Johnny the Bagger

A very inspiring video! Please watch and make a difference!

The Nurse

The world grows better year after year

Because of some nurse in her little sphere,

Puts on her apron and grins and sings

and keeps on going, the same old things.

Taking the vital signs, giving the pills

To remedy mankind's numberless ills;

Feeding and cuddling the baby while answering the bells

Being polite with a heart bequething.

A caring heart, a gentle touch,

Oh how I long to see you well, that much.

In the little time, in my small little way,

"I feel much better", I pray that you say.

Longing for home and all the while,

wearing the same felicitous professional smile.

Blessing the newborn babe's first breath

and closing the eyes that are still in their death.

At times, taking the blame for the doctor's mistakes

Oh dear, what a lot of patience it takes!

Pulled a night shift and off duty at seven o'clock

tired, discouraged and ready to drop!

But called back for emergency special at 7:15!

With woe in my heart, yet, in my eyes not to be seen.

Morning and evening, noon and night,

praying, hoping, and doing what's right.

When I lay down my cap and cross the bar,

Oh Lord, will you give me just one little star?

To wear with my crown and with my white uniform, new

In that city above, where the Head Nurse is You!

The Big 40

JOURNAL ENTRY: October 3, 2008

I stopped counting at 33. Whenever someone asks for my age, I can easily figure it out with a little math by calculating the sum between my natal year and the current year. I bet you’ve done that too!

I just turned 40 today and I feel great! I was actually looking forward to this day for the past months. But am I ready for the inevitable? Where am I now? What’s in it for me?

I was bombarded with these questions. Fortunately, answers came rushing through from the back of my head.

Along with juggling a busy life, I’m also dealing with a great amount of change. I am entering a new stage of life and facing challenges that I have never faced before.

The BIG 40. Some say life starts here. How so?

Firstly, I now have specific nutritional needs that are much different from those of men and younger women. I have bouts of sudden mood swings, headaches, cravings, and all the other issues of pre menopause, so they say. It's crazy, but it’s true! There was a time in my journey when I looked in the mirror and—yikes!—where did that paunchy middle come from? I seem to gain weight overnight while battling fatigue, irritability, and all kinds of body aches!

Then, a need to forever tag along my reading glasses and catching myself plucking a few stubs of silver hair every now and then while launching two handsome boys into adulthood... the wake up call…. Yes, I’m definitely here.

Secondly, I have a better view of where I am heading. My priorities are in order. I’m done on the side of distraction by that gnawing voice inside of me. I guess I learned the lesson that too much inward focus can be stifling. It inhibited my ability to act, my inability to interact with others, and my service to my Saviour as well. It inhibited my ability to really grow.

For the past months prior to this day, I realized that when I started to begin to believe and not fear, act according to my faith, and decide to reach out and care, I found the answers to my questions! I felt more energized. Otherwise I continue to spin around and around and feel old! It's dizzying and confusing and oftentimes, I was led to make choices that take me out of my life’s mission.

The Almighty has been good to me. I have a beautiful family, a house filled with love and activity and a community full of opportunities!

So I'm moving forward.

I’m 40 and I’m glad I know where I am, who I am, my life’s purpose and mission in life. I have so much hope where forgotten dreams are coming to fruition! I will find myself doing things I have never done before!

My prayer is to shine for Jesus, and make a difference for the glory of my Father in heaven!

Praise Him!