Day #1 of our new life!

Today, August 7th, marks another step in the presently forming history of Sanctuary House of Prayer! The first day of our first internship! This morning, bright and early compared to my usual day-off wake-up time, we met at Steph's to begin our time learning, worshiping, and praying together! Steph led us in some worship, and then we launched into the teaching series we are presently studying. To top it off, we had some good breakfast food courtesy of Steph and Joel, to nibble on while our hearts and minds were growing!

This new schedule definitely changes the pace around our home. Shane and I have gotten used to doing our routine at home with the Bible, worship, prayer and study times. It means for a lot of time at home in the beginning part of the week and then I work the later part of every week.

Now, we will be gathering together with some other we really like to learn together about things of Jesus. I'm so excited to learn more, study more and love Jesus more! I love my time at home but I also think I'm going to enjoy the teaching aspect of what we will be learning!

Yippee!!!! This is a big step for Sanctuary! Likely bigger than we know because it doesn't seem all that significant that 4-6 people want to meet more often to learn, pray, worship, etc! But it is a significant move, I'm sure!

So, Lord, expand our hearts, minds and spirits to know You more. Teach us more and more about Yourself! We want to know you more!!!

Just plain mad.

Yes, I'm mad.

I'm totally ticked off that people in power don't make decisions on behalf of the workers under them. I'm ticked that when staff is overworked and the whole floor is understaffed, that the management isn't dragging their butts in to work at 2 in the morning to help and make things manageable.

I'm mad that the more overworked I am, the less I enjoy my job. I'm mad that I feel like I can't always provide good or safe care. I'm mad that this insanity is becoming normal.

I don't like missing my break all the time. I don't like dealing with staffing issues all the time. I don't like being asked to stay overtime after every shift. I don't like the level of stress that is felt amongst everyone. I don't like giving the explanation to every patient that we can't help because we don't have enough staff.

Yesterday night I asked anesthesia in a joking, but honest, way if he could stay and work with us tonight! I said that him going around doing everybody's vital signs would be wonderful help! Well, he didn't buy that. He said he only does epidurals. So, our next thought was that maybe everyone, moms and babes included, should all get epidurals to get us to morning.

#1 Note to self: don't have a baby in the summer months.

#2 Note to self: what really matters at the end of the shift is that everyone under our care is alive....even if we couldn't do much more than that. (how sucky is that?!)

feeling busy with my relationships....

The last day or so has felt so busy with coffees/suppers/etc. We went for lunch with some of Shane's family yesterday. Then I saw my friend Amy and her little guy Jude yesterday afternoon at her place. Then hopped over to my mom's for supper and a little visit. While I was there I got a call from a friend who had driven in to Winnipeg and wanted to have coffee (which I don't know if we've ever done). So, I left mom's at a decent time to drive back to the city to have coffee with Erica and her beautiful 2 month old Katie. It was such a treat to snuggle with a newborn for 1 and a half hours while enjoying a drink, an outing and a friend!

That is a lot of relationships all in one day! It seems like a crazy schedule balancing act. My schedule is greatly consumed with work and Sanctuary. It is often tough to fit in all the relational sides of things with family and friends. I'm alright with this, because it is what I've committed my life to.....I just kinda feel bad sometimes that I don't have a ton of availability to offer those I like and love. And then when I do have some time, there are sometimes too many people fit into one day. Then I run out of time in the day to do some of the things that I really wanted to do to enlarge my heart and spirit with the Lord.

This life is quite the balancing act sometimes. It is like a tug-of-war some days!

I totally love my friends, my family and going for coffee! And I totally like having time in my day for more than just relating with other people!

So, I will go now and drop off some stuff at my sister's new place (boo hoo...she's left us as of yesterday night!) and have coffee with a friend that I totally love and want to catch up with! After my time with Christina, I may have time to see my hubbie and/or have some God time before I have to sleep and get ready for the night shift!

Yep, feeling a little busy! Thank goodness for teaching and worship cds to drive in the car with! So I can still motivate my mind and heart while I travel to the next stop!

loving the usual....

It's great to be home again and with my husband!

Today was a great, but full day. I woke up at a decent hour to start the day off with some good bible, prayer, worship/guitar and study time! I love this part of my life!

Then it was off to Starbuck's for a tuesday coffee time! I love frappacinos! Then for some grocery shopping (10% tuesday) and cleaning of the house. It really is too bad that our fast day is on the cheapest grocery shopping day. I always miss out on the tasters! And I'm a mennonite by family history, so I'm all about free food!

Today was a day in history. Well, silly history. Today was my second or third time (the amount of which I can count on one hand) that I have cleaned the bathroom since we got married over two years ago! My hubbie was feeling kinda crappy so I took it for the team and cleaned the bathroom myself. Not that I mind that kind of cleaning. It just was the agreement we reached when we got married. I sweep, vacuum, and wash dishes. Shane cleans the bathroom (very thoroughly) and dries the dishes. We both make the bed, take the garbage and recycling out and do laundry. It really works pretty good for us as a team! I thought I might have forgotten how to clean a toilet, but it all came back to me like riding a bike.

Then to finish the day off well, we had a great prayer time! Tuesday night is a special prayer night. We have been going since March 2005, and have a consistent 4-5 people. Many tough prayer nights have happened since we started. Today was a blessing of easy prayer. We went for a solid hour and a half and it was enjoyable and easy! As all of you must know, prayer isn't always the easiest thing to do over a period of time. Today was fun! Way to go Johan for preparing, playing for all that time and cycling the harp and bowl model to a T! Yeah Joel for joining us, singing along to lift those choruses and praying like a passionate maniac! We got to get you praying more often! Woo hoo Steph for being a faithful prophetic singer in the harshness of my living room....and a prayer person too! That's right, we have many different roles in the period of one meeting. Yeah Shaner for being there to pray and contribute even when feeling crappy! You guys rock and I love doing this prayer life with you!

Good night all!

WE'RE BACK!!!!!

Steph and I enjoyed our time in Kansas City this past week! Lots of time in the prayer room, good food at Panera and Chipotle's, time with the girls (Steph and Joyska), doing some HOPE city stuff, some meetings with some IHOP ladies, and a little sister time too!

We woke up at 3am yesterday and drove the 14 hours to make it back for Sanctuary! Yikes! But the ride actually didn't seem that long at all! Steph is a trooper to drive along with! It was sooo helpful to have another driver! When Shane and I went in December, I drove both ways all by myself! Good bragging rights, but not something I'd jump into doing again if I can prevent it!

We made it back in time to shower all the grease off, pick up slurpees and be at Sanctuary in time to hear my wonderful, firey husband speak! He is a fireball, that one. One of the many reasons I married him!

I am totally pleased to be home. I haven't quite felt the appreciation for Winnipeg before as much as I do after this past trip to Kansas City. It is the first trip I've returned from, to return to my own house of prayer. It was the first KC trip that didn't give me the aching longing to do what they are doing down there, or move there. WE'RE DOING IT UP HERE!!!

I was so thankful to see my fellow SHOPers. We have an incredible family that we are building. I felt more ease praying when I walked in the door at Sanctuary, then the week at IHOP. I really cherish this time when we are small and intimate. We all have to own it with everything to make it work!

And so, thank-you Joyska for opening your home! Thank-you Shane for blessing me with the pleasure of a second sister trip in the past 7 months! Thank-you Jesus for what you spoke to me and confirmed in me this week.

I love my home. I love my part in Sanctuary. I'm called here.

HERE WE GO!!! KANSAS CITY, HERE WE COME!

We leave in the next few minutes! Feeling pretty tired from my work weekend, but excited for the week ahead! I'm already missing my Shaner as our time together has been limited lately. I'll go receive for the both of us! Kansas City is always the place that we hear big heart things! So I'll go on behalf of us both!

See you next week!

YIPPEEEEEE!!!!!!

One last day of work and I'm off to Kansas City!

Steph, Joyska and I leave for KC early tomorrow morning! I'm so excited for our time out there! I am going to spend the week, soaking up the prayer room, reading and studying like I've been wanting to and having some good girl and sister time! We are going to have a blast!

So, on that note, off to work, excited about tomorrow morning!

Turning? Judgements? All for love.....

I've been thinking a lot about the idea of God asking me to turn with my whole heart towards Him. For those of you who wonder what in the world "turning" means, I'm taking it straight from Joel 2:12.

"Even now, declares the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning..."

So, a recent experience, has left me asking the question in a more persistent way. "Jesus, what does it mean for me to turn to you with my whole heart and life?" I know that over the years of my relationship with Jesus, I've turned more and more, especially in the last few. But I know that I still have lots of turning to do, that my face would be directly looking at Him.

With those wrestles in mind, I've also been finishing up the book, End-Times Simplified by David Sliker. Here is a little exerpt that kinda has a connection in my mind with what I've been processing.

"God will shake every dimension of our earthly existence with His judgements. His hope and desire is for all people to turn to the "Desire of the Nations" (Hag 2:7). In that hour He will "speak from heaven" (Heb 12:25) and we must not refuse Him. He wants to shake all that can be shaken in order to remove from us anything that might hinder our love for Him. He wants to purify us. We must be unshakeable in order to receive His Kingdom, a "kingdom that cannot be shaken" (Heb 12:27). God is a consuming fire (v29) who will move jealously to purify believers in that hour (Dan 11:35; 12:10). The saints will be refined and made white, spotless in His sight and fit to rule with Him (Eph 5:26-27). God will sanctify and cleanse His bride with the water of the Word, "that He might present her to Himself a glorious church" (Eph 5:27)."

So, I feel the invitation to turn very strongly. I've been asking for clarification about what that might look like, as I have no idea. I don't want to look at my heart or lifestyle with an eye of religiosity or condemnation, looking to change something that is rooted in those evils. But, I want to be soft and sensitive to hearing God's voice and feeling the conviction of the Holy Spirit. That when He talks, I would response with my whole heart and life. That I would turn anything that He pinpoints.

And so I continue in the search to access the heart and mind of my Jesus and know what is on His heart about me. I want to know what His idea of turning looks like for me specifically....

Monday?

As many of you prepare for the weekend, in my world, let the week begin! Off to work I go, after having the last 7 days off! It has been SO nice!

Monday is another classroom orientation day.....Will the learning ever slow down??? I'm soon going to be on overload! 6 classroom days within a month is a little much for me!

But, for the next 3 days I'm on the ward. I'm feeling slightly nervous as I haven't been on the floor for two weeks because of the classroom days. I'm sure it will all come back to me as I step onto the floor! It will be nice to be working instead of learning...strange to say. So, here's to a good work weekend!

I love my life!

I have a girls day each month in which a bunch of us girlfriends try out a new restaurant for a meal or a dessert and chat for the evening. This started in July of 2004, the month after we got married! And we still haven't gone to the same restaurant twice! The exception being our Christmas get-together at Pine Ridge Hollow! Mmmmmmm!!!!!

So, each month we go around the table and get caught up on the latest news in each life. We take many rabbit trails and spend the evening laughing, ooooing and ahhhhing like girlfriends should.

This last monday was no different, except that the excitement was even higher than usual! We have all been waiting each month for some engagement news from one of the girls. Well, as Christina, Steph and I were walking towards the restaurant, we saw something blinding us from her left ring finger! Sure enough, it was the engagement news we were hoping and waiting for! My friend Shauna is getting married!

Then we also had the excitement of seeing another friend, Ruth, who was married recently and whom we haven't seen since the wedding. She brought wedding pictures!

So the marriage, engagement, boys and life stories were wonderful! Always lots of excitement and laughs! It is these nights that I remember why I love being a female so much! The longer we have girls day, the more I seem to enjoy them and see how important they are in my life! You just have to get out with the girls sometimes! It is a priority!

So, that brings me back to my title of this blog - I love my life! It was my turn to talk about what is happening in my life. Well, no new marriage (thank goodness!), no recent engagement, no baby on the way (naturally the next big question people generally have), no stories of saying no to pursuers, and no recent trips I've taken. But, I love my life. I love my marriage, I love our vision, I love our involvement in Sanctuary, I love my job when I'm there, I love the amount of time that I'm not there, I love my family, I love my time at home......

The list goes on. This season in our lives is so special. One day, it won't look the same, and so I'm going to treasure it to the fullest. What normal people get to spend 20+ days of the month not working, and spend most weekdays praying, reading the Word and studying WITH their spouse at home????? I am so blessed.

One day Sanctuary will have a building and my prayer husband won't be home nearly so much, and neither will I. I treasure his company in our appartment, even if we are doing different things throughout the day.

These season is so sweet, yet filled with real struggles. Somehow, when I look at the big picture, those mountains do become mole hills in light of the joys and blessings!

I must say it again, I love my life!

Today is Father's Day???

Funny that today is technically Father's Day, as Shane and I spent the last 2 days celebrating it! Friday, as I mentioned, we spent the evening at my dad's. Then yesterday, after a family bridal shower, Shane and I, Shane's sister Tina and some of her family and my mom-in-law and dad-in-law all had a barbeque together and watched the game. I'm generally not much of a game kind of person, but it was a nice time!

So, it feels like Father's Day has passed for me and today is a day for me. Shane left early this morning to golf with his dad and brother.

I have had such a nice morning so far! I couldn't sleep well throughout the night and therefore got up earlier than I generally do on a weekend when I choose to sleep in! I was up by 9am (to many that would be sleeping in!). The morning started with a good time emailing a friend of mine. It felt like Godly advice and scripture were just a flowin'. I'm definitely not tooting my own horn here, but you know when you get on a roll that feels right and it's definitely not because of your own abilities? That's always enjoyable!

Then, I spent an hour and a half on my guitar! My fingers are feelings the effects as I type now. It was a really nice time with my Jesus! I sure hope that all the practice is paying off as well!

I just got back from the Y where I worked my little tushy...well, not off, unfortunately! Actually, it's more the tummy I want to work off more than anything..... I generally find it pretty hard to motivate myself to go to the gym. Though, the consequences are wonderful for me! I think I have hormones that are extra sensitive to exercise. It changes my internal feelings and mood after I get some deliberate exercise. It could have something to do with the sermons I'm listening to as I'm on the eliptical!

Well, a bath is in order now, a yummy late lunch at my sister's and then a day full of prayer and worship at Sanctuary! What a great sunday!....have I mentioned that I love sundays?!

Happy Father's Day!!!

I guess many of you are thinking, what? It is not father's day today! It's on sunday!

Well, today is father's day to our family. We are heading out this afternoon/evening to go for a barbeque at my dad's for the occasion. Everybody is bringing a little something to make into a yummy BBQ meal!

This means we get another great evening in the country!!! Yippee! I think I may want a bonfire!

Being committed to Sanctuary at this time has meant some adjustments for our time spent with my extended family and the way that Shane and I make decisions related to sundays especially. Sundays are the biggest involvement day with Sanctuary. We have sets from 3:30pm - 9:30pm, and we have use of a building that day of the week.

Shane and I feel very committed to SHOP in this time and want to sow energy and time into it.

This means that while we have such high involvement specifically on a sundy, which won't always be the case when we have a building and more worship and prayer times together, we needed to decide a few things.

Naturally, almost all extended family gatherings are on sundays....and usually in the evening or late afternoon. At this time in our lives, we have decided to commit sunday afternoon and evenings to SHOP and therefore have had to miss quite a lot of extended family gatherings.

It can be a hard tension between doing what you feel called to at this time and giving it your total commitment, and the physical/relational/family side of things. I've prayed about this topic and asked for wisdom on it.

My number one goal in life is to walk out that which I feel called to do, specifically related to loving the Lord first and foremost. And that means even above my family and friends. It doesn't mean I am totally excited each sunday for every hour of prayer. But it means that I need to give myself to what Jesus has lead me to.

And for now that includes missing out on the family gatherings if they are on sundays. What we have done in return is really attempted to invest in my immediate family get-togethers (like with my mom and dad).

I understand the wrestle that some of you may be going through with involvement or the family tension side of things when you give yourself to something that takes time and energy away from get-togethers. I encourage you to pray into this area. See what God is telling you. Continue to love your families regardless of the amount of time you spend with them. (I'm talking extended family here)

"Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life". Matthew 19:29

Finishing up a little learning......

For the past 3 days, and today as well, I have been doing some orientation classes for the new ward that I'm adding to my job description. It has felt like I'm in school all over again! I'm getting a brief overview of so many things I haven't heard of since I graduated. It is a good refresher!

I will be starting on another ward to add to my area of work on the third floor. I presently hop around from L&D, LDRP and postpartum (3A), due to my status as a maternal/child float, spending the majority of my time on L & D. After today and a few buddy shifts on the ward, I will be adding 3B gynecology and antepartum to my mix. I have 2 buddy shifts scheduled for later this month.

I've been pretty nervous about this step in the progression of the areas that I eventually will work in because I'm a float. Originally when I took this float position in October, my boss told me I would be starting on 3B in January and then NICU in spring! That scared me! I think I may have had a little freak out had it been back in January.

But, because I've been preparing myself and knowing that it is coming, I feel a little less nervous. I still have a number one worry of the workload and being able to cope with more patients and different patients than I'm used to. But, I'm SO glad that it is June and not January!

When I look at the bigger picture, this is a good move for me! I am going to be such a better nurse in the longrun (hopefully) if I know some of the skills and organization a ward like 3B will force me to learn! I'm slightly looking forward to learning new skills and such again. Strangely.

So, back for one more day of the medical/surgical orientation. I'm so glad that after 3:30pm, I am off for 7 days!!!! Bring it on!

HAPPY 2ND ANNIVERSARY TO MY HUBBIE!!!

I love you, Shaner! You are my favorite guy (you know, besides Jesus) and I'm tickled to be able to spend my life with you!

I like you more and more all the time. I love sharing a home with you. I love dreaming about the future together. I like thinking of the places that God will take us together (whether that be spiritual, geographical, etc). I like doing the dishes together. I like going for walks, holding your hand. I like late night talks, staring at the ceiling. I love to hear your opinion.

I think you're the greatest! And I'm pumped to celebrate two years of awesome marriage and many more great years to come!

How I love the country....

We spent another evening out at my mom's yesterday. I can't quite describe the feelings I get when I relax for an evening in the country.....

I went out the other night as well when I was craving the presence of my mom and her home in the country. I almost felt a tangible welcome home hug when I entered the area as I was driving. That was a neat feeling!

I love the peace and quiet of the country. I love how green the trees and grass are. I love the space to play on the yard without neighbors too close by. I love my mom's new place. I like the birds and the flowers. I love playing with my foster bro. I love the smell and taste of barbequed meat. I love watching my husband, in his glory, as he plays, walks and enjoys the nature. I know he's in his most content spot when he's outside in the country. I love my siblings and my parents. I love my family a whole bunch!

And then comes the irony.......

Why am I called to a house of prayer over a CITY, when I long to be in the COUNTRY?

Will I ever get to live in the COUNTRY if I'm feeling the calling to a house of prayer that generally resides in a CITY?

At times I've mentioned, more recently, to Shane that perhaps we will never be living in the country. Maybe it is a dream that we will end up giving up for the sake of our callings. I know that God knows the desires of our hearts. I have NO IDEA how this one with turn out. It is full of such opposites!

That's the fun of it, right? So, though I would love to be living in a house right now, we are needing to be living in the city at the present time. And I don't want to buy a house in the city. Nor do we have the funds to think about a house at this time.

So, only God knows if we get a house one day, where it would be!!!!!! (still hoping for the gift of a free one!.....you heard me right!)

And back for another....

I did work another night, Deanna! But instead of my usual 3 in a row, I only had to work the last 2 nights and get tonight off! Yehaw! It is like I get the weekend off, on my weekend to work!

Instead of the insanity of multiple deliveries this past night, I had the insanity of a very busy postpartum night! I had a bunch of stuff from first day c-section moms with IVs and cathetars, twins, baby IV antibiotics, and breastfeeding woes to language barriers! It all makes for a lot of fun, and a lot of exercise down the hallway!

I have been realizing a lot of my weaknesses and struggles lately. I am normally aware of them, but lately I've been heightened in my awareness of how weak and imperfect I really am. One of the areas that has been highlighted is the area of worry/being anxious. I'm aware of the weakness, but think that I generally have it under control. Lately, I think I'm just not as in control as I think I am.

So, the last two nights, like usual, I prayed on my drive to work. I always pray for peace and safety for my patients and I. The last two nights I've uped the prayer part related to peace, specifically the peace that passes all understanding!

And God is listening. I had all those crazy deliveries, and was relatively calm. I had a very busy postpartum night and got everything done, without freaking, and even taped report and charted before shift change! That rarely happens! I walked out of the ward feeling relaxed instead of frazzled, which is often the feeling I have.....

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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 minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

A NEW RECORD SET!!!!

I set a new record for myself at work this past night!

4 deliveries in one shift!!!! That is absolutely exhausting! And amazingly I could remember the names of every couple when I tested myself on my ride home this morning. It all starts to blur together!

I feel like I could cut off my legs at the hips to ease the dull aching feeling.....

I had one massive adrenalin rush from the start to the finish of my 12 hour shift. My nerves must be fried! No wonder I found myself praying a lot for peace that passes understanding on my way to work! God knew what I would need!

I managed to not deliver any of the four myself, though 2 of them were delivered by another more senior nurse in the room! Yikes! One was almost delivered by me. One more minute and it would have been in my hands!

I hope that I fall into bed similar to Sleeping Beauty.....with no dreams of babies or deliveries...just solid, restful and peaceful, sleep.....ahhhh....sounds good!

Babies!

For those of you who don't know Johan (link on the sidebar) and therefore won't have wandered to his blog, I'll post the reason for my tired-sounding blog last post.

Our friends, Johan and Corrie, had their first baby, little Eli Johan David on monday! He came into the world, outside of mommy's tummy, at 12:45pm weighing 8lbs. What a sweetie!

I was blessed and honored to be apart of this experience with them, and so was pretty tired by the end of monday! But it was worth every moment of lack of sleep or food!

Those two did wonderful with the whole experience and with supporting one another throughout. Corrie was a total trooper and boy, is that girl tough! She must be strong both physically, emotionally and mentally. She took every twist that the circumstances threw at her, and not once did she lose it or have a meltdown. She rolled with the punches, and did awesome! Corrie, you did great! And Johan was such a good support in both words and actions. He did a great job of serving his wife's needs and loving on her throughout the process. It was wonderful to see!

Ahhh....so good to see the miracle of two wonderful people becoming parents!

So, welcome baby Eli to the world, and to our Sanctuary family! Eli is our first Sanctuary baby! Bless you, Corrie and Johan, as you teach, love and guide this boy in the ways of God!

Sleep. Where far out thou?

Going on 36 hours since the I awoke last morning, with only a 2 hour nap this afternoon. Feeling a little drugged by lack of sleep.

Bet you if someone went out with me tonight, I'd be a hoot! Or a total party-pooper.

Either way, no partying for me tonight. I'm off to bed. Bet you I'll breathe really heavy which with bug my husband, or sleep talk because I'm just way too tired. Either way, should be a fun night. We'll see what conspires. I'll likely be oblivious to any of it!

In the sleep-talking of word of myself a few weeks/months ago, "Nasty, that smells nasty!".

Sundays.

Sunday is my favorite day of the week! I love sundays. If I'm offerred an LOA (leave of absense) from work on a friday evening or even a saturday, I often won't take it. If it is a sunday, regardless if we need the money, I really want to take it!

The new flow of our sundays is really nice. We used to get up early-ish, go to church, do something in the afternoon and then spend the evening back at church. Now, sunday morning is a nice relaxing time together at home. We sleep in and then slowly get moving. Another thing I like about this is the fact that saturday nights are party night! Because we don't have to get up early on sunday morning!

Today, for example, we'll be at the church for 3:30pm....and probably won't leave until 8:30 or 9pm. It is enjoyable! I am singing for one hour of the 5 and am thinking about putting on some dancing clothes (haven't done that in a while!). That first set doesn't have a lot of people so I may have a little room to move. The building that we are using is pretty teeny, but exactly what we need to start out in. We are so thankful for the generosity of King's Fellowship for allowing us to use their building on sunday afternoon/evenings.

I also love the people that are naturally growing together in Sanctuary. It isn't uncommon to go out for a bite together after sunday evening. The fellowship is so important! I'd say so if you are seeing one another up to 3-4 times per week! ....and knowing that it is only going to intensify as we have more times of prayer and worship and a building!

So, if you don't know what I'm talking about with Sanctuary, check us out at www.sanctuaryhop.com or ask some questions! And if you find yourself praying for Sanctuary, include a building in your prayers and the wholehearted pursuit of Jesus for us that are involved!

More to come at some point....

Happy Wedding Day, Ruth and Matt!!!!

Can't wait to party with you this afternoon! Blessings on you two today! Enjoy your special day....and the rest of the years to come!

Fun, fun, fun!

Ahhhhh...the weekend! I'm off this weekend which is nice and we have a bunch of fun things to do! First, before we get the parties started, I need to sleep part of the day away, because I'm just home from the night shift. It was a nice night!

I've been blessed by my patients lately. In the past few shifts I've received 2 cards from previous patients saying thank you for my care at their birth and that I'm a great nurse! My patient from this last night was great too. Her husband said this morning that I was a great nurse, I do my job well and that I was in the right profession and area of nursing. How nice! That is so encouraging!

So, after I sleep, we are off to friends' for supper tonight whom we haven't seen in ages! They are expecting a new addition within the next month, so we wanted to hang out before that kiddo arrives. Then tomorrow is wedding day for a friend of mine from high school. I'm totally looking forward to seeing her get married and enjoying the fun of weddings and receptions! Also, there are a bunch of friends invited to the wedding that I'd love to see! And then comes sunday, my favorite day of the week! We are going to go to WCV in the morning as it is the send-off sunday for Sanctuary House of Prayer. I want to be there for that! And then we do our thang in the evening....at which I get to sing this week! It should be a fun weekend! And I get to do it all with my hubbie! How marvelous!

I'm in such a perky mood, even after the night shift! I think it has helped that I've been able to rest or sleep on both of my last two shifts. That makes me feel so much better come 7:30am!

Good night to some of you....and to the rest, enjoy the day!

HE'S ALIVE!!!!! AND HE'S COMING BACK!!!!!

Due to working all weekend, it sure hasn't felt like a holiday time this weekend. I'm now off tonight and have a moment to think about what we celebrate at Easter time. I love Easter! (And I love white chocolate!) The meaning behind Easter is my favorite holiday, I think I've decided.

I felt a quickening of my heart this morning when I was driving home from work and thinking about what today is all about. My Jesus is alive! It struck me again that he actually walked this very earth as a human being. Then he was crucified and rose from the dead!!!! The greatest thing is that he is alive, not dead, and planning a return!!!

I think sometimes we as people have a mindset that Jesus is still dead, even without thinking it on purpose and even though our theology knows differently. I think we may have this mindset because he is not physically present with us. It is definitely easier to remember that someone is alive when they are standing right in front of you. Well, I look forward to that day!

In the meantime, I am so thankful for the present of the Holy Spirit. Christ is in me, the hope of glory!

It strikes me today as I sit and think, Jesus is alive! I wonder if Jesus' heart quickens a little extra as well on Easter, just thinking that we are celebrating his ressurection as people on earth, and yet he anticipates the next big step of his return to us!

Much better!

Ahhh...now that's more like it! A much better night for me!

One nice patient to be with throughout the night. A beautiful, calm delivery. A healthy baby. I like that a whole lot better! And I even got all my breaks to boot!

I hate the sound of complaining....didn't like the sound of my last post reading back. It sounds yucky when people complain! So, here's to positive nights with nice patients and nice deliveries!

Now, with that in mind, hopefully I won't dream frantically about work all day as I try to sleep!

Some things I want to complain about (re: work related - specifically the night shift):

-when you don't get 2 out of 3 of your breaks....after two rushed deliveries and nothing to eat or drink in 8 hours I feel ready to faint....

-when you can manage to spend your break staring aimlessly at the wall in front of you and think nothing of it, just enjoying the fact that your not moving

-when I'm thrown around as a float to any unit that needs me, and get stuck with the crisis cases

-when I'm working my butt off and others are sitting around - and not helping when I need it

-when I have to bring peace to a situation that I'm not involved with screwing up in the first place!

-when you are driving home like a zombie, and praying that you'll make it home safely

It was a brutal night. I feel like crap. I need to sleep. I'm going cross-eyed. Thanks for listening to my complaining.

Back in the swing of things!

We returned from Kansas City on monday evening...a little later than planned for those of you who aren't from Winnipeg and haven't heard of our adventures yet.

We had an almost accident 2 hours into our drive home on sunday afternoon. There was tons of rain and we lost control of the van. After a crazy few moments and at least three 360s we drove into the ditch. Three of us women and a baby were in the back sleeping and Shane and Jason were in the front, awake of course! That was a rude awakening and there was a lot of commotion for a few minutes with many loud prayers. I realized later that I had had earplugs in the whole time on top of that!

It was a real miracle that no one was hurt, not even the van. I think there were angels holding each side of the van, preventing us from rolling or hitting anything or anyone. Thank-you Jesus for your protection!

We had a great trip though. God always speaks so much to me while I'm visiting IHOP. It is kinda like Christmas. You may receive little gifts here and there throughout the year, like at Mother's Day or your birthday, and then comes Christmas. Now, this analogy isn't true for Shane and I as we didn't even buy presents this last year, but hey, work with me. Christmas rolls around and people are showered with gifts, more than any other time in the year. And you get them from multiple sources, like grandmas, grandpas, etc in a matter of days.

The gifts I receive from Jesus in my trips to IHOP are like this analogy. I'm by no means saying that Kansas City is the only place I receive from God, and I'm not saying that it is the only place that I hear from Jesus. The prayers and worship of those who are there day after day, their work is my benefit by the atmosphere that is produced. Back to the analogy, the outpouring of hearing from Jesus, feeling the Holy Spirit and what I receive from the worship and speaking is like Christmas when I go to IHOP. I hear and feel Jesus in the prayer room. I enjoy soaking in there for hours. I realized when Shane and I stood up to go and see Joyska at her appartment on saturday, that my legs were really sore because I hadn't stood up in 3 hours! I didn't realize I was there that long, or stationary for that long! I receive like crazy in those alter calls and eat up the messages with fascination. I respond and the visitation that I receive is incredible. I'm up there to get prayer, receiving and hearing from Jesus, and thinking "I hope nobody comes over and prays for me...I'm receiving enough already!".

There is so much that I could say about what I heard and received this weekend. I had a pretty incredible experience one night. But I'm keeping some secrets to myself. I realize that I often overshare my experiences and then they feel a little less sacred. So, I'm trying to learn how to keep some intimate secrets with my Savior, my God and the burning lamp within me, the Holy Spirit. The best friends I could ever ask for!

Off we go!!!

Leaving for Kansas City at 1:45am! Lots to do before that time...and I'm already needing a nap!
Off to the Y for a quick aquafit workout with my sister! Then to Walmart to pick up last minute stuff we need. Home then to pack...as I haven't done that yet, and then off to bed for a nap!

Must run! See you next week! Pray for safe and peaceful travels and wonderful God encounters. I'm so looking forward to sitting in the prayer room for hours, seeing Joyska and being in KC again! Yippee!

I feel special!

Most days I still feel so new at work. Then I often focus on the things that could have gone better on my way home.

Today I feel pretty nice. I had a sweet young couple in labor all night long.

Ahhh...the joys of the job. This patient was complimenting me and praising nurses, and getting a little teary, as I'm putting in a catheter. I thought it was so nice to hear so many nice things about the care I was giving and my job in general.

The phrase that she said that stuck out to me was "Where were you this morning when I needed you?". It makes me feel like I'm giving optimal care when a patient states, like this phrase, that they would have welcomed my nursing care in another shift where I wasn't present.

I got lots of good feedback from this patient about some of my habits that are helpful! I often throw in a ton of teaching about what I'm doing and why throughout the labor. She told me, very articulately, what was helpful! That's great!

It is nice to bond with a couple. That is one special part about my job! I like making my way into the hearts of the dads. It is kind of like a challenge. I want to get one smile out of them. Or a laugh. And I want to win their trust that my intentions are to give the best care to their wives as possible. Some warm up quickly, and some take a little working on! Humor almost always helps!

So, cheers to a successful night of nursing! Yeah for nice patients! Yeah for positive feedback!

Now, I'm off to bed. This was my last night of three....one day shift to go on monday before I have a week off and we head to KC on thursday! Nite!

Tidbits of life...

-today is a day off for me! After working three 12-hour nights over the weekend.
-a high school friend, Jackie, had a baby in the last few days that I found out about today! A little girl named Elianna Joy!
-I got to sing with Jason at the Devotion set before the Encounter God Service last night and I really enjoyed it! I love that devotion stuff!
-tonight is girls night! I love girls night! And we are having a yummy potluck this month instead of going out to a restaurant. Also, one of us is getting married next month so we are bringing a little gift to make it feel a tiny bit like a surprise shower! Even though the potluck is at her house...so there will be no decorations or anything!
-yesterday launched a little lifestyle experiment for myself...we'll see how that goes...
-we leave for KC in 9 days or so!

I had the weirdest dream this last night. I woke up and realized that I had been crying because my eyes and checks were wet! I dreamt that Shane, me, Steph, my brother Shaun, my mom and my dad all went to the resort in Mexico that Shane and I went to for our honeymoon! I was excited about it, because it was really nice the first time that we went there! Well, this time, the accommodations were terrible! We were far from the pool and restaurants, and had to hike up a dirt trail, that was very muddy, and not lit in the dark, to find our room. We were all staying in one big room. It was terrible! Then, one afternoon at the pool, we ended up sitting next to my grandma and some others we recognized, along with a lady that I work with at the hospital. My grandma did some swimming and everything! Shane and I wanted to pay to up our room to a better one, but we thought it was kind of pointless, as we were only in Mexico for the weekend! I was so disappointed with the resort, the accommodations, the short stay, etc, that I ended up crying throughout my dream! How sad!

On an entirely different note, I got tagged by Lanney. Here are some facts about me!

FOUR JOBS I'VE HAD:
...these are just four of the many!......
1. Santa Clause Photographer
2. Children's retail worker - at Please Mum
3. Receptionist - at a massage clinic
4. Nurse!

FOUR MOVIES/SHOWS I'VE BEEN ADDICTED TO:
...well, I don't really watch tv...so this could represent the very distant past!
1. Amazing Race (present)
2. Survivor (past)
3. Dr. Phil (past and present)
4. Full House (very past)

FOUR PLACES I'VE LIVED:
1. Mitchell, Manitoba (two different homes)
2. Winnipeg, Manitoba (appartment on St.M)
3. Winnipeg Manitoba (apparment on St.A)
4. Winnipeg, Maniotba (present dwellings)

FOUR COUNTRIES I WOULD LIKE TO VISIT:
1. Africa (any country on this continent!)
2. England (or Europe in general)
3. Israel (definitely)
4. Australia (why not)

FOUR POPULAR FALSE ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT ME:
1. That I always have a clean house (I'm not so good at keeping up with those silly dishes)
2. That I'm a resident with my lab coat on!
3. ...can't think of any others!!!!......
4.

FOUR PEOPLE I LOOK LIKE (according to some people):
1. My sister!
2. Jennifer Garner (according to a patient and her husband that I had at the hospital a few weeks ago)
3. Jennifer Love Hewitt (according to a nice young boy in junior high)
4. Julia Stiles (according to a few people over the years...both Steph and I)

FOUR THINGS (I HOPE) TO DO BEFORE I DIE:
1. see Jesus
2. hear the audible voice of the Lord
3. travel over the world
4. have beautiful babies with my hubbie!

PEOPLE I TAG NEXT:
1. Shane
2. Christina
3. Jacquie
4. Deanna

IT IS OFFICIAL!!!!

Shane and I are going to Kansas City in 2 weeks with Jason and Yvonne for the weekend! I was pretty certain but there is always a little pause in the back of my mind when the boss hasn't officially ok'd it.

I just got off the phone with him. I had to switch three 12 hour shifts in order to work it out....and could find 2 others to switch 2 of my days with, and none for that third day. So, he switched it for me!!!

Now it is official! I'm off those days! The boss has written it down and given his approval! Yippee! Kansas City here we come! I'm totally excited and can't wait to see that wonderful city again! Now I can let myself get all excited!

What a nice day!

Shane and I spent the day in Steinbach together today. First, we dropped off our taxes and bumped into Shane's grandpa and mom. That was neat! A total blessing was that the wonderful tax man did our taxes today for us, so that we had the figures by the time we left Steinbach! How totally nice! Pat and Alvina totally blessed us...and it is generally great to see them! Taxes were so good to us this year. I'm totally flying with the combination of a really sugary slurpee and the knowledge of our tax return!

Then we got to pop in to my mom's and play with KK a little! KK is the nickname we call my 2 year old foster brother. Shane loves to chase him around the appartment and tickle him. KK's giggle is so sweet!

Off we went to get our hair cut! That is always a good time, as our hair girl is Becki, Steph's good friend. It is kinda like we are all just hanging out! She does a great job! And, we both got some extra color in our hair this time! So fun!

What a nice day together!

Oh, just a little something I was reading yesterday. Some fun facts about kissing!

Kissing my be good for your health

An article in Health magazine titled "Kiss me, Please" cited the following kissing facts:
- Kissing relieves stress by releasing mood-elevating endorphins in the brain
- It burns two calories per minute - and could lead to more exercise
- It firms the muscles in your face (and it's cheaper than a face-lift!)
- Swapping saliva with someone boosts your immune system by helping the body bolster its defenses
-It's fun!

So, on that note! I'm going to go and smooch my sweetie!

What a nice weekend!

We had a really nice weekend together as a family! There was a mix-up on our reservations to begin with. But, they ended up giving us the "executive suite" for the two nights for the same price as our original reservations of the basic room. Besides the discomfort of the beds, the weekend was really nice! We did a lot of eating of yummy food (Red Lobster, Pancake House, etc), did a lot of lying around and sharing the king-sized bed while watching movies/shows on tv, and did some hot-tubbing and water-sliding!

I really love my family members. I also love to see my husband enjoying my family. What a sport he is! To share living space with my family for 2 nights and enjoy himself throughout the time we were there! Wow, do I ever appreciate that.

Then to end a nice weekend, Steph, Shane and I went down to Altona with some other Sanctuary people to do a Celebration Service in a church down there. It was our first time going somewhere representing the house of prayer. That was really neat! We brought a worship team, some prayer/prophetic guys, and Steph and I were the dancers. Thinking back, I haven't danced since the first weekend in November at WCV's anniversary weekend! I can't believe it has been that long! 4 months! Boy, without any practice, I was pretty rusty, but it felt good to move again. I think something that has been keeping me away from dance, is the frustration that it can bring. Partly related to the fact that I feel so limited in the movement that I do. But, there is something that dance brings for me in worship, that other forms do not. So, I think I had better dance a little more often!

I was just so pleased with our team last night. The worship people did a wonderful job leading the people in worship. The ones of us that prayed did a fabulous job of modelling what we love to do, are just learning to do and inviting others to do it too!....interceding for the church we were visiting, the town of Altona and giving words for individual people in the room. It was an incredible evening to be apart of, especially in a team dynamic. It was an awesome experience to do with a spouse too. I was so proud of my hubbie...watching him as he prayed in the mic with passion, and had nuggets to share with individual people. He's my firey one!

I am so excited about the things that will be happening with the House of Prayer. I am so pleased with the group of awesome people that I get to partner with! I am pumped to see where God is going to take us with him individually, with him corporately, with each other, and in the world! This is such an exciting time in our lives!

How excited am I........

Tonight we are going to a hotel for the weekend with my family! Shane and I, Steph, Shaun and mom are all spending the weekend together, squished into a hotel room!

I'm so looking forward to staying at a hotel, being with my family, relaxing with them, swimming/hot tubbing with them, eating with them, and even sleeping with them! It should be interesting!!!

But, before the excitement begins, I have to do a full-day course on my Neonatal Resuscitation Program. It should be good. I have to pass a mock code at the end in order to get my final pass. Guess I should run along now and get to work!

I'd like to use the same lines....

..as last post....busy, busy, busy....

That was my night at work. We were swamped on L & D! And you know, two deliveries in one shift is definitely enough for me. Though the mixture of stress and adrenalin made the night go by quickly! And I was with two very pleasant couples, which makes the shift SO much nicer!

Ok....time for sleep! Hopefully, I will NOT dream about work today,as I very often do. Yesterday I didn't and I don't know why I assume so, but I do assume it had something to do with the ear plugs and the peaceful silence I slept in. I think it is all in my head!....ahhh...starting to not make any sense....must sleep....

Busy, busy, busy!

Yikes, work has been incredibly busy already this weekend! And it's only just begun! Both of the last 2 nights, work has called for me to come in early. No thanks. 12 hours of the day is long enough if I'm supposed to come back for another tomorrow!

Not much else is on my mind tonight. On my working weekends, I pretty much eat a little, sleep and work. Today I did try those lovely musician plugs again. And they stayed in my ears all day! I didn't take them out in my sleep! They are a little tender to my sensitive ears, but otherwise, definitely helped drown out little noises around this place!

Well, I'm going to watch a little of the prayer room before I header to work! Have enjoyable weekends all!

I passed!

I wrote my NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) test this morning. It was ok...but I did thought I may have failed certain parts. Yesterday was supposed to be my study day...but I totally procrastinated. I slept in, emailed people I've been meaning to, went to see my boss to pick my position, poured over the schedule of my new position lovingly, did some errands and went out with the girls in the evening. It hardly made any room for studying!

So, today I wrote the test. Then I headed to the gym. That felt nice! And picked up some groceries so that I have food for work this weekend.

When I returned home, Shane had the good news to tell me that the education lady from the hospital called to tell me that I passed! Yeah!

It is not completely finished yet though. I have to do a full day next friday of the course. It's all the lab stuff - hands on such. The final test is how I do with a fake mega code! We'll see! I hope it is fun and interesting!

Housegroup is here tonight. That should be interesting! ....I'm pumped to have accomplished all that I have and it still be early in the afternoon. I'm going to enjoy the rest of the day at home!

So blessed that I cried....

I honestly feel incredibly blessed and taken care of. Jesus has not only met my needs in the area of my job, but he has completely met my wants. I feel spoiled. And almost shocked that he would even fulfill my desires that aren't needs.

As most of you know, I was bumped from my beloved .75 position 2 weeks ago. Since then I have been praying that I would get my job back before the new positions are in effect as of March 11. I have been feeling like I would just be getting it back.

There was a position that went up that I thought the girl who bumped me might get. I was sure hoping..because if she got it, I would get my job back. I ran into the unit manager for her floor and spoke with her about this situation. She pretty much told me that there were other employees ahead of this girl and it was unlikely she would be getting the position. So, that gave me a new reality yesterday morning.

Later that morning, I went to peer at the schedule to find a switch for one of my weekends with the new schedule I would have to think I was going into. My boss popped his head in the doorframe and mentioned that at 1pm he was going to post 2 positions just like the one I currently have on the unfilled list!

This was great news! I wanted another .75 and if it is on the unfilled list, I don't have to worry about waiting until it is taken down and processed in a week, or about seniority. It is just first come first serve!

I zoomed upstairs to have my charge nurse help me locate a computer and a password so that I could print out my resume and be ready to hand it in at 1pm.

I put my resume into the right hands at 1:15pm yesterday. I thought it might take a few days perhaps. I got a call at 4:30pm when I was home. I had my choice of the two .75 positions!

So, today I went to pick which one I wanted. I was a little disappointed that both of them were the opposite weekend than I work now, but hey. At least I get my old schedule back and don't have to work the fulltime one!

But, Jesus had an even better plan.

One of the schedules is exactly what I work now. Meaning, I miss every other Encounter God service, every other housegroup night and can be at every tuesday prayer night.

One of the schedules had one day different. Meaning, I can make 3 out of 4 Encounter God services (and be late for the 4th), I miss 3 housegroup nights per month, and can still be at every tuesday prayer night. This also opens up every monday (both day and night), since I never work mondays or tuesdays.

I took the second position. Sunday nights are one of the most important days of the week for me. And now, I can be at all of the Encounter God Services (and late for one of them).

When I left, I was overwhelmed with the blessing in my life. I am a new nurse and I have the schedule that works perfectly for my life. I am in the area of nursing that I want to be in. I have the schedule that I want. I have the days off that are perfect.

I cried in the car when I thought about how intimate Jesus is that he would give me the position I wanted back, and with a twist that would make it even better. He is so dear to me. I am so blessed.

It once was lost, but now is found.....

The plug was under the bed, near the footboard. I have no idea how it got there. I had some blankets on the floor on my side of the bed that were in a position that the ear plug could not have slipped under the bed from the side. I have no idea what happened but I chuckle thinking that I threw the plug and it may have rebounded off the dresser onto the floor under the bed. That is the way my imagination thinks it may have happened!

It was a funny picture....Shane and I on our hands and knees, peering under the bed at the small, transparent-like plug laying in the darkness.

It has been found.

Lookin' a little silly......

So, about 6 months or so into our marriage, I started wearing a niteguard while sleeping at night. I found out very quickly once we were married that I grind my teeth at night...enough to wake Shane up! Since that is a very unbecoming sound and I was grinding away my enamel, I got a niteguard. It has been very helpful in protecting these teeth of mine and making the night more pleasant for my husband next to me!

Within the past few days, Shane and I received our musician plugs! Yeah Steph! Thanks a million! So, this past night when I was trying to go to bed, and realizing that I was really distracted from sleep and not really into going to bed but needed to, I thought I'd try out the musician plugs. Ahhh...they don't block all sound, but decrease the decibles of sound you hear (or something like that). It was enough to make things very quiet in my little head. I drifted off fairly quickly, though the hard contraptions in my ears were a little uncomfortable, bordering a little painful.

I awoke at 1:45am...from a pretty deep-feeling sleep....to notice I only had one ear plug in. Instead of rolling over and continuing in my quality rest, I started to look for the left plug in the dark. That lead to finding Shane still up in the kitchen. He had a little search for me, in the harsh light of the room, and came out with no plug. Forget it...I thought...by that point. I'll find it in the morning.

Well, by that point the damage was done. I had awakened myself enough to have a crappy night for the rest. Not a great sleep at all. Good thing today is just a piddly little 8 hour shift in the middle of my week off!

My question is where is the plug? It must be in the room somewhere. And I find it quite hard to believe that it would actually fall out, as they are mighty molded in there.

I'm thinking I thought they were uncomfortable as I slept and therefore took one out and got rid of it. I'm curious what I did with it though!

I remember a few nights while I was getting used to the new mouthguard. I found it under the bed a few mornings! I must have taken it out and somehow thought that the nightstand or the floor was not enough! It must be hidden! Under the bed! Now, that is talent to do in your sleep!

So, who knows where the plug could be hidden!!!!! I'll let you know if it appears in a strange location!

Ahhhhh.....a nice day!

I had a pretty nice day today!

It started with a sleep-in morning with my hubbie who has been a little under-the-weather in the stomach department for a few days out of the past week. So, he took a sick day (hee hee!).

Then I had brunch at a friend's place from high school. It was wonderful! The conversation was awesome and a whole bunch of topics came up that are dear to my heart recently and of which I feel quite a bit of passion for. I had a wonderful time! So great to connect with old friends!

Then, went home to the sick husband and snuggled on the couch while watching Dr. Phil together. I also got some much-needed reading in for the Neonatal Resuscitation Course that I'm doing. One more chapter to go...then studying...before I write the test on thursday morning.

Then came supper at the in-law's tonight! That was a nice and unexpected invitation!

And, another experience at Aquafit with Steph. This time I said to myself, "Screw the deep end!". All I do is drown! So, I worked my butt off in the shallow end and it felt far more productive!...I still had some drowning moments during the ab work, but it was far less frustrating!

Now it is time for a little sleep before I work tomorrow. I picked up an extra shift. Should be a good one!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEPH.....AGAIN!!!

Today was a party day for Steph and I. We save the celebration for a saturday so we can have a full day!

It began with a yummy brunch of waffles, white sauce and berries. Followed by a workout at the gym...Aquafit. Generally a fun time for Steph and I. Not the case today. It was in the deep end and frankly, I just sink. Very frustrating.

Then we went and saw Pride and Prejudice in the cheap theatre. Ahhh....love.

Off to Kristi's personal spa....in my very own bathroom....where we did foot scrubs, in candlelight while drinking glasses of chocolate milk. Then a little foot massages with lotion and painting of the nails...sparkling sand was the color of choice.

Dinner was at Red Lobster....mmmmmm...shrimp!!!

And then, SURPRISE!!!!! A party for Steph at our appartment! She was totally surprised! All of my lying today paid off in the end! A huge thank-you to all who came on such short planning notice! You are all irreplaceable! It was wonderful to have you celebrate with you! THANK-YOU!

...now tea with my husband whom it feels I haven't seen in a few days....and then bedtime! nite!

What?!!!

-28 and feels like -41??????

It's 6:10am and news like that before braving the cold is very intimidating and makes me hate the cold we live in. I'm already cold just thinking about stepping outside! It just doesn't seem fair that it is allowed to get so cold where we live.

Ok. Enough of that complaining.

Back to work for me for the next two days. I had a pretty crappy sleep, but I'm actually looking forward to working today. I usually enjoy work when I'm there, but kinda dread going (a huge part being the newness of my job and fear I sometimes feel about what I might face). Today, I'm kinda looking forward to it!

I had a nice 3 days off! I spent all day monday and tuesday at home, with the exception of evening engagements! Birthday dinner for Steph and mom, prayer at our place and yesterday was Valentine's day for Shane and I. It was a really nice few days off! I should stay home a little more often on my days off! I like my home!

Ok...off I go. Pray that I don't freeze to death!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!

HAPPY 21ST BIRTHDAY, MY FAVORITE SISTER, STEPHANIE!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY MOM TOO!!!! (We like to double up birthdays in our family!)

So, tonight we party! A yummy family dinner at Olive Garden! Mmmm.....breadsticks, salad and the best raspberry iced tea ever!!

Then on saturday, Steph and I get to spend the whole day partying! I still have to plan the day! Yikes! It will be great to hang together and celebrate Steph's birthday! I'm definitely looking forward to it!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO SOME OF MY FAVORITE WOMEN ON THE PLANET!!!!

Dreams....

Oops! I slept past my alarm this morning! There is one bonus about a husband that doesn't always sleep very well - he can wake me up and save the day! I sure don't normally do that, but I was in the middle of some interesting dreaming.

So, on the topic of dreaming, I was wondering if there are some experts out there that know what things in dreams sometimes mean. Here is a few to throw at you!

1. Cars - usually ministry, right?
2. Open waters, like the ocean -
3. Bales of hay -
4. Photos -

I have a few of my own thoughts on the meaning of these things in this particular dream. Just thought I'd get some other views!

A day from.....double hockey sticks (a reference to a swear)!

What a crazy day. Out of control!

I had a nuty day on the postpartum ward. I did 4 discharges today. And the worst part was dealing with a sickly baby...who didn't belong in the normal nursery. I fretted over him all day...to finally get him back to NICU by the end of the day shift.

I was so overwhelmed. It is often like that on that particular ward. And I cried. I tried so hard not to. But then I met a nurse that I know from L & D in the hallway on the way back from NICU and she asked why my day was so insane. When people ask that question, it is just the last straw sometimes. I didn't allow myself to bawl like I totally could have. I just teared a little.

The evening part of my 12 hour shift was totally different. Very nice. Totally in control.

One more shift to go until the festivities of the week begin - Steph's birthday and Valentine's Day!

Busy, busy, busy....

I've had the last 5 days off...and they have been fairly exhausting.

I need a few days at home to recooperate from my days off! I've just squished too many good things into my days. I love seeing friends for coffee, going out in the evenings and getting things done that need to be taken care of, but it all gets a little too much sometimes.

Tomorrow I start my week of work again. A few more weeks in my beloved position until I enter the fulltime world (yucky).

This is a pretty nonsense-type blog. Just a little blurb about how things have been.

I think I'm going to go and curl up on the couch and read.

....aching.....

I have been watching/listening to the live feed of the prayer room down at IHOP this morning as I am checking my email and blogs.

I want to go and sit in that atmosphere again. The thought brought tears to my eyes and longing to my heart. What they are doing down there has power on it. It draws my heart with desire. It is so easy to engage your heart with what is happening down there...even thought I'm not there physically. I can pray and intercede for what they are focussing on, in the comfort of my dining room and pjs.

I want to go. Boy, oh boy.

Mmmmm.....

10% tuesday today.
Freezer full of meat.
Multiple kinds.
Very happy husband.

Nite.

Speaking to the students....

I'm off in a matter of minutes to go to the University to talk to the students of the Introduction to Nursing class about my job as a nurse! I quickly wrote out a few things at midnight that I may say. I have about 10 minutes to talk.

I haven't been nervous. It is a little nerve-wracking to stand in front of 98 students and speak for 10 minutes. Hopefully, I don't feel nervous at all!

I have a very busy day ahead of me.....filled with the University, coffee with a friend, an appointment with an insurance guy, grocery shopping, cleaning the house and prayer at our place tonight. I hope everything gets accomplished!

Update on the work situation....

Had my meeting with my boss and the union representative. It went well.

I had 4 choices of other positions to choose from. Shane and I have decided on one already. My new position starting March 11 (unless something divine happens and I get my position back!) will be a full time, 12 hour day/night position in the perinatal float pool. I was in the maternal child float pool, which would eventually include 3B (gyne) and NICU. The perinatal float pool is the 3 wards that I already work on (LDRP, L & D and 3A-postpartum). So no new wards for a while.

Negatives:
- had such a beautiful position that I didn't want to part with
- really enjoyed the freedom of having every other week off....flexibility with plans/trips
- I don't enjoy the idea of fulltime work...I want more time with my husband, friends and God
stuff that is happening in our lives.... .75 was really ideal for that!
- 55-60% of my check will be gone before I receive it working fulltime (taxes, union dues)
- my weekend to work will be switching....that's not a huge deal but in the long run I was supposed to have mother's day, easter, and my anniversary weekend off...not anymore

Positives:
- I DIDN'T GET LAID OFF!! The ones that are at the very bottom will be getting laid off...
- I got a choice of at least 4 positions to choose from.
- I didn't have to choose a job in a totally different area of the hospital...I am still with labor and delivery!
- The new position is pretty much my same job and schedule...except adding an extra 2 shifts in my usual week off....I normally picked up one anyways
- I won't have to pick up any shifts....I have more than enough hours.
- There will be some extra money on each check

So, all in all, it isn't too big of a change...it is just a big dissapointment to have to give up a perfect position for Shane and I. But, hopefully the same one comes up soon (there are quite a few .75 positions in the float pool) and I can go right back into it! Thank- you God for your provision.

Terrible news....

Got a call from my boss at 1pm.

I've been bumped.

Meaning? Someone else took my position. There has been some bumping happening which originated on the 6th floor. Now it's hit me.

So, this means I don't get to work in my beautiful, convenient .75 position.

I have a meeting at 3pm with my boss and the union rep to see which positions are available to me. This will not be very many, as the seniority for this bump froze back in November. At that time...and still now...I have little seniority, being so new and all.

Please pray that I have wisdom as I choose my next position. Pray that there is a handpicked one for me amongst those I have to choose from. One that provides enough money and allows Shane and I to be apart of the things we love.

Yikes! What a crazy monkey-wrench thrown into the day!

Ouch!

My sweet husband has a migraine this morning! He used to get these on occasion, but really hasn't since the seizures started in July. Today he has one. Sucky.

Hey, maybe that means no more seizures! Here's to hoping!

As you may have read on Shane's blog, we had an appointment with the neurologist last week. It was the first time that Shane's meds haven't been adjusted! We were totally pumped because Shane hasn't had a seizures in 2 months, and that's our record since July! So, we're going to continue on what doses and meds Shane is presently on. They are both really low doses, but hopefully the combination of the two will provide the right balance for a seizure-free life!

I'm so thankful to see the hope that this positive news has brought my hubbie. Wow! What a last 7 months it has been for us! I pray that we're on the way down that mountain!

Off I run to get ready for church....haven't been there in 2 months on a sunday morning.....between working and a few travels in December/January......Adios......

"Can I pray too?"

Wow! The opportunities at work the last 3 nights have been pretty awesome! ....had another one last night!

I had the sweetest couple in labor. I admitted them to the room just before 1am. I checked her at 1am...she was 5cm. She was working hard through her contractions, but really coping beautifully and resting well in between. I went for a little break at about 1:50am.

I returned at about 2:29ish....to find everyone in the room and the baby about to be born! So, I quickly got into gear for delivery! She did amazing! And it was so fast!

The special part was a little later when the doctor was already gone and I was getting everyone and everything straightened out in the recovery period. We started talking about people and places to find out that this couple knows people that I know. What a small world!

Then the dad asked the mom if she wanted to pray. He prayed over their new baby and thanked God for a really nice delivery and labor. It was so cute to see them sitting on the bed with their new baby, praying aloud.

They said "amen" and opened their eyes....and before the gears switched, I asked, "Can I pray for you too?". They said sure and so I prayed over the little family in front of me.

I prayed for their home, their family, and their new baby. I even prayed that their baby would be annointed to live out the plans God has for him and follow Jesus! Yes, I honestly used the word annointed!!!

Oh boy! I can't believe the last few prayer opportunities!

When I was saying my goodbyes and being sent off to care for another laboring patient, the mom thanked me again for all the help. And she thanked me for praying too!

It was a really special time to be able to pray for a mom, dad and baby! That opportunity rarely presents itself!

Thank-you Jesus for treasures throughout my last few nights shifts. It has been so delightful! And such a blessing to me!

I'm off to sleep! And then I'm off for the next 5 days! Yippee!!! I worked 6 12 hour night shifts in the last 8 days! That is pretty insane! But the 5 off will make up for it!

Nite!

Nice night....
Great delivery.....
More conversations with coworkers about prayer, my faith and our ventures with the House of Prayer....
Got to pray over another baby and speak more destiny into a little one....

Wow! Opportunities are throwing themselves at me! It is so not me! It is all Him!!!

Must sleep. As soon as possible. As mister opera man downstairs may drive me snakey with disturbing my night with opera prayers at the top of his lungs half way through the afternoon! Ahhhhhhh! I need my custom-made ear plugs ASAP!!!! Soon I'll get a little desperate. The pillow over my head and my fingers in my ears aren't doing the trick!

Nite.

"But, I can pray for you!"......

A phrase that I sometimes say. Not generally at work. Last night was a little different than normal.

I had a really special experience with one of my patients. She was upset, for a bunch of different reasons. I didn't want to intrude on her private conversation on the telephone, but could tell she was really upset. So, I asked/motioned if she was ok and if she wanted me to stick around. So, I sat on the couch as she finished her difficult conversation.

We began to talk on the couch and then moved back into her hospital room. She talked. I listened mostly. I sat purched on the end of a chair beside her bed. I offerred kleenex. Then I had a moment. Should I offer to pray for her?

It was just the right moment. And I offerred. I wasn't even really nervous.

She couldn't believe that I would offer. And she was easy to accept. So, I prayed. For her, for rest, for peace, for provision from Jesus, for her husband and children. I talked to Jesus like I would normally. I don't think it sounded stoic or traditional. It was like I would normally talk to him.

I'm so happy that I was listening with the ears of my heart to the situation and God's nudges. Right after I prayed, my patient was awed that I would have offerred and said that it was exactly what she needed at that time.

From talking some more, it sounded like there has been some drawing towards Christ...or at least church and such, in different ways, which always get blocked or sidetracked. I pray that the paths to Jesus would be opened up for her and her family.

I told her that Jesus loves her. Just the way she is. That she doesn't have to have it all together to embrace him. And I told her that if she needed an ear or another prayer at all throughout the night, to put on her call light and I'd come.

The rest of the night was quite sweet with her. It really bonded us. It was special. And she mentioned multiple times throughout the night how amazed she was that I prayed for her. She said she would have been way too scared and unsure of what the other person would respond like to ask. I told her it was just the right moment and I felt right to ask her. She said that the Lord must have brought me to her.

Thank-you Lord for such a sweet opportunity. What a rush!

Jesus, give Your servants boldness, gentleness and sensitivity to hear Your voice and sense Your nudges throughout our daily lives.

And continue to be with my patient. Provide for her. Make a way where there seems to be none. And draw her in any way You need to Your heart.

Sleep....

Done my night stretch until wednesday night........
nice weekend........
had a potluck last night on the night shift.......
plan on sleeping the day away......
very exciting about laying down in my comfy bed....
will be able to see my hubbie today when I wake up!.....
having a sister date tonight!.....
going to do some exercising this evening (Aqufit!).....

got to go and eat my Cheerios before bed!
Nite!

Off to see a nice friend for a time of talking and catching up.

Someone whom I love and admire.

Someone who has been my prayer support and a great listening ear for the past few years.

Someone whom I greatly respect.

Someone whom I think is just great!

Someone who makes yummy muffins and warming teas.

Someone who is a great friend and a lot of fun!

.....do you know who this is?????

Oh God!

"The Islamic fundamentalist group Hamas, which has said it favors the destruction of Israel, won a landslide victory in Palestinian legislative elections, officials said today."
-CNN website, January 26, 2005

Jesus, would You put up a hedge of protection around the nation of Israel. Would you provide justice and protection for Your people.

I feel the severity of the times we are living in. Things that are happening around our world and in our politics are not just coincidences.

Throughout the Word, we are confronted again and again with the words of the Lord, Jesus and the prophets and apostles warning the people of the times that are coming and the urgency of His return.

The Spirit and the bride say "come!" (Revelation 22:17).

An educational opportunity....in two ways....

Learning never stops! Not that I think it would, but one day I hope it slows down in the amount I need to learn.

When I took this maternal child float pool position in October, I knew that I was committing myself to a very steep learning curve this year. So far, I've been travelling upward, but I haven't reached the steep angle yet that I think will come.

When I took the position, I was orientated to one new unit, and I already knew 2 others. I was told I would be going to gyne/surgery in January, and NICU in the spring. I'm hoping all the time that my boss forgets!

Well, it's getting to the end of January and he hasn't mentioned gyne orientation yet. Whew! That is the floor that scares me the most. I forget everything related to medicine and surgery-type floors. But, I know that it would be really good for me to know. I'm just scared about starting fresh again and knowing nothing on a floor.

Education-wise, I'm sure I will learn a ton this year. Besides orientation to 2 new wards sometime this year, I'm also already signed up for two other education days this spring. I'm taking my Neonatal Rescusitation course on March 3. I will feel less stress at my deliveries if I know that I can begin tackling a problem more effectively with the babe if I encounter one, prior to the NICU team arriving.

I'm also scheduled to do another inservice called MORE-OB (Managing Obstetrical Risks Effectively) in May. I did the first year inservice back in October. Now, I'm on to year 2.

On the other side of education....not just learning, but sharing with others.....

I'm speaking as a labor and delivery nurse on a panel at the University of Manitoba in February. It is kind of ironic because I've only been working for 6 months as a nurse, but I'm going to be speaking to a first year nursing course about my job! I remember that exact course 4 years ago and I even remember the panel of nurses. Ironically, the prof that I had 4 years ago as a nursing student, is the same prof that emailed me as an invitation to come and speak in her class! So funny! I have to share for about 10 minutes and then there is a question and answer period with 98 students! It should be an interesting experience...and probably will make me a little nervous when it comes!

Learning, learning, learning........it will never end. I like that because then my brain stays fresh and active....but boy, can it be overwhelming at times!

Today is the big day....

Please go out and vote. It is important. I feel the most urgency to vote this year. There are just too many large moral issues that have surfaced obviously in government since the last election. I need to do my part.

So, hopefully I can make it to the polls before they close. I'll try to get off my 12 hour shift a little early! I know that they are supposed to let me....I'll ask the supervisor!

Have a good day and get out there!!!

Wow! Two psycho days at St.B!!!!!!

Seriously, I'm relieved I'm not pregnant and ready to give birth tonight. We have hardly any space left! We are having some serious bed issues today! So many giving birth around this time!

Yesterday was nuts too! I was at three deliveries during the 8 hour day shift (two were my patients) and then moved along to a busy postpartum assignment for the last 4 evening hours. I was really nervous to get back to work yesterday after being gone since the 6th. I was almost sick to my stomach and worrying about the day. Well, I get on the job at 7:30am to find out that I'm taking a laboring patient. Then I find out that she's fully dilated. Then I go into the room to find out that we need to page the door pretty much right away for delivery. Well, he made it, only to kind of trick me.

See, he requested that I put on some sterile gloves. I'm wondering why in my mind...as we are seeing head and delivery is very imminent. (sorry if you hate the gory details) I'm almost thinking that maybe there is something wrong and he is just really calm (it really doesn't look like anything is wrong), or maybe he wants me to help him so that she doesn't tear or something. Well, he moves out of the way, tells me where to position my hands.....then he says "let me know if you have any questions".....and he stands there. He totally tricked me into delivering the baby! He didn't even ask if I wanted to!

Sure, though, I'll do it! I love it! So, I delivered my second baby. The first was back in September. Both girls. What a rush! And how special!

Thankfully, tonight, I had a great family doctor and his resident who were a little early and in the room. Otherwise I definitely would have had a close call at delivering that baby! .....see! a 36 hour labor the first time can result in a 3 hour labor the second time! I got her to the labor floor at 5:30pm....we had a baby by 6:18pm!!!! I didn't even have a chart in the room. I did all my charting on a paper towel!

Since we are on the topic of baby and birth, I got a few more details this evening about my friend, Amy. She was contracting about every 7 minutes (or something) starting on saturday. She could still sleep through some of them....so I'm guessing she was just in early labor for quite a while. Monday rolled around and the early labor game was getting old. So, the midwife checked her just before 6pm and Amy was only 4cm. So, they went over to the rural hospital, got a nice dose of Demerol so that she could go home and get some rest, and went home. My silly friend thought that she would be sleeping for a while and didn't need anyone to hang around and wait, so the midwife went back to the hospital and her husband left for a while. Well, suddenly things got much stronger and she was alone at home! Her water broke by 7:30pm...and she was frozen in pain in the bathroom...again....alone.

As more than a coincidence, I was at the vision night for the House of Prayer that evening. It started a little late....after 7:15....and I remember sitting there, in the meeting, and very suddenly thinking of my friend. I had thought of her on and off a lot in the last little while, but not consciously been praying intently. Well, as I sat in the meeting and she flew into my mind, I suddenly prayed for her. I don't know of the exact time, but around the time her water broke, she was praying desperately on the bathroom floor that she would be able to manage and get to the phone to call the midwife and husband. I totally covered her in prayer at the exact time she needed it...and I didn't have a clue what was happening. Until tonight, I didn't even know the time of day she delivered. That was so God!

So, to speed up the story. The midwife came right away. Amy was 8cm. They raced to the hospital. She started pushing in the truck! That's a good rural girl! They arrived at the hospital at 8:20pm and little Jude was born at 8:58pm!!!! That's my girl! She's amazing!!!! I love good stories of fast deliveries for first time moms! That's so nice for them!

So, lots of babies in the last few days. I'm going to see Amy and Jude tomorrow afternoon. I'm totally excited to see them and am going to take some pictures! I feel so proud! And I'm not even related or anything!

Gotta run to pick up my hubbie at the in-laws. He's doing laundry and watching CSI!!! Adios!

A BABY BOY!!!!

My dear friend, Amy, my best friend from grade 6, had a baby boy today!!!! I had a very to the point message on my machine this evening from her husband. No weight, details or time of birth at this time. Just a little message to say they had their baby, it was a boy and his name is Jude Isaac. What a nice name! I had the honor of knowing the names they picked out during her pregnancy! Only me, Amy and her husband! I was so honored!

I AM SO EXCITED!!!! MY DEAR FRIEND HAD A BABY!!!!

I plan on going out to see the two later on this week. First, I have to return to work after my holiday! Tomorrow is my first day back. I'm a little nervous and totally dreading it! It is a little scarey after you are out of the groove for a bit! I better hit the hay!!! Good night!

WE'RE BACK!!!!!!!

What a great holiday! Steph and I had so much fun in Puerto Rico this last week! Weather-wise, it was really hard to come back! I love +30!!!!

There was a lot of highlights and tons of good times together!

Some highlights were:
- being asked if we were twins EVERY DAY from 2-5 different people! Everyone from guests at the resorts, people from Steph's work, stewardesses, staff at the resort, etc. It was a hoot! We loved that!

- taking merengue and salsa lessons every afternoon at 4pm at the pool! My hips have been set free! But the cold weather here may freeze them back into place! Yikes!

We got a little famous on the resort and got the title of dancing queens. People we didn't know at all were passing us on the walkway commenting about the great dancing! Hilarious! But oh so fun! Ooooo....and Steph also brought ugly dancing to Puerto Rico! It was so funny! I think we entertained the resort with all the dancing activities! They can bring us along next year as entertainment!

We got a great compliment from the head guy of Steph's manufacturing company. He had to mingle and chat with people all week, so this was NOT a vacation at all for him. He said to a few people that when he was a little stressed or in a bad mood and saw us enjoying ourselves, we totally brightened his day and brought a smile to his face! That's so sweet! And we only chatted with him a few times, but our smiles and enjoyment encouraged him!

- having warm weather. That was probably one of the biggest highlights. I love the climate. We had some showers in the evenings, but we really only had one gloomier day of the entire week! The weather was fabulous!

- lots of virgin strawberries daquiris and pina coladas! I love mixing cranberry and apple juice!

- REALLY good food! The buffets were great and I loved having ice cream anytime, but my favorite were the speciality restaurants! We went to Avacados one night and had broccoli soup, bread, drinks, steak, salmon, dessert......and then left without paying for the bill! That is the weirdest feeling! I love it!

Another specialty restaurant was called Bamboo. That was my favorite! It was Asian cuisine and they cooked the whole meal right in front of us! It was quite a show! And SOOOOOO yummy! Especially the shrimp!

- Steph and I had ALL the desserts on the menu at both specialty restaurants! That was totally fun!

- Ooooo...can't forget the loveliness of room service! We frequented the room service button on the telephone for breakfast on the patio or in bed! I loved it!

- We went on a few excursions which were a blast! I snorkled for the first time and saw some star fish. Boy, it is something else to coordinate breathing with a mask on and your face in the water. Steph had to remind me that I could totally do it, being a labor and delivery nurse and all! That focussed me and then I figured out the whole breathing thing!

We went on a gorgeous sail boat!

We took a paddle boat out in the Carribean Sea.

We did water aerobics in the pool and musical chairs beside the pool. Steph won!

We went kayaking for the first time....at night, in a narrow lagoon. We got to see how plankton light up in the water! It was fun!

We also went to the famous Puerto Rican Rain Forest. It was really beautiful and we got to take a dip in a waterfall! I thought of Loraleigh while I was there and definitely thought that hike would be her kind of thing!

- They had nightly entertainment shows. We saw some of them and walked out on some of them, as we don't really appreciate dancers in thongs, hardly wearing anything, thank-you very much. It just sat yucky with both of us......so we left.

- Got to know a bunch of Steph's co-workers. They were a hoot to be around and I really enjoyed her bosses especially. So nice! We got to have some neat conversations with them about God stuff and the House of Prayer!

- Made some Puerto Rican friends! Mostly the dance teachers and the security guard!

- Love the culture and the way that Latinos treat women. Women are treated respectfully and are really valued as women! I felt so female and happy to be female! They make women feel like queens. I loved it! And we felt so beautiful! I pray that that part of the Latino culture could transfer to our North American culture!

I could go on and on but those are some of my highlights of the trip! The sister time was really good for us! I really enjoyed my sister and hope that our relationship only gets closer and closer and stronger and stronger as we continue in life. We really enjoyed each other presence, and were together constantly for over a week (besides being asleep and the occasional shower)!!!

Thank-you Steph for your generosity and for choosing me to come with you on a fabulous trip! I had such a blast with you! I'd do it again in a heartbeat! Love you!

Leaving in a taxi with my suitcase in half an hour.......

Love you all! See you in 9 days (including today!)!!!! If you remember us, say a little prayer for fun, safety and health!

Adios amigos!

Do I hear the roar of the ocean and the swish of palm trees????????

Not yet but very soon! I work in about an hour, one more 12 hour night shift before I'm off! Tomorrow morning I'm going to crash in my bed for a few hours and have a very reduced night in order to get up and finish up the end of the packing. A taxi is picking me up at 3pm and then we're off to pick up Steph at her place.

Our place leaves Winnipeg at 5:20pm and then we are off to Toronto for the evening and night. We get to spend the night in a hotel there!

Early saturday morning we are off on another jet plane for warm Puerto Rico, with a little stop over in Miami.

I'm totally pumped! I just have to make it through tonight's shift! Then I get to spend a whole week on the beach with my sister, eating tons of good food, going on some fun excursions perhaps and wearing skirts and dresses every evening! I have some interesting books to read on the beach while I'm there (The Overview of the End Times and The Rewards of Fasting). It should be interesting learning while lazing in the sun!

Alright, I should run and eat before work! Have great weeks! See you all when we return!

The end of a year and the beginning of a new one!

I love New Year's Eve. I'm big on beginnings and endings and so I love the last day of the year. I journal and reflect on the highlights...good and bad...of the previous year and all the things that I accomplished and all the firsts. Then I think about the upcoming year and what it may hold, what I want it to look like and some goals or themes for myself..which are usually spiritual.

Shane and I are celebrating the New Year here in Kansas City! We leave early tomorrow morning with a very long drive back! And I'm not too excited because I have to drive the entire 14 hours back. I did it on the way here...mostly to have bragging rights that I could drive the whole trip. But I was expecting to sleep some on the way back because each night here is full of great conversation with Shane and Joyska which makes for very late nights! Oh well! At least Shane and I now know that I can do the whole trip and therefore we can come out just the two of us, no problem!

The conference has been really good! Lots of incredible worship, and great teachings. It is incredibly intense and so we've had to pick and chose some of the sessions we want to go to. We'd wear ourselves out way to fast otherwise!

It has been so nice to hang out with Joyska too! She has been so generous to let us stay over at her place! We've had some fun and yummy times at Panera Bread, Cold Stone and of course, our McDonald's drive thru experiences late at night! Bless you Joyska for your generous heart! We've enjoyed your presence over the last few days!

So, it is late already (in the afternoon) and I need to shower so that we can head out to the solemn assembly. It is worship and prayer from 2 until midnight. I'm looking forward to hearing an hour of Tim Hughes. I think it will be good! I'm getting ready to pray! Heck, if they open up the mic and I feel led, maybe I'll pray in the KC Convention Centre! We're going to head back to Joyska's, as is the present plan, to bring in the New Year together!

See you all back in Manitoba!

Merry Christmas!

So, it is Christmas today. I just got home, kissed my husband and wished him a Merry Christmas and had some breakfast after working the night shift. So, I was able to have many hours of Christmas already...unlike normal people that probably are still sleeping and haven't even woken up to Christmas yet. Our sweet charge nurse brought Christmas socks in for each of us that were working! And we had a yummy Christmas potluck. It was a really nice night actually! I had my delivery of the night earlier in the evening while it was still Christmas Eve. Then just helped out others and did break relief for the rest of the night!

As a child, we always celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve. I'm guessing that's why I find it feels more like Christmas when it is dark outside. When I was walking past the big windows that display the city and its' lights at the hospital during the night, it was special to me that I was awake in the wee hours of Christmas morning.

I didn't mind working Christmas this year. The shift was good and I haven't minded the idea of working Christmas. It was just a little sad to leave the festivities and head to work last night. I went to the in-laws' for Christmas munchies and got to see the family with Shaner for a little while. I felt a little like Eyeore....a little droopy and a little sad. It was mostly just for the ride to the hospital and the walk into the building. Then I got myself pep-talked into a better attitude.

Shaner and I are planning on sleeping the day away. We aren't really doing anything for Christmas this year here at our place. We'll probably eat something together for supper before I head back to work tonight. But otherwise, no presents to open from each other. It may seem strange, but I also think it is a good opportunity. It is probably some life lesson about our values about the real meaning of Christmas. We, generally speaking, say that Christmas is not about the presents. Well, at least for other years, we can look back at a our second Christmas as a married couple and say that we put our words into action. It really isn't about the presents but when you don't have them, you realize what a big part of the holiday they seem to be. It is both relieving/freeing and slightly too bad not to have presents for each other this year. It is a good experiment though.....

So, merry Christmas to you all. Enjoy the day....however you do that.

And happy birthday, my Jesus. I love you and I'm thinking about you.