ER Faith in Action

February 12, 2015
Thursday

Dear God,

Good morning (cough)! Have had very little sleep in the past few days due to a goose honking cough that is driving me crazy (cough, cough!) Made a trip to the ER yesterday and got a couple of shots (ouch ... one in each butt cheek) and a passel of meds. Dr thought my cough was due to a severe sinus infection and an allergy to "something." Asked him about my aching shoulder and he said I needed to talk with my regular doctor about that. I have to remember that I am in small town Texas!

Anyway, grab a cup of cocoa/coffee and let's chat awhile. I must admit, my trip to the ER did produce some rather interesting observations and reminders...

You know me, I can usually carry on a conversation with a door knob. There was a young lady who was assisting the nurse in the ER.  We were introduced and asked if I minded if she sat in. Of course not!  She said her name was Michal. I told her that was an unusual name and asked if it was from the Bible. She replied, "Yes, it is, Michal was King David's first wife." After a short conversation she explained that it was her way of easily talking about her faith to others. The nurse (wayyy over 300 lbs ~ a HUGE guy ~ I'm going to call him Bill) also chimed in and before long we had a great dialog going about our faiths and the impact of King David ... a man after God's own heart.

Bill explained that it was the story of David that drew him closer to and accepting Christ. He figured if David could do all the things he did (murder, adultery...) and that God called him a man after his own heart, surely God could love him, a sinner. We were all nodding in agreement. We've all got our stories, don't we...

For some reason, You knew I needed to hear the words spoken at 7am Wednesday morning at Hill Regional Hospital. Michal had such a beautiful softness about her and I knew she would make a great nurse and caregiver. As for big burly Bill with the compassionate yet forceful heart? I knew God was using him too with each patient that walked through the doors of the ER. He had the likeness of Peter, a man of bold and courageous faith!

This event got me thinking about how  You impact our lives in ways that could only be orchestrated by your hand. You're all over the place aren't you? You are in my dreams and come forth in my waking moments. I am surrounded my your mercy, kindness, and compassion and am in awe.

"You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me."

~Psalm 139:5

Ever since I've been attending The Open Range Church, I have been attacked physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I wonder why that is? What is it that the evil one doesn't want me to do there? Or, to learn there? I have some pretty heavy hitting prayer warriors praying for me and one of my own prayer requests was that You surround me in ways that I would know that it was You. You, my Father, have been faithful in dropping reminders all around me. The crazy illnesses I've had are contageous and I sure don't want to give anyone else this flu, honking cough ... but, gosh, I sure need that infusion of joy, peace, and fellowship!

My Lord and Savior, I pray today specifically for others who are going through trials of illnesses and stresses beyond normal living. May we put on your armor going forth into the world to do battle with whatever is sent our way. The beauty of Spring is just around the corner giving me hope.  I see tender little buds appearing on my rose bushes and clap my hands in expectation of the fragrance that will be awakened from Winter's sleep. I pray for Michal and for people who are sharing their faith with others with such tenderness. February is the month of love and Lord, you are love! Your love is what binds us as Christians tightly together. Your grace is sufficient for this day and always! In Jesus name, it is so!! Amen.

Miss Dottie

NOTE TO READERS: As sands through the hour glass so go the days of our lives (announcer Ed Prentiss from TV serial Days of Our Lives). Tick Tock, Tick Tock. As I have been resting the past couple days, this quote has been lingering. I have asked myself what I can be doing to further the kingdom just as I am and where I am. I am able to pray for others, I am able to write, I am able to read, and I am able to listen. That's really a lot I can do!

I have my eyes closed, my fingers are still typing. The sounds of my furry kids napping is comforting. There are cars whizzing by and the warmth of the sun is wooing me outdoors. The wheezing in my chest reminds me that whatever it is that is causing me to cough is still there. The world moves forward minute by minute and I must not be unaware of it's gift!! There is much to be done and I'd best get at it!!

Always remember how much you are loved and prayed for ... ya you (Norwegian) ... all of y'all (Texan). Have a blessed day!!

"With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts."

~Eleanor Roosevelt