loved our Dad too much to ask him to hurry.  By about 8 am, he was sitting in his chair in the lounge and it was time to open up the presents.  In a few minutes they were opened, I remember I got 2 board games, one was Mystery Date and the other was Monopoly.  Rod got Chopper Strike.   We were happy with our gifts.  By 9am, Dad was back resting in bed. 

When I think back on it now, I see so clearly he was dying, and yet he made a huge effort to spend that last Christmas watching us open our gifts.  As children, we knew our Dad was very sick, but didn’t appreciate it was our last one together.  I am so glad, that we waited to open our few presents.  What seemed like a long time from first waking up that Christmas morning was in reality such a short time.  I know my brother and I would gladly trade every other Christmas gift we have ever received to still have Dad in our lives.  For me, it was the last best childhood Christmas, it was never the same after that year.  In fact, until I had my own children, I found it a sad time of year, with a place at the table always missing. Still do some years, this is one of them.

Memories……

This year, as you celebrate Christmas, I encourage you to hug your kids and grandchildren and parents if they are still in your lives, just one extra time.  Presents are soon forgotten, and often discarded; but relationships are the precious gift God gives to us for a season of time.  Never take it for granted, because one day, it will only be a memory.

Have a blessed Christmas.

Decima

ANZAC Reflection 2012

I wanted to write a reflection this year to give honour to two of my heroes.

Roderick Joseph Wyatt

The first is my Grandad, Roderick Joseph Wyatt.   He was born in Gladstone, on 2^nd February 1894, his father was a merchant ship captain.  My Grandad joined the Royal Australian Navy 100 years ago, in 1912, he was 18 years old, The Great War (WW1) was yet to start.  He was allocated to a number of different ships, including HMAS Sydney (1913-1916), HMAS Brisbane (1916-1918), HMAS Melbourne (1918-1919) and HMAS Australia (1919).

HMAS Sydney (I)

 He worked as a Stoker, 2^nd class, in the boiler rooms.  This was certainly no easy job; it was back breaking work, to keep the engines of the great ships turning, and moving.  The ships he served on were often under attack, and he was on the HMAS Sydney when it was in battle with the German Cruiser the SMS Emden on 9^th November 1914.  Luckily for us, they were victorious in sinking this ship.  He served for 7 years at war, after this my Grandfather returned home to his wife and they began a family.  My Grandad continued to work hard to provide for his family and lived till he was 82.  I was fortunate to know him as a young child, and enjoyed his many stories.  He retired to Magnetic Island, off Townsville, and would take daily walks along Horseshoe Bay Beach.

He rarely mentioned his Navy years, and apart from his service record we have little understanding of what those years were like.  We have a few photos of him at the time, and a written piece on the medals he received.  From reading other accounts from sailors, it was clear that his courage and willingness to service his country, and perform his duty is something that deserves respect and honour.  They may not be called ANZAC in true form as those in the Army corps, but they still shone the ANZAC spirit.  The tenacity to dig in under fire, to fight against the odds, to stand by a mate, all with a sense of humour and a bit of larrikinisms; was the spirit that made this country great, and keeps us proud of all servicemen and women.

Today I remember my Grandad and the legacy he left behind.  I will always remember him with fondness, and much pride.  Thank you for answering the call, knowing the high cost that military service may ask of you.
________________________________________________________

Harold Connett

My second hero, I never got to meet.  His name was Harold Connett, he was my Uncle.  He served in WW2, as a Navy pilot. He left his home in America to serve his country.  He gave the ultimate cost, his life.  He was shot down somewhere over the Pacific, dying in a watery grave, known only to God.

When I was last in the States, my brother showed me some personal letters, papers surrounding Harold’s service life, as well as his personal life.  It was the saddest reflection to read accounts and letters, to feel the grief that the family bore, the initial hope that the report of ‘missing in action’ might actually mean he could still be alive.  They lived this hope for some time, until the report from other officers took away that hope.  As a mother and wife, I cannot begin to imagine the pain that my Grandparents endured, a pain that never truly goes away.  I have had the privilege of hearing beautiful childhood stories from Hugh, Theo and Hartley (Harold’s brothers and sister), and their sibling grief as they shared what the profound loss of their brother had on their lives.  It is a difficult sorrow to bare, no grave to visit, only a telegram and letter, just words to bring the dreadful news.

Harold Connetts' Medals

In the next few days, I will go to the beach, to the Pacific Ocean on our shores, to throw forth some rosemary, to remember my Uncle.  I recently watched the series on TV called “The Pacific”, and with each episode I’d think of Harold.  The bravery, the courage, the determination that these men showed is inspiring to say the least.  I am humbled and proud to call Harold my Uncle, and knowing his brothers, and stories of my own father, I know he would have been an amazing person to know and love.

His siblings may have aged, but Harold still remains the handsome young man in his naval uniform, in a portrait that hangs proudly in my Uncle Hugh’s home.

“Age will not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.
Lest We Forget.”

Remembered with humbled gratitude and never forgotten.

My Tribute to Charlie

Today I said goodbye to a friend and loyal companion, my Charlie. Charlie was our family dog for 9 years. He was a beautiful tri-coloured Sheltie. He had the cutest face and beautiful brown eyes that always showed warmth to whomever he met.

My daughter, Rebecca and I first saw Charlie in a pet store window at the Hyperdome. We weren’t looking to buy a dog, but when we saw him and his brother in the window we were smitten. We came back to the store three times that day to get another look and we asked if we could have a hold which we did, from that first hold, Charlie’s future was decided in our hearts, we just had to try and convince Dad he belonged in our home. This was no easy task as anyone who knows Roderick would attest to. Well we didn’t actually ask Roderick, but just sort of hinted at a beautiful dog we saw at the pet store and then showed him pictures on the internet of what he looked like and about the breed. We discovered Shelties were a gentle, quiet breed of dog. Roderick is now wiser that a hint then leads to action and the next day, Bec and I went back to the pet store and because Charlie was still there, we saw that as a sign that he was meant to be ours. So we brought him home and then tried to hide him in the garage when Dad came home. Our cover was soon blown by Charlie whimpering in the garage, to which Dad said “What is that”? and then “What have you done”? Oh dear, we were in trouble now and from this moment, I think Charlie knew that if he were to stay, we would have to appeal to Dad’s mercy and he learnt real fast that Dad held the position of Top Dog in the house and our cat, Microsoft was definitely higher on the food chain too. Welcome Charlie……

Lucky for us and Charlie, he was just happy to be part of a family. He attached himself to Bec, much to Microsoft’s disapproval. He would follow Bec wherever she went. He was the cutest puppy, he had floppy ears and was a ball of fluff. He was always happy. He loved walks and just the mention of a walk would have him talking to you in excitement. This was particularly evident when I would walk him to the school bus stop and wait for Bec in the afternoon, he would be talking the whole way in excitement to seeing Bec. His tail would be going and he was almost doing somersaults as the bus came into view. He greeted her with such enthusiasm that Bec would almost be baled over as she would pick him up and we would walk home. I have some fun photos of Bec riding her bike with one arm holding Charlie and his tail wagging in the breeze. Other photos we have are of Bec lying on the lounge with the cat at one end and Charlie on the other.

David spent much of the first year in the States, but upon his return, he was showered with the same love and attention from Charlie. Neither Bec nor David ever came home to an empty house once we had Charlie and it made a big difference to their lives to be greeted with such great love and affection on arriving home from school or work. David would often take Charlie for a run, he would ride his bike and Charlie would run beside him always trying to be in front. That was Charlie’s position to be out in front for any walks, he would literally cry when David would ride past on his bike. I know that this is not a dog’s place and Roderick would try to teach him to heel, but he just loved being out in front, that it was hard to resist his excitement to take the lead.

When Amanda moved in last year prior to their wedding, Charlie became her shadow. Together they would go for walks to do a letterbox drop of her leaflets. They spent most days together and Charlie would sleep outside her door at night as her protector. He missed Manda when she moved out after the wedding, but enjoyed her regular visits and walks. I am most grateful that Charlie’s last month was with David and Manda. I know how much he would have loved having company each day, and being showered with much love and many cuddles from Manda.

Charlie was our first welcome to guests, he would do a little bark, just because I think he thought it was part of his job description, but once inside the door, it was time to pour out a warm welcome to anyone who dropped by. He did try to be a guard dog when we were not a home, but he had limitations to his bravery, as Roderick’s Dad once found out. He and Clevey dropped by to see us, but we weren’t home, so Charlie started his barking routine for strangers. The problem was this ‘stranger’ came through the side gate, this put Charlie in a panic and he ran away to hide. Louis was calling out to Charlie but he was too scared to move from his hiding place behind the hot water system. Louis eventually found him there trembling in fear. They were later to become good mates after a few overnight visits to the Sunshine Coast for weekends. Charlie loved to visit them and go for morning walks down to the beach. He hated water and the ocean, but loved a walk along their quiet beach. Charlie did object though to Louis going out in socks and sandals and would literally howl at Louis as he headed out for a night at the club. Charlie had his own fashion sense and tried to tell Grandpa that his just wasn’t up to scratch.

Charlie taught us all a lot of life lessons. We learnt from Charlie, the meaning of unconditional love, loyalty and faithfulness. He never had a ‘bad day’ and even if he did, we would never know. He would spend all day on his own, but waiting for the sound of the garage door, or the front door to open and then be there to greet us with wags and excitement. It is a precious gift to be loved this much. Charlie would never leave my side, he would follow me from room to room and be always sitting at my feet or within sight of me. He could be fast asleep and hear me get up and as loyal as ever he would be up to follow me. Whenever I was home alone or Roderick was away, Charlie always took it upon himself to be number one protector and was on heightened alert. It was a huge comfort to me to have his presence nearby. It somehow made me braver, and certainly helped me to sleep, having Charlie by my side.

Charlie could instinctively know your mood; he could sense if you had had a particularly difficult day, especially to me, he would come close for a pat and then get his front paw to say “more pats Mummy”. There is something very therapeutic about stroking a dog after a difficult day at work. Charlie greeted me with life¸ and I will dearly miss his afternoon presence when I come home from work. I will miss talking to him and having his little face look at me with understanding. I will miss peeling carrots and having him look at me with begging eyes and a hungry appetite for his favourite treat, carrot peel. Charlie always was motivated by food, he loved food and it was hard to resist his begging look. I think Charlie found it hard to figure out why , when we had such access to food, we didn’t scoff it at the same pace he could. He would literally scoff his food down so fast, that we think he forgot that he had actually eaten his dinner. He especially had this look when we would put some nibbles out when the kids were over and he was just watching us leisurely eat the food, he would have had it all gone in a minute if he had the chance.

We loved our Charlie and Charlie loved us. It was with great sadness we learnt a few weeks ago that Charlie had Cushings disease, and likely tumours. In the time we were in the States, these lumps grew and became many. I had noticed a big deterioration on returning and as the week went by, I could see that Charlie was suffering, but still he wanted to be my shadow and get up each time I did, even though it caused him pain. It was heartbreaking. Charlie always knew when we were going on holidays, and he hated the sound of the suitcase wheels down the hall to our bedroom. He knew it meant separation and that is what he would react to, by becoming very clingy and sticking even closer and his eyes would get sad. Today, I have an understanding of how sad he felt when we were gone. Yet somehow, Charlie hung on for our return. We spent one last precious week together. Lots of cuddles, pats and “I love you”, and he would respond with his little paw asking for more. I somehow think he knew his time was short, too. In the last 24 hours he was surrounded by his family, he was loved and he enjoyed a last walk around the lake with Manda and us. He talked all the way in the car as we headed to our walk. Bec came over and along with David, Manda, Roderick and I we stayed with him till he was sleeping and would awake no more. Charlie died listening to my voice telling him how much his Mummy loved him. Leaving him that day reminded me of how hard it was to leave the hospital without Peter many years ago. You are leaving someone so very precious behind. It is gut wrenching and the hardest thing to do is let go. Charlie is at peace, but we grieve with broken hearts. My prayer is that God has a little puppy, just like Charlie in heaven for Peter to enjoy the same way we got to enjoy our Charlie. This thought and hope brings me a smile.

To my Charlie, “Thank you for 9 wonderful years. You were a good boy, and Mummy will always love you. You were our favourite dog and cannot be replaced. Thank you for loving us and teaching us unconditional love. You have brightened and enriched our lives and we are better people for knowing you and having you a part of our family. We will always remember you and will talk about you often. I will never peel another carrot without thinking of you, my sweet Charlie.”

Woof.

The Search for Significance

This was some material I prepared for a growth group which studied the book: Search for Significance. My attempt was to bring a practical demonstration to a topic that can sometimes be a difficult concept to grasp.

(Start with the lights off for a minute). Allow darkness to envelope us, as we struggle to see. Light a candle or turn on a torch, revealing some of what can be seen. Then turn the lights on to reveal everything that was hidden a few moments before.
The greater the light source the more that is revealed to us. We can see the difference between the candle/ torch and the light bulb. This is an example of what our journey together will be like over the coming weeks. The light represents God’s truth and the more we begin to allow the light to shine in our hearts, the greater the freedom we experience and with this freedom will come our significance and worth.
It is difficult to turn on the light of objectivity by ourselves. We need guidance from the Holy Spirit and usually the honesty, love and encouragement of at least one other person who is willing to help us. The Lord desires truth and honesty at the deepest level and wants us to experience His love, forgiveness and power in all areas of our lives.
Our responsibility is to apply the truth of God’s word to our life and to embrace the plans and purposes He has uniquely designed for us. This does require commitment, as many of our beliefs and thoughts will need challenging and action plans to change. That is why it is important that we journey together, encouraging and supporting each other to build up and reinforce God’s truth.
A word of caution, sometimes it can be easy to see the problems of others, so the words of Jesus are a timely reminder to first remove the log in your own eye first. We are not here to judge, we are here to grow. This needs to be a safe place where people can share from their heart, open and honestly, and feel loved and valued by their fellow companions.
So what is this search we are on?
· The search for truth
· The search for significance.
Most of us enjoy a good mystery or treasure hunt. I know I do. The key to finding the treasure is examining the map and beginning to put together the pieces or clues that we are given. This is the way to moving forward. Let’s prepare ourselves for an exciting few weeks ahead and to the challenges we need to overcome, to find treasure that will sustain us for our life’s journey.
What’s the treasure you may ask? It is the ‘knowing’ in your heart and in your mind of your worth, to God, to yourself and to others. The acceptance of this truth, falling deep into your soul, will act as a foundation stone, reminding you of who you are and the great value of your life in the hands of God.
Let’s begin. As with all good adventures there is a story that unfolds, this one begins with Adam.
His purpose was to reflect the Glory of God. Through his intellect, free will and emotions he was to be the showcase for God’s character. To meet his needs for companionship and understanding, Eve was created and together they lived in a perfect environment where God provided for their every need. They were perfect in body, mind and spirit.
Adam was given authority over the earth, but there was a condition. If he rebelled against God, he would lose both his authority and his perfection, becoming a slave to Satan and sin. The villain of this story is Satan and he wanted this authority and so he deceived Eve into believing a lie. Adam was not deceived, he deliberately chose to forsake the love and security of God and follow Eve in sin. (1Tim 2:14) In this act of rebellion, Adam forfeited his close communion and fellowship with God and gave Satan power and authority on earth. One of the tragic implications of this event is that man lost his secure status with God and began to struggle with feelings of arrogance, inadequacy, and despair, valuing the opinions of others more than the truth of God. This robbed man of his true self-worth and put him on a continual, but fruitless, search for significance through his success and the approval of others.
Adam’s sin had tragic consequences, but through God’s plan of redemption, we can still have the privilege of fellowshipping with Him. Because Christ paid the penalty for our sins our relationship with God has been restored. God has provided the solutions but the question is this:
Will we accept Christ’s death as the payment for our sins and discover the powerful implications of our salvation, or will we continue to follow Satan’s lies and deceptions?
We must give up our own efforts to achieve righteousness and instead believe that Christ’s death and resurrection alone are sufficient to pay for our sin and separation from God. It would be arrogance if you were trusting in yourself – your abilities, actions and good deeds – to earn your salvation.
Since the Fall, man has often failed to turn to God for the truth about himself. Instead, he has looked to others to meet his inescapable need for self-worth. “I am what others say I am”, he has reasoned. “I will find my value in their opinions of me”.
It’s amazing that we turn to others who have a perspective as limited and darkened as our own to discover our worth, rather than relying on God’s steady, uplifting reassurance of who we are. Instead we depend on others who base our worth on our ability to meet their standards.
Our search for significance is dominated by our performance and ability to please others.

Our true value is based not on our behaviour or the approval of others but on what God’s Word says is true of us.
This is where X marks the spot !!
So now we have the story, the map (God’s truth) and the ‘X’ (where the treasure lies). What we need now is a plan to get from where we are now to ‘X’ (the treasure).
Where are we now?
We are hidden in the lie that our self-worth = our performance + other’s opinions.
To move on from here we need to reject this lie and accept God’s valuation of us, this leads us to renewed hope, joy and purpose in life. We can think of this as the red line that leads us to the ‘X’. The difficulty comes in the many detours we take, going to virtually any lengths to win the approval of others and to perfect our own performance, relying on our ability and strength. This road is endless, and never gets to ‘X’, it’s doomed to fail and it continually brings disappointment and despair.
We all have a compelling, God-given need for love, acceptance and purpose. But we live by the deception that our worth is based on our performance and other’s opinions, we get caught up in 2 types of struggles.
Compulsiveness
This leads to wanting to control every situation
Perfectionist.
Motivated by the need to be a success, to be the best.
Relationships are usually manipulative and controlled, to serve their goal.
Withdrawal
Avoiding failure and disapproval by avoiding risks.
They may appear easy going, but inside they are usually running from every potential situation or relationship that might not succeed.

These are 2 broad categories, most of us fall somewhere in between. Working hard in areas we feel sure of success but avoiding people and situations that may bring rejection and failure. “Protecting ourselves”.
We develop elaborate defence mechanisms to block pain and gain significance. We suppress emotions, we are compulsive perfectionists, we drive ourselves to succeed, or we withdraw and become passive, we attack people who hurt us, we punish ourselves when we fail, we try to say clever things to be accepted, we help people so that we will be appreciated, and we say and do countless other things.
From life’s outset, we find ourselves on the prowl, searching to satisfy some inner, unexplained yearning. Our hunger causes us to search for people who will love us. Our desire for acceptance pressures us to perform to gain praise from others. We strive for success, driving our minds and bodies hard and further, hoping that because of our sweat and sacrifice others will appreciate us more.

So how did we get here?
Our self-esteem and view of God are usually a mirror of our parents’ attitudes toward us. Those who are loved and affirmed by their parents tend to have a fairly healthy self-concept and usually find it easy to believe that God is loving and powerful. Those whose parents have been neglectful, manipulative, or condemning usually seem to feel that they have to earn a sense of worth and that God is aloof, demanding and/or cruel. Our parents are our models of the character of God. When we do not have that fundamental sense of feeling lovable and protected by them, we tend to base our self-worth on how well we perform and please others instead of on what God says.
We do not have to be successful or pleasing to others to have a healthy sense of self-esteem and worth. It has freely been given to us by God. It allows us to say “While it would be nice to be approved by my parents/ or whomever, if they don’t approve of me, I’m still loved and accepted by God”.
· Christ is the source of our security.
· Christ is the basis of our worth.
· Christ is the only one who promises and never fails.
The process of change takes:
· Time
· The encouragement of others
· The truth and application of God’s Word
· The power of The Holy Spirit.

Now we are equipped with what we need let go on a hunt for treasure..... Are you with me?

Purpose Driven Life: 5 Greatest Questions 2007

In 2007 as a life group we studied the Purpose Driven Life. At the end of the book we were challenged to look at how we answer the 5 greatest questions in relation to the purpose and plan of our life using the gifts and abilities God has given us. Here I share my answers for 2007.

Chapter 40: Purpose Driven Life: 5 Greatest Questions

Q1.

What will be the centre of my life? Worship

To worship God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.
To love, honour and trust God with my life and with the lives of those I love.
To recognise that without him I can do nothing. He is the strength of my life, my all.
To serve God all the days of my life, to be a good and faithful servant.


Q2.

What will be the character of my life? Discipleship

Character qualities:
Compassion
Diligence and commitment to the calling on my life.
Encourage and disciple other believers.
Develop spiritual understanding, discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness and generous love.
Endure long-suffering.
Be a peacemaker.
To know joy.
Blessing of health.


Q3.

What will be the contribution of my life? Service

Spiritual Gifts
To encourage others, discernment.

Heart
Passion for the sick, those in pain, for the dying, for families.
Minor passion for politics, for injustices, accountability of government.

Abilities
Nursing, reading, writing, listening

Personalities
Shy, introverted, a thinker.
I hate crowds, love intimacy and spending time with friends and in small group discussions.

Experiences
Relational – marriage, parenting, family dynamics, adoption, death.
Vocational – nursing experiences, teaching.
Educational – nursing, counselling, bible college.
Spiritual – lifetime of growth and development of Christian character. A deep love for the things of God.

Painful Experiences
Grief and loss, multiple losses.
A marriage separation and restoration through God’s grace and commitment.
Shattered dreams.

How can I make a difference? Choose who you can help.

Q4.

What will be the communication of my life? Mission

Mission to unbelievers: my hospital environment.

Testimony of my own life lessons. Sharing my own experience of grief and loss.
Using my Godly passions to make a difference. Going the extra mile. Influencing others through my character.
Together with my husband, we raised two now adult children to love and serve God. They are a heritage and blessing from God.
To a be a grandparent, to influence another generation in the ways of God, investing love, time and commitment to sharing God’s love so they grow up knowing the love of a Saviour.

Q5.

What will be the community of my life? Fellowship

Connection to our local church: Westlife.
To support Andrew Staggs as pastor and the leadership team.
To support and encourage other believers.
To be faithful in giving.
To serve, using my shape.
To host/ attend home group and share to encourage the growth of others.
To attend church regularly.
To attend more corporate prayer meetings.





LIFE STATEMENTS (January 2008)

Vocational Life

Compassion for the sick and dying. To continue my work in palliative care and nursing those who are in pain and distress. To provide comfort and strength and support along their journey.
To continue to educate other nurses and staff to provide quality care to the dying and to meet the needs of this group of patients in a holistic way.
To encourage and support my colleagues, giving of my time, knowledge and talent to lead and serve by example.
To respect and honour medical staff and managers, even when I disagree with them. To influence others through my character, my attitudes, words and behaviour.
To display the compassion and the love of God toward all whom I have contact within the hospital community.
To take a break from my counselling studies and reflect/ pray and decide about whether to continue the 2nd year and complete the course next year.


Spiritual Life

To develop the gifts of the Spirit in my life.
To accept my shape and be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit to guide me to fulfil the calling on my life.
A commitment to our local Westlife church.
Financial giving. Blessed to be a blessing to others.
Personal growth and development of my Christian walk.
To read and meditate on God’s word and other resources.
Begin to journal.


Personal Life

Prioritize time with God to understand His ways and to develop Christ-like character.
Develop the gifts and abilities God has given to me to minister to others, hope and encouragement, disciple women.
Overcome shyness and interact with new people.
Exercise and walk my dog more.
Take Roderick with me !!
Aim for a balanced life: eat, rest, and sleep.
Use my time wisely.
Financial saving plan, for house deposit and a return trip to the States next year.




Relational Life

Recognising that my most important relationship (2nd to God) is my marriage.
To prioritize our time so we can get time together to nurture each other.
To care, support and encourage Roderick often.
To value the love and commitment we share, focusing on our friendship, love, intimacy and guidance.
To remind Roderick of his value and worth.

Parenting is our greatest blessing; I honour my role of motherhood.
To love and support my daughter Bec through her pregnancy, recognising her fears and praying for God’s peace.
To speak life to this little soul, who we will one day call our grandchild.
To pray for Evan and encourage and reassure him as he looks for guidance to be a father.
We will continue to invest in their lives with our time, our love, our prayers, wisdom and our finances to encourage them to follow God’s plan for their lives.
Plan to take time off work to spend with Bec and the baby later this year, to support and encourage her in the early days of motherhood.

To my extended family, to be a peacemaker, investing in their lives to teach, to care for, to love, to give time and finances as needed.

Building friendships, to encourage and to share life with them.
To walk with them through the difficult times and rejoice in the good.
To be a blessing to others.
To recognise that some friendships are seasonal, but that I can still reach out to touch and support them using the gifts God has given to me.